Generally when people think of Austin, they think tacos, bbq, 6th street, and rock 'n roll. While all of those things are true and good associations it should also be mentioned that we get lots of great dance music, hip-hop and sushi too! What? I like sushi. I say all of this because I was super-excited to see that Lady Miss Kier of Deee-Lite fame is going to DJ at Elysium tomorrow night. I've been watching America's Best Dance Crew and working out some ill routines in preparation for tomorrow night's show and I think I'm ready to bust some serious moves. If you want to be a part of my dance-crew and sweat your ass off to some bad-ass, deep, disco-cuts spun by DJ Lady Miss Kier herself then you should get yourself a ticket and some neon leggings. That's how our crew is going to dress, I have dibs on the neon yellow leggings but no one has claimed pink yet, so that's all you.
DJ Lady Miss Kier - Showreel 2010 video via YouTube
Perhaps you're not the sweat it out on the dancefloor kind of person. Perhaps, you'd rather swill some Lone Star and nod your head in a dirty little rock club. I'm not judging I enjoy those things too. In fact, it is for you that I suggest you head to the drag to catch my friends La Snacks at Hole in the Wall. The show is in celebration of the release of their newest 7". I know that last sentence sounds really sexual but I swear I'm referring to a music-related item. Bad-ass up-and-comers The Calm Blue Sea are also playing Hole in the Wall tomorrow night so make sure you arrive in time to catch both acts!
The Calm Blue Sea - video via YouTube
Maybe you're not into divey rock clubs, or sweaty dance clubs. Perhaps you're the outdoorsy type and you fancy yourself a fan of world-influenced gypsy-punk. Well, my friend in spite of your ridiculously specific tastes Austin even has a show for you tomorrow night. You guessed it Gogol Bordello are back in town and they're playing Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater just for you. Tickets are unavailable so you'll have to buy them on the streets if you don't have 'em already and keep in mind, it's a Thursday night so this show will end early. In other words, don't dilly-dally around, showing up at midnight and expect to see the band. In fact this show will be done around 10:00 or 10:30 so plan accordingly.
Gogol Bordello - Immigraniada (We Comin' Rougher) video via YouTube
So, I still haven't pegged you, you don't want to dance at Elysium, you don't want to nod your head at Hole in the Wall, you hate gypsy-punk and feel like Stubb's is too dusty. Well guess what asshole? I still have an option for you. You could check out Mouthfeel: We put the Neato in Incognito - dance party over at Cheer-Up Charlies. They even let you bring your own liquor in case you're a cheap-ass. So there, if you're still bored tomorrow night, that's your bad because I gave you plenty of options!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
British Sea Power in Land-Locked Austin
We get British Sea Power tonight and you don't! That's right, turn on your enviousness people outside of Austin for, the always wonderful, British Sea Power take to the Mohawk's outside stage tonight. The latest LP from British Sea Power is called Valhalla Dancehall and was released in January. Expect lots of songs from the new album but don't worry, this is a band that knows what you want to hear so I'm sure you'll get to hear all of your past favorites as well. The latest LP, is their fourth studio full-length and hasn't really made a big splash here in the U.S. yet. Personally I feel like there are a lot of jams on there including many songs that would be perfect for television/film licensing. Hopefully the current U.S. tour will help the album gain more buzz and attention. If you want to be a part of the British Sea Power experience at Mohawk tonight, I suggest you get yourself a muthaphuckin ticket before they're straight-up gone!
British Sea Power - Baby video via YouTube
Taking the stage before British Sea Power tonight will be A Classic Education. Their music is dreamy, reverb-soaked vocals with glass guitar sounds. It kind of reminds me of a shoe-gazy, English band that listened to a lot of Pavement and Pixies records. I don't know if any of that is actually true, it's merely conjecture but if that description doesn't have you hooked perhaps this video will do the trick.
