Tag: sxsw

SXSW Preview: Psychic Ills

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Ready for more SXSW rock?  Well, the Psychic Ills aren’t necessarily going to bring you straight ahead rock n’ roll; the band has done lots of experimentation with their sound since their inception in 2003.  Most recently, they released Hazed Dream on Sacred Bones Records, signaling a slight departure from their more traditional sound. It’s definitely going to get lumped into the psychedelic genre, which is probably an easy descriptor, but I laud the band for their vast experimentation over the years.  I hear bits of Spiritualized in songs like “Mind Daze” from their recent release, yet the song evokes different qualities depending upon your own personal tastes.  In reading their bio, you’ll see that the experiments and testing of waters doesn’t just revolve around their efforts in music, but extends to their association with very art mediums while living in NYC.  You lump that in with all their musical trials over the last several years, and you’re in for a fascinating show that will definitely leave you wanting to follow them around Austin for the week. 

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02-Mind-Daze.mp3]

Here’s a list of their shows, for you stalking plans:

TUE 3/13 @ Whiskey Room (Sacred Bones event)
WED 3/14 @ Elysium (Sacred Bones official evening showcase, 12 AM set)
THU 3/15 @ Urban Outfitters,  2 PM set
                     @ Spiderhouse/29th Street Ballroom (Austin Psych Fest party, 6 PM Set
SAT 3/17  @ Red Eyed Fly (Strange Victory/Village Voice/The Wick party, 3 PM set)

SXSW Preview: Jacuzzi Boys

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It’s almost impossible to believe that SXSW is already around the corner.  Almost.  Things get crazy busy around these parts with planning a party, interviewing bands, and mapping out some semblance of a schedule for the week.  At times we all forget that this aint about getting wastey on free booze, but rather “about the music man”. I hope you’ll pardon my lame attempt at an introduction to this post and simply take note and listen to Hardly Art’s finest Jaccuzi Boys.  Follow the jump for more. Read more

New Music From Mirror Lady

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Here’s a nice little lo-fi pop number called “You Left Me” just sent our way from Cali based band Mirror Lady.  The chorus is catchy as hell with it’s washed out vocals and head bobbing beat.  A self-titled EP from the band is due towards the end of March, but more tuneage from the band can be had on their bandcamp page.  I’d also recommend the song and video for “Roman Candles”.  You can also catch the band live when they stop into town next month for SXSW.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/You-Left-Me.mp3]

Download: Mirror Lady – You Left Me [MP3]

Mellow Bit of Cool from Spanish Prisoners

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Late last year, Spanish Prisoners released their album, Golds Fool, via their bandcamp page.  Even with such a quiet release, the band made huge waves on the Internet, and definitely captured our attention.  They’re back now with the second single from that record, which includes two new remixes that you can grab HERE.  It’s a soft number, but it definitely reminds me of the band’s abilities to create emotion evoking songs that you can listen to time and time again.  They’ve also started a Kickstarter Page that will allow the band to travel, bringing their craftsmanship to your ears from coast to coast.  And don’t forget they’ll be popping up at SXSW too! Here’s the original track, “Downtown Chicagoland.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/09-Downtown-Chicagoland.mp3]

Download:Spanish Prisoners – Downtown Chicagoland [MP3]

Skippy New Jam from Beach Fossils

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We’ve been in love with Beach Fossils for some time now, so we’re always happy when a new track springs up out of nowhere; today was just such a day.  The group’s got a spanking new 7″ coming out on Captured Tracks on February 21st, and we’re here to share the A-side “Shallow.”  For me, the guitar line practically own the entire song, though I love those softly places vocals that get to duel it out at the same time.  If you’re looking for something to put a bit of pep in the step, then get on jamming to this track.  Don’t forget the band will be in Austin for SXSW!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Shallow-1.mp3]

Download:Beach Fossils – Shallow [MP3]

Great New Track from The Wedding Present

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As a music nerd, I’ll admit that my musical favorites always change. You know, the old Top 5 question, well, I change mine, but one constant that I swear will never go away is The Wedding Present and David Gedge.  His lyrical prowess always fascinates me, and I can’t say enough about his guitar playing.  We’re fortunate enough to offer up a nice stream of a new Wedding Present track from their upcoming album Valentina, which will hit stores in the US on March 20th.  One listen to this track and you’ll probably have to go check out the other 7 albums the band’s put out (not to mention Cinerama). They’ll also be playing SXSW this year, so be on the lookout. Going to be a great year for these guys–hope they bring vinyl.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/01-Youre-Dead-1.mp3]

 

Friday Top 5: Festival Tips from the Old Man Next Door

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Ok I am the resident old guy. Aside from wearing good shoes, every festival goer needs to be reminded of five things. These are all on the back of my AARP card so I might as well share with you some knowledge. Fun Fun Fun Fest is only a week away. Yes. Really, just one week until I chase Slayer around with a boombox blaring Bieber tunes.

Head past the break for advice from someone that bought his first SxSW wristband at a grocery store…

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Top Ten SXSW Artists

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It has taken us just about a week to come to a reasonable consensus about who we loved the most during SXSW.  We compiled our lists based on individual preferences and tried to give you a broad range of acts, so now you can consider our SXSW coverage complete with our list of the ten best bands we saw.

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Friday Top 5: SXSW Hangovers

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You don’t really think I’m going to list my top 5 hangovers during SXSW, do you? That would be a task that would take years of scouring my brain and the memories of many who have been involved. I know I can be an idiot sometimes, but give me a little credit. I’m talking about what seems to be the lingering taste of that stale, warm, bitterness, that some people in this town, and many outside have lingering on their cranial palate after last week. The wise and beautiful Nathan Lankford already laid it out here on this site recently, and as this week has passed in the wake of SXSW, some of those points rang incredibly true, and others have reared their ugly heads to add to the growing Medusa.

Now, lets get one thing straight before we get too far into this. I love SXSW! I love the official SXSW and I can’t say that I completely hate the non-official part of SXSW. I’ve worn the badge, the wristband, and done the RSVP till my fingers hurt, but something needs to change.

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SXSW Photos – Brian Gray Pt.3

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What’s that you say?  How can this be?  We have even MORE photos from our new photographer Brian Gray from SXSW week?  Thats right kids, this guy took a ton of photos all week long and we wanted to share with you just a few more before calling it good.  I mean we really couldn’t resist at least sharing a few photos of Murray Lightburn going crazy on the unknowing crowd in front of him.  Here’s to a job well done Mr. Gray.  Hope you guys have enjoyed his work as much as I have.  Follow the jump for the last bit of SXSW photos.

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