tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87329537132957573172024-03-13T04:27:39.274-07:00Superpop !Pixie Bodyguard/Duchess of Rock/Pop Queen
I'm just a girl writing about music. If anyone likes it, that's a bonus.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-63024441170372988762012-02-06T20:35:00.000-08:002012-02-07T19:48:30.673-08:00The Sour Notes and Marmalakes Two Hands Wait/White Height 7" in vinyl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIVnfULIXHU/TzHnrREvtKI/AAAAAAAAAIk/AdmHG6527hk/s1600/424864_10150521479474412_18492369411_8817088_1578523429_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIVnfULIXHU/TzHnrREvtKI/AAAAAAAAAIk/AdmHG6527hk/s320/424864_10150521479474412_18492369411_8817088_1578523429_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706596933358826658" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czSbnA9QWG0/TzHmystSFRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/ADbufmMZm0I/s1600/marmaside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czSbnA9QWG0/TzHmystSFRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/ADbufmMZm0I/s320/marmaside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595961524065554" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFfvJ0yuqRE/TzHmbZb9H_I/AAAAAAAAAIM/GAJBf4AtkZ0/s1600/sourside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFfvJ0yuqRE/TzHmbZb9H_I/AAAAAAAAAIM/GAJBf4AtkZ0/s320/sourside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595561214124018" border="0" /></a>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mkPcXsgSI14?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zPloYad9Px4?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.thesournotes.com">The Sour Notes</a> and <a href="http://www.marmalakes.com">Marmalakes</a> released their split 7 in single on Feb 7th on <a href="http://noplaymusic.bandcamp.com/">No Play Music</a>. They're holding their release party this Thurs, Feb 9th at The Mohawk with several other excellent Austin and Houston bands on 2 stages (Doors open at 7 pm - $8 cover, $10 under 21).
The Sour Notes add layers of horns and keyboards to their lush indie rock sound while Marmalakes tickle your fancy with their harmonic folk-influenced pop. This 7 in single is the Austin music scene version of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup : two great tastes that taste great together.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-74097618098797179662011-10-09T08:40:00.000-07:002011-10-09T10:11:51.917-07:00Liam FinnMusical sons who follow in their families footsteps have the challenge of respecting a legacy while also establishing their own identity. It's a chicken and egg question perhaps - which comes first ? Liam Finn has strongly established his own musical identity - no doubt about it. Even for me as a longtime, diehard fan of his father, Neil Finn, I try to keep the comparisons to a minimum. I was cautiously optimistic when I first heard Liam's songs as a solo artist. He started out as a teenager with the band, Betchadupa, a decade ago. Although Betchadupa didn't quite catch on with me, I definitely heard the potential in his songwriting. His solo debut quickly impressed me. I was able to see that this is a songwriter not riding on anyone's coattails. He's a gifted songwriter and dynamic, charming performer in his own right. I saw Liam perform at this year's SXSW and his shows are a raucous, often chaotic treat. In his video for "Jump Your Bones" from his latest album, FOMO, you get a taste of his performance style. So much fun to watch. He can also take it down a notch and tug at your heartstrings with songs like "Gather To The Chapel" from his solo debut album, "I'll Be Lightning."
He's been on a North American tour since September. For those of you in Austin, you can catch him at The ND this Wed, Oct 12th. It's a rare Austin performance from Liam. Worth staying out late for on a Wednesday night.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eG9yVtNz4bs?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bg7M3XWi4Es?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>
I couldn't resist including this father and son collaboration from the 7 Worlds Collde project.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vzolzz4f4UM?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-45636070533273352692011-10-06T17:28:00.000-07:002011-10-06T17:28:52.261-07:00STUCK: STUCK Interview: RTB2<a href="http://apartofstuck.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-summer-i-was-introduced-to-sounds.html?spref=bl">STUCK: STUCK Interview: RTB2</a>: This summer, I was introduced to the sounds of RTB2 at Leatherbag's album and EP release show in Austin. RTB2 are Ryan Thomas Becker and ...Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-86669436642763660922011-09-01T20:41:00.000-07:002011-09-01T21:13:57.365-07:00Chock Full O'Angst - "The Blackest Shine" Photoshoot with The Pons
In August 2011, Austin TX guitar pop trio, <a href="http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=92315&poll_id=&skin_id=&submission_id=">The Pons</a> , successfully met their <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thepons/the-blackest-shine-by-the-pons-exclusive-pre-order">Kickstarter</a> fundraiser campaign goal. The money raised will go towards album production costs, tour expenses, and promotional support. Donors who pledged $100 or more had the opportunity to attend a make-up/photo shoot party. To honor the album title, "The Blackest Shine", photo shoot participants were given pain-free fake black eyes skillfully applied by makeup artist, Lisa Donahoe. The band will play a handful of tour dates in Texas and Oklahoma starting in early October and end the month with an album release party in Austin at The Highball on October 28th with 2 of my local favorites, <a href="http://www.thesournotes.com/">The Sour Notes</a> and <a href="http://www.stereoisalie.com/">STEREO IS A LIE</a>.