A Classic Education - Gone To Sea video via YouTube
With Colourmusic starting things off tonight, I'd arrive early. All three bands playing tonight are worth checking out. Colourmusic is one of those bands that is hard to define, so you see their music described as "experimental." I'd say it's a visceral experience and they'll definitely get your blood pumping early. Doors open at 7:30, so you can expect Colourmusic to start blowing your mind around 8:00.
Colourmusic - You For Leaving Me video via YouTube
British Sea Power - Baby video via YouTube
Taking the stage before British Sea Power tonight will be A Classic Education. Their music is dreamy, reverb-soaked vocals with glass guitar sounds. It kind of reminds me of a shoe-gazy, English band that listened to a lot of Pavement and Pixies records. I don't know if any of that is actually true, it's merely conjecture but if that description doesn't have you hooked perhaps this video will do the trick.
A Classic Education - Gone To Sea video via YouTube
With Colourmusic starting things off tonight, I'd arrive early. All three bands playing tonight are worth checking out. Colourmusic is one of those bands that is hard to define, so you see their music described as "experimental." I'd say it's a visceral experience and they'll definitely get your blood pumping early. Doors open at 7:30, so you can expect Colourmusic to start blowing your mind around 8:00.
Colourmusic - You For Leaving Me video via YouTube
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
How To Choose Tuesday
Austin, I expect you to have a bunch of great shows for me to choose from on a Friday or Saturday night but not on a Tuesday. Tonight, there are so many good shows to choose from it's going to be tough to pick just one. The first show I want to highlight is happening at Stubb's inside room. North Carolina's The Love Language are on their way to Coachella this weekend and they are stopping here in Austin to give us a show. They have honed their skills on the road with, Bloggy-favs, Local Natives and have developed a reputation for pumping out some beautiful indie-pop music. They even scored a gig opening for a little band called Arcade Fire at their stop in New Mexico. If you've never had a chance to see The Love Language, tonight's gig at Stubb's will be an excellent first gig. Chances are next time they come through town they'll be playing outside at Stubb's not inside. Tickets for tonight's The Love Language show are still available, so chances are you'll be able to pay $8 at the door if you want to check 'em out. Also, if you're trying to catch several bands tonight, I believe The Love Language start at 10p tonight, with Secret Handshake going on at 9pm.
The Love Language - Heart to Tell video via YouTube
The next show I want to mention is happening over at the ND. It features a couple of cool/quirky bands whom you may have heard of but not seen perform before. Weird Weeds have toured through Austin several times and never disappoint. Their shows always have a very wild, spirited energy. Many of the tunes feature all or most of the band members singing all at once and the percussion is off the rails on a lot of songs. In other words they create a musical party and everyone's invited. Tickets are still available and Weird Weeds go on right before Christian-weirdos Danielson. Although their faith is very important to them don't be turned-off by Danielson just because you worship cock and/or Oprah. Their odd time-signatures, off-kilter harmonies and disturbing costumes are entertaining with or without Jesus. This show starts at 10p and I believe Weird Weeds go on first.
Danielson - Did I Step On Your Trumpet? video via YouTube
The other show I wanted to mention is actually two separate shows both happening concurrently at Emo's. On the inside stage you can catch the, increasingly-buzzy, Hunx and His Punks. This San Francisco band plays fairly often in Austin and each time they roll through I have more people tell me how awesome they are. Tickets are $10 or you can risk it and pay at the door.
Hunx and His Punks - Gimmie Gimmie Back Your Love video via YouTube
Meanwhile, The Raveonettes will be taking to Emo's outside stage tonight for a mere $15. In the wake of the cancellation of their SXSW gigs the Swedes have landed and promise to hit you with loads of feedback, reverb, and psychedelic harmonies. I haven't seen them perform in years but their new music is fantastic and I can guarantee it's better in a live setting. So, there you have it, you could see quality music on (at least) four of Austin's stages tonight. Take that Oklahoma City!
