Superpop !

The Sour Notes and Marmalakes Two Hands Wait/White Height 7" in vinyl

2012-02-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Sour Notes and Marmalakes released their split 7 in single on Feb 7th on No Play Music. 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.

Liam Finn

2011-10-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Musical 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. I couldn't resist including this father and son collaboration from the 7 Worlds Collde project.

STUCK: STUCK Interview: RTB2

2011-10-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

STUCK: STUCK Interview: RTB2: 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 ...

Chock Full O'Angst - "The Blackest Shine" Photoshoot with The Pons

2011-09-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

In August 2011, Austin TX guitar pop trio, The Pons , successfully met their Kickstarter 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, The Sour Notes and STEREO IS A LIE. 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.

Pete and the Pirates - Half Moon Street

2011-08-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

In the Pete and the Pirates 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, Stolen Recordings, 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 online shop. A full list of the labels affected can be found here : http://www.pias.com/uk/pias-distributed-labels-list/ 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.

How I l Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Sour Notes

2011-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

I can't exactly remember when I first saw The Sour Notes. 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.

STEREO IS A LIE at Cactus Cafe 7/29/2011

2011-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

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 here. 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. http://www.stereoisalie.com http://monolathe.com/

Jen Has A Turntable Once Again

2011-07-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

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, Young Girls. 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, The Ugly Beats, 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 Hey Girl Records. "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, Los Nivrem. My vinyl library is small but these 3 singles are a welcome addition to my growing collection.

Leatherbag - "...make this feeling come alive with electric guitar wires..."

2011-07-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Album artwork by Chase Maclaskey Yellow Television by Leatherbag Patience by Leatherbag 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.

Songs For Summer, Texas Style

2011-06-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for tunes to add to your summer playlists ? Try these new tunes from some of my favorite up and coming Texas bands. Black Hearted Faction by Elevated Lines 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. This Time by young girls 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. The Shore by Wiretree If you're going to rely on YouTube 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 Bandcamp page. Yellow TV (Unmastered) by Leatherbag Leatherbag (featuring singer and songwriter, Randy Reynolds) has been previewing tunes on Soundcloud 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. 1994 - International Waters http://internationalwaters.bandcamp.com/track/1994 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.

Pete and The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures

2011-05-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

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. Me with the band at SXSW 2011. From left to right : Thomas Sanders, Jonny Sanders, David Thorpe, Pete Hefferan, Pete Cattermoul.

Salim Nourallah, Buttercup, and Leatherbag at Club Deville 5/28/2011

2011-05-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

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. Salim Nourallah opens the show at 10 pm, followed by Buttercup, and Leatherbag 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 : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150674421668006 Buttercup - Superior Salim Nourallah- Pictures Collected Leatherbag - Lines

Happy 9th Anniversorry to The Midgetmen

2011-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

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, Loud Enough. 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 ? http://do512.com/event/2011/05/20/midgetmen-9th-anniversary-cd-release

She Sir at Beerland for The Rumble 5/18/2011

2011-05-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

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 Bandcamp page.

Gentlemen Rogues E.P. Release at Skinny's Ballroom

2011-05-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

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 Tom Robinson Introducing (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 Bandcamp and Soundcloud. Here's a clip from one of their SXSW week performances : Vote for this show on Do512 : http://do512.com/event/2011/05/13/gentlemen-rogues-cd-release-w-wiretree-and-silver-ships

Hollerado - Got To Lose

2011-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

From 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. 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.

Moonlight Towers CD Release Party with Grand Champeen and Leatherbag

2011-04-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

If 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 Moonlight Towers website for a list of tour dates. Grand Champeen 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 Leatherbag (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 that's a pretty high compliment, don't you think ? Tip : Save yourself a few dollars on the cover charge and RSVP on Do512 for this show.

Leatherbag and The Pons at Beerland April 13, 2011

2011-04-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

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. &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;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;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &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;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;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; This show is FREE if you RSVP using this link : http://therumbleaustin.eventbrite.com/

Trashcan Sinatras "...in the music, we rise above..."

2011-02-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

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...". in the music

naked to the world i came naked i will leave shadow fall behind me sunlight up ahead i fill the in between

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

with the music that we make in love in the music

we rise above

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

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

in the music that we make in love in the music we rise above

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

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

http://trashcansinatras.com/lyrics/in-the-music-lyrics/ Here are videos for 3 songs from "In The Music" http://do512.com/event/2011/03/05/trashcan-sinatras-and-shane-bartell

Welcome to the MoTel Aviv

2011-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Unknown by MoTel Aviv 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.

Leatherbag at The Highball, 2/20/11

2011-02-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

http://do512.com/event/2011/02/20/rock-the-highball http://video.klru.tv/search/Leatherbag/tag/Leatherbag_5 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.

I Love This Band ! : Pete and The Pirates

2011-02-17T05:27:00.001-08:00

Next 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. "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. 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.

Wiretree & Future Clouds and Radar at Stubb's Fri 2/11

2011-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Give Me A Beat ! : The Ugly Beats at Carousel Lounge, Sat Feb 5th

2011-01-31T19:25:00.000-08:00

The 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 :) The Ugly Beats live at The Mohawk 1/14/2011

The Hi-Tones TransAudioStasis Record Release Party

2011-01-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

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 !

Free Energy with The Postelles and The Midgetmen at Emo's, Feb 2nd

2011-01-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to this show since this tour was announced late last year. Free Energy released their album, Stuck On Nothing, in early 2010 but I didn't discover them for myself until last October when I went to see Hollerado open for them at The Mohawk. I went into their set without any expectations and left a new fan. Their songs and stage presence touched on things that I appreciate : catchy melodies, spot-on harmonies, crunchy guitars, having fun onstage, and making sure the audience enjoyed themselves and left with a smile. I last saw The Postelles at SXSW 2009. I can't remember how I first heard of them but I've enjoyed their catchy brand of garage rock/power pop/Motown soul. They've had countless comparisons to The Strokes (Strokes member Albert Hammond Jr produced their first album). That comparison is not entirely off-base. To my taste, they capture the sunnier sounding, upbeat side of The Strokes. As for The Midgetmen, although they've been around Austin for years, I haven't ended up at any of their shows (except for their set at a recent Neil Young Hoot Night). I've only listened to a few of their songs. But based on what I've heard, they're a perfect fit to join the bill with Free Energy and The Postelles. I think this show is going to be a great excuse to shake off any winter blues. Yes, it's on a Wednesday night but sometimes you just need a reason to allow yourself to smile, dance, and sing along. Free Energy sings about it clearly and simply in their song, "Hope Child", "We broadcast hope."

