TRINITY STARDUST and The Blog From Mars

White Dress Offer Free EP Download

2012-01-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

Austin is currently in the grips of its growing annual new year's tradition Free Week. Among all the free madness, my favorite Austin band White Dress is offering their self-titled EP as a free download. This release gets my highest recommendation. Imagine if Amy Whinehouse fronted a White Stripes-esque garage band. Snarling guitars, bluesy/soulful harmonies; that's pretty much what comes to my mind when I hear the sound they have on here. Seriously, check this out. It's FREE, so you have no excuse not to.

GET IT!!!

My Favorite Albums Of 2011

2012-01-01T17:20:00.000-06:00

The new year is here and I take a moment to finally look back at my favorite albums of 2011. This list is more comprehensive, and slightly revised, from the one published on Stereo Subversion a couple weeks ago. Clicking on the artist/title links will take you to a sample video from that album. So if there is something you are unfamiliar with, I highly recommend checking out the video. There are some hidden gems on my list that definitely deserve more recognition. Here is my top 25, and let's start at the top and go down...

1. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Can anyone else make a album about World War II that is even remotely interesting? Only PJ. In the year when America was reminded of its own era of terror in marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11, PJ Harvey delivered a look at England's moment of pure panic. In a career filled with remarkable albums, this ranks among the top.

2. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

The former Butterfly, Ishmael Buttler, returned to the hip-hop spotlight with a groundbreaking album that—like his former Digable Planets persona— expanded the boundaries of black music.

3. Chelsea Wolfe - Ἀποκάλυψις

Doom folkstress Chelsea Wolfe’s sophomore album was more polished than her debut (released late 2010), but still retained the grit and frightfulness that makes her one of the most exciting new artists of the last year.

4. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me

Tell Me was a giant step forward for Ms. Mayfield. No longer just playing the sullen girl, her songwriting has taken new avenues. Backed up by Dan Auerbach’s most pop friendly production, the two remain an impressive collaboration.

5. Other Lives - Tamer Animals

The biggest surprise was this dark folk offering that is possibly the most lusciously gorgeous album of the year from beginning to end. There is not a single moment on here that doesn’t come off as brilliant.

6. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Of all the indie bands of the past year, Bon Iver would be the last I would expect to have some sort of a commercial/pop culture crossover. But they did. And I can’t argue when it’s with an album this elegant.

7. The Roots - undun

A late addition to my favorites list, The Roots delivered a grand opus of an album. Personally, this ended a question I had been asking for a while: With close to 20 years under their belt, have the Roots become the greatest group in hip-hop history? Easily the answer is now YES!

8. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

It’s odd how an Okkervil River album that is not meant to be a concept album (when most of them are) can still come off sounding like a concept album. It begins with a death, ends with a waking, and in between explores a dreamland of myths and self-realization.

9. The Rosebuds - Loud Planes Fly Low

It was pretty much expected that following the divorce of Ivan and Kelly this would be a breakup album. It was actually heavier and sadder than that; a breakup album that doesn’t even directly address the breakup. Indeed it was a complicated dance move.

10. Wye Oak - Civilian

Jenn and Andy have been on the fringe of an indie rock breakthrough since their first album. Their third LP finally achieved that for them and gave us the spectacular title-song, which is one of the best tracks of the year.

11. EMA - Past Life Martyred Saints

Erika M. Anderson sounds like someone rising out of ruins. Her songwriting reminds me a lot of Courtney Love, which (if you know me) is a massive complement. With plenty of anger and self-loathing, Anderson’s solo debut hits all the right punk rock goddess cords.

12. Kate Bush – 50 Words For Snow

50 Words For Snow has a 13 minute long song about an affair with a snowman, one sung from the prospective of a falling snowflake, and one in which she literally counts down 50 different words for “snow.” All of these things should make it ridiculous, but it actually is the total opposite. This is pure beauty.

13. The Weeknd – House Of Balloons

Truthfully all three installments of the self-released (and free!) mixtape trilogy belong on this list. By default I’ll just include the first and best one. This project from Canadian producer/vocalist Abel Tesfaye still has a lot of mystery to it, so most blogs and webzines choose to focus on his Drake connection. Yet the Weeknd far outshined that particular artist, and pretty much all other R&B released in 2011.

14. Adrian Younge – Something About April

This album sounds like early RZA hooked up with early Portishead to do an old school soul throwback. Adrian Younge scored the best soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist.

15. Dum Dum Girls – Only In Dreams

The secret left untold on the first Dum Dum Girls album was that fontwoman Dee Dee Penny actually had a powerful set of singing pipes on her. So for this, her first outing with a full band, Dee Dee finally turned down the fuzz and allowed her vocals to shine.

and the rest in alpha order (the way an iPod alphabetizes)...

The Antlers – Burst Apart

Bird Of Youth - Defender

Idle Warship – Habits Of The Heart

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

My Brightest Diamond – All Things Will Unwind

Nat Baldwin – People Changes

Radiohead – The King Of Limbs

Sons and Daughters – Mirror Mirror

Ume – Phantoms

Zola Jesus - Conatus

SSv Album Review: My Brightest Diamond - All Things Will Unwind

2011-12-29T20:26:00.002-06:00

I guess somewhere in that several month absence from blogging here, I never linked to my review of the latest My Brightest Diamond album. This album features an assist from neo-classical ensemble yMusic. It's a good listen, and my review is a good read. So go check it out.

[SSv Review: All Things Will Unwind]

Here is the video for lead single "We Added It Up."

Okkervil River gives away Golden Opportunities 2 EP

2011-12-01T18:45:00.001-06:00

It's the time of year for giving, and it looks as though at least indie-rock Santa is looking out for us. The nugget of gold stuck in your stocking is in the form of a new offering from Austin heavy hitters Okkervil River. It is a five song EP of covers titled Golden Opportunities 2, which obviously is the follow-up to their "mixtape" of covers from 2007. The original was a free downloadable gift to their fans, so keeping with the tradition the new EP is up on their website right now. The songs were recorded live to two-track here in the ole live music capital of the world and are filled with Okkervil goodness. Don't miss this chance to grab some new tunes from one the most consistently great indie bands of the last couple years.

Golden Opportunities 2 comes to us on the heals of Okkervil River's sensational full-length I Am Very Far released earlier this year. From that album the band has released two different videos for the track "Your Past Life As A Blast." Below are both.

White Dress on Daytrotter

2011-11-30T17:54:00.001-06:00

Always a great place for anyone to discover new music, Daytrotter is giving one of my most favorite Austin bands some much deserved exposure. Garage-blues duo White Dress is the latest local act to be featured on the site. Their four song session recorded at the "Big Orange Studio"is up for grabs right now and features several songs from their self-released, self-titled EP.

The stripped sound of White Dress is a bit gritty, yet haunting as well. This for the most part is the result of the mesmerizing Arum Rae whose vocals command with a grrrl punk sneer edged with Amy Winehouse-like soulfulness. They are one of those bands that instantly grip upon first hearing them. At least that's what happened to me. And now it can happen to you, thanks to Daytrotter.

So jump over to there now to get a taste of this awesome band. If you aren't a member, you can easily sign up for a trial membership to scoop up the session.

White Dress is also about to embark on a east coast swing for the next couple weeks. Tour dates are below, which includes a date in my native Philadelphia. So if any east coast folk are are reading, jump on this show. You will thank me for it later.

12/8 The Atheneaum / Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association Alexandria VA 7pm
12/9 Night Cat Easton MD 8pm
12/10 Tin Angel Philadelphia 10:30pm
12/12 TT the Bears Cambridge MA 8:00 pm (opening for Gary Clark JR.)
12/13 Mercury Lounge NYC 9:00 pm (opening for Gary Clark JR.)
12/14 Rockwood Music Hall NYC 11:00 pm
12/15 Brooklyn TBA
12/16 The 8 x 10 Baltimore MD 8:00 pm (opening for Gary CLark JR)
12/17 Red Palace D.C. 8:00 pm (opening for Gary Clark JR)
12/18 The Box Charlottesville VA 10pm

And now a White Dress vid via Austin Music Weekly.

Portrait: Jules Dum Dum

2011-08-17T16:01:00.000-05:00

Jules Dum Dum

August 12, 2011

Portrait: Dee Dee Penny

2011-08-17T12:01:00.000-05:00

Dee Dee Penny

August 12, 2011

Dum Dum Girls (Dee Dee & Jules) - "I Will Be" Live @ Mohawk, 08.12.11

2011-08-15T12:01:00.001-05:00

This past Friday the beautiful duo Dee Dee & Jules of the Dum Dum Girls made a stop at Austin's Mohawk for a stripped down set. The performance gave them a chance to test out the quieter side of the band and preview new material from their forthcoming album Only In Dreams. However the quieter side of the band isn't that much quieter than the full band. Stripped down to two guitars, Dee Dee & Jules sound extra reverby. The performance was far from an acoustic one as Jules kept with her pedals and effects. It did help emphasize the harmonies found in the vocals. Dee Dee's love sick tales had a little extra brood effect.

Along with new songs, the Austin show also included familiar Dum Dum tunes like the title track off their debut I Will Be-- video of which is below.

After the jump check out the trailer for Only In Dreams.

The full foursome Dum Dum Girls will drop Only In Deams on September 27. It is now available for pre-order from Sub Pop Records with some extra exclusives included for those that hurry.

Kanye West Compares Himself to Hitler... Further Proves He is a Genius.

2011-08-08T20:38:00.002-05:00

True creative people tap into parts of the brain that the average person does not. It is science. People who are more artistic use the right side of the brain more. It's what causes them to "think outside of the box." Creative minds observe more in their environment, comprehend elements with different senses, and emote feeling in more outlandish ways. Because their consciousness operates at a different level, it causes them to act in a manner that may seem odd to others. They do and say things that the average person just doesn't understand. This constant heightened state of brain operation can cause a creative person to express themselves with actions that come across as outlandish and extreme. Creative genius can cause Vincent van Gogh to cut off his ear. It can cause J.D. Salinger to live as an outcast and recluse. Creative genius can cause an actor like Johnny Depp to denounce his home country and move to France. It caused Sylvia Plath to seek comfort by sticking her head in an oven and turning on the gas.

Creative people do things that will cause others to call them crazy. Because they are different they are sometimes labeled as arrogant, a douche bag, or an asshole. Really, it's because their brain is functioning in a way that a normal person cannot begin to conceive. With that said, I give you Kanye West's Hitler rant...

Ok, seriously. 'Ye is a visionary in music. Let the man have his crazy talk. Even if it is in bad taste. We all know he has his issues.

And if you ain't watching the throne... just go home. This album is FIRE!!!

Moonface - "Whale Song (Song Instead of a Kiss)" and "All Fires" Live @ Emo's, 07.25.11

2011-07-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

Here's a couple clips of Spencer Krug's first performance in Austin under his Moonface moniker. The first video is for "Whale Song (Song Instead of a Kiss)," which comes off the impressive new album Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped. Below that is video for a song originally done by one of Krug's other bands, Swan Lake. It's called "All Fires" and take a drastic turn from it's original quite tone.

Enjoy, and after the jump check out a few shots from the evening.

My 4 Favorite Spencer Krug Albums

2011-07-24T00:01:00.016-05:00

Spencer Krug has so much musical output in so many different bands that he makes Jack White look lazy. Along side the obvious material from Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown—Krug’s discography contains several albums as a member Frog Eyes, a couple as part of the three-head beast that is Swan Lake, and even as outing in a instrumental band. It all equates to a massive amount of music from this prolific artist.