I took my own digital camera to the photo shoot which took place at the home of The Pons' lead singer and guitarist, Thomas Siragusa. There was a fun , casual atmosphere and there were plenty of laughs and amazement as everyone showed off their brand new shiner. Here are a handful of my photos from "The Blackest Shine" photo shoot.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IT6fdsuGhSg/TmBO0SE2SqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/aKIrguThRfc/s1600/IMG_9027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IT6fdsuGhSg/TmBO0SE2SqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/aKIrguThRfc/s200/IMG_9027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647600592834939554" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHOjHyJIo1Y/TmBMmQB41II/AAAAAAAAAHo/l97AsfmXUok/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHOjHyJIo1Y/TmBMmQB41II/AAAAAAAAAHo/l97AsfmXUok/s200/IMG_9022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647598152744227970" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kj-xF8V4yg/TmBJgNOvZ2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/3CFzVaU2puY/s1600/IMG_9016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kj-xF8V4yg/TmBJgNOvZ2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/3CFzVaU2puY/s200/IMG_9016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647594750378731362" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPP3WFtECcw/TmBKdNfUIGI/AAAAAAAAAHI/QxkYz30jxkk/s1600/IMG_9025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPP3WFtECcw/TmBKdNfUIGI/AAAAAAAAAHI/QxkYz30jxkk/s200/IMG_9025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647595798420267106" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcPpS6w93Vc/TmBLIamasdI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/DUTwnfilAr4/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcPpS6w93Vc/TmBLIamasdI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/DUTwnfilAr4/s200/IMG_9034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647596540674093522" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWoRtE0fh4o/TmBLrI0o4nI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ykBrNmvVrnk/s1600/IMG_9033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWoRtE0fh4o/TmBLrI0o4nI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ykBrNmvVrnk/s200/IMG_9033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647597137197326962" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IYmo-UslnE/TmBME6pV-0I/AAAAAAAAAHg/yg_MwZbP2nA/s1600/IMG_9012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IYmo-UslnE/TmBME6pV-0I/AAAAAAAAAHg/yg_MwZbP2nA/s200/IMG_9012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647597580068453186" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JHLIvhxTcM/TmBNeMQtEhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/03tNvkUjNqA/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JHLIvhxTcM/TmBNeMQtEhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/03tNvkUjNqA/s200/IMG_9029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647599113805304338" border="0" /></a>
Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-61413650986922684342011-08-11T15:57:00.000-07:002011-08-12T18:07:09.559-07:00Pete and the Pirates - Half Moon Street<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yhjaeeUpPAE?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
In the <a href="http://www.peteandthepirates.co.uk">Pete and the Pirates</a> video for their new single, Half Moon Street, lead singer Tommy Sanders appears to be creating his own version of "The Bachelor" TV series. So many ladies to choose from, so little time, and not enough money (note the expression when he gets bill at the restaurant). Love the mischievous yet endearing sense of humor in their videos.
Half Moon Street has an irresistible melody and a ridiculously catchy chorus in which you can't help singing along. Definitely worthy of repeat listens :).
Speaking of money, Pete and the Pirates are one of many bands affected by the London riots. Their record label, <a href="http://www.stolenrecordings.co.uk/">Stolen Recordings</a>, was one of numerous indie labels who lost a significant amount of their physical stock in the SonyDADC warehouse fire. CDs and albums can still be purchased from Stolen Recordings although orders may take a little longer than usual since the post office they used was also destroyed by fire during the riots. Digital downloads are available from their <a href="http://stolen.greedbag.com/">online shop</a>. A full list of the labels affected can be found here : <a href="http://www.pias.com/uk/pias-distributed-labels-list/">http://www.pias.com/uk/pias-distributed-labels-list/</a>
If you couldn't already tell, I absolutely adore this band. They worked on their latest album, One Thousand Pictures, for 3 years. Show your support if you can for one of the nicest, hardest working bands I've had the pleasure of seeing and knowing.
Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-77149302634359396712011-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:002011-09-05T18:42:48.196-07:00How I l Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Sour NotesI can't exactly remember when I first saw <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thesournotes">The Sour Notes</a>. I vaguely recall not being an instant fan but thought that they had potential. Another way to explain it is I liked the songs enough to see and hear them again but I needed more convincing. It's easy to dismiss bands if their music doesn't instantly win you over. It's almost like a courtship. Sometimes you need to take the time for you and the music to get to know each other, be attentive, and listen closely. And it has developed into a serious music crush. With 4 albums plus 2 7 inch singles in 3 years, an active performing schedule, and always working on new material, they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. They check all the boxes for me : hook filled, ambitious pop songs, occasional dramatic flair with horns and strings, lyrics and melodies that range from sweet to sinister.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M7c5khMQLvg?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nlSUjAAk5L8?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-5311430867769034832011-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:002011-07-26T19:09:02.278-07:00STEREO IS A LIE at Cactus Cafe 7/29/2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcSYUXofU_o/Ti9uL8CWu6I/AAAAAAAAAGo/-dDZJm-CBTw/s1600/SIAL_JPG_627x325_crop_upscale_q85.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcSYUXofU_o/Ti9uL8CWu6I/AAAAAAAAAGo/-dDZJm-CBTw/s320/SIAL_JPG_627x325_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633842810237402018" border="0" /></a>
This Friday, July 29th, features a rare style of performance from Austin indie rock quintet, STEREO IS A LIE. This time around, you can leave your earplugs at home because the amps will be turned down for an all acoustic set at the esteemed Austin venue, Cactus Cafe. Doors open at 8 pm. White Dress starts the show. $8 general admission ($5 if you have a UT Student ID). You can purchase tickets <a href="http://cactuscafe.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=47062">here</a>.
If you want the chance win a pair of tickets, yours truly is giving a pair away. Leave a comment on this blog and I will choose a winner.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YMhIsEsavxg?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.stereoisalie.com/">http://www.stereoisalie.com</a>
<a href="http://monolathe.com/">http://monolathe.com/</a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-22080795394332456362011-07-10T19:24:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:49:18.479-07:00Jen Has A Turntable Once Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OaFmre1784/ThptMv6NCyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/lW9zqKFB0F0/s1600/IMG_8471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OaFmre1784/ThptMv6NCyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/lW9zqKFB0F0/s320/IMG_8471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627930750139304738" /></a>
It wasn't until this spring that I finally stopped procrastinating and bought a turntable. The turntable I had as a kid probably was sold in a family garage sale a long time ago. It's been nice to have one again so I can take advantage of buying new vinyl releases from some of my favorite local and regional bands.
I thought that I had missed my opportunity to get a copy of the 7 in single, Six Pack Back Stab/Party Tape by Houston TX trio, <a href="http://soundcloud.com/younggirls">Young Girls</a>. Take in the reverb soaked sound and dual harmonies of "Six Pack Back Stab". Flip it over for the jangly, surf rock inspired "Party Tape".