The Midgetmen

The Postelles Free Energy

DOWNLOAD: Free Energy - Hope Child

DOWNLOAD: Free Energy - Free Energy (Video Edit) DOWNLOAD: Free Energy - Dream City

Goldenboy - Sleepwalker

2011-01-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

I've been eagerly awaiting the latest record from Goldenboy for a few years now. I've been a fan of Goldenboy since their debut release, Blue Swan Orchestra, in 2003. Their 2nd album, Underneath The Radio, was released in 2006. I was introduced to Goldenboy's tunes shortly before that time when lead singer and songwriter, Shon Sullivan, was a member of Neil Finn's touring band. Shon Sullivan also played with the late Elliott Smith who gave Shon the nickname of "Goldenboy". While a member of Elliott Smith's band, Shon began developing his own material and thus Goldenboy was born first as a solo side project and later evolving into the current lineup as a quintet. Goldenboy's 3rd release, Sleepwalker, will be released on Feb 8th on Eenie Meenie Records. Sleepwalker continues to showcase Shon's songwriting charms. The album makes its introduction with the driving guitar and vocals of "Different Moon". Sleepwalker also contains Goldenboy's signature gentle, romantic harmonies in songs like "She Belongs To Me", "He Liked Cloudy Weather", "Anna Said", and "Spark." There are also more uptempo, playful songs like "Rock and Roll All Night", "Chelsea Girl", and "I Like You Because" (which contains the smile inducing lyric of "you're so first class/the girl kicks ass") which highlight Shon's skills as a guitarist. There's also the jazzy piano shuffle of "Lilac Afternoon" and the soothing lullaby vibe of the title track. With "Holiday" (a bonus track on the physical CD), you can hear a little bit of the Elliott Smith influence along with the vintage keyboard riffs and wistful vocals. Overall, the songs on Sleepwalker provide lush, engaging indie pop to warm and comfort the soul. Goldenboy will be touring through 2011 and that includes a SXSW 2011 showcase. They kick off their Sleepwalker tour on Feb 1st. Go to http://www.eeniemeenie.com/shows/ for details.

Getting To Know : STEREO IS A LIE

2011-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

After forming in late 2008, Austin's men in black are finally ready to unleash their self-titled debut album. It's officially released on Feb 8th and they're going to have an album release show at The Ghost Room on Feb 12th with The Strange Attractors and The Astronaut Suit. It's a going to be an evening that will shake the rafters as well as send shivers up your spine. In advance of the show, I sat down with frontman, Glynn Wedgewood, to get the facts and a bit of insight into the band. Profile : STEREO IS A LIE Year Formed : 2008 Members/Instruments Played : Glynn Wedgewood (vocals and guitars), Danny Stapleton (guitars), Marcus Pina (bass guitar), Davy Hamrick (drums), Justin Scott (keyboards) Former Bands/Side Projects : Glynn was previously in IV Thieves, Mr and Mrs Mays, and Viterbo. Marcus previously in Alta May and Love Battery. Danny was previously in Our Black Love Song. Davy was previously in Lomita and currently also plays in The White White Lights. Album : Self-titled ; It is scheduled to be released on February 8th on Monolathe Recordings. Influences : The songwriting is influenced by topics such as bleakness and the manipulations of society, government, and politics. Contemporary musical influences include bands such as: The Duke Spirit, Constantines, These New Puritans, The La's, Six By Seven, Interpol, Longpigs, Sigur Ros, Radiohead. Strangest comment or comparison ever made about your band : In a conversation with Glynn Wedgewood, the frequent SIAL comparisons to Oasis came up. He doesn't really see the musical similarity but views the Oasis mention as an attempt to help the music reach certain audiences. Favorite local bands : Ringo Deathstarr, Hardproof Afrobeat, The Strange Attractors, New Roman Times, She Sir, The Astronaut Suit, White Dress, dead black hearts, Ross Dubois, JBE, DD Dagger, Intimate Stranger Favorite local venues : The Ghost Room, The Parish, The ND and The Mohawk Upcoming shows : Album Release Party at The Ghost Room on Sat, February 12th (with The Strange Attractors and The Astronaut Suit) and A Local Night For Local People at The Ghost Room on March 5th. Details TBA. MR Fest (KTSW Fest) in San Marcos TX, April 30th Favorite albums from the past year : A few favorites that Glynn Wedgewood shared : Interpol - s/t, The National - High Violet, The Nervous Wreckords - Valuminium, The Society of Rockets - Future Factory Ideal band (past or present) to open for on a national tour : Past : Led Zeppelin, U2 (on the Achtung Baby tour) ; Present : Interpol

Dean Fertita (Hello=Fire, The Waxwings, Brendan Benson)

2011-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

About a decade ago, I became a fan of Dean Fertita's songwriting when he fronted the Detroit band, The Waxwings. I adored their blend of psychedelic pop, folk rock, and garage rock with their first release, Low To The Ground. The video clip below, Steady as Starlight, is from their last release, Let's Make Our Descent, which was produced by Brendan Benson (he also filled in as a band member when Dominic Romano left the band). Following the end of The Waxwings, Dean toured with Brendan Benson on solo tour dates and later with The Raconteurs. He also kept busy by touring with and becoming a member of Queens of the Stone Age and The Dead Weather. Between all these bands, he found the time to write and record songs for his new solo project called Hello=Fire. It became available in 2009 on Schnitzel Records and was finally released in the U.S. in late 2010. One of my favorite tracks from the Hello=Fire release is "Parallel". On this record, he enlisted contributions from Brendan Benson and fellow members of Queens of the Stone Age. The first video released as Hello=Fire, the gentler sounding "Nature of Our Minds" The brand new Hello=Fire video for "Certain Circles" has Dean a bit tied up at the moment :)

Trumpeter Swan/The Ashes/English Teeth at Club Deville, Fri Jan 14th

2011-01-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

As my friend, Clay (who is the lead singer and songwriter for The Ashes) told me, it's like this bill is made just for me. Simply said but very true. This triple bill gives you a glimpse into my musical tastes - singer/songwriter, indie pop, power pop, alt-country, garage rock, British invasion - all rolled into a tasty little package. Trumpeter Swan is the musical alterego of Drew Patrizi. Drew is currently based in Brooklyn but he previously resided in Austin and was a former member of What Made Milwaukee Famous. He branched out on his own by releasing "Listen For The Clues" recorded with the help of some friends (engineers Erik Wofford and Danny Reisch and players from Voxtrot, the Lemurs and the Polyphonic Spree). I've posted a couple of video clips below but you can also preview some of Drew's songs at http://www.trumpeterswan.net/. In the summer of 2009, I stumbled across English Teeth when they opened for a couple of favorite local bands. They've become a steady favorite of mine by combining solid, catchy tunes along with a fun, engaging stage presence. Since Jan 2010, they've released 3 EPs - the 1st self titled EP, followed by "Two" and "Three" (yes, those are the titles) for your listening pleasure. Take at least one of these EPs home - you'll be glad you did. The Ashes is only just one of the bands in which Clay Fain plays. I think it was 3 bands the last time I counted :-). For brevity's sake, you can describe The Ashes as acoustic alternative pop. If you want to use band names, it's like Wilco combining brains with Elliott Smith and Nada Surf. Just watch and listen to the clip below. It's one of my favorite Ashes tunes - an unreleased nugget known as "Darrel, I Was On My Way". I'm not certain about the band order or cover charge for Friday night at Club Deville. I'm guessing that the music will start at 10 pm and cover charge around $5 or so. Whether you see 1 band or 3, it's worth braving the chilly temperatures to hear some quality songwriting from really great people.

Crawling With Kings at The Mohawk, Austin, TX - Jan 12, 2011

2011-01-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Crawling With Kings were one of those Austin bands I became really excited about a few years ago. But it seems as soon as I did, they broke up. The silver lining since they called it a day is that they've had at least 1 reunion. This week, they're dusting off the cobwebs for another reunion show at The Mohawk this Wednesday, January 12th. Below you can check out a show they performed at The Mohawk in December 2006.

