May 2012
14 posts
8 tags
Review: Heaven by The Walkmen Worth the Hype
For the past few days I’ve been listening to Heaven, the new album by The Walkmen, and I have to say I am definitely in love with their 7th studio album in the last 10 years. I will be purchasing on vinyl asap. I was really surprised that Heaven is as good as it is because when they played their set late last year for Austin City Limits, including a lot of new material, their performance was...
9 tags
Music Video: "Lost In the World" By Kanye West...
Better late than never. Last week Kanye West released his music video for “Lost in the World,” featuring Bon Iver off of 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasty; better know after the Grammys as Bonny Bear. Apparently it took months to get it done, which should not be surprising if you’ve read anything about West’s recording processes - he demands perfection. I’m glad that the music video...
4 tags
Renunion Remix (M83) by Dale Earn Hardt Jr. Jr.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not usually a fan of remixes but M83 will be releasing remixes of “Reunion” off of their hit album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is one of the bands featured in the remix EP. The remix plays more with creating a relaxing veg-out state of mind sound. The remix has an extra layer of sound that is nice on the senses. It is something...
7 tags
Review: Mixed Emotions by Tanlines
I have been addicted to Tanlines debut album, Mixed Emotions for the past few months. Mixed Emotions was released in mid-March and the band has released two music videos for the album. Their sound is familiar which does not leave room for uniqueness. The duo does not present anything that is not currently out there, however, that is not necessarily a bad thing because their album is catchy and...
6 tags
Flash Back: My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
I can’t get enough of good records on vinyl. This album is one of my top 60 albums of all time. Elvis Costello’s 1977 /78 US release of My Aim Is True is one of those rare debuts that pack a lot of honest guitar sound under 35 minutes. Though my favorite Costello album will always be Imperial Bedrooms as musically it’s style is all over the spectrum.
10 tags
Flashback: Patsy Cline
It isn’t a bad day for rain when you have this as the record you purchased for the week. 12 Greatest hits of Patsy Cline released in 1988. Cline is one of the most influential vocalists of her time and I have always had a soft spot for her lush sound. And with great musicians like Willie Nelson pumping out masterpieces like “Crazy,” her short-lived life and music career is filled with some great...
6 tags
Watch
About 4 weeks ago Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. released a music video for “We Almost Lost Detroit.” This was around the time of my birthday and hiatus but I would be doing a disservice by not posting it now. “We Almost Lost Detroit” is a cover of the powerful spoken-word musician Gil-Scott Heron but it’s probably one of the most thought-out and well-produced covers and music videos that I have seen...
10 tags
What's the hype behind Of Monsters and Men?
I usually don’t post things that I do not like unless it is part of a live music review but for the past week I’ve been trying to understand the hype behind “Of Monsters and Men.” I have heard their debut album My Head is an Animal a few times and their current single “Little Talks,” which I like. Trust me, I really want to love them but I’m not too sure if I even like them.
Maybe it’s because...
5 tags
Watch
Yellow Ostrich released their music video for “Marathon Runner.” I have been addicted to that song since they released it as their first single off of Strange Land, which was released in March. Lyrically, their album Strange Land is a lot darker than their debut release but it still keeps the playful side that the band brings in their records and live performances. The “Marathon...
12 tags
Review: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs 5/2/12...
I have been following Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (Orlando Higginbottom) since early last year. He does not have a lot of music readily available but I have listened to remixes that are on iTunes, Household Goods, Prehistory, and Prehistory II over and over again. Wednesday he was in Austin playing at The Mohawk. Unfortunately because it was on a Wednesday, the show was held inside so...
17 tags
The Black Keys 4/25/12 at the Frank Erwin Center
Better late than never:
Last Wednesday I caught The Black Keys at the Frank Erwin Center for the 3rd time in 2 years. Though I do not count the 2nd time, as it was hot outside in New Orleans and part of me was jamming out just to keep from passing out. I was skeptical at first because I still cannot fathom the idea of the band doing an arena tour, especially when one of the arenas is the Frank...