His latest incarnation is that of Moonface, a new solo project. This new solo album Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped will be released on August 2nd via Jagjaguwar. His tour as Moonface hits Austin this Tuesday (07.26.11) at Emo’s.

In anticipation, I look back at my four favorite albums from the many faces of Krug. Why three? Well, five is too many and three is too few. Here they are… countdown:

4. Sunset Rubdown – Dragonslyer (2009)
This LP begins and ends quietly. Yet in between, the mood ranges from epic, to monstrously epic, to epically monstrous. In line with the album’s title, the music here sounds like that which would play as the knights of Camelot ride into battle. “Black Swan” and “”You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)” stand in Krug’s catalog as some of the biggest tunes he has crafted. But what makes Dragonslyer really stand out is the supporting cast. Krug’s right hand "Jane-of-all-trades" Camilla Wynne Ingr steps up her duties and becomes a significant back up vocalist, adding a welcome contrast to his maddening yelps. It's evident here that Krug may have found a circle of partners more suited to his unique song writing structures than his “primary” band Wolfe Parade. After Dragonslayer I had come to the conclusion that I would rather see Krug retire his partnership with Dan Boeckner and focus his main attention on this band. One Wolfe Parade album later (Expo 86) and it looks like that may be the case.

3. Fifths of Seven - Spry from Bitter Anise Folds (2005)
Probably the least recognizable project and album from Spencer Krug is an entry into the neo-classical/chamber music genre. With Krug primarily on keys (and putting in some work on the accordion), this band is rounded out by Beckie Foon (cello) and Rachel Levine (mandolin). Together they craft a somber and beautiful piece of music. Krug’s talent for constructing songs with a lot of movement is clearly evident when stripped down to an instrumental project. The album’s undeniable highlight is “Out From Behind The Ridged Bellows,” where the accordion creates a melancholy tone as the mandolin constantly builds with the song's progression. As of right now Spry from Bitter Anise Folds is the only offering from Fifths of Seven, which kind of gives me the sad face. This was a remarkable showing for the three musicians. Hopefully Krug can carve out some time from his ever busy rotation of bands to circle back around with Foon and Levine. I would love to see them collaborate again.

2. Wolfe Parade – Apologies to the Queen Mary (2005)
The creative team of Krug and Dan Boeckner never meshed better than it did on their first full-length album together. It’s unforgettable how Apologies to the Queen Mary opened with Krug’s declaration of “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father's Son" over a snarling drum beat that lead directly into Boeckner rocking through “Modern World.” The two never sounded better then when they trade vocals back and forth on “We Built Another World." The double shot of Krug penned tunes “Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts” and “I’ll Believe In Anything” showcased his teetering vocal style. Not to be outshined, Boeckoner shows his strength as a frontman on “It’s a Curse.” The later Wolfe Parade releases seemed to suffer from Krug and Boeckner holding back their best material for their then side projects (Sunset Rubdown and Handsome Furs, respectively), but on here they sounded like two gunslingers trying to one up each other. The result is a now classic album.

1. Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I am Dreaming (2006)

“Shut up, I am dreaming of places where lover’s have wings,” Krug croons on the closing track of the same name. It’s a statement that perfectly sums up his schizophrenic style of music. It’s polarizing, it’s oddly poetic, and when taken literally makes absolutely no sense at all. While the third album to be released under the Sunset Rubdown name, it’s the first that features Sunset Rubdown fleshed out as a full band. The effect gives Krug more noise to frolic within. The album sounds like a romp in a far, far away world like Oz or Wonderland. Incidentally, Johnny Depp stated last year that he pulled his inspiration to play Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter from Sunset Rubdown. If any piece of music personified moments of insanity it is Shut Up I am Dreaming. On “The Empty Threats of a Little Lord,” Krug preaches “the podiums are high as the gallows are low” and of being “not that kind of whore.” Elsewhere he ponders the end of the world on the track “The Men are Called Horsemen There,” by decreeing “if I was a horse I would throw up the reigns if I was you.” Every step of the way Spencer Krug sounds like a court jester spewing illogical idioms, and every step of the way it’s compelling. Whether a quiet ballad or a rumpus circus melody, He stays in control in crafting a grandiose offering. I love this album.

SSv Review: Build - Place

2011-07-23T16:08:00.003-05:00

Modern classical... indie classical... neo-classical... chamber music... whatever you want to call the genre, it's become one of my current favorites and one that I continue to dive further into. Which is why I jumped at the chance to review the latest album from Build. My review is up over at Stereo Subversion.Go read it...

[SSv Review: Place]

Portrait: Jenny Hsu

2011-07-15T16:01:00.001-05:00

Jenny Hsu

June 24, 2011

Portrait: Kelly Crisp

2011-07-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

Kelly Crisp

June 24, 2011

The new Handsome Furs' (extremely) NSFW video could be my most favorite video EVER!

2011-07-11T12:01:00.001-05:00

This new video from Handsome Furs continues the husband and wife duo's tradition of frequent PDA. For this clip the two up the ante by outright getting down and dirty--and nude. The video also features frolicking in the woods, car roof dancing, roadside motels, and more nudity from the super hot girl that is featured on the band's album cover. In other words, it features everything that I fully support. But most importantly the video is for the song "What About Us?" from the Handsome Furs' remarkable new album Sound Kapital, which is out now on Sup Pop Records. I love the direction that Dan Boeckner (husband) and Alexei Perry (wife) went on this album as they continue to delve more into synth and industrial music.

When you get a minute check out the video below. And remember that I warned you about the content...

SSv Review - Marissa Nadler

2011-07-10T20:36:00.001-05:00

My review of Marissa Nadler's self-titled, self-released album is now live on Stereo Subversion. This was the second time I reviewed the singer-songwriter for the site, as my write-up of her awesome previous album Little Hells was published on SSv two years ago. For Nadler this is another notch in her impressive catalogue, and a personal accomplishment with the album being fully funded by her fans. Check out my review of it...

[SSv Review: Marissa Nadler]

I'm listening to the new Moonface album right now... And you can to if you pre-order it.

2011-06-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Moonface is the solo persona of Spencer Krug, he who spends his time in many bands. Most notably Krug is half of the driving force behind Wolf Parade and leadman of his once side project (turned primary band) Sunset Rubdown. Now we can add a new full length solo album to his ever-growing discography. Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped officially hits streets on August 2, but the pre-order is now live and it includes an instant download of the album when you purchase.

Krug has also posted an album outtake, "The Way You Wish You Could Live in the Storm," over on his website. There you can also find lyrics to that song and the whole album. I pretty much love everything Spencer Krug puts his hands on, so I was really quick to scoop this up.

...and I was pretty quick to scoop up tickets to the Moonface show that will be hitting Emo's on July 26. I've seen Krug live several times with his other bands, so I'm excited to see what his solo show delivers.

Richard Phillips Pays Tribute to Women I Love, With Music By More Women I Love

2011-06-27T12:01:00.022-05:00

Earlier in the month New York painter Richard Phillips released two (very) short films which in some way paid tribute to two controversial Hollywood figures that I absolutely love. To tickle my fancy even further he used new tunes from two musicians that I ridiculously love as well. The clips were part of his exhibition "Commercial Break” which made it's debut a couple weeks ago at the international art event Venice Biennale.

The first comes soundtracked by gothy-shoegazer Tamaryn, whose album The Waves continues to transfix me every time I listen to it. The subject and star is paparazzi target Lindsay Lohan and the film is a chance for her to show off her swimming skills and freckles. Yes indeed, I love that milkaholic Lindsay. In all seriousness, I am a huge fan of hers (don't judge). It may come as a surprise that littered on my walls, along with a Cat Power show poster and My Bloody Valentine LP covers, is a poster of Ms Lohan. Again, don't judge. I like girls with freckles.

In other Tamaryn news, a new 7" single from her side project Les Demoniaques is available for pre-order. Then in other Lindsay Lohan news, she seems to still be picking up gigs while on house arrest. Good for her?!?!

Phillips' other short film features Sasha Grey. Yes, that Sasha Grey! Sasha seems to be everywhere these days: Eminem videos, new photo book published, prepping for her next aTelecine album, and when you follow her on twitter you will realize she is actually friends with every single person you ever wanted to be friends with. Here we get quiet serene Sasha in a piece that (i think) abstractly looks at her rise to fame. The music comes from Grey's Pendu Sound label-mate Chelsea Wolfe. The song is "Moses" and is featured on Wolfe's soon to be released, spectacular sophomore album Ἀποκάλυψις. [Correction: this version of the song actually comes from Wolfe's debut The Grime And The Glow, a revamped version appears on Ἀποκάλυψις. Either way, I recommend both.] Twitter also tells me that Sasha Grey and Chelsea Wolfe recently did a photo shoot together. For what, I'm not sure. But I'm eagerly awaiting the full results. For now, the Phillips film below is enough to indulge in.

Portrait: Nona Marie Invie

2011-06-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

Nona Marie Invie

May 03, 2011

Live Pick: The Rosebuds & Other Lives @ The Parish this Friday, 06.24.11

2011-06-23T22:45:00.046-05:00

I've been eagerly anticipating this show since it was announced that these two were touring together. This bill at the Parish on Friday features two standout bands of the first half of the year. Hands down, this show is seriously not to be missed.

The last time The Rosebuds came to Austin back in 2009 for sxsw, I basically stalked them by following them to every performance. My fondness for the band has only grown since then, but a lot has changed for them personally over that time. Of course Ivan Howard has spent some of that as a member of Gayngs where he continued to show his versatility as a musician. But for him and Kelly Crisp, the band that they created landed on shaky ground. While their marriage dissolved they still found themselves compelled to make music together. Lucky for us they did decide to continue on. The resulting album Loud Planes Fly Low ranks as one of their best. In the past their music has ranged from political, to historical, to spiritual, to down right danceable. On this new album it is heartbreaking. Without a doubt it's the Rosebuds most emotionally charged, and simply beautiful from beginning to end. As Crisp explained in a recent interview about Loud Planes, "It was the first time we had actually made very honest music that was about us personally and emotionally inside... if you listen to the music, you can tell it’s very personal and heavy." If you ask me, Ivan and Kelly have outdone themselves on this one.

Now the Rosebuds aren't the only spectacular band taking the stage on Friday. If you ever wondered what it would sound like if Bon Iver and Grizzly Bear did a collaboration project, than Other Lives is for you. This Oklahoma band is promoting their sophomore album Tamer Animals, which is flying a little under the radar right now. Those of us who have caught it are all pretty universal in our acclaim. Get a taste of their flavor in the sci-fi-rific video "For 12" below.

For those who want to relive my sxsw experience by stalking the Rosebuds, the band will also be doing an in-store performance at Waterloo Records earlier in the day at 5pm. So this is an excellent time for you to delve into the Rosebuds experience, and an equally excellent time for me to revel in my everlasting indie-crush on Kelly. I mean she is relatively single now; so if I'm gonna make my move now would be the time. Riiiight? RIGHT?!?!

Balmorhea on Daytrotter

2011-06-22T20:25:00.001-05:00

The latest Daytrotter Session from Austin's indie-classical/chamber music majesties Balmorhea is now available for you all to consume and love. This recording features renditions of the two tracks from their recent 7" vinyl release, "Candor" and "Clamor," along with a new untitled song. I'm convinced that there is no possible way that something recorded at the Daytrotter studios can sound anything less than amazing. This is no exception. Hop over and download it right away.