Austin Free Week : Superpop!'s picks

2010-12-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Almost every year I look forward to Austin Free Week. For me personally, it's the best birthday present for a local music fan (my birthday is Jan 6th). I'm unable to attend most of AFW because I'll be spending time out of Texas with my family for a belated Christmas and birthday gathering. Even though I cannot join my fellow local music fanatics this year, I thought I would share some of my picks and recommendations.

Do512 provides a convenient link for upcoming AFW events right here.

*Jan 1st :

at Beauty Bar

Motel Aviv

at The Mohawk :

The White White Lights

*Jan 2nd:

at The Mohawk :

Amplified Heat
The Hi-Tones
The Boxing Lesson
Black Forest Fire

at Club Deville

She Sir w/ Candi & the Strangers

*Jan 3rd

at US Art Authority

She Sir with Ringo Deathstarr

*Jan 4th :

at The Parish

STEREO IS A LIE
Motel Aviv
New Roman Times
Final Exam

*Jan 5th :

at Emo's

(outside)
Free Week
with Quiet Company (12:15a)
The Boxing Lesson (11:15p)
Smoke & Feathers (10:30p)
My Education (9:45p)
Red Leaves (9p)

(inside)
Free Week
with A Giant Dog (1a)
Shapes Have Fangs (12:15a)
Elvis (11:30p)
Rayon Beach (10:45p)
Flesh Lights (10p)

*Jan 6th :

at Emo's

Ringo Deathstarr
The Carrots
The Ugly Beats
The Hi-Tones

*Jan 7th :

Club Deville : "AMP Night" -- a special 5pm-2am Free Week edition of FTMOA's First Friday Frolic
Doors at 5pm / Complimentary Big Red Retro sodas & Complimentary pies from Home Slice Pizza

6pm BK & Mr. E
7pm Eagle Eye Williamson
8pm Erin Ivey
9pm Monarchs
10pm STEREO IS A LIE
11pm One Hundred Flowers
12am DJ I Wanna Be Her
1am DJ uLOVEi

Emo's

What Made Milwaukee Famous
The Lemurs
Ovenbirds
Salesman
The Authors

The Mohawk

MoTel Aviv
The Astronaut Suit
Ume

The Pons/Wiretree/Leatherbag/DJ Czech One at ND @ 501 Studios - Jan 8, 2011

2010-12-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

I love Free Week in Austin. Of course, the shows are free but it's also such a great opportunity to see tons of quality local bands. You can check out multiple venues without feeling guilty or broke. But I'll be out of town this time around visiting family. I'll be back at the end of Free Week for a special show at The ND at 501 Studios. This show with some of my local pop/rock favorites, The Pons, Wiretree, and Leatherbag, will also act as my birthday party. After the live band sets, DJ Czech One will be on hand for an after show dance party. But this dance party will be focusing on 60s British Invasion, 90s Britpop, and other British favorites. In other words, a Superpop!-style shindig :).

Extra and very special thanks goes to my dear friend,Thomas Siragusa, (of The Pons) for the suggestion of making this fantastic local triple bill as my birthday show.

Vote for this event on Do512 : http://do512.com/event/2011/01/08/free-week-the-pons-w-wiretree-and-leatherbag

It's a Pop Girl's Life : 2010 Favorites - part 2

2010-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Even a diehard pop girl needs a little twang in her life now and then. This year it came from the latest Old 97s record, The Grand Theatre, Vol 1. If you're not familiar with Old 97s, they're a little bit country and a little bit rock n'roll. Some critics and fans would complain that the songwriting over the past few releases had too much pop ; of course, that's not a problem with me (and it's another discussion). On this record, I think the band was able to satisfy both sets of fans.

The sound of Texas in 2010 had an excellent contribution from the San Antonio band, Hacienda and their record, Big Red and Barbacoa. Big Red and Barbacoa is their 2nd release and it continues to showcase their love for big 60s sounds ranging from The Beach Boys and The Beatles but also a little bit of 60s country from Buck Owens. Hacienda are also a great example of why family (the band consists of 3 brothers and a cousin) harmonies are so sublime.

Sometimes it's nice when old musical loves come back into your life. In 2010, that would be The Posies with their latest release, Blood/Candy. I was a big fan of some of their early 90s releases (Dear 23, Frosting on the Beater) but I had not kept up with subsequent releases. With Blood/Candy, it sure was a sweet reunion with their outstanding harmonies and solid songwriting.

This year also brought another fine release from Frightened Rabbit with "The Winter of Mixed Drinks." Melancholy, anger, and despair never sounded so sweet. But all hope is not lost in their songs.

Another release I absolutely loved this year was "Big Echo" by The Morning Benders. Once I heard the "Excuses", I was hooked -- again and again. For some folks, it was considered to be the only outstanding track on the album. No, that is certainly not the case. This is an absolutely gorgeous album filled with lush tracks such as "Stitches", "Wet Cement," "Promises" and "All Day All Light." A real keeper and you may find yourself listening to this one on repeat.

I also have a soft spot for a couple of certain male songwriters who are more well known for their bands than their solo output : Brendan Benson (My Old, Familiar Friend) and Fran Healy (Wreckorder). Their sweet, melodic tunes and vocals are my musical comfort food...and maybe just a little bit of crush, too ;).
Staying on that melancholy yet hopeful note, Crowded House came back in fine form with "Intriguer." This was their 2nd release after the band reunited in 2007. I've been a longtime, diehard fan so Neil Finn could sing the phone book to me and I would be happy. Their live shows promoting this album were an experience. This is a band that really connects with and respects its audience. With songs like "Amsterdam", "Twice If You're Lucky" and "Isolation", it shows that Neil Finn remains one of the outstanding songwriters of his generation.

For pure, unabashed fun, the releases from Free Energy (Stuck On Nothing) and The Thermals (Personal Life) struck a chord with me. Life's too short to waste more than 3 minutes on a song, alright ? ;)

Austin likes to keep things groovy and it was done in 2010 with help from The Black Angels (Phosphene Dream) and The Ugly Beats (Motor!). The Black Angels turned a little bit of light onto their signature dark drone with songs like "Telephone" and "Sunday Afternoon". The Ugly Beats have put out their finest release so far and you don't want to skip a track. With this band, "retro" is not a dirty word ; they have fun with their influences.

In my musical world, "pop" is not a bad word but it also doesn't refer to current Top 40 artists. To me, it means that melody and harmony are key elements to great songs that stick in your brain and make you want to sing along or just simply make you smile. A variety of examples from Austin this past year include releases from Hollywood Gossip (Dear as Diamonds) and Household Names (Stories, No Names) as well as more indie/electro pop from The Black and White Years (Patterns) and The Sour Notes (It's Not Gonna Be Pretty).

It's a Pop Girl's Life : 2010 Favorites - part 1

2010-12-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

I did not buy/obtain/download enough music to put together a "best of". Although I listen to a lot of music, sometimes I'm just plain lazy. But I thought I would highlight some of my favorite discoveries of the year.

In no particular order :

I first heard of Lawrence Arabia (musical alterego of New Zealander, James Milne) early this year. One listen of the album track "Apple Pie Bed" and I was hooked. Once I heard the rest of the "Chant Darling" release, I was smitten. I'm a sucker for lush harmonies and witty, sometimes offbeat lyrics. When I learned that he and his band were opening for Crowded House on their U.S. tour, I think I nearly exploded with delight.

