Summertime, especially in the heat of Austin, TX, seems to inspire an almost unquenchable desire for good tunes and good times. Reminiscent of those eras that produced mastered pieces of working man art and music, chalk-full of sex appeal and urban style and slang, this band’s music keeps it classy and cool.
Combine creative musicians- who have an obvious and admirable knowledge of soul and funk music from the greats- with irresistible move-your-body music and invade-your-brain catchy lyrics, and you have T-Bird and The Breaks‘ new album Never Get Out of This Funk Alive. Like a perfectly mixed cocktail, T Bird (Tim Crane) & The Breaks (billed as 19 musicians over various tracks on the album) have stirred together groove, break-beat, funk, soul, hip hop, and garnished it with a modern twist.
I have three pairs of tickets to give away for the RX Bandits (final tour!) show at Emo’s this Wednesday (6/29). Also appearing on the bill will be Maps & Atlases.
To be entered to win, all you have to do is post a comment and I’ll select the three winners at noon on Wednesday. Previous commenters to this contest will also be considered. No need to re-enter!
Head on down to End of an Ear tomorrow for the listening party of Bon Iver’s new self titled release that comes out tomorrow at 6pm. They’ll have a limited number of bonus CD’s with purchase plus free posters to give away. Also available for purchase exclusively at End of an Ear tomorrow will be copies of the “Calgary” 12 inch that will not be hitting other stores until July 5.
While you’re there check out some of these new releases available at the store:
Pop / Rock
Black Country Communion “2” CD (J&R Adventures) 2011 sophomore album from the English-American Rock supergroup featuring bassist-vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater). Bonnie “Prince” Billy “There is No God” 10″ (Drag City) Limited. Cliffie Sawn “Memories Come True” LP (Drag City) Previously known as Lights. Sophia Knapp and Linnea Vedder sing with the voices of angels dragged through Nashville and Laurel Canyon in the ’70s. Dolly Mixture “Remember This: The Singles Collection 1980-1984” LP (For Us) Now available on vinyl. Collects all four singles plus the “Fireside” 12″ EP. Glasgow Smile “Precious” CD New noise walls from Houston. Harsh. Jesus and Mary Chain “Automatic” LP (Plain) Now reissued on vinyl. Junior Boys “It’s All True” CD (Domino) Their 4th album. McCartney, Paul “McCartney” CD (Hear Music) Recorded within months of the Beatles official breakup, this has aged really well. Up there with “Ram” in terms of light yet charming pop music. McCartney, Paul “McCartney II” CD (Hear Music) A seriously underrated record, this one is from 1980 when Paul was definitely smoking maximum amounts of weed. There’s a happy-isolationist quality to the proceedings that gives it a pretty unique feel. Plus hearing the ex-Beatle sing in a variety of falsettos over a bed of Arp synths and tape-sped drum fills is utterly amazing. Now remastered with a bonus disc of tracks that will leave you laughing and confused… in a good way. Neil Young “A Treasure” CD (Reprise) 12-track live album, includes songs (5 of which are previously unreleased) recorded during Young’s 1984 and 1985 U.S. tours. Sebadoh “Bakesale” CD/LP (Sub Pop) Reissued on vinyl and CD. Segall, Ty “Goodbye Bread” CD/LP (Drag City) His 5th album. Segall, Ty “I can’t feel it” 7″ (Drag City) Thin Lizzy “s/t” LP Debut album reissued. Vetiver “The Errant Charm” CD/LP (Sub Pop) Their 5th album.
Punk
Axemen “Three Virgins” 2LP (Siltbreeze) The second entry in Siltbreeze’s Axemen reissue series, Scary! Part III originally saw light as a cassette-only release in 1989. Cramps “De Lux Album” LP Early 7″ and 12″ tracks. Crazy Spirit “I’m Dead” 7″ (Mata La Musica) New 2-song single. Eskorbuto “Eskizofrenia” LP (Munster) Reissue of debut 1985 LP. Spanish punk at it’s finest. Hygiene “Public Sector” LP On their debut album, Hygiene take the listener on a post-pub stagger through the concrete walkways and underpasses of Britain’s decline. Equal doses of stark minimalism and plodding post-punk fury. Isterismo “Tokyo Crusties” LP (540) Ear-bleeding Tokyo noise punk in the vein greats like Confuse and Disorder. Just Urbain “Everybody loves” 7″ (540) Classic Aussie teen punk, originally issued on the legendary Savage/Shake label. Nerveskade “Noise Pollution” 7″ (540) New single from young Portland noise punks. Shitty Limits “Speculate/Accumulate” 12″ Debut album from ‘Britain’s best punk band’. Combining influences from 60’s garage, 70’s punk and 80’s hardcore. Slaughter “Nocturnal Karnage” LP (Agipunk) Includes tracks from the Nocturnal Hell 7″ and the Bloody Karnage demo. Slowmotions “Operation Anagram” 7″ (540) New single from Japanese punk band. Wire “1976 Demo” LP Early, raw and totally awesome as you would guess. Young Identities “New Trends” 7″ (540) Classic Aussie teen punk, originally issued on the legendary Savage/Shake label.