In other Balmorhea news, their previously limited album Live at Sint-Elisabethkerk is now officially available digitally on iTunes and through Bandcamp. A physical repressing from Western Vinyl is coming soon as well. I picked up a copy during their last swing of touring, so I definitely recommend this. The added arrangements to the the live performances breathe new life into these songs. It's like hearing them for the first time all over again.

Live at Sint-Elisabethkerk does contain a performance of what could be my favorite song from them, "Steerage & the Lamp." The keys on here are astonishing. Take a listen below.

<a href="http://balmorhea.bandcamp.com/track/steerage-the-lamp">Steerage & the Lamp by Balmorhea</a>

The Moog Gets Darker On The Boxing Lesson's Muerta EP

2011-06-01T12:01:00.113-05:00

I remember being a fresh faced Austinite back in 2008; new to the city and trying to explore the famed local music scene. Having picked up the blogging gig, I ventured out to find Austin bands. One of the first that I stumbled upon was The Boxing Lesson. I still remember being blown away the first time I heard "Dark Side of the Moog." With it's grandiose guitars and synths, it sounded like a trip to outer space put on wax.

Now on their latest offering the Muerta EP, Paul and Jaylinn are revisiting that monster of a song with "Darker Side of the Moog." The reconstructed tune is a stripped down and sexed-up version of the original. Where the first was an extraterrestrial excursion, this is more of a psychological seduction. The duo's vocals are captivating. And while overall feeling of the song is different from its counterpart, the new track grips me the same way the original did.

The four songs that make up the Muerta EP chronicle a transition for The Boxing Lesson over several years of recording in Austin. This makes it an interesting follow-up to the band's last release Fur State, which consisted of their very first instrumental recordings in the ATX. The new EP with "Darker Side of the Moog" is currently available for streaming and download on bandcamp. Take a listen below.

<a href="http://theboxinglesson.bandcamp.com/track/darker-side-of-the-moog">Darker Side of the Moog by The Boxing Lesson</a>

The Boxing Lesson and Frenchie Smith Records will celebrate the vinyl release of the Muerta EP on Saturday, June 11 at ND at 501 Studios. As part of 101X's Homegrown Live series, the band will share the stage with Smoke and Feathers, Black Bone Child, and Scorpion Child. This show is pretty much a no brainer: You Should Be There! Right now you can RSVP on Do512 for discounted admission.

If I wasn't out of town that week, I would definitely be in attendance. I guess I have to wait until the next show. For now I'll just revel in the digital download of the EP.

Single Cuts Brings Artistic Collaboration To Austin

2011-05-31T12:01:00.007-05:00

To start, I support this idea fully. I am glad to see that the folks involved with the Single Cuts venture are instilling the spirit of artistic collaboration into the local Austin scene. So what is it? Taken from the press release: Each issue will showcase a group of musicians pulled together from Austin's music scene in order to write, record, and mix a song in one day! The goal is to foster community, and cross-promotion among Austin's vibrant group of artists.

The first session features folkstress Dana Falconberry, members of The Lemurs, Royal Forest, and the Trinity Stardust approved The Great Nostalgic, among others. The result is the track "Jackie," a pleasing summer pop song. It can be heard over on the Single Cuts site now.

I look forward to hearing/seeing more from this project. Collaboration is an essential part to any artistic movement, including local music scenes. Single Cuts plan on creating a new product every four or five months. You can also become involved yourself. So head over to their site to get details, and check out "Jackie."
www.singlecutsmusic.com
www.twitter.com/singlecuts
www.facebook.com/pages/Single-Cuts

SSv Album Review: Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

2011-05-30T17:16:00.002-05:00

The moment I first hear about Shabazz Palaces I became very excited. Being a long time fan of Ishmael Butler, it was good to see he was returning with new music and that it was being described as beyond anything he had ever done before. Sub Pop Records scooped him up after an EP double dose which paved the road for Butler's first full album under the Shabazz Palaces moniker. Black Up doesn't officially hit the streets until June 28th, but I got an advanced listen and have written a review for Stereo Subversion. My words about this spectacular album can be read over there now. Click the below link to take a look.

[SSv Review: Black Up]

Portrait: Jessica Lea Mayfield

2011-05-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

Jessica Lea Mayfield

April 23, 2011

Portrait: Tamaryn

2011-05-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

Tamaryn

April 12, 2011

Okkervil River Plays Secret Show, and Debuts New Album I Am Very Far

2011-04-26T21:25:00.001-05:00

This past Monday night [04.25.11] a relatively small crowd at the Scoot Inn was treated to a secret show by hometown heros Okkervil River, in which they played their forthcoming album I Am Very Far in its entirety. According to lead man Will Sheff this was the first time that 70% of the album was played live in any capacity. While he did make jokes about being nervous for fear of messing up during the songs, the show was captivating. The new material is amazing and even though the music was new to the crowd, they hung on every word and note. The band also threw in some old favorites ("For Real," "Black," and "Lost Coastlines"), but the highlight was being the first to hear the new songs as they made their live debut.

Obviously many missed out on this sneak peek at I Am Very Far, so Okkervil is giving the masses a chance to see the full album performed during a NPR webcast on April 27th. More info after the break and a couple photos from the show.

NPR Music will stream Okkervil River performing I Am Very Far in its entirety live from Austin's Cactus Cafe. Hop over to NPR around 6pm CT on April 27 (tomorrow as I write this) and get a glimpse of what we were treated to at the Scoot Inn.

I wasn't able to get video of Monday's performance, but a clip I took of them during SXSW last month can be seen here.

Okkervil's new album hits the street on May 10th from Jagjaguwar. You can pre-order the album now in a couple different options, including a pretty sweet sounding limited edition. I can attest from the live preview, that this album is one of the best of the year so far.

Portrait: Theresa Wayman

2011-04-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

Theresa Wayman

April 09, 2011

Portrait: Kim Krans

2011-04-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

Kim Krans

April 09, 2011

Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Run Myself Into The Ground" and "Standing In The Sun" Live @ Emo's, 04.23.11

2011-04-25T12:01:00.076-05:00

To put it simple, Jessica Lea Mayfield is pure gorgeousness at all levels. Saturday's show was without a doubt the best performance I've seen from her. As I pointed out in my review of her last album Tell Me, Mayfield showed some evident stage shyness in the past . That now has definitely changed. She's more confident and has fully embraced her role as a performer. She shared stories, joked with the crowd, and of course gave us a handful of spectacular songs sung beautifully.

Check out the video below of Mayfield performing my favorite track from Tell Me, "Run Myself Into The Ground." We were also treated to a new song that is yet unreleased, "Standing In The Sun." On the latter clip you can see how Mayfield was engaging the crowd, and how just about everything she does is completely adorable. Then see more evidence of her utter hottness after the jump.

Additional video I took of the song "Trouble" is over on youtube.

SSv Album Review: The Cave Singers - No Witch

2011-04-23T18:49:00.001-05:00

A review I wrote a while ago just got published over on Stereo Subversion. It's of the latest album from the Cave Singers, No Witch. So go check it out.

If you haven't been following that site, please do. They have gone through some major changes as of late: redesign, daily news postings, more live reviews, soon-to-be expanding book section. So there is more content coming from them then ever before. For now, read my review..

[SSv Review: No Witch]

Live Pick: Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Emo's this Saturday, 04.23.11

2011-04-21T21:28:00.002-05:00

This show is not just my pick of the week. It's really my pick of the month. I don't shy away from gushing over Jessica Lea Mayfield. Just take a peek at the several times I've mentioned her on this blog. If there is ever an artist that I recommend the most to people these days, it is definitely her.

Here are the basics, Jessica Lea Mayfield is a young lass (currently 21 years old) from Kent, Ohio. She got her big break when her bedroom recorded EP landed in the hands of Black Keys' Dan Auerbach. In turn he produced her debut LP in 2008, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. That album was pretty much universally acclaimed across the board and picked up comparisons to Cat Power and Hope Sandoval/Mazzy Star. Now the not so basics, Jessica Lea Mayfield writes and sings some of the most heartbreakingly sad songs you will ever hear. Sung with a barren country vocal, her tales of love and loss cut deep.

Her latest album released earlier this year, Tell Me, is as equally praised as its predecessor. This venture finds Auerbach behind the boards again as Mayfield stretches her reach as a songwriter and performer. While not completely shedding her skin as a tortured soul, Mayfield does find a niche for a more pop friendly sound. A couple weeks ago she made her network television premier performing on David Letterman. From the clip below you can see how she has evolved her music from her alt-coutry roots while still keeping its sincerity.

Saturday night, 04.23.01, Jessica Lea Mayfield will stop in Austin to play the inside stage at Emo's, with Nathaniel Rateliff opening the show. Doors open at 9pm. Again, this is my pick of the month. I can't recommend Mayfield enough. She is without a doubt one of my most favorite new artists of the last couple years.

Paper Bag Records is True Blue - Free Madonna Tribute Compilation

2011-04-18T19:37:00.001-05:00

This is pretty cool. I've always claimed that I am Madonna's biggest heterosexual male fan, so this news is right up my alley. Indie label Paper Brown Records has released this covers tribute compilation of Ms Ciccone's True Blue album and it's available now as a free download. The compilation features Woodhands, PS I Love You, the Trinity Stardust approved band The Rural Alberta Advantage, and an awesome version of one of my Madonna favorites "La Isla Bonita" done by Laura Barrett.

So check out the Paper Bag Records site for a free download, or stream it first over on Soundcloud.

Portrait: Mary Timony

2011-04-15T16:01:00.001-05:00

Mary Timony

SXSW 2011

Portrait: Katy Goodman

2011-04-15T12:01:00.003-05:00

Katy Goodman

SXSW 2011

Tamaryn - "The Waves" Live @ Emo's, 04.12.11

2011-04-14T12:01:00.003-05:00

Here is a clip of the gorgeous Ms Tamaryn performing "The Waves," the title title song off her debut full-length album, this past Tuesday at Emo's. Also see a couple pics, including show headliners The Raveonettes, after the jump.

Tamaryn

The Raveonettes

Family Band & Warpaint Live Pics

2011-04-13T20:20:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple shots of Family Band & Warpaint from this past Saturday's (04.09.11) show at La Zona Rosa.

Family Band

Warpaint

Emily Kokal of Warpaint

Live Pick: The Raveonettes & Tamaryn @ Emo's this Tuesday, 04.12.01

2011-04-10T20:20:00.002-05:00

Raven in the Grave, the latest album from The Ravonettes, is possibly the band’s darkest and most gloomy effort to date. And those of you familiar with the Danish duo know that is saying a lot. Calling the Raveonettes dark is like calling water “wet,” or describing outer space as “big.” After all, their previous release In and Out of Control contained dance floor anthems regarding drug overdose and rape. Now this time out Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo treat their melancholy lyrics with equally as melancholy beats. In their 10 years the Ravonettes have continuously found ways to morph their two-part harmonies over a growing palate of genres. They’ve been surf-guitar rockers, a synth-driven electronic band, and shoegazers. What has stayed consistent is their ability to make you feel cold to the bone after listening to them. For example, Raven in the Grave standout “War in Heaven” rides its atmospheric melody with only two barren lines of vocals appearing/reappearing in the song. The video for the album’s first single “Recharge & Revolt” is posted below.

