Talib Kweli w/Full Band

I'm not here to tell you what to do but if you don't go to the Talib Kweli show at the Mohawk you're fucking grounded! Talib Kweli has been making some of the best hip-hop to hit your ears for 2 decades now and no one can deliver a well-thought-out verse better. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at Emo's now defunct outside stage a few years ago while he was on tour with Nas and he does not disappoint. I am quite picky when it comes to hip-hop, I feel like the sound is always poorly mixed and most of the emcees out there rap like they're trying to eat the microphone making the lyrics incomprehensible. Rest assured, Talib Kweli knows how to handle a mic, you'll hear what he is saying (provided you can STFU long enough to listen) and seeing him perform with a live band will be a unique and highly-enjoyable experience. You can grab yourself a ticket to see Talib Kweli at the Mohawk BUT if you act fast you also have the option to buy a combo ticket. The latter option will get you in to see Talib Kweli AND you can also catch The Game at Emo's with a single purchase.

Talib Kweli - Get By video via YouTube

I didn't mention this above the break but the single ticket for Talib Kweli is $20 and the combo ticket for both The Game and Talib is $30 and there are only 50 of those combo tickets available. So, if you're a fan of hip-hop that's quite the deal. Hopefully these shows aren't news to you at all though since you're already caught up on all of the goings-on over at Knuckle Rumbler HQ.

Talib Kweli - Hot Thing/In The Mood video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Fest Preview: Canon Blue

I keep saying that FunFunFun Fest is like a beautiful hybrid of SXSW and ACL Festival. It's all of the up-and-coming artists you have to hunt down during SXSW with the convenience of a centralized location via ACL. Sure, there are lots of artists playing Fun Fest, with whom you are already familiar. Hell, there are even artists whom I am sure you have seen perform in the past but if you comb through the schedule you will find lots of names that aren't as familiar right now but probably will be in the future. One of these names that didn't pop out at me until I was making my Spotify playlists was Canon Blue. After doing a bit of research I discovered why the sound of Canon Blue was so appealing to me. He has ties with loads of artitsts that I love. Canon Blue's album, Rumspringa was written while on the road touring with Efterklang and he even traveled to Iceland to record string parts with Amina. In other words, homeboy is down with some seriously gorgeous music and he makes some seriously gorgeous music himself.

Canon Blue - Bows & Arrows (Vegas) video via YouTube

In order to catch Canon Blue at FunFunFun Fest you'll have to arrive early on day 1, as he is scheduled to take to the Orange stage at 1:05pm. If you're reading this from outside of Austin and you're not planning to go to Fun Fest, what the fuck is your problem? No, but seriously you should check Canon Blue's tour page as they may be heading your way. If you're reading this from Austin and you still don't have tickets to Fun Fest this year then you are really going to be missing out. Not only is the festival itself totally bad-ass this year but did you see the line-up for the after-shows? Do you know those are free if you go to the festival itself? That's a pretty spectacular idea if you ask me.

Canon Blue - A Native (Madison) video via YouTube

Speaking of spectacular ideas, for those of you carrying iPhones around the clever-cats over at the Fun Fest HQ released a fancy new app that even has, a much-anticipated, taco-locator. You can snag it at the App Store. Android users, like myself, can fuck off and die. #bummer

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Don't Miss the Opening Act: Carter Tanton

Alright y'all, I am late to the party on The War on Drugs I pre-judged them based on their name and assumed they were a metal band. Guess what? They're totally NOT a metal band. In fact, they fit neatly in the indie-rock box that I enjoy listening to. It's not in my favorite box, indie-pop, but they have some great songwriting and an overall interesting and pleasant sound. They will be at Emo's original Red River location tonight in support of their latest LP, Slave Ambient, which has already received high critical praise. I whole-heartedly endorse the new LP and encourage you to grab some tickets for tonight's show.

The War on Drugs - Baby Missiles video via YouTube

As the title of this post implies, I'm also interested in tonight's show for the opening act, Carter Tanton. Doors open at 9p tonight, so you'll have to be there shortly after to catch Carter Tanton's set. He is signed to, local label, Western Vinyl, which has never steered me wrong. Seriously, I can't think of anything released on Western Vinyl that I am not a fan of. Tanton is touring in support of his album, Freeclouds, which features straight-ahead song structures as well as more abstract sound pictures. All in all, it's a great listen and the live show promises to be pretty fantastic. Carter Tanton is also a member of the band Lower Dens and was a member of the band, Tulsa as well, so if you're familiar with and enjoy any of those acts make sure you arrive at Emo's early tonight.

Carter Tanton - Murderous Joy video via YouTube

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Washed Out at the Mohawk

To be honest, I really can't believe tonight is the Washed Out show at the Mohawk. Maybe it's just me but I feel like once you're not in school any more time just goes by so much faster. It's like, damn landlord I JUST paid my rent and now you want it again. Shooooowwwt! I know, it's a Monday night but you should really see Washed Out tonight. I have to work tomorrow, you have to work tomorrow but Washed Out and the bartenders at the Mohawk have to work tonight and if we're not there, it's all for not. As of this moment you can still get tickets to tonight's show but I have a feeling that won't be true by dinner-time tonight. If you're worried about waking up early tomorrow, don't sweat it. Tonight's show is on the outside stage so you can catch a full set and still watch the 10 o'clock evening news in your fucking jammies.

Washed Out - Amor Fati video via YouTube

Washed Out's newest album, Within and Without is effing glorious. The packaging is beautiful and the songs are the perfect blend of woozy-disaffectedness and personal introspection. If you heard it blaring from some rolled-down car windows this summer in Austin, that was probably me. Without a doubt, the lead-single, Eyes Be Closed is one of the greatest singles of 2011.

Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed video via YouTube

Austin band, Sleep ∞ Over are playing the support slot for Washed Out tonight so make sure you arrive early to support your local-scene. Make sure you bring some cash for the merch table too. Even though Sleep ∞ Over is local it's hard to find their LPs and EPs and the local record shops. Who knows, maybe they'll even have a few copies of their limited-release debut cassettes?

Sleep Over - Casual Diamond video via YouTube

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