Tag: the lovely sparrows

Last Week’s Jams (9.22. 9.26)

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It was a hectic week on my end, and RayRay up and left town (to travel to Detroit!), so I snuck in a bunch of gems I think you’ll really enjoy, all of them presented in a little playlist for your pleasure. I was stoked to see our friends in Pop Filter back with a new album and single, so be sure to listen to “Dirt Road Anthem.” Also in the unexpected great news realm, Tony Molina has a new LP on the way, and well, we’ve opted to include all 3 of the singles he released, as there’s never a bad time for Tony! We got UK stuff too, with new Pynch, Adults and Teenage Tom Petties, so that’s at least three continents represented in this 20 track collection for you all!

The Lovely Sparrows Announce I Still Picture You Running

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While it’s been a minute or two since The Lovely Sparrows have dropped an official release, there’s no time like the present to drop a brand new record, which is just what the Austin outfit aim to do. Today we bring you the first single from the record, illustrating a continuous exploration of where folk music can go. In the first 40 seconds or so, you encounter this haunting ticking of a clock, anxiously building the tension as the guitars spin and twirl around in the darkened corners of the song. In fact, the way the vocal takes the high notes, then stretches it as they fall in tone seems to move the sound entirely away from folk, leaning more into a baroque pop that toys with a more ethereal mentality. That atmospheric mood embraces the loose themes of the tune, centered around songwriter Shawn Jones’ encounter with his grandmother’s haunted china cabinet. If you’re as happy as we are to hear the band is back, look for I Still Picture You Running this November via Abandoned Love Records.

Marriage at Nevers Shares When I Hear You Video

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You’ve likely heard me rave about the Lovely Sparrows, the songwriting project of Shawn Jones. But, like many an artists he’s turned his attention to a new project during COVID titled Marriage at Nevers; it’s a collaborative effort with his friend Derek Van Gieson, who has some renown of is own with Fantagraphics. The video alone is worth your 3+ minutes, I assure you; it’s all the work of Van Gieson. Musically, its this rolling blend of soft psychedelia, featuring cascading guitars and a steady rhythmic stomp that inches the song along. There’s a particular guitar sequence that really makes you feel like its dancing demonically around your ear drums, but perhaps I got lost in the visuals! Plus, the entire album features vocals from other sources like Austin artist Dana Falconberry. They’ll release their self-titled album on March 19th!

Thursday Night ATX Shows

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It’s just one of those nights where you could practically walk downtown, fall over and land at a really incredible show. I’ve got my own eyes set on bouncing around to a few, but let’s see if we can’t point you in the proper direction…I gave you some hints, but you can also catch Hootie and the Blowfish if that’s your prerogative.

 

 

Darkbird, Daphne Tunes, The Lovely Sparrows, Royal Forest @ Cheer Up Charlies – 9 PM

Culture Abuse, Single Drop, Tony Molina @ Empire – 8 PM

Ryley Walker + Charles Rumback, The Hatch @ Beerland – 8 PM

Vundabar + Together Pangea, Dehd @ Barracuda – 8 PM

Caleb de Casper, CHEAP WAVE, MeanGirls, HiFi Kids @ Dozen Street – 8:30 PM

Sour Notes (7″ Release), Magic Rockers of Texas, Black Basements @ Hotel Vegas – 9 PM

Chill Russell, Dayeaeter, Arch Set Empire @ Swan Dive – 9:30 PM



Fresh Music from The Lovely Sparrows

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Last year Shawn Jones returned from a brief hiatus to bring us Shake the Shadow, his latest album under The Lovely Sparrows. It would seem that the process, and reception, reignited the writing bug for Jones, as he’s already returned with a brand new pair of songs slated for cassette release via Mr. Pink Records. One of the things that struck me on the latest LP that’s present in these songs is the arrangement work; I love Shawn’s voice, but there are just some little touches like the jangling guitar chord and beautiful sax in “Fortune Tellers and Strange Dogs” that puts the song over the edge. It’s the sort of song that pulls my ear close to the speaker trying to pick up on every possible sound. If you’re in Austin, the Lovely Sparrows play with Jonas Wilson and PocketSounds at the Mohawk this Saturday night!

Nathan’s Top Austin Albums of 2018

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In the year’s end, those who “write” about music claim our superior tastes by spouting off about our favorite releases. I figured I should start off all the shenanigans with a list from our home base, Austin, Texas. Below you’ll find a list of my favorite releases from the confines of our fair city.

Let it be known that we released albums by Marmalakes, Feverbones and David Israel (and an EP by Blushing), but those will not make this list for the sake of favoritism…though they’d all obvious take the top spot…duh. Read more

Dig On This Lovely Sparrows Track

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You’ve got to trust the people you know, and it seems like almost every one of my favorite Austin artists (not to mention folks who we’ve worked with) have worked with Shawn Jones and his project, The Lovely Sparrows. But, he’s been relatively quiet since 2011, moving out of the city limits to refocus on his craft. It seems he’s returned with a pocked full of some of the best songs he’s written. On this number below, I was immediately struck by the driving bass work, and the subtle jangle of guitar dancing in step with the drumming of Matt Shepherd; it’s perfectly matched in production, adding these delicate layers that build the song up. He’s also always been a masterclass lyricist; I’m particularly keen on the line “if it’s artificial baby let it die.” You’ll definitely want to be sure spend a great deal of time with Shake the Shadow, out on November 16th via Abandoned Love Records.

For Austin fans, there’s a release show on 12/13 over at Barracuda.

SxSW 2017: ATH vs SOTO Party Pics

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Who is ready to relive the greatest day of music ever assembled by John Laird and Nathan Lankford? Ever.

The jams were copious as were the tender moments. The showcase highlighted the talent in Austin with bands watching bands that shuffled up to be other bands. We had international celebrities in attendance, as well as every familiar face possible. I took photos, some with an Instax. We ate sausage wraps and drank beaverages. It was perfect air for a whisky.

Click through and be impressed.

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Dengue Fever @ Mohawk – Tonight!!!

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A lot has been made in the past few years about the ridiculous onslaught of sweet tunes that are coming from Dengue Fever.  Earlier this year, they rocked everyone over at Club Deville.  Tonight, they are the sepcial guest at the Fun Fun Fun Fest pre-party over at the Mohawk.  We thought you should know!

They’ll be playing with a bunch of great Austin acts like Brothers and Sisters and The Lovely Sparrows.

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