This Tuesday, 04.12.11, the Raveonettes make a stop in Austin when they play Emo’s outside stage. Accompanying them is up-and-coming band Tamaryn. Beginning the show will be locals Shapes Have Fangs.

Based out of San Francisco, Tamaryn is among the recent group of goth revivalist making noise these days. They released their debut The Waves last year on the Mexican Summer label. The duo consists of vocalist Tamaryn (from whom the band takes its name, obviously) and producer Rex John Shelverton. Much like the headlining band, they fuse fuzzy guitars to their shadowy poetics. The title track from that release, my favorite of the album, can be heard over here.

Portrait: Sharon Van Etten

2011-04-07T16:05:00.002-05:00

Sharon Van Etten

SXSW 2011

Portrait: Chelsea Wolfe

2011-04-07T12:01:00.011-05:00

Chelsea Wolfe

SXSW 2011

Live Pick: Warpaint w/ Family Band @ La Zona Rosa this Saturday, 04.09.11

2011-04-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

L.A. psych band Warpaint is no stranger to Austin. It seems they find a reason to stop here every couple months. I officially lost count of how many times I saw them live last year. This is in no way a complaint. Warpaint has quickly become one of my favorite bands. I could go on seeing them live many more times and never tire. With only an EP and one full-length under their belts, Exquisite Corpse and The Fool respectively, they have made my 'best-of' list both of the last two years. The quartet uses hypnotic guitars, layered with harmonious vocals to create a spellbinding sound that could score your sweetest dreams one minute and your darkest nightmares the next. Then sometimes they sound like they are singing from both. It's a strong balance that has crossover appeal. A song like "Undertow" (vid below) displays a fair share of modern pop allure, and other tracks like "Billie Holiday" or "Baby" are more a throwback to 60's girl-groups like The Ronettes. MTV named the band one of their "Artist to Watch in 2011." And only a year after the indie world had already discovered them; way to be cutting edge MTV! Sarcasm aside, Warpaint deserves the accolade and the push seems to have given a boost to their popularity. So here is another chance for Austinites to catch their mesmerizing live show and fall in love. Much like I have.

A big bonus here is that Warpaint is bringing along Family Band with them on this current trek. The New York husband/wife group released their first LP Miller Path last year, which became a great hidden gem for those of us lucky enough to come across it. The band rides the sullen voice of Kim Krans over the guitar of John Ollsin for a goth-leaning psych/folk palate. According to their website the two met in the Catskill mountains where they return to write many of their songs in a two-room, hand-built cabin. That atmosphere can definitely be heard in the music, as a stark emptiness is conveyed through their heavy melancholy ballads. I definitely recommend giving Family Band a listen.

Also on the bill will be Australian electronic group PVT. I'm unfamiliar with this band, so this is going to be new for me. But all-in-all this should be a solid show. It all goes down at La Zona Rosa this Saturday, April 9th. Doors open at 8pm, so get there early. As I state above you do not want to miss the opening act.

Letters To Distant Cities: A New Multimedia Project Featuring Shara Worden

2011-04-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

While the last My Brightest Diamond album A Thousand Shark's Teeth came back in 2008, Shara Worden has steadily kept delivering new music through various projects. Her highest profile work would probably be the involvement in the Decembertist folk-rock opera The Hazards of Love, where she gave voice to the fairy queen. Yet last year saw her a featured player on Clogs' The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton, and then collaborating with Sarah Kirkland Snyder on the brilliant Penelope song sequence. Now she is once again involved in another very artistic venture.

Letters To Distant Cities comes from New York-based indie classical label New Amsterdam Records, who also previously released the Penelope album. The project finds Worden exploring the work of Turkish-American poet Mustafa Ziyalan along side a cast that includes Clare Muldaur Manchon and composer Rob Moose. For most of the album Worden is in poetry mode as she translates Ziyalan's verse to english, but she also delivers a new My Brightest Diamond song. The video for that contribution can be found below. Letters To Distant Cities is available now on digital download and physical cd. The latter of which includes 24 photographic illustrations based on the poetry that completes the multimedia project.

I find myself becoming a bigger fan of Shara Worden with each venture. For one, her voice is unbelievably powerful. There is no wonder she keeps getting recruited for these concept albums where her vocals need to convey a particular character or comprise deep emotion. Also, it's good to see a predominate indie musician whose artistic scope goes beyond that of the typical blogger-hype band. According to Colin Meloy, she was even considered for a role in the Spider-Man musical. Worden is not your typical indie artist, and I love her for it.

Cats: The Sequel Comes To Austin In The Boxing Lesson "Three" Video

2011-04-04T12:01:00.022-05:00

I bet you thought that the Boxing Lesson couldn't get any stranger after the alien sexed up video "Four." To those assumptions I have two words: Cat Masks!!

The Austin space-rock duo have been pushing their mini instrumental album Fur State for the last couple months and delivering some pretty spaced out videos in the process. The latest of which is for "Three,"as in the third track on the album. The clip features the band in the guise of cats romping through the streets of the city, along with some performance footage from Mohawk and the Astoria. It's a fun vid.

For those who haven't discovered the psychedelic nugget Fur State, pop over to bandcamp. The band recently reveled through twitter that they have a good amount of new material recorded and are exploring the releasing possibilities. I'm sure I'm not the only one eagerly awaiting a follow-up.

SXSW 2011: Highlight Videos pt.2

2011-03-28T21:35:00.002-05:00

If you haven't listened to the new Wye Oak album Civilian, you are doing an injustice to yourself. It certainly makes the early best of the year list and is garnering the Baltimore duo a heap of praise. They have been selling out a lot of venues on their latest trek across the country and luckily they played several times during SXSW. So if you didn't get a chance to catch them that week, you have done yourself another injustice. But you can at least watch the video below of them performing the title song off the new album during the Merge Records showcase.

Also below is a great SXSW highlight from Austin's own Okkervil River giving us a blast from the Black Sheep Boy days. All good stuff.

See my SXSW Highlights blog posts here. For more SXSW videos please check out my youtube channel, and additional photos can be seen on my facebook.

SXSW 2011: Highlight Videos pt.1

2011-03-27T21:31:00.003-05:00

I was very excited to see La Sera perform during SXSW. Katy Goodman's solo project is kind of getting brushed off quickly since the next Vivian Girls album is just around the corner, but it is definitely a project that deserves its moment in the spotlight. So it was good to see Goodman get a chance to showcase on her own. Her harmonies have always elevated the songs of the Vivian Girls, and those skills are highlighted on her La Sera album. It's filled with catchy hooks that are made even more infectious coming from Goodman's breathy vocals. I highly recommend giving the album a listen.
Below are some highlight videos from SXSW, including a performance one of my favorite Le Sera tracks "Devils Hearts Grow Gold."

SXSW 2011: Highlight Images pt.2

2011-03-23T12:01:00.055-05:00

Wild Flag totally delivered during SXSW. I think everyone had big exceptions for this supergroup. Being a big Mary Timony fan myself, I was looking forward to this one as well. Having caught them once at The Parish and then again at Mohawk, the verdict is officially in. I need that Wild Flag album in my life like now. This band just jump up to my most anticipated of the year.

One band that caught me by surprise was Secret Cities. I had already loved their debut album, but was not prepared for how different they sound live. The band definitely adds a more organic layer to their usually synth/reverb heavy recordings. Not that either way is better than the other, it was just impressive to hear those songs in new light.

Here are a couple more shots. Videos to come soon...

Wild Flag

Okkervil River

TV On The Radio

Big Boi

Secret Cities

Callers

Wires Under Tension

Check out more SXSW photos via my facebook, and other highlights on this blog.

SXSW 2011: Highlight Images pt.1

2011-03-22T22:06:00.003-05:00

Another SXSW is in the bag. It's was my forth to be exact. Anyone who knows me personally, or follows me on twitter, has probably heard some trash talking coming from my side regarding South-by in the weeks leading up to it. I have my issues. Even in just the four short years I've attended, I've watched the event explode to an insurmountable level. It seems that the discovery of music has taken a backseat to tons of corporate sponsored parties that attract hordes of people who aren't even interested in music, just free beer. However when it's all said and done, I always have a blast.

The photos that follow are the reasons why. I played it light this year and narrowed down a short MUST must-see list, which I pretty much got everyone checked off. Number 1 on that list was Chelsea Wolfe, who I got a double shot of and was not disappointed. She sounded amazing, she was super gorgeous, and really friendly. Also on that list were Sharon Van Etten, La Sera, and Shabazz Palaces, who can all be seen below.

I'll have more SXSW images tomorrow, and videos later in the week. So please check back.

Sharon Van Etten

Chelsea Wolfe

Dum Dum Girls

La Sera

Oh Land

Shabazz Palaces

American Music Club

Wye Oak

Download Free Music For SXSW 2011

2011-03-11T21:19:00.002-06:00

I've got to be the laziest music blogger when it comes to SXSW. The big event officially kicked off today with the start of the Interactive and Film portions, yet I haven't begun mapping out a game plan for next week's music festivities. There are plenty of shows and parties this weekend as proof that the music doesn't wait until Wednesday. But I guess I officially still have a couple days to come up with something.

For anyone else that is in the same boat as me, or is a little clueless as to who to go see, here are a few worthwhile samplers that I've come across in the past couple days. I'm sure there are plenty more, but if you're looking for free music of SX bands, here is where you start.

The Austin Town Hall Sampler
featuring: La Sera, She Sir, The Great Nostalgic, Secret Cities, Toro Y Moi, Cloud Control, Everyone Everywhere, The Cults, Yuck, etc.

SPIN Presents AUSTIN POWER
featuring: Jessica Lea Mayfield, Okkervil River, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, J Mascis, Twin Shadow, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, The Kills, etc.

Don't Mess With Texas Sampler
featuring: The Black Angels, Charles Bradley, OFF!, The Dodos, Say Hi, Surfer Blood, etc.

Ioda Opening Day Bash Sampler
featuring: Gold Panda, Beach Fossils, Weekend, True Widow, Queen Sea Big Shark, Withered Hand, etc.

Dirtnap Records Sampler
featuring: High Tension Wires, Mind Spiders, Something Fierce, Bad Sports, The Steve Adamyk Band, etc.

SSv Album Review: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing

2011-03-09T19:50:00.002-06:00

I have a review of the new album from The Rural Alberta Advantage on Stereo Subversion. The site has recently gone through a complete redesign, which looks pretty good. The rating scale has also been revamped, along with the addition of some new features. They seem to be making a push to become a bigger presence. It's exciting to see where they're going. But for now check out my review, and take a look around.

[SSv Review: Departing]

The Great Nostalgic Returning To The Stage This Sunday @ Red 7, and Provide Us "Hustlers And Junkies"

2011-03-08T12:01:00.004-06:00

The Great Nostalgic are set to make their return to the stage after a nearly five month absence this Sunday [03.13.11] at Red 7. Of course they spent that time recording their second album Hope We Live Like We Promised, which is set for the street date of April 5th. Leading up to its release the band has been giving us a new video every month since the new year. The month of March brings us the clip for "Hustlers and Junkies." The masquerade type theme makes me think of one of those secret rich people orgies, but that is only because I recently watched Eyes Wide Shut. This video on the other hand features no sex, just some serious rocking out. And because it is a good song, that is acceptable. See below.

It also looks like we get several chances to catch them during SXSW. Their upcoming dates are here, which includes the official vinyl release at Emo's next month. Hope We Live Like We Promised can be ordered now. For those who need to get up to speed on one of Austin's best locals, their self-titled debut can be downloaded for free from their site.