11 tags
Desaparecidos Resurrected! - Conor Oberst
If you have not already heard, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes has resurrected his 2001-2002 band Desaparecidos. Personally I am ecstatic to hear something that is not folky rock but more gritty, lo-fi, garage rock. Unlike his solo efforts, Bright Eyes, and Monsters of Folk, Desparecidos packs a lot of energy and engages the listener to, do I dare say it, head bump. Desaparecidos will be doing a...
8 tags
Flashback - Thriller by Michael Jackson
This past weekend I found Thriller by Michael Jackson while shuffling through used records at my local record restore. I was immediately filled with excitement and a lot of nostalgia. Though the video for the song “Thriller” was made a few years before I was born, it was still playing often after it was released. I must have watched the music video for it as often as the television...
6 tags
The Shins Are Not The Shins – Port of Morrow...
In March of 2012 The Shins released a brand new album called Port of Morrow after a span of five years since their last album release titled Wincing the Night Away. For a lot of artists, after a long period of time between albums you tend to notice a drastic difference in the overall presentation of the new album. In some instances it could be a bad thing and in some it could be great. The...
April 2012
1 post
10 tags
Review: Cursive w/ Cymbals Eat Guitars & Conduits
Saturday April 14th I checked out Cursive along with two other bands; The Conduits and Cymbals Eat Guitars at Mohawk’s in Austin, Texas. Cursive is one of my favorite bands or maybe it is just Tim Kasher I am a fan of because as he said at the show he’s an asshole but for me that is part of his charm. I have seen Tim Kasher twice since I have been in Austin; his solo tour and, twice in Phoenix as...
March 2012
13 posts
8 tags
LOCAL Review: The Zoltars
I’ve always wanted to catch local Austin band The Zoltars but I always seem to miss their set when frequenting live music around town. I decided to drop by Trailer Space Records to FINALLY catch a set of theirs during SXSW. They will be putting out their debut full-length album Should I Try Once More? in April. This 4-member band takes a slow-moving, simple approach using only the basic...
15 tags
Review: Father Creeper by Spoek Mathambo + SXSW
One of my favorite performers during SXSW was Spoek Mathambo not just because of his music but also he was genuinely a nice guy in person; happy to sign autographs while exchanging more than a few words with you. Spoek Mathambo recently released his second full album, Father Creeper which is full guitar, catchy and danceable beat. Mathambo is pumping out some creative and progressive music...
16 tags
Short Review: Odessey GEAR LP CASE CLP200P
I recently received an early birthday present. I had been eying this case for my records/vinyls for quite some time. I have ZERO complaints but there is a slight odor which is not smelt until you open it but it’s not necessarily bad. The Odyssey Gear LP Case (CLP200P) is a beast. It’s large, carpeted, and durable. The construction is well designed and the $100 - $120 price tag is worth it....
6 tags
“SXSW Music officially kicks off today in Austin, Texas. I will posting as often...”
7 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
Earlier this year the Indie-pop duo Tennis released their second album Young & Old. When I first heard Cape Dory – their first album release – early last year, I couldn’t help but become a fan almost instantly. In this new album, the lo-fi vocal technique from Alaina Moore gives her vocals a sort of classic sound as if she were a singer from the 1930’s or 40’s...
10 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
Sometimes in my search for good music I find an album that starts off strong and has everything good going for it and then just falls flat. Some Nights by the band Fun is one of those albums. Recently the song “We Are Young” from this album was featured in the commercial for the Chevy Sonic and at least here in Austin, Texas is being overplayed and...
6 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
In early February, Of Montreal released their latest album Paralytic Stalks on the Polyvinyl record label. I have seen them live before and they put on almost a live psychedelic show. The beginning of the album starts rather strangely. In the beginning of Gelid Ascent, the electronic sound effects and swirling synth sounds make it seem like you’re being...
12 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
Titus Andronicus is a punk rock/indie rock band New Jersey formed in 2005. I could not help but instantly like this band after hearing “A More Perfect Union,” the first track from their 2010 album The Monitor. The vocals in that song remind me of one of my favorite bands Desaparecidos fronted by Conor Oberst. The old-school punk rock and indie-rock...
17 tags
REVIEW: GRIMES 2/29/12 in Austin, Texas
Wednesday night I checked out Grimes at Lambert’s BBQ. Grimes prefaced the performance sharing that she had a sore throat but that did not stop her from bringing it. Her vocals are what make me like the music. The electro-pop, sort of dancy is becoming slightly more popular and not quite mainstream hype but not as unique as it once was unless done well and Grimes does it well. It is her...