This year, my long time Austin favorites, <a href="http://www.theuglybeats.com/">The Ugly Beats</a>, released 2 7 in singles. I couldn't resist picking up a copy of "Beeline" just for the sunshine yellow colored vinyl. The song itself is irresistible for its spot-on sounds of bees that come from a guitar and organ. The final touch on the bee theme is the B-side instrumental of "Maximum Bumble".
Since the 2010 release of their Motor! album, the band has continued to add new tunes to their live set. 2 of those nuggets found a place on their latest 7 in single, "Throw Me A Line/Sombras. You can buy this limited edition single (500 copies made) from the band or from <a href="http://www.heygirlrecords.com/">Hey Girl Records</a>. "Throw Me A Line" is a plea for help or it could be an underdog's anthem : "I'll get what's mine/just throw me a line". The B-side contribution is "Sombras" which is a cover of the Spanish 60s garage rock band, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3-ZKGOQMlo">Los Nivrem</a>.
My vinyl library is small but these 3 singles are a welcome addition to my growing collection.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-27299695947370262712011-07-10T16:34:00.000-07:002011-07-23T13:36:27.065-07:00Leatherbag - "...make this feeling come alive with electric guitar wires..."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWFB7qW76Ro/Thofq0H7FCI/AAAAAAAAAFY/G34SLKc3ysU/s1600/patience.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWFB7qW76Ro/Thofq0H7FCI/AAAAAAAAAFY/G34SLKc3ysU/s320/patience.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627845504759698466" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSigBMnONcY/ThofcVjmJbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/I44MsdLPUdg/s1600/yellowtv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSigBMnONcY/ThofcVjmJbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/I44MsdLPUdg/s320/yellowtv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627845256036099506" border="0" /></a>
Album artwork by <a href="http://www.chasemaclaskey.com/">Chase Maclaskey</a>
<object height="265" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F919677"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F919677" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="265" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag/sets/yellow-television">Yellow Television</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag">Leatherbag</a></span>
<object height="225" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F919762"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F919762" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="225" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag/sets/patience">Patience</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag">Leatherbag</a></span>
I don't possess an ounce of musical talent but that doesn't prevent me from being envious of people who can express their thoughts, observations, and emotions and put them into song.
One of those people is Randy Reynolds, the songwriter behind the musical moniker of Leatherbag. When you listen to his songs, you can tell he cares about songwriting. In a music world full of hype, I find his honesty to be quite refreshing. In "Imitation Generation," when he sings on repeat with a sense of urgency, "Wanna make this feeling come alive with electric/electric guitar wires", you can sincerely believe him. But you can also appreciate the wry humor in songs like "Teenage Creeps" and "Yellow TV". Although I'm a fan of the louder, punk-infused energy of songs like "Waxing Nostalgic" and "No Future", I also love the raw, sparse side of his sound (with hints of folk and Americana) in tracks like "Patience","Sincerity" and "Sparrow Blues".
Get yourself to a live Leatherbag show if you can. The latest live lineup is a trio and Randy is joined by Drew Emmons on bass guitar and Daniel Blanchard on drums. All killer and no filler. If you're in Austin, you have a chance to see Leatherbag 3 times this week as they celebrate the release of the Yellow TV album and Patience EP : Mon, July 25th at Waterloo Records at 5 pm, Thurs July 28th at End of an Ear Records at 6 pm, followed by the official release show at Skinny's Ballroom. Go see a gig or two, buy the records at your local record store, and tell your friends.
Leatherbag simply kick ass and deserve to be heard.
<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X5_Qqno2n4c?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-15124420681399851082011-06-18T16:47:00.000-07:002011-06-21T12:24:15.581-07:00Songs For Summer, Texas Style<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15377192"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15377192" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="81" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span>Looking for tunes to add to your summer playlists ? Try these new tunes from some of my favorite up and coming Texas bands.
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/elevatedlines/3-black-hearted-faction">Black Hearted Faction</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/elevatedlines">Elevated Lines</a></span>
Elevated Lines is a musical project fronted by singer/guitarist Carrie Clark. "Black Hearted Faction" from their debut Evil Eye EP is a perfect song for summer. It's Debbie Harry meets The Ronettes combined with glam rock riffs and an infectious singalong chorus.
<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F13664566"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F13664566" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="81" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/younggirls/this-time">This Time</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/younggirls">young girls</a>
The self titled debut album from Houston TX trio is also perfect for this summer's soundtrack. Summery harmonies, shimmering guitars and a steady surf rock backbeat. I think I can almost hear the beach calling.
</span><a href="http://wiretree.bandcamp.com/track/the-shore">
</a><a></a><a href="http://wiretree.bandcamp.com/track/the-shore">The Shore</a> by Wiretree
If you're going to rely on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9j4Ib8UGzk">YouTube</a> video comments, this song is supposedly a rip off of Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" and/or Green Day's "Holiday". This song is from their upcoming album, Makeup, which is set for release on Aug 1st. Whether or not you agree with the song comparisons, it's a stomping, rollicking tune telling a tale of aquatic adventures. You can download the song and pre-order the album from their <a href="http://wiretree.bandcamp.com/track/the-shore">Bandcamp</a> page.
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F16821553" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="81" width="100%"></embed> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag/yellow-tv-unmastered">Yellow TV (Unmastered)</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag">Leatherbag</a>
Leatherbag (featuring singer and songwriter, Randy Reynolds) has been previewing tunes on <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leatherbag">Soundcloud</a> from upcoming album, Yellow TV, set for release on July 20th. The title track is a great example of the range of influences from post-punk to power pop and pub rock. The humor from the lyric "I woke up this morning with a yellow television/and a neon grin" certainly puts a grin on my face.
</span>
1994 - International Waters
<a href="http://internationalwaters.bandcamp.com/track/1994">http://internationalwaters.bandcamp.com/track/1994</a>
The title track from their upcoming album brings to mind the gentler, sweeter side of summer with its cool organ and acoustic guitar intro and soothing harmonies. A musical oasis during an extremely hot Texas summer.