Sun. March 13th - 8pm@ Red7 (free SXSW event)
Tue. March 15th - 12am@ Ghost Room (free SXSW event)
Fri. March 18th - 1pm@ 604 E. 6th st. 2nd floor (free SXSW event)
Sat. April 2nd - 10pm@ Emos (Vinyl Release Party!)

Loungin' with Do512

2011-03-07T12:01:00.013-06:00

Do512.com is very easily the best online source to navigate the Austin scene in planning your intake of the live music capital. Without that site I’d be a bumbling idiot randomly going into different venues along Red River trying to remember where Black Joe Lewis was performing. Actually, I’m probably still a bumbling idiot and it has nothing to do with forgetting where to catch a show. Anyways… Now the folks at Do512 have teamed up with Shiner to also have an awesome spot to throw private parties and have Austin’s best artists provide the entertainment. The Do512 Lounge is kind of like if you set up your living room with a performance stage and red velvet curtains. But it’s much cooler than your living room because you don’t have a performance stage with red velvet curtains. The shows are private affairs in which you need to be a mega-hipster or have a rich uncle who invented Toaster Strudel or something to get an invite. Obviously that was a joke because I got invited, and there ain’t nothing special about me. All you need to do is follow Do512 on Facebook and Twitter for the chance to get a spot on the guestlist.

This past Saturday [03.05.11] the Lounge was host to an awesome lineup of high quality hometown acts: Auroravore, The Black and White Years, Zeale, and one of my personal favorites Ume. Check out some snap shots below along with videos of Ume and Zeale. An additional video of Ume performing "The Conductor" can be seen here. For proper quality video keep an eye on Austin Music Weekly, the designated documenters for these performances.

My hat goes off to the staff at Do512 for creating one of the most unique experiences for Austin music.

Auroravore

The Black and White Years

Ume

Zeale

p.s. In hindsight I noticed there were slight moments of emo self loathing in this post. For that, I apologize.

i like Chelsea Wolfe: The Grime and The Glow & Ἀποκάλυψις

2011-02-28T12:01:00.012-06:00

Everything about Chelsea Wolfe has come off as mysterious, and at some points even a little confusing. There was series of videos that looked like they could give even Freddy Kruger a nightmare. Her promotional photos frequently feature Wolfe out of focus or as a shadowy figure in the distance, almost in a matter to mask her identity. Then her debut album officially dropped the very last week of 2010, missing any of the end-of/best-of the year buzz that it should have garnered. One thing that has no mystery is the simple fact that her music is gorgeous.

Wolfe’s debut The Grime and The Glow has a lot of haunting echoes to it, both literally and figuratively. Wolfe’s ethereal voice creeps from out of the air like full moon lit incantations of a witchcraft ritual buried deep in the woods. The lo-fi production further clouds her with despair making each song sound like its a plea sung from the deathbed. On a song like “Noorus” she is able to conjure up angst and anger at PJ Harvey levels. The piano driven "Benjamin" and lullaby “Halfsleeper” create folk ballads as bare boned as Marissa Nadler. Tracks like “Deep Talks” and “Widow” are both frightening and mesmerizing in their pure goth madness.

Ἀποκάλυψις, which translates to Apocalypse, either predates or succeeds The Grime depending on where you look (this is where the confusion comes in). The production of this album definitely feels like a sophomore effort, as some songs reappear more polished and cleaner. All the dark elements are still present. There are plenty images of the antichrist, demons, and Moses on both. But here Wolfe’s vocals have been brought to the forefront more, so when she says a line like “We could be two straight lines in a crooked world,” we feel the full effect of its recluse emotion.

The two albums are lush introductions to the frightening world of Chelsea Wolfe. With the sudden reemergence of goth in the indie scene, these are essential. The Grime and The Glow is available on limited-edition vinyl from Pendu Sound, and digitally with bonus tracks at the usual online retailers. Ἀποκάλυψις is currently only available via bandcamp. [UPDATE 3.06.11: Ἀποκάλυψις is no longer available on bandcamp as it will soon be released on vinyl by Pendu Sound.]

...and now here are some creepy videos.

♪♫♪♫♪♪♪♫♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♪♫

2011-02-26T20:44:00.005-06:00

Balmorhea @ Mohawk, 02.25.11

Let me start by saying that my recent trend of naming blog posts with the artist's lyrics really won't work when the band doesn't have words in their music.

Austin band Balmorhea is directly responsible for the revelation of how much I like modern classical. Or is it called chamber music? Either way, their are some really great artists composing masterful symphonies these days— Brooklyn Rider, Clogs, Sarah Kirkland Snider— but Balmorhea is the most prolific. Lead by the duo of Michael Muller and Rob Lowe, the band has a massively impressive catalog including last year's album Constellations and their most recent release the "Candor / Clamor" 7-inch. Each project is pure awe inspiring beauty.

Mohawk was the scene of Balmorhea's first hometown show since September. Here are some photos from that night and a video of them performing the Constellations standout "Bowsprit."

I also uploaded video of "Night Squall" and "Candor" on youtube. Balmorhea is swinging around the west coast for a couple of weeks. They will be back in town for SXSW as they are part of the Western Vinyl Showcase at Lamberts on the Saturday the 19th.

poems about music: Cornelius Eady, "Nina's Blues"

2011-02-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

Nina's Blues
by Cornelius Eady

Your body, hard vowels
In a soft dress, is still.

What you can't know
is that after you died
All the black poets
In New York City
Took a deep breath,
And breathed you out;
Dark corners of small clubs,
The silence you left twitching

On the floors of the gigs
You turned your back on,
The balled-up fists of notes
Flung, angry from a keyboard.

You won't be able to hear us
Try to etch what rose
Off your eyes, from your throat.

Out you bleed, not as sweet, or sweaty,
Through our dark fingertips.
We drum rest
We drum thank you
We drum stay.

Portrait: Nina Diaz

2011-02-23T12:01:00.001-06:00

Nina Diaz

February, 2011

I Am Free, I Will Begin Again

2011-02-21T12:01:00.002-06:00

Swans @ Mohawk, 02.18.11

I can’t say that I’m a long time Swans fan. Prior to last year they were just one of those names I heard in passing, a band you hear about when your favorites list their influences, an New York underground band that was said to pave the way for many more. The brainchild of Michael Gira, Swans were major players during the “no wave” scene with a barrage of post-punk, industrial, and noise rock. Then for the most part they were considered a done deal after the flow of new material stopped in 1996. In 2010 Gira resurrected the Swans with members old and new. Included in the latest lineup is Austin’s very own Thor Harris, best known for his work as part of Shearwater. The result of the revived band is My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky, which to say the least is a monstrous album. From the opening wall of mammoth bells and guitars to the closing acappella verse, the album is as dark as it is spiritual and elegant as much as it is chaotic. I instantly understood why Gira is considered a modern day legend.

Swans took the stage at Mohawk this past Friday to bring that wall of sound to life. They didn’t disappoint, as each song was a massive assault of sound. At many points it was as if the band were literally beating the fuck out of their instruments. Images of the Incredible Hulk danced through my head seeing Harris’s bare-chested pummeling of a gong during the closing “Eden Prison.” As @TransmitAustin mentioned through twitter, “Swans. EPICITY”

Here is video of the previously mentioned “Eden Prison.” I apologize for the sound quality. Standing in front of the speaker during Swans is pretty much like standing next to a jet engine as it fires up.

I put an even longer video of the set opener “No Words, No Thoughts” over on youtube.

Portrait: Tiffanie Lanmon

2011-02-18T12:01:00.001-06:00

Tiffanie Lanmon

February, 2011

Portrait: Lauren Green

2011-02-18T12:00:00.001-06:00

Lauren Green

February, 2011

St. Valentine presents the Five All-Time Coolest Romantic Couples in Music

2011-02-14T00:01:00.009-06:00

Being a lifetime bachelor I really don’t give Valentine’s Day much thought. Typically I wouldn’t even consider writing anything particular for the “holiday.” But reading Austin blogger Hipstercrite’s posting about her favorite indie/hipster movies kind of inspired me to wrench something out of my brain. I pondered possible options—best love song (which would be Damien Rice “The Blower’s Daughter”), best songs about infidelity (“The Seed”), best albums to get your freak-on to (any Maxwell album on this one)—and came up with this list. Here are my choices for the five all-time coolest romantic couples in music, countdown style…

5. Kurt & Courtney

If anybody ever personified the idea of the punk-rock couple it was Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Sadly their story is as tragic as it is sweet. Blooming out of the early 90s grunge scene these two instantly began influencing each other’s music... and drug habits. Their respective albums In Utero and Live Through This are reflections on each other as much as they are introspections of themselves. Obviously this one doesn’t have a happy ending. Since Kurt’s death, Courtney has (semi)raised their daughter Frances Bean and kept Kurt's legacy intact by not raping his back catalog and flooding the world with half-assed posthumous projects. For that, Courtney deserves some recognition.

4. Josh & Brody

When Josh Homme hooked up with Brody Dalle (the now former Distiller) the image of them it hit as hard as a Queens of the Stone Age guitar riff. Josh with his Elvis-like smirk and Brody with her LA punk princess crown. Since their 2003 coupling, Homme expanded his QOTSA band into a full brand with side projects Eagles of Death Metal, Them Crooked Vultures, and producing Arctic Monkeys. Brody has been less active in her career focusing more on being a mother to their daughter, Camille Harley. She did adopt Homme’s traditional desert rock sound for her 2009 comeback album Spinnerette. A follow-up was expected this year, but may be pushed back due to Brody herself expecting the couple’s second bundle of heavy rock hell spawn this summer. While some may say they are just a tame version of Kurt and Courtney, I argue that they score extra points and rank higher on my list for two reasons. For one, neither is a raging heroin addict (anymore at least). Second, I’m pretty sure Josh and Brody could fuck up anybody in a tag team wrestling match.

3. Jay-Z & Beyoncé

“Got the hottest chick in the game wearing my chain,” Jay-Z declared in his song “Public Service Announcement” off 2003’s blazin’ The Black Album. It was really the first official confirmation of what the two had not been talking about for at least a year prior. Hip-hop’s biggest star had scored R&B-pop’s hottest diva. Sean Carter is the only man in music with enough clout to buy his freedom from a major record label with the spare change in his back pocket. Beyoncé Knowles made what is [in kanye voice]THE GREATEST VIDEO OF ALL TIME![end kanye voice] So obviously these two belong together. They were the first, and remain the only, royal couple of hip-hop. While other rappers are hype to be at the BET awards, Jay and Beyoncé attend the Golden Globes and hang at the White House. The modern day Bonnie and Clyde are down to ride to the very end.

2. David & Mick

Ok I may be stretching it on this one. Both parties deny that the toss ever occurred, but the story is now something of an urban legend. Bowie’s ex-wife Angela reveled in 1990 that she once caught David in bed with Mick Jagger and it became the biggest rumor in rock history. It has gone through so many revisions over time— the two were or weren’t clothed, lovers or just friends, maybe passed out or high, blah blah. In writing this I noticed that I was putting the male first when naming the couples and naturally wrote “David & Mick” here. What it says about my instincts of who was pitcher and who was catcher on this one, I’m not sure. Maybe as a Bowie fanatic I can’t see him being anyone’s bitch. But I’ll leave that conversation for another time. Whether or not the fling is truth or fiction is still pure speculation. I for one believe it. Why? Seriously, you have seen the “Dancing in the Street” video. Nothing says we once had a man-on-man sex tussle like that shit. Case closed.