16 tags
SEAN FORBES - Acclaimed deaf hip-hop Artist
Yesterday for an American Sign Language class I am taking, I was able to check out Sean Forbes from Detroit, Michigan perform at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, Texas. It was a great opportunity to hear Forbes speak about pursuing his dream of becoming part of the music business despite people telling him he could not because he is deaf. Not only does he have the ability to motivate you,...
12 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
If you have a soft spot for classic rock Howlin’ Rain’s The Russian Wilds is a band to check out. They have been around since 2006 but their recent album has to be one of their best to date. From the very beginning, you get the guitar-heavy sound, lengthy guitar solos and harmonizing vocals that a lot of classic rock bands had in the ‘70s and ’80s. ...
10 tags
Watch
South By Southwest (SXSW) Band:
Last month Hospitality released their debut self-titled album. Rhythmically, they have a good mix throughout the entire album beginning with the slower, mellower sounding tracks followed by more of a groovy undertone that undeniably brings out the Indie-pop feel of the whole album. The whole album not only changes in rhythm throughout but the instrumentation...
6 tags
Review: DRAKE 2/27/12 - Austin, Texas
On Monday I went to see Drake at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. I had seen Drake perform on SNL and award shows and his sound and vocals tend to be absolutely distorted during live performances. My expectations for Drake live were exceeded as he put on a decent show. He was entertaining and even spent almost 20 minutes engaging with the audience and shouting out to specific people....
February 2012
53 posts
8 tags
Bloc Party Returns?
I’ve recently been listening to Bloc Party which reminded me it has been awhile since we’ve heard anything by Bloc Party. Lead singer Kele Okereke put out a solo LP and EP since their last release in 2008 and I was not fond of his solo stuff. Overall neither got a lot if any accolades. I’m excited that they’ve announced their hiatus is over and they will be performing...
7 tags
Watch
Bon Iver - Towers (Official Music Video) from Bon Iver on Vimeo.
Some people might find the music of Bon Iver to be too slow or not like Justin Vernon’s peculiar falsetto, which I find alluring, has the ability to evoke happy and sad emotions, and his music is good on a very calming and intellectual level. Check out the video Towers from his recent self-titled LP. It’s soundscape...
13 tags
Watch
Trevino is a four-piece band with a rock sound that is different from what I consistently listen to but I’m really liking it. Fusing a hint of pop-punk influences with a traditional, guitar-heavy sound, Trevino is the perfect playlist addition for the rock music fan looking for strong lyrics and a good melodic sound, with a variety of musical influences, and smooth vocals. You can find a...
9 tags
FREE MUSIC - Gerhardts
I stumbled upon this band via Facebook friends. Their 2012 demo entitled Rutherford Demo is a strong 3-song collection making for an alluring trio. The songs have a lo-fi garage rock sound that innocently tugs at my brain and heart. Then takes me down memory lane while making me mildly homesick for my favorite past times with friends. I love it. I would like to check out the Gerhardts live....
4 tags
Watch
Santigold released “Big Mouth” earlier this year, which was entertaining but lacked her signature pizzazz. But her recent single release “Disparate Youth” off her upcoming album My Master of My Make-Believe in May/April definitely brings what was missing from “Big Mouth.” It’s mellow yet catchy with the rhythm and low vocals.
24 tags
President Obama's Playlist →
President Obama’s campaign put together a mixtape. After all, it is election time. It’s an interesting playlist. It’s kind of all over the place and is obviously tapping into different types of music lovers aka voters. I mean, Noah and the Whale alongside Jennifer Hudson? Weird.
Check out the link above for the full story. You can also stream it HERE.
Full track list for...
7 tags
FREE MUSIC: ALIEN HOUSE
I haven’t done some free music in awhile. Alienhouse is a bunch of noise really but an agreeable noise full of effects, electronic percussion, and guitar that lets you delve into a lazed soundscape. This free 6-track album is a nicely done, mostly instrumental type narrative. According to their facebook they will be releasing a full length album “before the world ends,” which...