One of the bands who helped indulge my affection for all things 60s mod and British invasion is The Len Price 3 (no one is named Len Price in the band but there are 3 members). Take one part Who, one part Kinks, one part Beatles and stir in other musical bits and bobs, you've got The Len Price 3. I don't care that they're not reinventing the wheel. You can't resist their exuberance and unabashed love for their influences. Their 2010 release, Pictures, is 31 minutes of jangly, crunchy goodness.

Their record was released in other parts of the world before this year but fortunately U.S. fans have not been left out. Let's Wrestle released "In The Court of the Wrestling Let's" on Merge Records in 2010. These 3 young men write about everything from their daily schedule to insects as well as tanks and the late Princess Diana's hair. It's sloppy garage punk on the surface but with the heart of a well -written 3 minute pop song beating strongly behind it. Go listen to "I Won't Lie To You" and you'll understand.

It's possible that The Futureheads have one of the best album introductions for 2010 with the title track for "The Chaos" as they shout out "5 4 3 2 1.....LET'S GO !" This British quartet from Sunderland deftly combines punk energy and tight songwriting and to keep your on your toes, beautiful acapella harmonies. You can't help singing and dancing along and maybe even pumping your fist. Amazing band who truly know how to rock -- so glad I was able to see them when they stopped in Austin back in September.

This year also featured another excellent release from Sunderland : "Measure" by Field Music. Field Music is the songwriting team of brothers, Peter and David Brewis. It's a double album/2 CD release so it takes a little patience to fully explore and enjoy their eclectic influences and styles. Their flawless brotherly harmonies tie it all together.

To EP or not to EP - that is the question...

2010-12-13T12:48:00.001-08:00

The poor little EP - it's usually disqualified or left off from end of the year best-of/favorites lists. That's a shame considering that a lot of bands are releasing more of their songs on the EP format. Here are the EPs I've enjoyed this past year from some of my favorite local (Austin TX) bands.

Quiet Company - Songs For Staying In

This EP has been a case of "the little EP that could". It became more than just a release to put out between full length records. This record received airplay on popular Austin radio stations (KGSR, KUT, and KROX) and it has put them on the radar as a band to watch while fans await the release of their next full length recording.

She Sir - Yens

This was released early in 2010 but as a latecomer to the band, I didn't hear it until this summer. After listening to its sparkling melodies, dual harmonies, and layered, swirling guitars, I was instantly smitten and wondered why I hadn't came across their songs earlier. "Yens" is merely a taste of what She Sir have to offer but it's a good place to start.

English Teeth - English Teeth, Two, and III

This Austin band proudly wear their Anglophile influences on their hearts and sleeves and that's what I love about them. Why should you hide your best influences ? Show them off loud and proud ! The 'Teef (as they nicknamed themselves) started off the year by releasing their debut, self titled EP including the wonderfully snotty, bratty nuggets"Catastrophe" and "Invasion". This fall, they released the aptly named "Two" EP containing 2 songs, Dear Caesar and Roadrunner. They close the year by releasing another EP, titled "III". The EPs are a certainly a fun listen but to fully experience the 'Teef, try to catch one of their live performances in Austin.

Gentlemen Rogues - self titled

This will predictably get comparisons to Green Day (the vocals are slightly reminiscent to them) but I think that Gentlemen Rogues are more "power pop" than "pop punk". Like English Teeth, they don't shy away from showing their British influences. I grabbed a copy of their EP at one of their shows earlier this month and it's been on frequent rotation. I'm certainly looking forward to hearing more from them in 2011.

The Hi-Tones EP

After being on the scene for a couple of years under a few different names and lineups, the band now known as The Hi-Tones made their debut release this summer with a self titled EP. They combine 60s British invasion with plenty of soul and R&B plus a pinch of power pop that provides the listener with an introduction to their infectious, energetic sound. You can preview their upcoming 2011 release here

The White White Lights EP

I became an instant fan of TWWL last year so I was excited to finally get my hands on their debut EP released in Feb 2010. If I'm asked to recommend a band to see in Austin, TWWL are always on my list.
Great songs, a strong female singer, solid, powerful drums, and one of the best live guitarists I've seen (plus charismatic stage presence), they simply kick ass :)

TV Torso - Status Quo Vadis

After hearing their previous 2 7" inch releases, I was eager to hear more. Forget the Spoon comparisons, Matt Oliver creates distinct, shimmering guitar pop tunes of his own and with songs like "Slouch Hat City, "Two Glass Eyes", and "Slanderers Stew", you will be sure to keep TV Torso on your musical radar (and go back and pick up those outstanding 7 in" singles on their Bandcamp page). Their live set is also definitely worth catching.

Love at 20- To Have and Have Not

In late 2009, Love at 20 debuted with their full length, Time To Begin, which was offered as a free download on Bandcamp (now available for purchase on Amazon.com and iTunes). They spent part of 2010 staying active on the live music scene as well as taking time to write and record their follow-up EP released in November. It's available as a free download on Bandcamp. It's catchy as hell and some of you might be a little shy to admit you like their sound. Think Muse mixed with a little bit of Weezer, Interpol, and Jimmy Eat World but with a little extra class and panache. Raise your martini glasses and rock !

The Steps - Flight Path

Classic rock meets modern rock (or take a good musical upbringing and add their own contemporary musical choices) and you've got The Steps. "Flight Path" was their follow up after their 2008 full length self titled debut. This summer 2010 release was perfect for the season - loud, strong, singalong worthy, and carefree.

International Waters - It Felt Like

The band describes their sound as "jangly anger" which is fitting since there is some bite and sharpness behind the sweet sounding vocals and guitars. It's a limited release (only 300 copies pressed) on 10" vinyl. You can purchase it directly from the band's website. I've only heard 2 out of the 4 tracks since I don't have a turntable yet. I've enjoyed the slightly ominous, somber "Cycle of the Chain" and the brighter, sweet tones of "Olympia".

The Seas - Head of Snakes

Now I remember why I'm not the biggest fan of making lists. I always end up forgetting something I wanted to include. The band released this EP this summer shortly before frontman, Nurk Njorksen, left for adventures in S Korea. The digital only EP features slinky yet bubbly tunes like "Stars Don't Shine Just For You", the lush and dreamy "Lullahello", and the unexpected, singalong anthem, "Suicide" ("We don’t need no suicide for the two of us to get high").

The Ripe - man with no eyes

Formed while still a member of The Ugly Beats, Jake Garcia branched off and started a new project, The Ripe, with friends from other local bands. The Ripe put together a tasty combination of 60s/70s power pop, folk, and psychedelia. Sunny melodies and jangly and crunchy guitar licks serve as an introduction to their sound. Look out for their upcoming full length recorded this year in Spain.