1. Paul & Linda

If the concept of “Love” is to ever be questioned, one need only look at Paul and Linda McCartney to see that it at least once existed and is real. During the 29 years of their marriage they were the classiest and hippest couple that ever jammed together—and by my calculations, it’s an honor they still hold. The importance of Linda on the legacy of Paul’s music is best confirmed when you also flip over the coin and see the alternative. Paul’s best frienamy John Lennon had his creativity slowly sucked away when he found the love of his life, leading to a sharp decline in the quality of his material (thanks a fucking lot, Yoko!). Paul on the other hand not only found inspiration in Linda, but a formidable creative partner that helped him craft the two best albums ever recorded by someone who was once in a band called the Beatles. Those albums being Ram and Band on the Run. Outside of music the two became strong advocates for animal rights along with other vegetarian and health food causes. Sadly their picture perfect relationship was cut short when Linda died of breast cancer in 1998. But in their time as a couple they were class acts, looked good together, brought out the best in each other, and were hipper than any hipster could ever wish to be. Cheers to Paul and Linda…

We're Off To See The Sea

2011-02-13T18:29:00.008-06:00

Follow That Bird! @ Mohawk, 02.12.11

I finally got the chance to catch Austin band Follow That Bird! last night. They had been on my to see list for quite a while. They stole the show on the first Casual Victim Pile album last year with their song "The Ghosts That Wake You." Then I saw a picture and noticed that the girls in the band are ridiculously gorgeous, which only further sparked my interest. Musically, they have that traditional indie-guitar rock meets riot-grrl punk thing. It's a little Sleater-Kinney, a little bit of the Strokes, and full adrenaline inducing.

Somewhere I read that they are working on a full-length album, but until then they have a new 7" hitting the streets in time for SXSW. Those two songs are already digitally available on bandcamp in the meantime.

I'm really digging this band to say the least. Count me as a full fledged fan now. Here are video and pics from the show.

Sugar Taste the Sweetest When it Goes Straight to Your Head

2011-02-12T20:04:00.007-06:00

Agent Ribbons @ Red 7, 02.11.11

Here are shots from the Agent Ribbons performance at Red 7 this past Friday. The girls kicked of their set with "The World is a Cigarette" and the video I shot is posted below. I also took video of "Grey Gardens," which can be seen here.

Special thanks to Lauren and Natalie for being the first participants in my Portrait Series.

I hope to do more of these "portrait" shots in the future and will collect them in one blog posting when I have enough.

Live Pick: "The Red Party" w/ Girl In A Coma & Agent Ribbons @ Red 7 this Friday, 02.11.11

2011-02-09T12:01:00.005-06:00

By this time I think it's fair to say that Girl in a Coma have been adopted by Austin. Yes, we love them here in the ATX and I'm pretty sure that they love our city as equally. At least it would seem that way being how much they play live here. It is indeed a treat every time. This Friday [02.11.11] they headline The Red Party at Red 7. Which will include a full line up of all female artists in a showcase benefiting Girls Rock Camp Austin.

Girl in a Coma gained some high profile notoriety when Esquire recognized their cover of Joy Division's "Transmission" as one of the "Best New Songs You Probably Haven't Heard." The accolade was very well deserved as they completely stripped down classic song into a mesmerizing punk ballad. It comes off last year's Adventures in Coverland, and if you haven't heard it yet please check out the video below.

Also on the bill are Austin transplants Agent Ribbons, whose Chateau Crone was one of the best under-the-radar releases of 2010. The Ribbons sisters Natalie and Lauren (ok, they're not really sisters and neither has the last name Ribbons) offer up a rockabilly/cabaret flavored garage rock that is seductive and sexy. They are one of the most promising bands calling Austin home right now. Here is a video of the girls performing my favorite track off Chateau, "Grey Gardens."

Rounding out the lineup will be the wonderfully named Paradise Titty, and Red Falcon. Looks like doors are opening at 9pm, and some sort of red attire is encouraged for those attending. It is the RED party after all.

The Boxing Lesson Get Their Alien Freak On With "Four" Video

2011-02-08T18:05:00.004-06:00

Who doesn't like animated alien sex? Well apparently The Boxing Lesson does. The Austin band has just unveiled a video for the track "Four" off their latest release Fur State, and if it doesn't grab your attention then you must be dead. The clip comes to us (no pun attended) animated and directed by Jeanne Hospod. It's described as "Alien woman seduces hapless human male involving a very unusual flower." Yeah, you're interested.

The Boxing Lesson - Four from The Boxing Lesson on Vimeo.

Fur State is available on bandcamp in several formats.

We Rode on Horses Made of Sticks

2011-02-06T14:58:00.002-06:00

Murder By Death @ Red 7, 02.05.11

Here are some shots from the show last night, along with a video I shot of frontman Adam Turla doing a solo rendition of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)."

The White Stripes: 1997-2011

2011-02-02T12:12:00.001-06:00

Sad day :(

But what an incredible catalog of music, and legacy, they have left us.

Official Announcement

Austin’s Great Nostalgic Offer More Album Details, Videos, and Free Download.

2011-02-01T17:53:00.001-06:00

The march toward the release of the Great Nostalgic’s next album is gaining momentum. The band is solidifying a new lineup, gearing up for SXSW shows, and of course prepping the album for a March/April release. In a recent email, frontman Abram Shook gave me some details on the themes of Hope We Live Like We Promised…

“The album does indeed still maintain a bit of a concept, though not quite as much of a story arc as the first record. This one is set up more as a series of vignettes about ordinary life in a neighborhood. Sometimes the stories intersect, and sometimes they spin off in their own directions, kinda like the movies Short-Cuts, or Smoke. It’s definitely poppier and lighter than our first record, but still keeps a 70's psychedelia feel throughout, and reveals more with multiple listens.”

According to Shook Hope We Live Like We Promised is sequenced for vinyl-style listening, songs heard in groups of sides. So if you want to get the full effect, picking up the vinyl album would be a good idea. The pre-order is a great deal and is up on their site.

Also on the site they have made the download of their spectacular debut available for free/donation. So if you’re unfamiliar with the Great Nostalgic this is a great way to catch-up. Especially for any non-Austinite that may be reading this, so you can hear the quality music our local Austin scene offers.

The band is also releasing a new video every month leading up to Hope We Live. The first two are already available.

January’s offering was “The Great Unknown.”

And the latest for February is "Spirit World"

p.s. I have heard the album (yes, be jealous) and can attest to Shook’s statements above. It’s poppy, it’s fun, and another solid offering from the band. I’ll most likely post a short review/write-up closer to the album’s official release.

Live Pick: Murder By Death @ Red 7 this Saturday, 02.05.11

2011-01-31T21:58:00.000-06:00

Saturday night will have a hollow and Southern fried chill in the air when Murder By Death make a stop in Austin.

Bloomington, India band Murder By Death has been cranking out music for what seems like forever. And by forever I really mean since about 2000. It seems like forever because they are one of those bands that have build a following the old fashioned way of continuous touring. With numerous albums, EPs, singles, and split 7"s in their catalog, the crown moment so far is probably 2008's impressive Red of Tooth and Claw. Their Southern Gothic rock sound is guided by guitartist and frontman Adam Turla, with his young Johnny Cash vocals commanding each song like a preacher giving a fire and brimstone sermon. The landscape is made even more dense by the furious cello provided by the ever-lovely Sarah Balliet. Their last album released last year Good Morning, Magpie continued the thematic tradition of death, redemption, and even some spagetti-western influence.

They take the stage at Red 7 on Saturday [02.05.11] with The Builders & The Butchers, and Damion Suomi & The Monior Prophets rounding out the bill. Doors open at 9pm. If you haven't jumped on the Murder By Death wagon yet, first off shame on you (they have been around forever), take advantage of the opportunity now.

Here is the official video for "As Long as There is Whiskey in the World" from Good Morning.

And here is a short clip of the standout "I'm Coming Home" from Red of Tooth of Claw.

And because I like hot rock chicks, here are some pics of cellist Sarah Balliet.

Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me

2011-01-24T12:01:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite new artists of the last couple years has definitely been alt-country darling Jessica Lea Mayfield. Her sophomore album Tell Me will be released via Nonesuch Records on February 8th. I was very excited to get my hands on this one early thanks to Stereo Subversion. So my review of this great record is up on that site right now. Check it out via the link below:

[SSv Review: Tell Me]

I highly recommend picking up this album. If interested (and you should be), there are two good pre-order offers available now. First, up on her site the pre-order gets you a free Live EP. Also on the Nonesuch Records site, their pre-order includes a free autograph 7" of the album's first single "Our Hearts Are Wrong."

There is a live performance of one of the standout tracks "Sometimes at Night" over at Relix. Take a listen/look at that to see why I'm very excited about this album.

OMG... Hipster Superheroes

2011-01-23T21:43:00.002-06:00

Why is hipster humor so funny? I've always rejected any notion that I maybe a hipster. Mostly for the fact that I'm really not that "hip." Yet when I see stuff like hipster dinosaurs or this hipster superheroes video, I start to question if my strong opinions on music paints me as a hipster. Maybe it's being over opinionated combined with the skinny jeans? But I still don't think the word "hip" really describes me.

A label to do fully admit to is comic book geek, so I find this video from College Humor hilarious.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Go Down Under For Only $0.69

2011-01-20T21:41:00.004-06:00

Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under, the new solo release from the Dresden Doll front woman is now available for download. The collection contains mostly live tracks, both originals and covers, all Australia/New Zealand inspired. Details for the physical release still have not been revealed, but in true AFP style there should be some limited edition vinyl and other merch bundles available soon. The music itself can be enjoyed for the super low price of 69 cents. So for now jump over to her bandcamp site and support the indie-est of all music (the self-released type). And check out the video for "Map of Tasmania" at the bottom of this post.

Palmer is again utilizing the practice that proved very successful with her Radiohead-covers EP, by self-releasing the music digitally for cheap and then offering limited edition physical copies at a premium to the more dedicated fan. If indie artists are looking for a model to follow on how to survive in the digital era of dwindling record sales, they should study Palmer. She has taken control of every aspect of her career and continues to pump out quality music, while gathering a large cult following in the process. Bravo to her.

i like: James Blake, the Album

2011-01-17T12:01:00.016-06:00

James Blake is cashing in quickly from all the hype brought on from those best of year lists by dropping his full-length debut on February 8th via Atlas/A&M. The previous three EPs released in 2010 each explored a different style of production. Thankfully (at least for my money), his self-titled release most closely resembles the sparring, minimalist sound found on Klavierwerke. Highlight track “I Never Learnt to Share” finds Blake utilizing auto-tune and looping the haunting lyrics “My brother and my sister don’t speak to me./ But I don’t blame them,” over a increasingly thick synth beat. When he’s not sounding like a robot Blake’s voice lets off a soulful coon, best displayed on the first single “Limit to Your Love” (a Feist cover) and the closing track “Measurements.” There are some places where the choppy/off-beat loops deter from the quality, but those songs tend to be short and are saved by the harmonies. James Blake’s vocals and production emote immense resonance with the most minimal effects on this beautiful album.