<a href="http://thesournotes.bandcamp.com/track/harvest-moon-neil-young-cover">
</a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-82705059251161048872011-05-29T18:29:00.000-07:002011-05-30T05:51:46.754-07:00Pete and The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOFHzol42kk/TeL-NiCpU4I/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUHPTQ7Nn9E/s1600/78ae7_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOFHzol42kk/TeL-NiCpU4I/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUHPTQ7Nn9E/s320/78ae7_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612327594086716290" border="0" /></a>
It's no secret that I'm a bit of a fan of this band so pardon any gushing that will occur here. The 2nd full length record from Pete and The Pirates was released on May
23rd on the Stolen Recordings label. I had been anticipating this album since I saw them at South by Southwest Festival in 2009 where they previewed many of the songs that eventually appeared on the new album. Their 2008 album, Little Death, was filled to the brim with interplaying guitars, soaring harmonies, and blissful melodies. This Reading UK quintet expand on what they established with Little Death. I've read other reviews of One Thousand Pictures that describe the band's sound as getting darker and grimmer. But if you take a closer listen to the songs on both Little Death and One Thousand Pictures, things are not always necessarily as sunny and chirpy as they sound but neither is all hope and optimism lost.
"Can't Fish" opens the album on a melancholy note ("empty your pockets and hold out your hand/pretend that you love me") but you can't help singing along by the end of it.
"Cold Black Kitty" is an unexpected treat - a pounding, slightly sinister rock song about a cat.
"Little Gun" chugs along very nicely. Just listen to the intro guitar riff and that energy doesn't let up through the entire song.
"Come To The Bar"starts off with a bit of new wave vibe with its offbeat, squiggly synths and includes another irresistible singalong chorus.
"Winter 1" is true to its title with its wintery vibe and repeated lyrical plea of "you've got a long way home". I can listen to this one repeatedly for the bass riff alone. Groovy and bouncy.
"Washing Powder" is unapologetically melancholic but they still pull out that singalong chorus that is somehow uplifting. Regrets and memories leave a lingering effect indeed - "it's just your washing powder/little voice I hear getting louder/one stupid thing to remind me/of somebody I thought was behind me".
"Blood Gets Thin" was originally released as a non-album single but it makes a return appearance on OTP. It's been redone with a dirtier, rockier feel reminiscent of how it sounds during their live sets.
"United" has been released as a single and it's an obvious choice. Your face will hurt just a bit because you'll be grinning so much after singing along and dancing around the room. The video is full of playful cats in contrast to its darkly humourous lyrics (Girl, I don't want to die tonight/I just want some sunshine").
"Shotgun" follows with its darker lyrical tone mentioning building walls and getting out your rifle but it soars with its crashing mix of guitars.
"Motorbike" is a lovely, galloping tune. You can almost picture yourself being on a motorbike in the countryside while listening to the lyrics.
"Things That Go Bump" is just pure fun. Loud, noisy, and raucous. I loved this one from SXSW 2009 and I'm certainly pleased that this made it on the album.
"Reprise" is a continuation of "Blood Gets Thin". It's a result of the extended wig out that happens during live performances of BGT. I'm not sure of it as a standalone track. I like it but you might also want to listen it once or twice right after BGT. It works both ways.
"Half Moon Street" finds a second life after first appearing on Tap Tap's (singer Tom Sanders solo project) "On My Way" album. I certainly love the stripped back original version but it also shines in the full band version.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lo-2XVUlR98?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
Me with the band at SXSW 2011. From left to right : Thomas Sanders, Jonny Sanders, David Thorpe, Pete Hefferan, Pete Cattermoul.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzfKqX-NWco/TeMgNPbGtrI/AAAAAAAAAFE/gy7DRDKRgUA/s1600/IMG_7623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzfKqX-NWco/TeMgNPbGtrI/AAAAAAAAAFE/gy7DRDKRgUA/s320/IMG_7623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612364972484376242" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-54918158135701776962011-05-24T16:47:00.000-07:002011-05-25T17:55:05.026-07:00Salim Nourallah, Buttercup, and Leatherbag at Club Deville 5/28/2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwVEvtuoUI4/Tdxs7rxLjKI/AAAAAAAAAE0/X38jOJb_LUA/s1600/240076_10150192383761188_47337796187_7180518_7530310_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwVEvtuoUI4/Tdxs7rxLjKI/AAAAAAAAAE0/X38jOJb_LUA/s400/240076_10150192383761188_47337796187_7180518_7530310_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610479008413879458" border="0" /></a>
A triple bill of my favorite Texas pop/rock bands playing on a Saturday night at Club Deville ?!? Yes please :) ! Although I've seen all three bands multiple times, I would not be anywhere else this Saturday night. <a href="http://www.salimnourallah.com/">Salim Nourallah</a> opens the show at 10 pm, followed by <a href="http://www.buttercult.com/">Buttercup</a>, and <a href="http://www.leatherbagmusic.com/">Leatherbag</a> closes out the night. These are 3 bands that I wholeheartedly support and will continually sing their praises and spread the word about them. Dallas based Salim Nourallah has been working on his 5th solo record, Hit Parade, the follow up to 2009's Constellation. As a supporter of his fundraiser efforts on Pledge Music, I've been fortunate to have heard a few of Hit Parade's tunes and I'm excited to hear the rest of the album. He continues to win fans with his endearing tales of everyday struggles and triumphs.
I've been head over heels for San Antonio TX based Buttercup since I first saw them perform in Austin just over 5 years ago. Buttercup's sound continues to evolve but in a way they've never changed. Their sound always has had a distinct, recognizable personality that is a result of 3 separate yet united songwriters. I always have a hard time describing Buttercup as they are a band that is best understood in the live performance setting. Always fun and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Leatherbag's sound brings a little bit of a rootsy twang to this triple bill. Take a little bit of Bob Dylan, heaping spoonfuls of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Big Star, and dashes of Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe. The common thread for all 3 bands is good songs and good live performances. It sounds simple but those things are often the most difficult things to pull off well. The cover is only $5 for this stacked triple bill and it all takes place in the limestone wall background setting at Red River's landmark Club Deville.