It’s Republic of Texas Rally weekend! That means your hearing will be bombarded by loud ass Harley’s and some good live music in Austin this weekend. Escape the exhaust, bandannas and bad tattoos by checking out some of these great live shows.
This will not be for the faint of hearing. On a side note, don’t forget to check out the June Farewell Music Fest 2011 happening at the Parlor on North Loop. Sadly, the North Loop location is closing in the next couple weeks.
Thursday June 9th
Nico Vega, She Wants Revenge-Emo’s
Georgia Satellites (that’s right)-Travis County Expo Center
Looking for some new music to buy but you don’t know what to get? Well, here’s Waterloo Records Top 10 best selling albums for the past week.
1. Sarah Jarosz
Follow Me Down
2. Bob Schneider
A Perfect Day
3. Suzanna Choffel
Steady Eye Shaky Bow
4. Okkervil River
I Am Very Far
5. Steve Earle
I’ll Never Get Out Of Here Alive
6. Black Joe Lewis
Scandalous
7. Explosions In The Sky
Take Care Take Care Take Care
8. Eliza Gilkyson
Roses At The End Of Time
9. White Denim
D
10. Hayes Carll
KMAG YOYO..
It’s a big week down at End of and Ear with today’s new releases and Chaos in Tejas starting on Thursday. There are still plenty of tickets still available for a number of these shows down at the ‘Ear. Also on tap, End of an Ear will be hosting a few instores this weekend to coincide with Chaos in Tejas:
And here’s a rundown for their latest new arrivals. Not mentioned but also available is the new My Morning Jacket album, Circuital, which drops today.
Pop / Rock
Battles “Ice Cream” 12″ (Ninja Tune) Limited 12” features the first single, ”Ice Cream” from Battles’ forthcoming album Gloss Drop (out June 7th). Bazan, David “Strange Negotiations” CD (Barsuk) His latest with a full band. Cave In “White Silence” CD/LP (Hydra Head) Their first full length in more than half a decade. Foster the People “Torches” CD (Columbia) Debut release. Comes with a free EP. Friendly Fires “Pala” CD (XL) Their latest kinetic art funk. 10 tracks and on sale for $5.99. Kids on a Crime Spree “We Love You So Bad” CD/12″ (Slumberland) Debut from new SF pop group. Lady Gaga “Born this Way” 2CD/CD (Interscope) Her latest. Special edition contains bonus disc of remixes. Moore, Thurston “Demolished Thoughts” CD/LP (Matador) Third solo album from Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore was produced by Beck and features Mary Lattimore on harp, Samara Lubielski on violin, and Beck on various instruments. Limited blue vinyl. Pollard, Robert “Lord of the Birdcage” CD (GBV Inc) On this new album Pollard reverses his songwriting process, transforming a dozen previously written poems into songs. Sleep Over “Casual Diamond” 7″
V/A “Delta Swamp Rock” CD + BOOK (Soul Jazz) Subtitled: Sounds from the South: At the Crossroads of Rock, Country and Soul. “Soul Jazz Records’ Delta Swamp Rock is a definitive guide to the music of the southern states of USA created between 1968-1975 where country, rock and soul met.
Punk
Cola Freaks “s/t” LP (Douchemaster) Eleven tracks of quick, clean and nervous new wave / punk rock from Denmark. Energy, The “Get Split” LP (Team) Killed by Death -ish, heavy psych mix out of Houston. Eskorbuto “Eskizofrenia” CD (Munster) Reissue of debut 1985 LP. Spanish punk at it’s finest. Golden Staph “s/t” LP (RIP Society) Female fronted Aussie 5 piece that draws from the history of punk rock and post-punk, without being a homage to anyone in particular. Echoes of the Avengers and the Wipers. Reatards “Teenage Hate / Fuck Elvis” CD (Goner Records) Deluxe reissue of Jay Reatard’s first full-length LP, with a bonus album of early tracks recorded on four-track and only released on cassettes.