Here is the video for "Limit to Your Love," Directed by Martin de Thurah.

poems about music: Allen Ginsberg, "Portland Coliseum"

2011-01-14T12:01:00.002-06:00

Portland Coliseum
by Allen Ginsberg

A brown piano in diamond
   white spotlight
Leviathan auditorium
   iron run wired
   hanging organs, vox
   black battery
A single whistling sound of
   ten thousand children's
   larynxes asinging
   pierce the ears
   and following up the belly
   bliss the moment arrived

Apparition, four brown English
   jacket christhair boys
Goofed Ringo battling bright
   white drums
Silent George hair patient
   Soul horse
Short black-skulled Paul
   with the guitar
Lennon the Captain, his mouth
   a triangular smile,
all jump together to End
   some tearful memory song
   ancient-two years,
   The million children
   the thousand words
bounce in their seats, bash
   each other's sides, press
   legs together nervous
Scream again & claphand
   become one Animal
   in the New World Auditorium
   --hands waving myriad
   snakes of thought
   screetch beyond hearing

while a line of police with
   folded arms stands
Sentry to contain the red
   sweatered ecstasy
that rises upward to the
   wired roof.

   -August 27, 1965

i like: Cody ChesnuTT, Black Skin No Value

2011-01-12T12:01:00.034-06:00

Cody Chesnutt is best known for collaborating with The Roots on their hit “The Seed 2.0” from 2002. But before that, Chesnutt’s version of “The Seed” appeared on his double album debut Headphone Masterpiece. Recorded entirely on a 4-track in his home, Chesnutt delivered a highly acclaimed collection of lo-fi R&B, before lo-fi R&B was even cool. Now after an extended hiatus, a new social conscious dose has been delivered. The Black Skin No Value EP is clearly meant as nothing more than an appetizer with its six tracks totaling less than 12 minutes worth of music. The production has gotten cleaner, but elements of lo-fi remain as the central songs feature nothing but Chesnutt’s vocals backed up by sparse acoustics. “Everybody's Brother” has him painting a picture of that token former street thug who "used to smoke crack back in the day" but now "teach[es] kids in sunday school." The closers "Where is All the Money Going" and "To Be Upon the Perch" has Chesnutt reflecting on the American recession in a Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" type of style, the latter of which features the most emotion filled (but barely there) arrangement on the release.

Hopefully Black Skin No Value is just something to wet the palate. A full-length is long overdue, but this definitely quenches the thirst for a bit.

And here is a throwback with the video for "The Seed 2.0" with The Roots.

Free Download of Sharon Van Etten's Bowery Ballroom Show

2011-01-10T20:53:00.000-06:00

Looks like Sharon Van Etten is giving away a free download of her very recent [01.08.11] show at New York's famed Bowery Ballroom.

Van Etten is riding the wave of acclaim brought on by her latest album Epic. Which, for the record, is Trinity Stardust approved. The live set pretty much features 90% of that album along with some new songs as well. It was recently reported the she is working with The National on her next album, so perhaps these new tunes are a preview of that. Either way, this is a great chance for those not yet familiar with Van Etten to sample her work. So head over to nyctaper to get the live set. And after you fall in love with her (yes it will happen), jump to her site to pick up Epic. It is quite.... errrrr.... ahhh.. EPIC!

Throw Another Body on the Casual Victim Pile

2011-01-10T12:01:00.042-06:00

The Austin blogs and twitter-ers were all aflame at the tail end of Free Week last Friday, as news of the next Casual Victim Pile compilation hit. The sequel to Matador Records' first collection will arrive this time via the 12XU label (also run by Matador’s Gerard Cosloy), giving us another punch of local Austin punk. The first CVP album was spectacular and introduced even some of us locals to a handful of under the radar bands (really, who didn't go crazy for Follow That Bird! after hearing them here). I highly recommend both of these collections to anyone. Especially for non-Austinites, so they can get a taste of what a great local music we have.

We'll have to wait until February 22nd for the physical white vinyl, but the album is streaming over at the comp's bandcamp and is actually available for download at this time for $10. Pre-orders for that limited edition vinyl are also being taken for $12, along with a $25 option that gets you the album plus a three night pass to the release party being held on March 3, 4, and 5th at Beerland. I missed last year's CVP show, so I'm planning on making it out this time.

The Authors Give Away Latest Album for Free Week

2011-01-04T12:01:00.007-06:00

As Austin celebrates Free Week, this the first week of the new year, it looks as if some bands are doing more than just playing free shows. New wave rock advocates The Authors are offering their latest album Get Haunted as a free download on their bandcamp page. So at least for this week, jump over there and grab some free tunes. I myself haven't listened to the album yet (that will change after today), but Austin Town Hall did name it as one of their Top 10 Austin Albums of 2010. So it should be quality.

The Authors themselves will show up during free week on Jan. 7th at Emo's. Later in the month they will hit up Lamberts on Friday the 28th for the Above The Radar Showcase.

The Great Nostalgic Sophomore Album Details

2011-01-03T12:01:00.012-06:00

Here's something I came across on the twitter yesterday...

Hope We Live Like We Promised

That is the fantastic title and equally-as-fantastic cover art for the forthcoming album from local Austin powerhouses The Great Nostalgic. According to their website the next dose of melodramatic indie prog rock is dropping this April. It's been a minute since we've heard from them; as their self-title debut sent waves across the Austin blogs in 2009. Even I couldn't resist piling on the accolades here on Trinity Stardust. It will be interesting to see if The Great Nostalgic will follow the same thematic structure on this release as they did in the past. So the countdown begins for what has to be one of the most anticipated local releases of 2011.

The band is also offering a great vinyl pre-order offer. Looks like 20 bills gets you the new album with "D-side" bonus tracks, a digital download, and a cd copy of their debut. Quite the deal.

Favorite Albums of 2010

2011-01-01T13:01:00.021-06:00

My 2011 starts by looking back at my favorite albums of 2010. Of course everyone and their mama has already posted one of these lists, but for me it's always a daunting task. There so many factors to consider, and even more releases to take into consideration. We are seeing major tends as the music industry continues to change and adapt to the internet's influence. Foremost the amount of music that is being released these days is ridiculous. Seems like every other week there is a new buzz band the blogs are hyping up. Then there is all that great music that never gets covered at all. Looking at the success of one Mr. Kanye West across the indie blogs shows how the indie taste is expanding and the chances of those buzz trends (and bands) surviving past a year's time looks bleak. Seemingly anyone with the drive and talent can record an album, get it out through the web and end up on one of these lists at the end of the year. But longevity is something that will take much more than just a cool tag like "chillwave." In essence no matter how may rookies you have shooting for that spotlight, there will always be veterans that continue to outshine. It was an awesome year in music nonetheless. Here were my favorites, starting at the top. [clicking on the album link will send you to a choice video]...

1. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

The best idea for an album in 2010 came from the past, and not in a "let's do a retro 80's dance album" type way. It is a notion that we all think about-- what if we could send a message back to our childhood. For this Win Bulter and company took a ride through the suburbs and saw a seemingly simpler life, but one that hides secrets around every corner. Sometimes what happens behind those white picket fences is more fucked up than anything that could ever happen in the city. Musically Arcade Fire continues that wall of sound they're known for, which itself can be a little retro dancey at times. At the end they continue to craft perfectly sequenced and cohesive albums.

2. Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM

Beck helps French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg channel the emotion of her slight brain injury and recent award-winning portrayal of a insane grievous wife in the film Antichrist. The result is ghostly and funky. A great combination.

3. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Mr. West is truly hip-hop’s first official “Rock Star.” MBDTF displays the reason why he is the most loved and hated man in music; someone who talks shit and has the skill to back it up.

4. The Roots – How I Got Over

On their first album of the post-Bush era, The Roots ditch the recession driven rugged mentality of their last two albums for a more introspective/soul searching outing.

5. The National - High Violet

The National packs High Violet with constant momentum, as each song feels like a race to survive against insurmountable struggle. Read my further write up on SSv's 2010: Top 10 Albums.

6. Warpaint – The Fool

Four gorgeous females stirring up psychedelic rock that sounds as if it’s sung from the hereafter. Like something straight from my sweetest dream… or drug induced nightmare.

7. Kate Nash – My Best Friend Is You

Kate Nash breaks the Lily Allen-clone mold by producing a solid sophomore album of genre-bending, schizophrenic journal entries. While her contemporaries fail to deliver, Nash begins to evolve as an artist.

8. Karen Elson – The Ghost Who Walks

Elson gets a hand from her hubby to become a guitar slinging version of Nancy Sinatra. A little bit country and a little bit rock & roll, Elson proved that she was more than just Jack White's supermodel wife.

9. Noun – Holy Hell

The front woman for New Jersey basement band Screaming Females, Marisa Paternoster, delivered a solo gem of punk power ballads that unfortunately went unnoticed due to the release of the band’s own breakout album.

10. Sharon Van Etten – Epic

Van Etten is another pretty girl with a guitar. What makes her stand out is the direct honesty her songs come from. Listen to the heart-bleeding "A Crime" or the erie "DsharpG" and understand what it is to be a songwriter.

11. Beach House – Teen Dream

Beach House vocalist Victoria LeGrand finally hits her stride on this the band's third album. Her harmonies and lyrics have been elevated to the next level, while the production surrounds them with a lush (and yes, dreamy) atmosphere.

12. Balmorhea – Constellations

The Austin band delivers another instrumental tour de force. This nautical themed piece takes us on a beautiful voyage. Read my full review on Stereo Subversion.

13. Sarah Kirkland Snider – Penelope

Composer Sarah Kirkland Snider casts My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden as the title character in her gothic classical song sequence. This collaboration is as epic as Homer's source material.

14. Anias Mitchell - Hadestown

The most ambitious project of the year finds Mitchell directing a full ensemble, including Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Ani Difranco, in this folk opera modernizing the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

15. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

The fellas of Local Natives look like the type who were beaten up everyday in high school. So why not form a folk-rock band and record a debut album that blows away most of the 2010 rookie class. This album is all about the drums and and harmonies. Serious drums and harmonies.

And the rest, In alphabetical order...

Big Boi – Sir Lucious Leftfoot… The Son of Chico Dusty

Black Mountain – Wilderness Heart

Dark Dark Dark – Wild Go

The Dead Weather – Sea of Cowards

Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can

Melissa Auf der Maur – Out of Our Minds

Meursault - All Creatures Will Make Merry

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Twin Shadow -Forget

Merry X-Mas Everybody

2010-12-25T10:06:00.004-06:00

Nothing says "Birth of Baby Jesus" like a super-goreous freckled british girl singing Christmas songs. So here is one of my favorite artists of this past year Kate Nash doing a rendition of "Merry X-Mas Everybody," originally by Slade. It's taken from A.V. Undercover's series of holiday performances.

Kate Nash covers "Merry X-Mas Everybody"

Lovers - Dark Light

2010-12-24T12:01:00.000-06:00

Last year I reviewed the Lovers' I Am The West, and now my review for their latest album Dark Light is up via Stereo Subversion. Carolyn Berk continues to go the synth-pop route for this offering as well. Click below to read what I have to say about it.

[SSv Review: Dark Light]

The Boxing Lesson - Fur State

2010-12-23T20:22:00.004-06:00

It's always nice to check in with The Boxing Lesson from time to time. One of my first exposures to the Austin scene, this band continues to impress every time I see them live. It's been a while since Wild Streaks & Windy Days, but from what I've been reading the band is hard at work on their next full release. In the meantime they dropped a little experimental nugget on the world, Fur State. Click the link below to read my review.

[SSv Review: Fur State]

Fur State is available on their bandcamp site in several options including cassette. That's right... a Fuckin' Cassette Tape!