Event link : <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150674421668006">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150674421668006</a>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iJllwP1KvKs?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
Buttercup - Superior
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FjjEpVyK3FY?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
Salim Nourallah- Pictures Collected
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LigUaE9rG4o?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
Leatherbag - LinesJennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-60283877001606601792011-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:002011-05-17T20:52:26.893-07:00Happy 9th Anniversorry to The Midgetmen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dU-pI2FELQ/Tcdi0V-MMzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Rrob_vxQA3A/s1600/203621_205539072800100_30191_s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dU-pI2FELQ/Tcdi0V-MMzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Rrob_vxQA3A/s400/203621_205539072800100_30191_s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604556912676582194" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQZYaI0U0no/TcdiddSPOiI/AAAAAAAAAEc/BCBINwA2F-0/s1600/midgetmen-slider.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQZYaI0U0no/TcdiddSPOiI/AAAAAAAAAEc/BCBINwA2F-0/s400/midgetmen-slider.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604556519502723618" border="0" /></a>
This Friday May 20th at The Mohawk, Austin's own The Midgetmen celebrate their 9th anniversary (or "anniversorry" as the band calls it) and the release of their new album, <a href="http://themidgetmen.bandcamp.com/album/loud-enough">Loud Enough.</a>
<span class="text_exposed_show">8 bands (including 2 of my local faves, The Sour Notes and The Pons), free drinks from Treaty Oak Rum and Graham's Texas Tea, a photobooth orchestrated by Nash Cook where folks can create their own drunken poetry (think Magnetic Poetry Kit), and DJ Richard Henry will keep the party going between band sets.
A plethora of tunes will be provided by the following excellent bands :
On the outside stage--
11:00-12:00 The Midgetmen
10:00-10:45 La Snacks
09:00-09:45 San Saba County
On the inside stage--
01:00-01:45 The Sour Notes
12:00-12:45 Through The Trees
10:55-11:30 Shells
10:05-10:40 The Pons
09:15-09:50 The Blistering Speeds
A packed, quality local lineup plus free drinks on a Friday night - the only thing to be sorry about is missing this event. So, what do you bring a band on their 9th anniversary anyway ?
<a href="http://do512.com/event/2011/05/20/midgetmen-9th-anniversary-cd-release">http://do512.com/event/2011/05/20/midgetmen-9th-anniversary-cd-release</a>
</span>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-85543099899361051492011-05-10T19:10:00.000-07:002011-05-10T20:35:38.917-07:00She Sir at Beerland for The Rumble 5/18/2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYN2B0CYNUI/TcnwrfELclI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bMi82eTfiIk/s1600/The-Rumble-Austin-May-2011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYN2B0CYNUI/TcnwrfELclI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bMi82eTfiIk/s400/The-Rumble-Austin-May-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605275841103360594" border="0" /></a>
On May 18th, She Sir are the headliner for this months The Rumble event at Beerland. The Rumble is presented by Future Sounds, The Onion AV Club, Waterloo Records, The Austinist, Covert Curiosity, Austin Town Hall, Sonic Itch Music and Austin Music Weekly. It's free and it's a good excuse to stay out late on a Wednesday night.
She Sir are one of those local Austin bands I should have seen when they first started playing in Austin but I kept missing them. When I finally saw them last summer, their sound just clicked for me. Lush melodies, dual harmonies and vocals, and guitars that wash over you with just the right amount of shimmer, fuzz, and feedback. Their sound often gets stuck with the shoegaze label but why compare it to gazing at your shoes when you can just close your eyes and dream ?
You can preview all of their tunes on their <a href="http://shesir.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> page.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YE0JpRhIJcU?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NqQAI2QBqzQ?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-43902072224385177942011-05-08T17:55:00.000-07:002011-05-10T14:31:03.242-07:00Gentlemen Rogues E.P. Release at Skinny's Ballroom<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r_cJ6soMH0/Tcc9CjsTZCI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GU9x170GyaA/s1600/203609_211255378898537_5220812_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604515375435965474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r_cJ6soMH0/Tcc9CjsTZCI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GU9x170GyaA/s400/203609_211255378898537_5220812_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCSatrrZsY4/Tcc87_Yg3zI/AAAAAAAAAEM/vSCBEt6QFRU/s1600/1943520221-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604515262610071346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 350px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCSatrrZsY4/Tcc87_Yg3zI/AAAAAAAAAEM/vSCBEt6QFRU/s400/1943520221-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgY8w5uNUrw/Tcc8m2ERcMI/AAAAAAAAAEE/KwFtFEiQwV8/s1600/203556_126112500772517_5552727_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604514899332001986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 185px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgY8w5uNUrw/Tcc8m2ERcMI/AAAAAAAAAEE/KwFtFEiQwV8/s400/203556_126112500772517_5552727_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>
This Friday, May 13th, Gentlemen Rogues (Matt Bolick - drums, Danny Dunlap - vocals/guitar, Cordon Simons - guitar, Cole Stockton - bass guitar) officially celebrate the release of their self titled debut EP. The release party will be at one of Austin's newest venues, Skinny's Ballroom, with fellow indie/powerpop band, Wiretree (11 pm), and Elephant M (10 pm). Gentlemen Rogues close out the bill at 12am. I encourage you to come out and support one of my favorite new Austin bands. This 3 song EP is full of catchy pop hooks and loud, crunchy guitars. The band definitely brings those things to their live performance. I appreciate bands such as Gentlemen Rogues who bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to their performances and enjoy themselves on stage.
On a personal note, I liked them so much I recommended them a few months ago to BBC 6 Music's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0089jhs">Tom Robinson Introducing</a> (fans and musicians can submit their music recommendations on the show's website) where he showcases tunes from upcoming artists. Tom featured them in his show for 2 consecutive weeks.
