So much has happened in the lives of, Bloggy-favs, Ume since I last saw them perform. The most obvious thing is the women now out-number the men with a new female drummer taking over on the skins. Also, you may have heard some three-dimensional music publication called Rolling Stone had a contest in which 16 unsigned bands were featured as potential cover models for the magazine. Ume didn't win, but Austin didn't care. To Austin Ume are already rock-stars and last time I checked people didn't buy magazines anyway. Flash forward to RIGHT NOW. Ume are finalizing work on their, much anticipated, full-length LP entitled, Phantoms. The album has a planned release for this summer with Modern Outsider records. The band has been playing new tunes for years and this will be the public's first opportunity to have those tunes committed to studio-quality recordings. I, for one, am very excited. I'm also hoping Ume decides to keep the name I gave to this song, which at the time was untitled.
Ume - Austin Bloggy Limits video via YouTube
If this post is your first time reading about Ume be sure to check out their Sunshowers EP. It's been out for a blog-decade but the songs are still fantastic. The following video features a song from the Sunshowers EP and has Ume's former drummer in it but I wanted to include it in this post because I really like the series that it's from. The idea is to show current Austin bands playing at the sites of former Austin clubs. It's called Dell Lounge: Dead Venues and it's, well, dead but they did some cool stuff while it was an active series. Ume was featured in the first episode:
Dell Lounge: Dead Venues - Episode 1: Club Foot video via YouTube
Here's the performance on its own without the talky, talky:
Ume - The Conductor video via YouTube
Friday, April 29, 2011
Other Lives with The Decemberists
I know, I know once again I'm featuring a sold-out concert but I really want y'all to check out this band, Other Lives. They're opening for The Decemberists tomorrow night at Stubb's and I REALLY like their new album. Tamer Animals is the name of the new Other Lives LP and you can buy it next week on iTunes or on May 10th in real life. I was sent a review copy and I've been listening to it all week. To me, the album is delicate, layered wintery music that sounds moody and textured. The production nods to both The Beatles and the Beach-Boys at points but it doesn't sound referential or trite either. I'm sure that the album will be compared to Fleet Foxes, possibly Bon Iver or any other modern artist taking old sounds and refreshing them. The fact that Other Lives and Radiohead are signed to the same label should speak volumes about the future of this, Oklahoma-based, band. Not to mention the fact that they've toured in support of The National and now The Decemberists. These guys are NOT messing around y'all!
You can check out a song from Tamer Animals for free. It's called For 12 and it's the third (of 11) song on the upcoming album. THe below video is UNOFFICIAL but I really love this track and wanted y'all to hear it.
Other Lives - Dust Bowl III video via YouTube
The Decemberists are touring in support of their newest, and most successful, album, The King is Dead. They've always been wordy, clever and historically referencing but this album sees the band reaching a wider audience than ever before. Those of us who have been fans all along can attest to the fact that The Decemberists have not compromised their sound or dumbed-down their lyrics in the least it has just taken the general populace almost a decade to catch on. The band's Austin stop is the last one before they hit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival so I'm hoping they really mix up the set list to crowd-test what works best in anticipation of a shorter set time in NoLa. Only time will tell though.
The Decemberists - This Is Why We Fight video via YouTube
You can check out a song from Tamer Animals for free. It's called For 12 and it's the third (of 11) song on the upcoming album. THe below video is UNOFFICIAL but I really love this track and wanted y'all to hear it.
Other Lives - Dust Bowl III video via YouTube
The Decemberists are touring in support of their newest, and most successful, album, The King is Dead. They've always been wordy, clever and historically referencing but this album sees the band reaching a wider audience than ever before. Those of us who have been fans all along can attest to the fact that The Decemberists have not compromised their sound or dumbed-down their lyrics in the least it has just taken the general populace almost a decade to catch on. The band's Austin stop is the last one before they hit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival so I'm hoping they really mix up the set list to crowd-test what works best in anticipation of a shorter set time in NoLa. Only time will tell though.
The Decemberists - This Is Why We Fight video via YouTube
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Austin Psych Fest 4 at Seaholm
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Austin Psych Fest, which starts tomorrow night. This is the fourth year, and third location, for the fest and promises to be the biggest one yet. What started as a way for, local psych-o's The Black Angels, to feature some of their favorite cohorts in psych has morphed into a full-on festival. Tickets are still available and may be purchased for individual days of for the entire 3-day event.