The Boxing Lesson also has a show date coming up for Austin's Free Week. So locals should kick the new year off on Jan 2nd at Mohawk with a little space boogie from Paul and Jaylinn.

Agent Ribbons - Chateau Crone

2010-12-23T20:11:00.008-06:00

Here is a review that went up on Stereo Subversion a while back that I never posted here on The Blog From Mars. Austin band Agent Ribbons is currently one of my favorite local acts. Chateau Crone is a great offering from them.

[SSv Review: Chateau Crone]

They also have a Daytrotter Session featuring songs from this album available for free download. Go here to check that out.

Nights Are Warm And The Days Are Young

2010-12-22T12:01:00.003-06:00

Here's another David Bowie find that came to my attention after reading Marc Spitz's biography. Soul Train is always very awkward for any performer. For one, the artist always has to lip-synch, usually very badly. Watching the video below you will probably think that the audio is off synch. It's not; that's just classic drugged up rock star forgetting his lines. Also, I'm guessing the audience is told to completely ignore the person who's performing because when they're up there it always seems like the dancers couldn't care any less. Then again, maybe that's just 70's cool. Either way, here is Bowie's performance of "Golden Years" from 1975. As Spitz puts it, "Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse have never looked this wasted."

I Never Lost Control

2010-12-20T12:01:00.002-06:00

I recently finished Marc Spitz's Bowie biography, which takes a good look at David Bowie's life and career up through his current period of artistic silence. While Bowie diehards like myself patiently await for the man to drop another nugget of pure brilliance on the world, books like this can bring up some moments that may have gone unnoticed by the younger generation.

David Bowie's 1979 Saturday Night Live performance was one of those aspects that I was previously unaware of. I quickly had to see for myself after Spitz spent a couple pages describing it. (What did we do without the internet to provide us with instant gratification at times like this?) So take a look for yourself. This is really something that needs to be seen. Think about the wave of WTF's this probably caused: from the pizza slice shaped digs on "The Man Who Sold the World," to the crazy puppet effects on "Boys Keep Swinging." Also notice German-born vocalist/New York socialite Klaus Nomi providing backing for the three performances (he's the one in black).

The Attention Just Encourages Her

2010-11-30T19:25:00.011-06:00

The Dresden Dolls @ La Zona Rosa, 11.21.10

I really like some of the shots I got from last week's Dresden Dolls show. Amanda and Brian put on one epic 3 hour long showing that should go done is some sort of record book for awesomeness. Take a gander...

I'm Thankful For Artists Giving Away Their Music For Free

2010-11-25T13:36:00.008-06:00

Atlas Sound - the Bedroom Databank series

Bedroom Databank vol. 1

Bedroom Databank vol. 2

Bedroom Databank vol. 3

Bedroom Databank vol. 4

Estelle & John Legend - The Duets FreEP

The Duets (EP) via 2DopeBoyz

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T16:18:00.004-05:00

In celebration of holiday, I give you the wonderful creepy video from Katy (Kickball) Goodman of the Vivian Girls. "Never Come Around" is the debut single from her solo project La Sera, and it's kinda awesome. So revel in the bloody horror...

Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

2010-10-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

A while ago I reviewed Sarah Blasko's latest album. Which as usual, was exciting being that I was a huge fan of her previous releases. As I state in the review, Blasko is quit the hidden gem. Plus she's Australian, and chicks with Australian accents are hot. But getting back to the music, here is an excerpt of the review:

... we stand in front of Sarah Blasko’s latest. As Day Follows Night is Blasko’s most fulfilling release to date. The tracks are more constructed at all levels, giving a bigger sound to Blasko’s performance as she continues to navigate each song seamlessly with her vocal pirouettes.

So click the link below to read the full review.

[SSv Review: As Day Follows Night]

Blasko has also released a crop of cool videos off this album as well. Check out the duo below.

Chan Shares (a little) About New Cat Power Album

2010-10-04T18:47:00.011-05:00

This past weekend was the big Matador 21 celebration in Las Vegas. The three day festival featured performances from Matador Records' roster of acts past and present. Of course that includes their little queen of gloom and doom, Chan Marshall a.k.a. Cat Power. Apparently she shared some news about her next album, which as of now has no title and no release date, so I'm not holding my breathe until it sees the light of day. But it is exciting news. According to the brief interview, Marshall is playing all the instruments for the new endeavor. This kind of gives the impression that she's moving on from the full band phase that possessed her last two albums, The Greatest (2006) and Jukebox (2008).

But who knows? Chan's a trippy girl and her mood for playing instruments could change at any moment. Check out the clip on Rolling Stone. She doesn't even face the camera, and I'm sure that was her choice. But hey... Prettiest Side of Face Ever? I think so.

I didn't embed the video because I don't like the auto-start thing it has going on. But here is a random horribly shot vid I found from Chan's Matador 21 performance..

John Legend & The Roots do Arcade Fire

2010-09-27T18:56:00.004-05:00

Last week John Legend and The Roots dropped their much anticipated, much hyped collaboration album Wake Up!, a collection of covers that takes its name from the well-known Arcade Fire song. Oddly, their cover of "Wake Up" didn't make the final cut of the album and what was left fell short of spectacular. Where the idea of hearing hip-hop/soul renditions of songs from different genres sounds exciting, what we actually got were hip-hop/soul renditions of older soul songs. And that is not so exciting. I hate to say it, but this is the first time that I've been let down by a Roots' project. Seeing this live video of Legend and Philadelphia's finest doing a monstrous version of "Wake Up" makes me dream of what could have of been.

?uestlove, if you can hear me, get Legend back in the studio and give us a proper album that demonstrates how you're both powerhouses in the game. Maybe I'm a little let down because The Roots are coming off of what could be their finest album to date, How I Got Over. Maybe I'm over reacting because, as a Philly native, being a Roots fan is in my DNA. Maybe I just want a proper studio version of this "Wake Up" cover.

So how about it. B-side, please.

Get Twee! Allo Darlin' to Finally Get U.S. Release

2010-09-22T19:15:00.009-05:00

For me, brit band Allo Darlin' was a one of those random SXSW bands that you happen to catch and then become completely enamored. Of course their super cutie lead vocalist Elizabeth Morris had something to do with that, but they also had some catchy twee pop tunes. Anytime you can seriously kick some ukulele on a track, I'm down. I soon discovered that they already had a handful of singles available, which I quickly gobbled up with delight. Their fantastic self-title debut album will finally hit this side of the big pond on October 5th.

They are in the same vein as She & Him or Camera Obscura, so fans of those bands should definitely give them a try. Take my word... Allo Darlin' is quality. Check out the Breakfast Club inspired video for "The Polaroid Song."

Here are some shots of Elizabeth from this past SXSW.

Again, Allo Darlin' will hit the U.S on October 5th. Get you some!

OMG.. Hipster Dinosaurs!

2010-09-16T18:46:00.006-05:00

I think me and this Pelorosaurus would have tons to talk about...

These are hilarious!

Twin Shadow's Videos are as Retro as His Music

2010-09-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago I downloaded Twin Shadow's album Forget when he was offering it on his website for $1. I figured with Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear producing, it couldn't hurt to give the album a try. And now I stand thankful that I did. Forget is an awesome throwback to Depeche Mode-eque synth pop and definitely one of the best debut releases of the year.

Below is the video for my favorite song off Forget, "Castles In The Snow." The clip is an odd homage to the 80's New York scene. I keep waiting from some breakdancing to spontaneously happen, but alas it doesn't.

The video for "Slow" actually features the man behind Twin Shadow, George Lewis, who looks like Fez from That '70s Show if he grew up to be a high school gym teacher. This is a funny take on those Calvin Klein ads from a couple years ago.

Unfortunately, Forget is no longer available for the super saver price of a buck. But it will be available on CD and LP via Terrible Records on September 28th.

For those in Austin, we will have the chance to see Twin Shadow when he hits Antone's on September 24th.

Wild Nothing - Gemini

2010-08-02T18:48:00.003-05:00

My review for Wild Nothing's Gemini went up on Stereo Subversion a couple weeks ago. It gave me the chance to implement one of the key rules that every music blogger keeps on their checklist; When all else fails, just compare the band to The Cure. I also took the chance to mention one of my favorite filmmakers, John Hughes; which is another thing that I will jump at every opportunity to do. But as far as the actual music goes, below is a snippet and then a link to the review.

... The album fades in with “Live In Dreams,” a basic tone setter establishing the pace for much of the ride. Tatum’s vocals are just a half octave above monotone and almost emotionless — normally a sure strike — but it works for him just as it is an asset for Beach House’s Victoria Legrand. The mid-tempo beat itself boarders hallway between danceable and a wallflower’s sway.

[SSv Review: Gemini]

Sleepy Sun - Fever

2010-07-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote a review of Sleepy Sun's latest album Fever for Stereo Subversion. It was pretty much a random pick that paid off. There's some good stuff on here.

Here is a snippet... The video for Sleepy Sun’s “Open Eyes” is a psychotropic blend of horror and confusion. Its opening sequence of astrological imagery gives way to four participants (one male, three female) coming together for what seems to be one hell of a supernatural séance. They sit around a circular table with tarot-like cards spread out before them. By the end of the clip the four have had their essence extracted though their mouths, each spiraling to the center of the circle in a white tornado that revels pagan representations within (think goat head with horns). The song itself starts off with muffled vocals, which sound like they were sung underwater. As it progresses the words become clearer. By the time the guitars kick it up a notch in time for that spiritual departure, we get a distinct declaration of “open your eyes.” The video takes a couple of views in order to grasp all the elements.

And here is the full review...

[SSv Review: Fever]

And here is the video for "Open Eyes" which I reference...

Amanda Palmer Sings the Songs of Radiohead... For Only $0.84!!!

2010-07-20T17:44:00.007-05:00

I don't shy away from expressing my love for Amanda Palmer. On top of being an artistic visionary with her music, she is an prolific songwriter whose literal lyrics have always been direct windows into her personal life. Additionally each musical venture of her career has expanded her palette. I was a huge fan of the Dresden Doll albums, and hold her solo debut, Who Killed Amanda Palmer, in even higher regard. I gave praise earlier this year to the art/performance project Evelyn Evelyn, an interesting (and semi-controversal) release that had Palmer playing the role of a siamese twin. Now with Ms Palmer being dropped by her record label (this is a good thing) she has self-released an EP that continues to show her diversity for music.

The title is pretty self-explanitory, Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele. It's up for download at 'name your own pricing' with a minimum donation of $0.89, which basically covers the bandcamp and paypal fees. So Palmer is pretty much giving this away.

Click Here To Grab Yours

Now while the word 'ukulele' may deter some some, I challenge any of them to listen to her version of "Idioteque" and not be blown away.

Paul Helps Ringo Celebrate His Birthday..

2010-07-08T19:28:00.002-05:00

How cool is this...

Answer: Very Cool, indeed.

The Kills cover "Pale Blue Eyes"

2010-06-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

It's good to see while Alison Mosshart has been busy making two impressive albums with Jack White, and Jamie Hince has been busy trotting about with Kate Moss, that The Kills have found time to give us some new material. Even if it is just one song for now. The duo has covered Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes" for the Levi's Pioneer Sessions. The song is up as a free download here. See the vid below for some in the studio footage from the recording.

Also check out other covers tracks on that site from other Trinity Stardust favorites She & Him, and John Legend with The Roots.