The Raveonettes - Recharge and Revolt video via YouTube
The Love Language - Heart to Tell video via YouTube
The next show I want to mention is happening over at the ND. It features a couple of cool/quirky bands whom you may have heard of but not seen perform before. Weird Weeds have toured through Austin several times and never disappoint. Their shows always have a very wild, spirited energy. Many of the tunes feature all or most of the band members singing all at once and the percussion is off the rails on a lot of songs. In other words they create a musical party and everyone's invited. Tickets are still available and Weird Weeds go on right before Christian-weirdos Danielson. Although their faith is very important to them don't be turned-off by Danielson just because you worship cock and/or Oprah. Their odd time-signatures, off-kilter harmonies and disturbing costumes are entertaining with or without Jesus. This show starts at 10p and I believe Weird Weeds go on first.
Danielson - Did I Step On Your Trumpet? video via YouTube
The other show I wanted to mention is actually two separate shows both happening concurrently at Emo's. On the inside stage you can catch the, increasingly-buzzy, Hunx and His Punks. This San Francisco band plays fairly often in Austin and each time they roll through I have more people tell me how awesome they are. Tickets are $10 or you can risk it and pay at the door.
Hunx and His Punks - Gimmie Gimmie Back Your Love video via YouTube
Meanwhile, The Raveonettes will be taking to Emo's outside stage tonight for a mere $15. In the wake of the cancellation of their SXSW gigs the Swedes have landed and promise to hit you with loads of feedback, reverb, and psychedelic harmonies. I haven't seen them perform in years but their new music is fantastic and I can guarantee it's better in a live setting. So, there you have it, you could see quality music on (at least) four of Austin's stages tonight. Take that Oklahoma City!
The Raveonettes - Recharge and Revolt video via YouTube
Monday, April 11, 2011
Marina and the Diamonds Play Antone's Tonight
Marina and the Diamonds could never get away with playing a venue as small as Antone's in Europe. Although Antone's is one of Austin's bigger clubs, the fact that we Austinites have the opportunity to see Marina in such an intimate venue is a blessing. With 3 EP's and 1 LP under her belt Marina and the Diamonds are quite successful over-seas while here in the states they (she) are still building a reputation. Katy Perry chose Marina as a support act for a section of her recent U.S. tour but trust me she has way more indie-cred than Katy Perry. Her music has been compared to Kate Bush, PJ Harvey and Britney Spears. How many artists can claim musical references as diverse as that. Citing Daniel Johnston as one of her greatest songwriting influences I'm sure Marina will put on a fantastic show here in his adopted-hometown. Tickets are still available and will only set you back $15. Not only that, but there is no opening act listed and the doors open at 8pm, which leads me to believe that this show will be done early for those of us who work early tomorrow.
Marina and the Diamonds - Shampain video via YouTube
I'm curious to see what sort of band Marina tours with, this show could be very intimate with lots of stripped-down piano songs, showcasing her voice but it could also feature lots of keyboards, drum-machines and dancing. Oh, and for the record The Diamonds are not Marina's backing band. You (me) are the diamonds. Marina's last name is Greek for diamonds and she just liked the idea of Marina and the Diamonds but it doesn't refer to a specific set of musicians. It's how she refers to her fans. So, simply by attending the show tonight you'll be a diamond. Gotta love that.
Marina and the Diamonds - Mogwli Road video via YouTube
Marina and the Diamonds - Shampain video via YouTube
I'm curious to see what sort of band Marina tours with, this show could be very intimate with lots of stripped-down piano songs, showcasing her voice but it could also feature lots of keyboards, drum-machines and dancing. Oh, and for the record The Diamonds are not Marina's backing band. You (me) are the diamonds. Marina's last name is Greek for diamonds and she just liked the idea of Marina and the Diamonds but it doesn't refer to a specific set of musicians. It's how she refers to her fans. So, simply by attending the show tonight you'll be a diamond. Gotta love that.
Marina and the Diamonds - Mogwli Road video via YouTube