If I were wise, I would have started posting about this event a week or two ago and featured one band a day like I do for SXSW but in typical Bloggy-fashion I procrastinated and now I'm faced with a mammoth post. So, I think what I will do is break it down like this. I'll focus on, which day to buy for those of you who can only afford to attend one day, then I'll post videos from some of my favorite artists who will be hitting the fest this weekend.
A Place to Bury Strangers - I Lived My Life To Stand In The Shadow Of Your Heart video via YouTube
A Place To Bury Strangers plays Psych Fest Friday night. There are two stages at Seaholm Power Plant one of which, I presume, will be inside while the other is outside. I'm assuming "stage 2" is inside since they have bands performing at 2am on stage 2 and I'm pretty sure that violates some noise-ordinance. There are some great artists playing Friday night at Psych Fest but if I'm only going to buy a day ticket I'm not going to spend the money on the shortest day. Sorry, I'm just thinking frugal. However, if you're going to be buying a weekend pass (or already have) you should check out Omar A. Rodriquez, Tobacco, No Joy, Shapes Have Fangs, Crystal Stilts, Atlas Sound and Beach Fossils.
Crystal Stilts - Through The Floor video via YouTube
Day 2 is probably the day I would buy a pass for, if you're only going to do one day because the music goes on for, roughly 14 hours. Although, the headliners for Sunday are stronger in my opinion. However, I am all about a few of the bands playing Saturday including Crocodiles
Crocodiles - Sleep Forever video via YouTube
and
Black Moth Super Rainbow.
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Born on a Day the Sun Didn't Rise video via YouTube
However, you might also be interested in seeing Prefuse 73, Sleepy Sun, Indian Jewelry, and Young Prisms. All of whom, are also, playing Psych Fest on Saturday.
Indian Jewelry - Swans video via YouTube
Sunday, is the third and final day, of Psych Fest and it ends a bit earlier than the previous days but there is still enough Psychedelic Rock to melt your face and get your money's worth out of that peyote you bought. As I mentioned earlier, I feel like this is the day with the strongest headliners with both The Black Angels and, the legendary, Roky Erickson set to perform. Before Roky's set there is a mysterious unannounced performance, which I believe to be the ghost of Stevie-Ray Vaughn but that's just conjecture at this point.
The Black Angels - Telephone video via YouTube
So, don't forget if you want to attend Psych Fest 4 this weekend you should snag some tickets and head on down to Seaholm Power Plant. Attire is business casual so bring a sport-coat but no tie is required.
If I were wise, I would have started posting about this event a week or two ago and featured one band a day like I do for SXSW but in typical Bloggy-fashion I procrastinated and now I'm faced with a mammoth post. So, I think what I will do is break it down like this. I'll focus on, which day to buy for those of you who can only afford to attend one day, then I'll post videos from some of my favorite artists who will be hitting the fest this weekend.
A Place to Bury Strangers - I Lived My Life To Stand In The Shadow Of Your Heart video via YouTube
A Place To Bury Strangers plays Psych Fest Friday night. There are two stages at Seaholm Power Plant one of which, I presume, will be inside while the other is outside. I'm assuming "stage 2" is inside since they have bands performing at 2am on stage 2 and I'm pretty sure that violates some noise-ordinance. There are some great artists playing Friday night at Psych Fest but if I'm only going to buy a day ticket I'm not going to spend the money on the shortest day. Sorry, I'm just thinking frugal. However, if you're going to be buying a weekend pass (or already have) you should check out Omar A. Rodriquez, Tobacco, No Joy, Shapes Have Fangs, Crystal Stilts, Atlas Sound and Beach Fossils.
Crystal Stilts - Through The Floor video via YouTube
Day 2 is probably the day I would buy a pass for, if you're only going to do one day because the music goes on for, roughly 14 hours. Although, the headliners for Sunday are stronger in my opinion. However, I am all about a few of the bands playing Saturday including Crocodiles
Crocodiles - Sleep Forever video via YouTube
and
Black Moth Super Rainbow.
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Born on a Day the Sun Didn't Rise video via YouTube
However, you might also be interested in seeing Prefuse 73, Sleepy Sun, Indian Jewelry, and Young Prisms. All of whom, are also, playing Psych Fest on Saturday.
Indian Jewelry - Swans video via YouTube
Sunday, is the third and final day, of Psych Fest and it ends a bit earlier than the previous days but there is still enough Psychedelic Rock to melt your face and get your money's worth out of that peyote you bought. As I mentioned earlier, I feel like this is the day with the strongest headliners with both The Black Angels and, the legendary, Roky Erickson set to perform. Before Roky's set there is a mysterious unannounced performance, which I believe to be the ghost of Stevie-Ray Vaughn but that's just conjecture at this point.