If you can't make it to the show, you can download Gentlemen Rogues EP on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/gentlemenrogues.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> and <a href="http://soundcloud.com/thegentlemenrogues">Soundcloud</a>.
Here's a clip from one of their SXSW week performances :
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gKokoRA6jTk?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" height="295" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Vote for this show on Do512 : <a href="http://do512.com/event/2011/05/13/gentlemen-rogues-cd-release-w-wiretree-and-silver-ships">http://do512.com/event/2011/05/13/gentlemen-rogues-cd-release-w-wiretree-and-silver-ships</a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-62823747959558003062011-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:002011-04-28T13:59:08.220-07:00Hollerado - Got To LoseFrom the mad genius of director, Greg Jardin, and the gents from Hollerado, comes the winning frenzy of Hollywood style musical chorus girls, umbrellas, confetti cannons, and a headbanging, hair shaking drummer, all contained in a music video. Depending on the day, this could be my favorite Hollerado song. If it doesn't make you smile and bounce around, and sing along to...."you've got to loooooossseee, you've got to loooooossseee....", then I feel just a bit sad for you.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-DYy0EsC8TM?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
I'm also rather partial to a live version where their friend Dave Foley (yes, the guy from Kids In The Hall and News Radio), gets onstage to join them.
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KiEQSMG8q80" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-51931833834515760172011-04-27T17:11:00.000-07:002011-04-27T21:11:15.740-07:00Moonlight Towers CD Release Party with Grand Champeen and LeatherbagIf you're looking for an all-around, solid local lineup to see this weekend, look no further than Moonlight Towers CD release show on Sat, April 30th at Antones. Moonlight Towers will be celebrating the release of their 3rd full length record, Day Is The New Night (released on the Chicken Ranch Records label). This Austin quartet delivers with honest rock n' roll songs bursting with catchy pop hooks and plenty of loud and melodic guitars. 3 minute pop songs with a rock n' roll heart - definitely my kind of band. On Day Is The New Night, the band adds some flair and punch on a few tracks with female backing vocals and a horn section. Hopefully those ladies and horn section will be present for the CD release show. If you like what you hear tell your friends in other parts of the country as Moonlight Towers are heading out on a US tour in mid-May. Go to <a href="http://www.moonlighttowers.com/">Moonlight Towers website</a> for a list of tour dates.
<a href="http://www.grandchampeen.com/">
Grand Champeen</a> is one of those local bands I just failed to keep up with over the years but they're definitely a compliment to Moonlight Towers and share many of the same influences. I still remember one Grand Champeen show when they paid tribute to Cheap Trick's Live at Budokan down to the last detail including the between song banter. Classic.
I think I can credit ME TV in Austin for turning me on to <a href="http://www.leatherbagmusic.com/">Leatherbag</a> (musical moniker from songwriter, Randy Reynolds). The video for a tune called On Down The Line was played on regular rotation and I was hooked with its musical stew of influences : roots rock, punk, powerpop, and even hints of blues and folk. Then I see Leatherbag open for some of my favorites such as Robyn Hitchcock and Brendan Benson. It wasn't long until I realized I was head over heels for Leatherbag's sound. The 2 most recent releases, Hey Day and Tomorrow/Everything I Once Knew have certainly been in regular rotation from my listening library. It's honest, heartfelt songwriting - at times, reflective and somber but at other times, raucous and a hell of a lot of fun. How can you resist a song called "Tom Petty Summer" ?!? You simply cannot. But there's more including a new record called Yellow TV about to be released. If you're going to make me compile a 2011 "best of/favorites" list, I'm quite sure that Yellow TV will be on it. I recently turned on a friend to Leatherbag and he liked the songs so much, he told me he wanted to play in Leatherbag's band. Now <span style="font-style: italic;">that's</span> a pretty high compliment, don't you think ?
Tip : Save yourself a few dollars on the cover charge and RSVP on <a href="http://do512.com/event/2011/04/30/moonlight-towers-cd-release">Do512</a> for this show.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-30725489183056554482011-04-03T10:57:00.000-07:002011-04-07T16:34:32.252-07:00Leatherbag and The Pons at Beerland April 13, 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKSkTpwUfsM/TZi1OsNlkcI/AAAAAAAAADk/uIx0IwgEYfo/s1600/The%2BRumble%2BAustin%2BApril%2B2011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKSkTpwUfsM/TZi1OsNlkcI/AAAAAAAAADk/uIx0IwgEYfo/s400/The%2BRumble%2BAustin%2BApril%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591418201371414978" border="0" /></a>Returning from a brief, self imposed exile of seeing gigs, I'm looking forward to next Wednesday's event at Beerland which is part of Future Sounds The Rumble tour. This event includes 2 of my current Austin favorites, Leatherbag (Randy Reynolds performing solo) and The Pons. I've seen each of these bands numerous times but I keep going back again and again because I just cannot resist their intelligent and well written catchy pop songs. The songs have definitely gotten their hooks into me. Take a listen to the songs below to find out why I'm mentioning both bands on a frequent basis. The Pons have recently finished recording their 2nd album, The Blackest Shine, and Leatherbag has recently completed their latest, Yellow TV, which is being released in mid-May. Stay tuned to this blog for updates when these albums are released.
<iframe style="position: relative; display: block; width: 400px; height: 100px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=4212886739/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thepons.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-belly-of-a-giant"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In the Belly of a Giant by The Pons&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>
<iframe style="position: relative; display: block; width: 400px; height: 100px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=1346731555/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://leatherbag.bandcamp.com/album/tomorrow-everything-i-once-knew"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Tomorrow|Everything I Once Knew by Leatherbag&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>
This show is FREE if you RSVP using this link : <a href="http://therumbleaustin.eventbrite.com/">http://therumbleaustin.eventbrite.com/</a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-43133827103464544532011-02-25T18:18:00.000-08:002011-02-27T10:02:27.914-08:00Trashcan Sinatras "...in the music, we rise above..."<div style="text-align: left;">I discovered Trashcan Sinatras all those years ago probably when I was watching MTV's 120 Minutes in my college dormitory. I still have that original cassette of "Cake" I bought way back when. I admit that I lost track of them until I saw them at SXSW in 2004. That same year, they released their album, "Weightlifting". It was one of my favorite records from that year. Their most recent release is "In The Music" which was released in the US in 2010. These Scots continue their tradition of writing infectious yet carefully crafted pop tunes. They've cast their musical net beyond the catchy, jangle pop tunes for which they first became known for. They've added some old school soul, jazz, and folk into the mix. But they still retain their signature sound that makes them unique. Those clear, sparkling guitars, lush harmonies, and Frank Reader's distinctive lead vocals that are like a warm, comforting hug (at least for me anyway).
