Is anyone going to the Parish Room tonight for the John Vanderslice show tonight? I'm not a superfan or anything but that dude def has some serious songwriting chops. I'm interested to see how it all translates in the live experience.
John Vanderslice - Trance Manual video via YouTube
For those of you who don't know already, Vanderslice is a member of the band, Mountain Goats, which has a revolving touring line-up. He is mostly known for his championing of analog sounds. He founded an all analog studio, which has been used by some of Austin's biggest heavy-weights including, Spoon and Okkervil River. So tonight I would expect some warm, fuzzy tones and some beautiful throwback singer/songwriter stuff. I don't know about you but that pretty much describes 75% of my favorite music. If you're looking for tickets they are currently still available, and to be honest I don't really see this show selling-out, no offense JV.
Free Mp3's courtesy of John Vanderslice and Barsuk, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> John Vanderslice - Fetal Horses
Free Mp3 ---> John Vanderslice - Too Much Time
Free Mp3 ---> John Vanderslice - White Dove
John Vanderslice - Time To Go video via YouTube
So, in addition to seeing John Vanderslice at the Parish tonight you will also have the chance to catch The Tallest Man on Earth in the opening slot. The Tallest Man on Earth is actually one Swedish dude who has a bit of Pitchfork buzz already.
The Tallest Man on Earth - It Will Follow the Rain video via YouTube
Even though there is BARELY an affiliation with tonight's show and the Mountain Goats I still wanted to include a song by them too because I'm def a fan.
the Mountain Goats - This Year video via YouTube
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lil' Dinos & Markov @ Red 7
Have y'all seen this video from local band, When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth? It's pretty hillarious, and I'm not totally certain but I don't think I hear any acoustic guitars, brushes on drums OR accordian in this tune. In case you can't tell it's a visual reference to Nirvana's legendary Unplugged performance. These guys have been playing around Austin for quite sometime and have established a name for themselves here. They'll be doing a west coast tour in August but you can catch em at Red 7 tonight.
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity video via YouTube
There are several other bands on tonight's bill but I mostly want to highlight When Dionsaurs Ruled the Earth and up-and-coming hard rocker's/metal-punks Markov these guys just got a nod in the Chronicle as a band to watch. To be honest they are a lot heavier than the sort of music I USUALLY get into. But sometimes you just need a truly visceral, loud music experience ya know?
Markov - Divine Credit video via YouTube
The band that is actually headlining Red 7 tonight is called Double Dagger and to be honest I know nothing about them really so this video is my first exposure to their music as it probably is yours as well.
Double Dagger - Luxury Condos video via YouTube
So it looks like tonight's show at Red 7 is going to be a seriously METAL experience. So rock your asses off but DEFINITELY bring some earplugs. For real y'all protect your senses 'cause these venues downtown don't mind making your ears bleed. Especially at a metal show, where you know all the amps are going to be set to 11 (ala Spinal Tap)
And if metal's not your thing, there's hip-hop next door at Emo's with Talib Kweli, as I mentioned yesterday.
I must say, I don't know who does the posters for Markov but they are pretty effing sweet. I wonder if there are physical copies or just virtual flyers? Check it out...
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity video via YouTube
There are several other bands on tonight's bill but I mostly want to highlight When Dionsaurs Ruled the Earth and up-and-coming hard rocker's/metal-punks Markov these guys just got a nod in the Chronicle as a band to watch. To be honest they are a lot heavier than the sort of music I USUALLY get into. But sometimes you just need a truly visceral, loud music experience ya know?
Markov - Divine Credit video via YouTube
The band that is actually headlining Red 7 tonight is called Double Dagger and to be honest I know nothing about them really so this video is my first exposure to their music as it probably is yours as well.
Double Dagger - Luxury Condos video via YouTube
So it looks like tonight's show at Red 7 is going to be a seriously METAL experience. So rock your asses off but DEFINITELY bring some earplugs. For real y'all protect your senses 'cause these venues downtown don't mind making your ears bleed. Especially at a metal show, where you know all the amps are going to be set to 11 (ala Spinal Tap)
And if metal's not your thing, there's hip-hop next door at Emo's with Talib Kweli, as I mentioned yesterday.