The Black Angels - Telephone video via YouTube
So, don't forget if you want to attend Psych Fest 4 this weekend you should snag some tickets and head on down to Seaholm Power Plant. Attire is business casual so bring a sport-coat but no tie is required.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Not To Be Missed Thursday
Hey y'all (read in Paul Deen voice), there are a few essential happenings tomorrow night that I wanted you to be aware of in case you feel like getting off the sofa. They are varied in nature and location so you'll have plenty of choices if you can drag yourself away from 30 Rock. The first event I want to mention features gratis booze so you'll want to head over to the event page A.S.A.P. and R.S.V.P. so you can get your drink on. This event is sponsored by some of our favorite Austin groups/companies, including, the always effervescent Glitoris who will be bumping some tunes whilst people tour and explore Austin's Paramount and State theaters. The above events link will give you all the down and dirty about prizes, contests and the like.
Meanwhile over on Red River, our Knuckle Rumbler friends are hosting Alabama's-own Yelawolf at the Mohawk. You may recall that I had a brief chat with Yelawolf during SXSW this year in which we discussed the state of the global economy, financial derivatives and other important matters. If you want to get down with some Alabama trunk-music tomorrow night you better snag yourself a ticket, word on the virtual-street is they're almost gone!
Yelawolf - In This Club video via YouTube
A few blocks away from Yelawolf two of my favorite Austin bands will be tearing up Emo's inside stage for a mere $5. That's right Markov are, once again, joining forces with Zlam Dunk to melt your collective faces. Wait, there's more. Not only do you get Markov and Zlam Dunk for your $5 bill, you can also catch Say Say Say, Paper Mache and Equals. All in all a fantastic bill of local artists with lots of promise.
Markov - Jaws of Life video via YouTube
Or if you INSIST on seeing some touring indie-rock bands you could hit Emo's outside stage for Black Lips and Vivian Girls. That promises to be one of the messiest looking and sounding 1-2 punches of indie-rock you'll ever experience. I DARE you to be drunker than those bands before they start performing. Actually, don't attempt that, their livers are seasoned since they, pretty much, get paid in booze. Tickets are still available for that show if you're interested. I've seen both artists perform in the past and the shows were fun but I feel like Vivian Girls have an, almost, entirely different line-up from when I last saw them?
Vivian Girls - I Heard You Say video via YouTube
So, that's what I've got for you tomorrow night. I wouldn't judge if you decided to sofa-surf instead but you DO have options if you want to leave the house.
Meanwhile over on Red River, our Knuckle Rumbler friends are hosting Alabama's-own Yelawolf at the Mohawk. You may recall that I had a brief chat with Yelawolf during SXSW this year in which we discussed the state of the global economy, financial derivatives and other important matters. If you want to get down with some Alabama trunk-music tomorrow night you better snag yourself a ticket, word on the virtual-street is they're almost gone!
Yelawolf - In This Club video via YouTube
A few blocks away from Yelawolf two of my favorite Austin bands will be tearing up Emo's inside stage for a mere $5. That's right Markov are, once again, joining forces with Zlam Dunk to melt your collective faces. Wait, there's more. Not only do you get Markov and Zlam Dunk for your $5 bill, you can also catch Say Say Say, Paper Mache and Equals. All in all a fantastic bill of local artists with lots of promise.
Markov - Jaws of Life video via YouTube
Or if you INSIST on seeing some touring indie-rock bands you could hit Emo's outside stage for Black Lips and Vivian Girls. That promises to be one of the messiest looking and sounding 1-2 punches of indie-rock you'll ever experience. I DARE you to be drunker than those bands before they start performing. Actually, don't attempt that, their livers are seasoned since they, pretty much, get paid in booze. Tickets are still available for that show if you're interested. I've seen both artists perform in the past and the shows were fun but I feel like Vivian Girls have an, almost, entirely different line-up from when I last saw them?
Vivian Girls - I Heard You Say video via YouTube
So, that's what I've got for you tomorrow night. I wouldn't judge if you decided to sofa-surf instead but you DO have options if you want to leave the house.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Raekwon at Red 7
I'm going to keep this post brief, mostly because I feel like not a whole lot needs to be said. Last week was crazy busy with bad-ass shows so I just want to remind everyone that the Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon is hitting Red 7 tomorrow night. Tickets are still available but they go up in price tomorrow so snag some today!
Raekwon - House Of Flying Daggers Ft. Inspectah Deck video via YouTube
Raekwon - House Of Flying Daggers Ft. Inspectah Deck video via YouTube