It's been over 6 years since TCS were in Austin. I couldn't think of a better place than the Cactus Cafe for their upcoming acoustic show on March 5th as part of their 20th anniversary tour. If you're eager to hear a particular song at this show, you can e-mail (requests@trashcansinatras.com - put "song requests" in the subject line) your requests to the band and they will include some of those songs in that show’s set list. Local musician, Shane Bartell, opens the show which is perfect since I recall that he is definitely a devoted fan of the TCS. This show should be quite a treat. You leave a TCS show feeling loved or at least with a little reassurance that things are going to be alright. And you can take comfort in the lyric I mention above, "...in the music, we rise above...".
<strong></strong>
<strong></strong>
<strong style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">in the music</strong> </div><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">naked to the world i came
naked i will leave
shadow fall behind me
sunlight up ahead
i fill the in between</p><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">naked to your love i climb
naked i succeed
you hold me in your arms
i’ll hold you in mine
we’ll fill the in between</p><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">with the music
that we make in love
in the music
</div><p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">we rise above</p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">we get lost
we get powerful
we know what to do now
we get down
and in every way
i’m always making love with you</p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">let’s make it til the end of time
let’s make it all we need
let the music fill our lives
and in each other’s eyes
find everything we need</p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">in the music
that we make in love
in the music
we rise above</p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">and now i’m naked to the flame
curled into you
and naked i believe
let the timeless everything
that we make naked
melt into the harmony
of love</p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">in the music
that we make in love
in the music
in the rhythm rising up
in the rhythm rising up
we rise above
we rise above</p><a href="http://trashcansinatras.com/lyrics/in-the-music-lyrics/">http://trashcansinatras.com/lyrics/in-the-music-lyrics/</a>
Here are videos for 3 songs from "In The Music"
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qeqoLKzuCPo?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aXBsZxyPgws?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zwFUPsIa0e0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" event="" 2011="" 03="" 05="" bartell="">http://do512.com/event/2011/03/05/trashcan-sinatras-and-shane-bartell</a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-55937320221971728362011-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:002011-02-22T19:28:02.477-08:00Welcome to the MoTel Aviv<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F10726883&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F10726883&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="81" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/motelaviv/the-unknown">The Unknown</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/motelaviv">MoTel Aviv</a></span>
<a href="http:///">
</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dYujKJ_cqig" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe></span>
MoTel Aviv (Jayson Altman - drums, Rodney Connell - lead vocals, Cole Hanson - guitar, Misti Watkins - bass) are an Austin quartet who released their first single, The Unknown, this week from their upcoming album, Post-Modern Nation. The album title also hints at the band's sound : 80s post punk with a contemporary modern pop flair. Think The Smiths and early U2 meets Franz Ferdinand and The Killers. The band is offering "The Unknown" for download from their Soundcloud page (see link above). Also, check out the split perspective video for the single which was directed by James Webb. If you've enjoyed the single, I recommend listening to the 2 additional songs posted below.
<img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTg*MzAzNDE*MTUmcHQ9MTI5ODQzMDM2NjgzOCZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/ZjgyYmNhYWU1OTViNGE4MDhhNjQ4Y2YyMjMxNDAxMTQmb2Y9MA==.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf" bgcolor="#ffffff" loop="false" wmode="opaque" quality="best" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" seamlesstabbing="false" flashvars="id=artist_1178451&background_color=EEEEEE&font_color=333333&border_color=000000&auto_play=false&shuffle=false&song_ids=6449223" align="top" height="200" width="262"></embed>
<img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_1178451//t.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" />
<img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTg*MzA2ODI2NjEmcHQ9MTI5ODQzMDcwMDI2NyZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/ZjgyYmNhYWU1OTViNGE4MDhhNjQ4Y2YyMjMxNDAxMTQmb2Y9MA==.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf" bgcolor="#ffffff" loop="false" wmode="opaque" quality="best" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" seamlesstabbing="false" flashvars="id=artist_1178451&background_color=EEEEEE&font_color=333333&border_color=000000&auto_play=false&shuffle=false&song_ids=6449241" align="top" height="200" width="262"></embed>
<img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_1178451//t.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" />Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-81330729667269484252011-02-19T14:32:00.000-08:002011-02-19T14:55:50.611-08:00Leatherbag at The Highball, 2/20/11<object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1346731555/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="100" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1346731555/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1346731555/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" height="100" width="400"></object></object>
<a href="http://do512.com/event/2011/02/20/rock-the-highball">http://do512.com/event/2011/02/20/rock-the-highball</a>
<a href="http://video.klru.tv/search/Leatherbag/tag/Leatherbag_5">http://video.klru.tv/search/Leatherbag/tag/Leatherbag_5 </a>
This Sunday, Leatherbag will be playing a free show at The Highball as part of the venue's Rock The Highball series. Leatherbag will kick off the event at 9 pm. They will be followed by a late night happy hour and The Authors at 11 pm. It's the perfect event for a long holiday weekend.