I must say, I don't know who does the posters for Markov but they are pretty effing sweet. I wonder if there are physical copies or just virtual flyers? Check it out...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Talib Kweli @ Emo's Tomorrow
I don't tend to talk about hip-hop very much and there are several reasons for that. First of all, I don't really know enough hip-hop culture to speak about it intelligently. The other major reason is, in my humble opinion, hip-hop live is pretty annoying. There are too many directives, put your hands up and all that business. If I want to put my hands up, you'll see 'em, if I'm really feeling a song and feel like clapping along I will. But constantly telling me what to do from stage is not cool. Also, I feel like 98% of the time emcees don't know how to properly use a microphone. Here's a tip, it goes in FRONT of your lips, not inside your mouth.
Talib Kweli featuring Mos Def & Jay-Z - Get By (Remix) video via YouTube
With that all said, I DID want to mention that Talib Kweli is coming back to Emo's outside stage tomorrow night. I caught Talib's last show at Emo's where he performed in the lead-in spot for the incredible, nasty, Nas. If you want to go to the show tomorrow, tickets are still available. At least for now they are.
At Talib's last Emo's performance he was plagued with audio troubles, his mic cut out several times leaving the crowd a bit limp. I know what you're saying, "But the sound at Emo's outside is impeccable! I can't believe they would ever have audio issues there?!!?" But it's true. For the record, Talib was really good at that performance but Nas completely blew him out of the water.
Nas - N.Y. State of Mind video via YouTube
I'm not sure what Talib is promoting, if anything, but it would be nice if he was promoting a new Black Star album...but he's not. I think he just really enjoys touring, maybe? In any case, with or without Mos Def Talib is one of my favorite emcees, even if he has drifted closer and closer to pop music with each album.
Black Star - Definition video via YouTube
Damn, this post is full of backhanded compliments riiiiight?
By the way sorry about the bunk video but Talib's words, music and lyrics are the intellectual property of Universal Music Group and UMG hates blogs that promote their artists. So, they won't let anyone embed their precious videos instead I suppose they expect you to BUY them from iTunes. I've always wondered who the hell buys music videos from iTunes? Seriously what's the purpose in that? You can watch them free on YouTube and if it's the shite quality that concerns you, there's Vimeo or countless others. Get with the times UMG! H8 U.
Talib Kweli featuring Mos Def & Jay-Z - Get By (Remix) video via YouTube
With that all said, I DID want to mention that Talib Kweli is coming back to Emo's outside stage tomorrow night. I caught Talib's last show at Emo's where he performed in the lead-in spot for the incredible, nasty, Nas. If you want to go to the show tomorrow, tickets are still available. At least for now they are.
At Talib's last Emo's performance he was plagued with audio troubles, his mic cut out several times leaving the crowd a bit limp. I know what you're saying, "But the sound at Emo's outside is impeccable! I can't believe they would ever have audio issues there?!!?" But it's true. For the record, Talib was really good at that performance but Nas completely blew him out of the water.
Nas - N.Y. State of Mind video via YouTube
I'm not sure what Talib is promoting, if anything, but it would be nice if he was promoting a new Black Star album...but he's not. I think he just really enjoys touring, maybe? In any case, with or without Mos Def Talib is one of my favorite emcees, even if he has drifted closer and closer to pop music with each album.
Black Star - Definition video via YouTube
Damn, this post is full of backhanded compliments riiiiight?
By the way sorry about the bunk video but Talib's words, music and lyrics are the intellectual property of Universal Music Group and UMG hates blogs that promote their artists. So, they won't let anyone embed their precious videos instead I suppose they expect you to BUY them from iTunes. I've always wondered who the hell buys music videos from iTunes? Seriously what's the purpose in that? You can watch them free on YouTube and if it's the shite quality that concerns you, there's Vimeo or countless others. Get with the times UMG! H8 U.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dirty Projectors at Red 7?
I've got to give props to the folks over at Transmission Entertainment they've certainly managed to hold their own in this city full of C3 Presents venues and events. I must say though, I am somewhat disappointed that Transmission booked the Dirty Projectors. Why is that, you may ask? Mostly it's just because I'd much rather see Dirty Projectors at the Parish room than at Red 7. When I saw that DP was coming back to Austin I was ridiculously excited, then I saw they were playing at Red 7 and I wept openly. Not really, but come on a punk/metal venue? The sound system there has GOT to be fried as bad or worse than the sound system at Emo's.