The Pons at The Ghost Room, Sat Dec 11th with STEREO IS A LIE and Red Falcon

2010-12-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Despite the number of shows I've seen in Austin over the past couple of years, somehow I had never crossed paths with The Pons. About a year ago, that changed when I heard their song "Giant" played on WOXY and saw them perform at Beauty Bar. As a fan of catchy and smart pop/rock, for me it was love at first sight and listen. While I was playing catch up with enjoying their debut album, In The Belly Of A Giant, the band has spent 2010 writing and recording their sophomore follow up, The Blackest Shine, with Erik Wofford (his credits include The Black Angels, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Explosions In The Sky, Voxtrot, Brothers And Sisters, The Octopus Project) at Cacophony Recorders. The Blackest Shine is expected to be released early next year - no set release date at this time.
I know that The Pons are looking forward to showing off their new songs as well as playing favorites from their first album. Their songs reflect a range of emotions : sweet and light, dark and moody, and shades in between. I also have a soft spot for harmonies, melodies, and hooks that stay in your head. Chances are you'll hear these songs in your head when you least expect it and once "The Blackest Shine" is released, don't be surprised if you find yourself hitting the repeat button. Yes, that's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.

For this Saturday's show at The Ghost Room, The Pons will be joined by friends from STEREO IS A LIE and Red Falcon. An all around fantastic local triple bill. $6 (21 +, sorry kids).

The Pons - 11:30
STEREO IS A LIE - 10:30
Red Falcon - 9:30

$6 for 3 bands on a Sat night is a pretty good deal but if one lucky winner and a guest would like to go for *FREE* (courtesy of whitesiren), send me an email at jenleduc@hotmail.com with "The Ghost Room" in the subject line and I will choose a winner on Friday.

Below I've posted videos from their June 26, 2010 performance at The Ghost Room : 2 new songs, Death of the Peacock and Someone Else's Voice along with their amped up cover of Wreckless Eric's, Whole Wide World. Videos were filmed by ATXLive.

Vote for this event on Do512.

Listen to the title track and rough mixes from "The Blackest Shine"

New Favorite Band: Gentlemen Rogues

2010-12-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

video : Gentlemen Rogues "Yes and No Forever"

From the ashes of one of my favorite Austin bands, The Fall Collection, Gentlemen Rogues arrived on the Austin music scene in 2010. I didn't learn about them until I went to see one of my favorite UK bands, Field Music, at Emo's in late September. I ran into lead singer/guitarist, Danny Dunlap, at the venue and learned that his new band, Gentlemen Rogues, was opening for Field Music. Although I hadn't yet heard Gentlemen Rogues' songs yet, I had a feeling this would be a good fit recalling The Fall Collection's Anglophile influences (The Clash and The Jam are 2 examples).

I wasn't sure what to expect since a couple of years had passed since The Fall Collection stopped playing. I had a bit of a flashback with the familiar sounds I love (a catchy mix of power pop, punk, and a bit of British indie rock) but Gentlemen Rogues added some extra power with a second guitarist. I think I dorked out just a little when I saw Danny was still playing a left-handed Rickenbacker guitar. I'm a sucker for that jangly yet crunchy sound - what can I say ;-) ? The infectious tunes and energetic stage presence are what I remember from the past but those are also the qualities that have won me over in the present time. Gentlemen Rogues have released a self titled 3 song EP that is currently available at their shows. You can also preview their tunes online on their MySpace page. Information and updates are also available on their Facebook page. Keep an eye out for Gentlemen Rogues in 2011 - definitely a band to watch.

I Love This Band ! : The Duke Spirit

2010-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

You've been warned. My fixation on The Duke Spirit has been rekindled by the news of their upcoming "Kusama" EP release and early 2011 release of their LP, Bruiser. Enjoy.

"Northbound"
I can't get enough of this gorgeous new tune from their upcoming "Kusama" EP. Liela Moss' voice really shines on this track and credit also due to the dual guitar attack and solid rhythm section.

A few years ago, the band recorded a bunch of covers including the 60s Love classic, A House Is Not A Motel. Their version can be found on the "Covered In Love" EP.

Earlier this year, the band contributed a song to a compilation that was released in celebration of Doc Martens 50th anniversary. The original is by the 70s/80s UK punk band, Sham 69. The Duke Spirit provide a chilled out, organ fueled version instead of the original rowdy, "Oi !"styled punk anthem.

The Posies and Brendan Benson in Austin TX at La Zona Rosa, Nov 26th

2010-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

When this tour was announced, I think I nearly squealed with glee. I've been a fan of The Posies since I was in college. I first saw them 2 decades ago (yes really it was that long ago) when they opened for The Replacements at the Texas Union Hall at UT. At that time, I adored their record, Dear 23, chock full of soaring harmonies and singalong power pop gems. I admit that I haven't consistently followed their career but still remain a fan. There have been glowing reports from the current tour and I'm looking forward to hearing tunes from their latest record, Blood/Candy . I think my power pop loving head nearly exploded when I learned The Posies were doing double duty by playing their own headlining set as well as acting as Brendan Benson's band. I've been a fan of Brendan Benson's solo career for almost a decade now. After 2 albums with The Raconteurs, he returned with his 4th solo release, "My Old Familiar Friend". This show should be an excellent remedy after a Thanksgiving food coma.
Below I've posted links for "The Glitter Prize" by The Posies and "Feel Like Taking You Home" by Brendan Benson. If you click "Like" for the event on do512.com, you have a chance to win a pair of tickets.

http://soundcloud.com/quimera/the-posies-the-glitter-prize-with-kay-hanley

http://soundcloud.com/brendanbenson/feel-like-taking-you-home

http://do512.com/event/2010/11/26/the-posies-and-brendan-benson-with-aqueduct

STEREO IS A LIE

2010-11-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, STEREO IS A LIE made their debut as a band. As a fan, my patience is being rewarded this weekend as the band celebrates the official release of their new single, "It's Too Late" on Monolathe Recordings from their upcoming self titled album to be released in Feb 2011. The record was mixed by Chris Cline (Trail Of Dead) and mastered by John Golden (Sonic Youth, Film School, Japandroids, etc.). The lineup is completed by friends from 2 other local bands, New Roman Times and dead black hearts, who have joined SIAL on past shows together. This solid local triple bill will be playing this Sat, Nov 20th, at Beauty Bar. If you're a fan of a big guitar sound, powerful drums, and a live performance that will command your attention, I highly recommend checking out my favorite musical Men In Black.

Austin Bleet Up

2010-11-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

In Nov 2009, I attended the Austin Bleet Up not as a blogger but as a fan of some of the bands who played the event (Built By Snow, Corto Maltese) and to meet up with friends. Was this event a source of inspiration for me ? Maybe...but it took a little longer before I officially created my blog. It debuted in April 2010 as "Beautiful Beat" but I changed it a few months later to "Superpop!".
It looks like next month's Bleet Up is bigger than ever. Bloggers and blog readers will be gathering on Dec 3rd at Whole Foods downtown rooftop terrace for music, food, shopping from local boutiques and craft shops, and ice skating (memories of my Minnesota childhood is excited about this). This year's event will also honor the winners of the first ever Austin Blogger Awards. The awards will be nominated by and voted upon by readers. You can find the nominees and vote on the following site : http://austinbloggerawards.com/. Some of the categories include : Best New Blog, Best Overall Music Blog, Best Blog to Discover Local Music, and Best Photoblog/Flickr Feed.

Do512 is holding a ticket giveaway for clicking "I Like It,": http://do512.com/event/2010/12/03/the-austin-bleet-up

Remember to bring $7 for door cover, and if you Tweet / blog about the Bleet-Up, don't forget to RSVP: http://www.eavesdropper-pr.com/rsvp/

Here's a short, "getting to know you" interview I did in June 2010 for the Austin Blog Jam.