Check out some of Leatherbag's tunes above. I'm a fan of their slightly rootsy, twang infused power pop. It's like Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, and Nick Lowe having too much fun with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and Big Star.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-89853592888337039682011-02-17T05:27:00.001-08:002011-02-21T06:38:54.620-08:00I Love This Band ! : Pete and The PiratesNext in my "I Love This Band !" series is the Brit quintet, Pete and The Pirates. I first heard of them 3-4 years ago . My "band crush" started just over 2 years ago when I heard their debut album, Little Death. Since then, many of my other records have been neglected because of all the repeated listenings of Little Death (and their 2 prior EPs which I later purchased). I was able to see several PATP performances during SXSW 2009. They played a bunch of new tunes at that time which were being considered for the next album. Their sophomore album, One Thousand Pictures, is set to be released in May 2011 on the Stolen Recordings label. Since I have yet to see a full track listing, I don't know if any of those tunes survived the band's quality process. Whether or not that is the case, this band definitely knows how to write a cracking pop tune. The best description of their sound comes from their drummer, Jonny Sanders (in an interview with the One For The People blog) : "Pete & The Pirates are pop bliss mixed with rock & roll with a little beauty thrown in."
The band already has videos for 2 songs that will be on the next album.
"Come To The Bar"
is full of bubbling vintage synths, enough groove to get you moving, and a soaring, singalong chorus. Win, win, win is all I can say :). It will be the 1st single from the album and it'll be released on March 14th.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A2w6RyZ3NmA?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
"Winter 1" was made available as a free download in late December. It's still available on their Bandcamp page. It features an irresistible, bouncing bassline, some vintage organ sounds, and handclaps you can't help joining in on at home.
I've also posted the wintery themed video below.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/twPsKVgs7nM?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=2102939826/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="100" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=2102939826/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=2102939826/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" height="100" width="400"></object></object>
And for my SXSW 2011 bound friends, Pete and The Pirates will be returning to Austin next month. During SXSW 2009, I think that they played 10-11 shows. Maybe they'll break that performing record this year. Who knows ? One of the tightest and most incredibly fun bands I've ever had the pleasure to experience.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-53113989919020681992011-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:24:46.261-08:00Wiretree & Future Clouds and Radar at Stubb's Fri 2/11<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rJMP6pRwk3A?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KuKpDfJSD1o?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>
This Friday night in Austin is a great night for lovers of smart pop with local bands, Wiretree and Future Clouds and Radar. I've been fortunate to be familiar with Future Clouds and Radar since their beginnings in 2007. The band has had a few lineup changes but it remains led by founding songwriter and lead singer/guitarist, Robert Harrison. I've been a fan of Robert's songwriting since seeing his prior band, Cotton Mather, in the late 90s here in Austin. Future Clouds and Radar continues their eclectic pop tradition flavored with bits of psychedelia and experimental rock. I'm newer to the songs of Wiretree but their often folk-influenced pop tunes have grown on me over the past year. Word of mouth has been getting around about Wiretree. Recently they recorded a performance at the old Austin City Limits studios for KLRU's new online music program, Satellite Sets . Their Satellite Sets performance featured some of the songs from their upcoming album which is sure to appeal to fans of sweet, hummable, and intelligent popcraft.
For this Friday's show at Stubb's, doors are at 9 pm. $7 cover. Dark Water Hymnal open the show at 9:30, Future Clouds and Radar at 10:30, and Wiretree at 11:30.Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-80371353762463189382011-01-31T19:25:00.000-08:002011-02-01T10:29:27.245-08:00Give Me A Beat ! : The Ugly Beats at Carousel Lounge, Sat Feb 5thThe Ugly Beats playing at the Carousel Lounge on a Saturday night in Austin is a beautiful thing. Something magical happens in that tiny room with the big pink elephant. This Saturday night, it's time to put your worries aside and dance them away with the Beats at the Carousel.
Below I've posted video (and an audio link for their entire set) from a recent gig at The Mohawk that was recorded by the folks at Austin Music Weekly. Kudos for their full coverage (photos, video, and audio) of this amazingly fun and hardworking band.
The Beats give it their all. Seriously.
This Saturday's show also includes The Transgressors. $5 cover. If you can, bring some extra $$ and buy The Ugly Beats latest record, Motor!. It'll inspire dance parties in your living room after you go home from their show :)
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZmsxHfLC2Gw?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" height="295" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="DISPLAY: block"><span onmouseup="" class="on" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" id="formatbar_CreateLink" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" title="Link" style="DISPLAY: block" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);"><img class="gl_link" alt="Link" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></span></span>
<a href="http://www.austinmusicweekly.com/show/the-ugly-beats/mohawk/01-14-2011">The Ugly Beats</a> live at The Mohawk 1/14/2011
<a href="http://www.austinmusicweekly.com/show/the-ugly-beats/mohawk/01-14-2011"></a>Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732953713295757317.post-84625314474620426402011-01-31T18:09:00.000-08:002011-01-31T18:48:21.823-08:00The Hi-Tones TransAudioStasis Record Release Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhToxdtBoLk/TUdu27F-j1I/AAAAAAAAADY/laS8JUjLTM0/s1600/171570_499076112607_125963022607_5990012_2934536_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhToxdtBoLk/TUdu27F-j1I/AAAAAAAAADY/laS8JUjLTM0/s320/171570_499076112607_125963022607_5990012_2934536_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568541354121662290" border="0" /></a>
<object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2629802515/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="100" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2629802515/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2629802515/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" height="100" width="400"></object></object>
This coming weekend is already shaping up quite nicely. It's time to shake off the winter blues with The Hi-Tones. They're celebrating their new record release, TransAudioStasis, and kicking off a U.S. tour at Club Deville. Their show on Fri Feb 4th will be their last Austin show until SXSW. TransAudioStasis was produced by noted Austin-based producer, Chris "Frenchie" Smith (previous Austin band credits include ...And You Will Know Us By Trail Of Dead, Ume, Electric Touch, The Steps, SPEAK). Frenchie also wrote 1 track on this EP, All Roads. You can preview their EP above and download it for $5 from their Bandcamp page or come to the release party and buy it directly from the band. The Battlemen will also be celebrating their record release and Megafauna rounds out Friday night's bill of bands. Bring your dancing shoes !Jennifer Leduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03872702731499347138noreply@blogger.com0