6 tags
FREE DOWNLOAD: Simple Song OFFICIAL VIDEO - The... →
The Shins released the video for the first single “Simple Song” off of their upcoming album Port of Morrow. After watching the video, it made me like the single even more. It’s fun, malicious, and facetious. What a great video. It is currently not available on stream but you can download it for free off iTunes.
9 tags
Mind Spiders - Meltdown
It has been awhile since I heard good lo-fi, post-punk/surf rock music that I can sit through from start to finish without getting bored. Mind Spiders (from Fort Worth, Texas) take the key components of the aforementioned genres and produce a blend of great hooks, nice synth, and brassy vocals, that in turn makes for a album that is definitely not boring and gives you the right blend of sounds to...
11 tags
REMIX - Shabazz Palaces, Battles
It seems remixes are always a hit or miss. But Shabazz Palaces delivers a methodical remix on Battles’ “White Electric,” off of Gloss Drop. But that should be no surprise as their debut album Black Up was rightfully one of the best hip-hop albums of 2011. The remix version, along with other remixes are available today on vinyl.
Remixed Version:
Original Version:
8 tags
Watch
M. Ward will be releasing A Wasteland Companion in April. I’m loving the single “The First I Ran Away” and the animated short video that accompanies it. M. Ward is a beast when it comes to making soft-compelling tracks.
7 tags
Watch
I’m so excited to be checking out Cloud Nothings this Saturday. I love that Lo-Fi Garage Punk sound Baldi makes. Attack On Memory has been one of my favorite 2012 releases. Attack on Memory is lyrically and musically well-written and produced. It is full of rhythmic-charged, post-hardcore sound. The guitar and hooks will grab you and the angst will get your blood boiling.
Check out Cloud...
12 tags
Los Campesinos! W/Parenthetical Girls 2/17/12...
Friday I saw Los Campesinos! and Parenthetical Girls at The Parish in Austin, Texas. I went in not knowing Parenthetical Girls and went out knowing I probably would not listen to them again but would not mind seeing them live again. Let me explain. Their music was not my kind of thing; their sound is experimental pop but lacks quality, very bland, and some pretentious sounding lyrics (I mean look...
9 tags
Watch
Chromatics (from Portland,Oregon) have released another video from their upcoming album Kill For Love. For the past few months the band has been leaking sounds off the track. There is no real word when it will be released but the tracks leaked have been pretty enticing. Their sound is a cross between lo-fi, electric, and rock. Chromatics bring a lot of different unique blends of sound.
Also,...
9 tags
"Conor Oberst, Ron Sexsmith Pay Tribute To Leonard... →
Check out the above link and listen to all things considered as Conor Oberst and Ron Sexsmith talk about Leonard Cohen. It’s good stuff.
Old Ideas is Cohen’s current album, which was released in late January.
5 tags
Watch
Michael Kiwanuka has been one of the artists I have recently been addicted to. I can’t wait until he puts out an LP. “I’m Getting Ready” is the new video off his current EP by the same name. He has a lot of soul when he sings. If there is a downside to this track and video, it’s that it’s too short for something so good. His debut gets dropped later his year.
2 tags
“I’ve been under the weather for the past few days but I will be posting...”
10 tags
Watch
Conor Oberst at Krug Park from Jonathan Tvrdik on Vimeo.
I will always be a Conor Oberst fan. He has consistently spits out good music for the last 5 years. It must be the poetry he produces in his lyrics
One day I hope to see him play in Omaha, Nebraska. That would probably blow my mind. Until then I will enjoy a recent secret show played in late January.
-Lenders in the Temple
-Laura...
14 tags
My Current Song Addictions As Of 2/14/12 →
CLICK! You can also find it under my B-Side pages.
17 tags
NSVD Playlist
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day here is my not so Valentine’s playlist (rushed). I would have posted it via 8track.com or playlist.com but neither side ever seems to have all the songs I need and/or the specific version of the song I need.
The following are some familiar songs:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD1A69AD06C30EE4F
10 tags
10 tags
Watch
More Grammy Stuff!
This is a Skrillex montage from the Pre-Telecast. What a cool guy. He was more than deserving with the 3 awards he received and really funny and down to earth about it. CHECK IT OUT then buy his albums and get your dance on.