The Villas - Jamie EP

2010-11-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Remember when indie pop actually made you smile giving you that fuzzy, giddy feeling ? Well, it still exists with the new Austin quartet, The Villas. The title track, Jamie, is a fun combination of Weezer meets Fountains Of Wayne, full of crunchy guitars and ba-ba-ba, oh yeah singalong harmonies. The next 3 tracks, "Babybomb", "Pin You Down", and "Ripy" proudly display the band's unabashed love for classic powerpop sounds and even a bit of Britpop (bands like Blur and Ash). The EP reaches a melancholy, somber end with Fading In My Mind and a clean version of the title track. This EP is available for download from Bandcamp for $4.99. A great deal for indie/powerpop fanatics to add to their music library and playlists. For Austin fans, you can catch The Villas this weekend, Fri Nov 5th, at Scoot Inn for the Austin Indie Pop Spectacular which also features White Hotel and The Stan Laurels. $5 cover plus a Britpop/Indie DJ set afterwards.

http://do512.com/event/2010/11/05/the-villas-the-white-hotel-and-the-stan-laurels
http://thevillas.bandcamp.com/album/jamie-ep
http://www.thevillasmusic.com

The Duke Spirit - Everybody's Under Your Spell

2010-10-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

As an avid fan of The Duke Spirit, I was very happy to hear this new song from their upcoming "Kusama" EP slated for December 2010 release. Their 3rd full length will hopefully be released early next year. This song has certainly whetted my appetite for their new material. I love how their range of influences from R & B, psychedelia, garage, and even Motown and soul come together to create a distinct sound. On a lighter note, if you haven't developed a crush on lead singer, Liela Moss, after watching this video and/or listening to her smoky, sweet vocals, check your pulse please.

The Ugly Beats

2010-10-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Best Excuse To Leave Work Early On Friday Award (in Austin) goes to : seeing The Ugly Beats celebrate their new release "Motor !" at Waterloo Records Fri Oct 22nd at 5 pm.
Take great garage rock along with 60s British Invasion sounds and add a pinch of Texas flavor, you've got The Ugly Beats. If you've never seen them, this is your chance to see one of the best bands around for FREE, enjoy some free beer, and maybe even pick up a copy of "Motor!" to listen to this weekend. If you've seen them countless times like me, you can never get enough of the Beats !

And here's a bonus track that didn't appear on Motor! but you'll often hear during their sweaty, rollicking live sets.

Hollerado : Seriously Fun

2010-10-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hollerado is returning to Austin this month (Sat, Oct 23rd at The Mohawk) as part of their autumn tour opening for Free Energy and Foxy Shazam. I've never seen Free Energy or Foxy Shazam but I wouldn't be surprised if Hollerado steal the show but I'm a bit biased here.
Their new video for "Americanarama" has been getting some well deserved attention. It's quite addicting. You can't help watching it more than once or twice. The second clip I posted is from SXSW 2010. They play their own tune, Fake Drugs, but close out their day party set with their version of Neil Young's Rockin' In The Free World. One of my personal highlights of SXSW. I've managed to convert a few friends into Hollerado fans and I wouldn't mind converting a few more. Check their list of tour dates and other fun treats on the band website (http://www.hollerado.com). Don't miss your chance to see this band. I'm sure Menno, Jake, Nick, and Dean would love to see you. They're touring through the U.S. and Canada in October and November with Free Energy. Here are the dates :
10/12/10 – Portland, ME @ Space
10/13/10 – Providence, RI @ Jerky’s Music Hall
10/14/10 – Burlington, VT @ Club Metronome
10/16/10 – Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe
10/18/10 – Columbus, OH @ The Summit
10/19/10 – Nashville, TN @ The End
10/20/10 – St. Louis, MO @ The Old Rock House
10/21/10 – Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
10/23/10 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
10/25/10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
10/26/10 – San Diego, CA @ 710 Beach Club
10/28/10 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour
10/29/10 – San Francisco, CA @ Slims
10/30/10 – San Jose, CA @ The Blank Club
11/10/10 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/11/10 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile Café
11/12/10 – Vancouver, BC @ The Media Club
11/14/10 – Edmonton, AV @ The Pawn Shop
11/15/10 – Calgary, AB @ The Republik
11/16/10 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigos
11/17/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Pyramid
11/18/10 – Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar
11/19/10 – Chicago, IL @ Shazam
11/20/10 – Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
11/21/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
11/22/10 – Albany, NY @ Valentines
11/23/10 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
11/24/10 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/26/10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg
11/27/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of Living Arts
12/01/10 – Washington DC @ Rock And Roll Hotel

The Morning Benders

2010-10-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

I first heard of them 2-3 years ago but I've missed opportunities to see them for various reasons. But I certainly hope to make up for those lost opportunities by catching their set at Austin City Limits Festival this year. They're playing the Honda Stage at 3 pm this Sun, Oct 10th and appearing at the Waterloo Records autograph tent at 4:30 pm. Their 2010 album, Big Echo, is a beautiful example of well written pop songs. This makes me a total fangirl but something about Chris Chu's vocals makes me melt and sigh. Simple and magnificent. It's gorgeous ear candy but also very satisfying which keeps you going back for more.

Field Music in Austin at Emo's 9/29/2010

2010-09-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of touring shows coming to Austin this fall. One of those shows I'm looking forward to is Field Music. They're playing at Emo's on Wed, Sept 29th. I first heard of them in 2006 and became an instant fan. The core of Field Music are songwriters and brothers, David and Peter Brewis. They've been touring this year in support of their 2010 release, Measure. I've only seen Field Music once before and I could barely see and hear them through a sea of people under a tent during SXSW 2007. David and Peter Brewis were also at SXSW in 2009 with one of their side projects, The Week That Was. I'm a fan because I'm completely charmed by their brotherly harmonies and their ability to transform their influences into something fresh and original yet familiar. The tracks "Them That Do Nothing" and "Let's Write A Book" are 2 of the highlights (and videos) from the Measure album. If you're charmed as I am by the Brewis brothers, I highly recommend seeing them at Emo's for a rare appearance in Austin.

Friday Night Alright : Superpop! and Bleu French Laundry Presents

2010-09-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

On Fri Sept 24th, I'm presenting a showcase of Austin bands (and one band from Houston) under my blog name (Superpop !) along with Jennifer Marchand of Bleu French Laundry Productions. Earlier this summer, she approached me about inviting some of my favorite local bands to play at Ruta Maya Coffeehouse. It sounded like a fun challenge. It was a bit stressful trying to find bands that were available on that date but I'm looking forward to hearing how it all turns out at the new back bar at Ruta Maya.
My taste leans more towards melodic and pop sounds and Jennifer Marchand's taste is more brazenly rock (or should I say ROCK !). I've recently became a fan of She Sir and I admit I'm such a sucker for dreamy vocals and jangly, yet fuzzy guitar sounds. They're not just for bedroom listening ; their live sound packs more of a punch that you might anticipate. Ideal Soul Mart are proof that you don't need a lot of fuss to create memorable pop songs. They're only a two-piece band, switching off instruments, and often playing multiple instruments at the same time. The result is a surprisingly big, full sound. I've heard of Tiger Thrust through my friend, Misti Watkins, who is also the drummer. She formed the band with her friend, Ben Fleming. But I haven't had a chance to see them yet so I'm looking forward to hearing their new project.
The lineup is completed with the addition of The Vitamins and Sex Dragon who are bringing the ROCK so don't forget your earplugs.