Basically, instead of hearing intricate harmonies matched up with African bass lines we'll hear a muddy soup of low-end sounds with some faint whispering. Maybe I'm just being fatalistic but I hope this message reached transmission and they consider either making sure the sound at Red 7 is tweeked to suite a band that isn't pure noise or maybe have them play a different venue. Like, gee, I don't know how about the damn Radio Room? I really love Transmission I'm just more of a bitch on Sundays you know?
Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is the Move video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of SXSW.com, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Rise Above
Did y'all even know Dirty Projectors were playing here next month? I just found out last night, it's not even on the band's MySpace yet. I almost didn't want to tell y'all yet, but I just bought my ticket before I started writing this, so it's safe to divulge to the public.
Dirty Projectors - Remade Horizon video via YouTube
I'm thinking the whole Red 7 thing is mainly because Transmission had already booked, the legendary, Tortoise at the Mohawk so when they booked Dirty Projectors they just stuck 'em in their next best venue. Actually they're calling the DP show a "Tortoise after-show", which is somewhat insulting.
I don't know why I'm freaking out about this. The first time I saw DP was at Emo's inside and I think anyone can attest to the shittiness of that sound system. Do you see how Austin City Limits TV has turned me into such a sound snob?!? But seriously I can't be the only one in this city who is sick of bad sound mixing. I want to hear the bass lines as seperate notes, is that too much to ask? I want to understand the lyrics/be able to hear the vocals in the mix. Who has to get an HJ for these things to happen?
Dirty Projectors - Rise Above video via YouTube
Alright, alright Sunday rant is officially over. Did y'all have a good weekend? Did you see St. Vincent, Sunset Rubdown, Harlem, the Meat Puppets? All of the above? Or did you chill out with Netflix/your DVR and smoke herb instead of leaving the house?
Oh, and for the record, it's REALLY hard to find videos for Dirty Projectors they don't seem to have any "official" music videos. I smell a fan video project in the works...hopefully.
Basically, instead of hearing intricate harmonies matched up with African bass lines we'll hear a muddy soup of low-end sounds with some faint whispering. Maybe I'm just being fatalistic but I hope this message reached transmission and they consider either making sure the sound at Red 7 is tweeked to suite a band that isn't pure noise or maybe have them play a different venue. Like, gee, I don't know how about the damn Radio Room? I really love Transmission I'm just more of a bitch on Sundays you know?
Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is the Move video via YouTube
Free Mp3 courtesy of SXSW.com, thanks.
Free Mp3 ---> Dirty Projectors - Rise Above
Did y'all even know Dirty Projectors were playing here next month? I just found out last night, it's not even on the band's MySpace yet. I almost didn't want to tell y'all yet, but I just bought my ticket before I started writing this, so it's safe to divulge to the public.
Dirty Projectors - Remade Horizon video via YouTube
I'm thinking the whole Red 7 thing is mainly because Transmission had already booked, the legendary, Tortoise at the Mohawk so when they booked Dirty Projectors they just stuck 'em in their next best venue. Actually they're calling the DP show a "Tortoise after-show", which is somewhat insulting.
I don't know why I'm freaking out about this. The first time I saw DP was at Emo's inside and I think anyone can attest to the shittiness of that sound system. Do you see how Austin City Limits TV has turned me into such a sound snob?!? But seriously I can't be the only one in this city who is sick of bad sound mixing. I want to hear the bass lines as seperate notes, is that too much to ask? I want to understand the lyrics/be able to hear the vocals in the mix. Who has to get an HJ for these things to happen?
Dirty Projectors - Rise Above video via YouTube
Alright, alright Sunday rant is officially over. Did y'all have a good weekend? Did you see St. Vincent, Sunset Rubdown, Harlem, the Meat Puppets? All of the above? Or did you chill out with Netflix/your DVR and smoke herb instead of leaving the house?
Oh, and for the record, it's REALLY hard to find videos for Dirty Projectors they don't seem to have any "official" music videos. I smell a fan video project in the works...hopefully.