Top 15 Austin Albums of 2013

Local Albums 2tMan. Austin had a pretty incredible year; it was a far better year than I’ve encountered recently, making my ears, mind and heart quite proud of our hometown.  While it’s obviously difficult to get in on every single band in Austin, I made a list of the albums that were most impactful throughout the year, 2013.  I purposefully left off EPs and singles, not because I didn’t enjoy those, but because this is a list of top ALBUMS!  I’m sorry to those we left off, and encourage you all to send us your music as we continue our push to be a great voice for Austin music.  Without further ado…this is how we do it.  Read more

Austin Spotlight: Sweet Talk Offer New Jam

sweettalkI spend a lot of my time at record stores, and one of my favorite clerks has to be my buddy Steven; he just happens to also rock in a rad local band named Sweet Talk.  Earlier in the year the band released Pickup Lines, which is a necessity for locals…and beyond!  The group is about ready to release a new EP titled Flash of Light, which comes out next week, so you can preview one of the tunes right now!  Apparently the EP is being released by 12XU, home of Gerard Cosloy; he’s a big deal, or so I heard. Anyways this is a good jam to mix up my indiepop rotation for the day; it’s gritty, poppy and totally worth your time.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/113527350″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Preview: Mikal Cronin + A Giant Dog @ Mohawk (6.27)

mikal

Date Thursday, June 27th
Location Mohawk
Doors 7 PM – Show at 8
Tickets $10 from Mohawk


Many of you know Mikal Cronin as one of the guys that makes Ty Segall sound so incredible live, but the guy’s been putting out music with various outfits, not to mention his own solo work.  Recently, he released MCII, and I guarantee you that the album will end up on year end lists.  But, there’s two incredible openers that need your support.  Shannon and the Clams have been doing their own soulful garage rock for quite some time, always bringing the energy live.  Finally, be there by 8 to catch local band A Giant Dog, who feature members of OBN IIIs and Bobby Jealousy…that alone should be enough to get you out.  Plus, if you stay around afterwards you can catch local boys Sweet Talk  and Act Rights.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Apathy.mp3]

Download:Mikal Cronin – Apathy [MP3]

Show Preview: Sweet Talk + Gospel Truth Album Release @ Beerland (6.5)

970946_558770560841861_646130771_nIt’s a ridiculous week for shows here in Austin; Rayray and I were commenting on the fact that we could go see a good show every night this week, should we choose to do so.  One show I think you should keep an eye on that might be flying under the radar is the Sweet Talk show tonight at Beerland.  They’re playing their last show before they head out on the road for a bit, but that’s not the only thing you’ll get.  Gospel Truth is also playing to celebrate the release of their new record, A Lonely Man Does Foolish Things.  I mean, you can’t ask for more, but you’ll get more because both Loteria and Pharaohs will be opening the night. Solid rock n’ roll and a solid bill.  Here’s some jams from Sweet Talk and Pharaohs to get you in the mood.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Last_Dance.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Sweet Talk Record Release Tonight @ Beerland

sweettalkYou want to get down with some rock n’ roll? Then you better take yourself out to Beerland tonight! All you fans of the heavier/faster side of Austin’s rock scene will surely find yourselves rocking to the killer new tunes from Austin’s Sweet Talk. The band has just released their record, Pickup Lines, and you really need to go get your hands on it.  It’s a blend of crunchy punk rock, filled with hooks and call-and-response anthems.  But, why I love those dudes, you will also get to see some of the incredible camaraderie by Austin’s rock scene, with openers Bad Sports (techinically Ft. Worth/Austin), Fleshlights and Burnt Skull. We’ve mentioned all those bands before, and you have no reason not go go out and just enjoy our cities best acts.  Here’s one of the many hits from the new Sweet Talk record!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Last_Dance.mp3]

 

1 2 3