The Vitamins (w/ Erik & Jamey of Tia Carrera) : http://www.myspace.com/thevitaminsatx
She Sir : http://www.myspace.com/shesir
Tiger Thrust : http://www.myspace.com/tigerthrustrocks
Sex Dragon : http://www.myspace.com/sexdragonrocks
Ideal Soul Mart : http://www.myspace.com/idealsoulmart

$6, $5 if you bring 2 friends

8pm doors
9:15pm TIGER THRUST (30 min)
10pm SHE SIR (45 min)
11pm THE VITAMINS (45 min)
12midnight SEX DRAGON (45 min)
1am IDEAL SOUL MART (45 min)

Rabbits and Pirates

2010-08-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoyed watching and listening to this week is a live set in San Francisco from Scottish band, Frightened Rabbit. They've developed a steady, growing following for their passionate, emotional performances over the past 2 years in the U.S. It's not all sadness and melancholy as this relaxed set highlights the band's sense of humor especially from frontman, Scott Hutchison. The band will be returning to the states for some tour dates this fall. I'm already excited for their set at Stubb's Amphitheater in Austin on October 20th. It may seem trite or dorky but Frightened Rabbit is also a band I've enjoyed meeting ; they're a really nice and funny bunch of guys.

You can watch Frightened Rabbit's performance here : http://revision3.com/frightenedrabbit

Another thing I've enjoyed listening to this week is a set of demos from my current favorite British band, Pete and the Pirates. I'm not sure how to articulate why I like them without going into embarrassing gushing fangirl mode. All of the members are songwriters with different musical tastes which results in a cohesive yet diverse sound without being too over the place. In the "Precious Tones" EP, you have the punk flavored, Selina, followed by harmony laden, Blood From A Stone, soothing melodies in My Sun Hat, and ending with the melodic, multilayered plea of Where Did You Go.

http://petethepirates.bandcamp.com/album/precious-tones-demos

<a href="http://petethepirates.bandcamp.com/album/precious-tones-demos">Selina (Demo) by Pete & The Pirates</a>

International Waters/TV Torso/STUNTS at Emo's 8/18/2010

2010-08-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is a weeknight local lineup worth checking out because International Waters and TV Torso will be celebrating their new vinyl releases. International Waters have a new 10" for the tracks Olympia/Cycle of the Chain. TV Torso have a new 12" titled Status Quo Vadis. Opening the show is new shoegaze pop band, STUNTS. If the sound of jangly, sparkling and often fuzzy guitars makes you swoon, then this is the local bill for you.

http://do512.com/event/2010/08/18/tv-torso-with-international-waters

International Waters : http://www.internationalwaters.net/

TV Torso : http://tvtorso.bandcamp.com/album/status-quo-vadis

STUNTS : http://stunts.bandcamp.com/

Girls and Boys In The Garage

2010-07-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't heard Agent Ribbons entire album, Chateau Crone, yet but their tune "I'm Alright" has me hooked. The guitar riff has the gritty jangle reminiscent of 60s garage rock combined with girl group harmonies. A pretty sweet combination indeed.

http://six-by-nine.org/muruch/agentribbons-imalright.mp3

You can check them out in Austin TX on Fri, July 30th at the Continental Club as part of Lucy The Poodle's Summer Dance Party. Additional 1960's girl group sounds will be supplied by The Carrots. They're one of those local bands I've heard about for a few years but I've always missed the opportunities to see them.

The boys will also get their turn to show their stuff courtesy of the R & B/soul infused rock of The Hi-Tones and the British Invasion swagger of English Teeth.

4 bands for $8 on a Friday night at the legendary Continental Club sounds like a great way to kick off a summer weekend and support your local music scene.

http://do512.com/event/2010/07/30/lucy-the-poodle-presents-a-summer-dance-party-celebrating-the-hi-tones-ep-release-w-the-carrots-agent-ribbons-and-more

The Real Heroes

2010-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

I was excited to say the least to see that The Real Heroes are playing this week. They don't play very often due to other commitments so to see them is a real treat. They are a seriously fun rock band -- it's pop, punk, glam, and rock all rolled in one complete package. They know how to perform and you know that they're having just as much fun onstage as you are watching (and hopefully dancing to) them.
They're playing this Wed, July 14th at 10 pm, at Antone's as part of Antone's 35th Anniversary celebrations. Other bands on this bill include Johnny Goudie with Spencer Gibb (8 pm), Shane Bartell (9 pm) who is returning to performing after 2 years), and Cover Girl (11 pm). You never know when there will be another Real Heroes gig so catch them this week if you can.

You can RSVP for this show at do512.com for $5 cover and the chance to win free tickets :

Quick update

2010-07-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

This blog is a work in progress. I'm still trying to figure out what content to include, how it should look, etc. A bit of challenge considering I'm not very tech-savvy and my home computer is 7 years old. But in the meantime, I've added a link to my Flickr page where you can view my growing collection of gig/concert photos. I've also added a banner which was created by my friend, Matt Parmenter, who does graphic design through his business, Ice Cream Factory Studio (http://www.icecreamfactorystudio.com http://www.facebook.com/icecreamfactorystudio).

The Ashes

2010-06-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Ashes - "Darrel, I Was On My Way" and "Alone" The Ashes is a project from Austin songwriter, Clay Fain. His songs straddle both the worlds of alt-country and indie pop. For the recordings and live performances, he's joined by Ideal Soul Mart bandmate/collaborator, Adam Luikart (bass and backing vocals), Douglas Walseth (guitar), and Daniel Jones (drums). The Ashes first appeared as a side project while Friends of Lizzy were still around. The Ashes were on the back burner for awhile but more recently resurfaced along with Ideal Soul Mart and the release of both bands albums. Some songs (such as "Incomplete" and "Pretty Good") are more piano driven ballads while other songs (such as "The Things You Think While I'm Asleep" and "Honestly") are straightforward alt-country. Clay's warm, melodic vocals along with Adam's harmonies, Douglas's skilled slide guitar, and Daniel's solid but not overpowering drum playing combine for a full, rich, and satisfying sound. The live gigs are mostly in the Austin area but if you can't see them play live, their self-titled album is a worthy addition to your musical library. Also, keep your fingers crossed for an upcoming release in the near future featuring new tunes, "Darrel, I Was On My Way" and "The Other Girls Are Gone". Don't forget to check out the live video clips above that were recorded last year by Robert Adams and Johnny Ramirez. http://www.myspace.com/theashestx http://twitter.com/TheAshesMusic http://www.facebook.com/theashesmusic http://web.me.com/cdfain/The_Ashes_Store/The_Ashes_Store.html (this is where you can buy the record...highly recommended !)

Household Names

2010-06-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Household Names recently released their 3rd full length record, "Stories No Names". Earlier this month, they invited friends and fans to watch them play a short acoustic set which was being filmed at The Triangle in central Austin by Justin Dehn and John Fisher from Station 8 Media. Below are clips for the songs, "Firefly" and "Driving to LA". http://householdnames.org http://myspace.com/householdnames http://twitter.com/householdnames

Austin Music Blog Jam

2010-06-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, June 26th, at The Ghost Room is the debut of the first ever Austin Music Blog Jam. This show will feature Austin bands The Pons, STEREO IS A LIE, and Wiretree along with Houston band Searching for Signal. Plus ATXlive.com will have cameras on hand to shoot the whole event. It's a great opportunity to meet some of your favorite bloggers and enjoy some great music. I first saw and met The Pons last December and they became an instant favorite. I really appreciate solid songwriting with great people and stories behind those songs at the end of the day. I've been fortunate to follow STEREO IS A LIE from the very beginning in late 2008. Even from the first gig, you knew you were in for something special. I've known SIAL lead singer and guitarist, Glynn Wedgewood, since 2005 when he landed in Austin with fellow Brits, Nic Armstrong and the Thieves (later named, IV Thieves). When I first heard that Glynn was starting his own band, needless to say, the anticipation was high. As much as I've enjoyed the live sets, I can't wait to hear what these guys have done on record. When you do come to a show, please bring your earplugs - don't say I didn't warn you. I say that as a compliment to the band and their amps :) This event also features melodic folk-influenced sounds of Austin band, Wiretree.

Across my Mind - Wiretree - underthefloorboard.com from underthefloorboard.com on Vimeo.

Scrappy vs Pretty

2010-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

In this clip, Chris Murphy from Sloan summarized the songs on the band's 2006 release, Never Hear The End Of It. Watching this again, I realized that he was describing my music taste. I have a lot of admiration for bands like Sloan who are able to write solid, catchy tunes that vary in style but also have their own identifiable sound. Several years ago when I first started seeing favorite local bands on a regular basis, I was nicknamed a "pop girl" and for the most part, it's stuck. I don't dispute it because I favor bands/artists who can create strong melodies, harmonies, and hooks. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy something with extra volume, buzz, and/or feedback. If a band can create a hook that sticks in my brain, makes me want sing along, turn up the volume, and hit the repeat button, you've found a fan in me. I'll leave you with a couple of examples pertaining to the blog title. "Scrappy" "Pretty"

What's in a name ?

2010-06-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

The answer is : song titles. Just for fun, I thought I would post a few videos for songs that have Jen (Jen, Nothing Matters To Me from Irving), Jenny (Jenny Jenny from The Urges), or Jennifer (Jennifer from Pete and the Pirates) as part of their song titles. How can you resist a song with your name in it ? :)

Lawrence Arabia "The Beautiful Young Crew"

2010-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Twitter (and the One Track Mind music blog), I discovered Lawrence Arabia earlier this year (the musical name of New Zealand songwriter, James Milne). The first track that I heard was the incredibly catchy, Apple Pie Bed. But another favorite is The Beautiful Young Crew. It combines singalong likeability, sunny harmonies, and stinging social commentary ("we love each but we hate each other/we're afraid of each other because we want to screw each other"). The video is also a treat. It looks like an homage to political campaign ads and documentaries from the late 70s/early 80s. It utilizes its own series of familiar images you might see in a campaign ad but with the witty lyrics providing most of the commentary. You can find "The Beautiful Young Crew" on his most recent record, Chant Darling.

Give Me A Holler !

2010-05-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

I first saw Hollerado in late 2007 when they were on a bill with one of my favorite local bands, The Ugly Beats. They played to a nearly empty venue but I liked them enough to remember them. I missed them at SXSW 2008 but patience paid off when they returned for SXSW 2009. By that time, I took advantage of the free album download of Record In A Bag that they had offered on their website (http://www.hollerado.com). I was hooked by their infectious, harmony filled guitar rock. Whether you see them play live or listen to their songs at home, you'll be charmed by their sense of fun and impressed by their tight performance and songwriting. They also like the audience to be part of the fun. You can now buy Record In A Bag in stores. It does come in a plastic bag filled with confetti and other fun items selected by the band members themselves. At SXSW 2009 and 2010, they invited fans to join them onstage. At SXSW 2010, their official showcase fell on the same day as drummer Jake Boyd's birthday. Confetti poppers were made available to the audience so there was confetti flying everywhere along with a purposefully out of tune version of "Happy Birthday" as directed by lead singer and guitarist, Menno Versteeg. The band lineup is completed by guitarist Nick Boyd and bassist Dean Switzer. These lovely Canadians are returning to Austin this week. They're playing at Emo's on Tues 5/18 with Fang Island, Zlam Dunk, and Agent Ribbons (http://do512.com/event/2010/05/18/fang-island-with-tba-tba-tba).

Quiet Is The New Loud

2010-05-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

"How Do You Do It ?" : Video captured by Cindy Royal on 2/24/10 at Emo's, Austin TX

Based on my favored pop/rock tendencies, I should have been an instant fan of Quiet Company. I can admit that this was not the case. This does not mean that I ever hated or completely dismissed them. I sort of filed them away in the back of my mind to revisit later. Things started to turn in the right direction when I saw them at Beerland last July when they shared a bill with one of my Austin favorites, Built By Snow. I did proscratinate for reasons I don't recall at the moment to see them perform again until Free Week back in early January. It was absolutely freezing that night at Emo's so my patience paid off in waiting for their set. The musical lightbulb in my head finally lit up and declared "Yes, I like this band !"

What do I like about their songs ? Pardon me while I borrow some words from one of my all time favorite songwriters, Neil Finn (from Split Enz and Crowded House if you didn't already know). In an interview, he listed several ingredients for a good song : 1) seamless melody and hooks 2) texture and atmosphere 3) subtle lyrics 4) light and dark moments.

Quiet Company have become one of those bands I'm eager to recommend to friends. If you like the song above (How Do You Do It from their new EP, Songs For Staying In), I hope you'll pass on the good word and recommend them to your friends.

http://www.quietcompanymusic.com

Sink your teeth into this band

2010-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorite bands in Austin is English Teeth. I first saw them last summer when they were on a bill with 2 other local bands I like, Shapes Have Fangs and The Ugly Beats. Whoever put this bill together knew what they were doing. Like the previously mentioned bands, English Teeth proudly wear their influences on their sleeves and do it really well. You can recognize the 60s British Invasion sounds but they also blend in some punk, blues, and rockabilly. There's also room for some catchy melodies and hooks along with the crunchy guitars and sneering, raspy vocals. They're playing at 9 pm this Wed, April 28th, at the Mohawk as part of the From The Mind of Adi series and May 12th at The Parish (with The Ripe and The White White Lights - 2 more local bands I highly recommend). If you can't make it out to their shows, I recommend getting their self titled debut EP. If you're in Austin, you can find it at Waterloo Records. Or drop a message to the band on MySpace or Facebook, they'll be glad to help you get hold of their tunes. http://www.myspace.com/englishteethmusic http://www.reverbnation.com/englishteeth http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Teeth/119364249196

Is this the start of something ?

2010-04-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

After much persuasion over the past couple of years, I've decided to attempt a music blog. I can admit that writing is not my greatest skill but I'm passionate about telling people about the bands and music that I like. So this will always be a work in progress with plenty of trial and error. I've procrastinated a little bit trying to think of a name for this blog. For now, I'm calling it "Beautiful Beat" inspired by the song from Nada Surf. Beautiful beat get me out of this mess Beautiful beat lift me up from distress