It’s Memorial Day weekend. For most that means 3 days of rest, BBQ’ing and live music. Let me help you out with live music suggestions because y’all know how to rest and I hope you know how to BBQ. If you don’t, shame on you! This is Texas!
Start the weekend off right with Night Fever!. Night Fever, brought to you by Strange Tribe Productions and Soul of the Boot Entertainment, is a Hip-Hop themed party with 4 of Austin’s finest purveyors of classic hip-hop doing a 2 x 4 Tag Team set. Nick Nack’s been on the scene for years in ATX. Also on the bill is DJ Chorizo Funk, Kid Slyce, and DJ Crown. There will also be live art by B.E. Strange. The fun kicks off at 9pm down at the Copa Bar & Grill (217 Congress Ave).
Here’s some more music assistance for the rest of your weekend and beyond.
I still have one pair of tickets to give away to the Bad Manners show tonight at Emo’s. Ryan Parker and Cat have already each won a pair, but Cat, I need your last name!
I’m closing this contest at 3pm today, so if you want to go, either comment or email me at bobby@thevinyldistrict.com and I’ll select a winner.
In the 16 years I’ve lived in Austin, I’ve met quite a few Missourians who have made their way down to this fine city. In fact, I’m marrying a native Show-Me-Stater this October. These fine folk are proud to call Missouri home and are some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
Now, a few of these fine Midwestern transplants are doing their part to raise much needed relief for the devastated town of Joplin, MO.
This coming Tuesday, Kansas City native and singer-songwriter, Lucas Cook is hosting the “Jammin’ For Joplin” benefit at the Belmont (305 W. 6th) from 6-10pm.
Here’s a blurb from the facebook invite page for more information:
A Texas sized attempt to help the people of Joplin recover from the devastating Tornado! Missouri is the “Show-Me” state and being a Kansas City native, I wanted to put on a show to help the relief efforts back home.
There will be a live concert starting at 6:30pm. Doors are at 6pm with a suggested $5 minimum donation. Cash donations will be directed to the Red Cross and blankets, towels and clothing will be sent to Sacred Heart… Catholic Church or to a similar organization that will be able to distribute these items. The show will take place upstairs on the terrace at the Belmont.
Niki Covers the Cold will be there to help facilitate the collection of much needed blankets, towels and clothing. Look for special guests and celebrity appearances.
Showtimes are subject to change, so please keep up to date with THIS event page and spread the word, pass it on and let’s help some people out!!
End of an Ear will be hosting a Q & A with Iraqi heavy metallers, Acrassicauda tomorrow at 6pm. If you’ve ever seen the documentary, Heavy Metal Baghdad, you know that these dudes have been to hell and back all for the love of metal. You can also check them out later on that night at Red 7. I’m sure it will be a great show.
Here’s the list of End of an Ear’s latest new arrivals:
Pop / Rock
Amor De Dias “Street of the Love of Days” CD (Merge) Debut album by the supergroup formed by Alasdair MacLean of the Clientele and Lupe Núñez-Fernández of Pipas. Art Museums “S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G.” 7″ (Dulc-I-Tone) New single from SF popsters. Austra “Feel It Break” CD/LP (Domino) A stark, danceable masterpiece suitable for both ritual incantations and clubs. Bachelorette “s/t” CD/LP (Drag City) Annabel “Bachelorette” Alpers is still a space case, but since her last album she’s definitely come back down to earth a bit. The tunes are still soaring high though. Bahamas “Pink Strat” CD (Universal Republic) Finnish-Canadian singer songwriter. Boys Next Door “What’s The Story?” 2LP All live double LP, fourteen tracks recorded live at Storey Hall, Australia in 1978. Limited to 300 copies. Colourmusic “My ____ is Pink” LP (Memphis Industries) Their latest. Company of Thieves “Running From a Gamble” CD Wind-Up Chicago outfit with their sophomore record. Dogs of War “s/t” LP Elected, the “Bury Me in My Rings” CD (Vagrant) Blake Sennett, former guitarist and songwriter of Rilo Kiley with his latest effore. Eno, Brian “Before and After Science” LP “Japanese'” reissue with OBI strip. Globes “Future Self” CD (Barsuk) Produced by John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead, Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney, etc). Iron Curtain “Desertion 1982-1988” 2LP (Pylon) Collection of the earliest and best material from these minimal synth pioneers. Let’s Wrestle “Nursing Home” CD/LP (Merge) Second album, recorded by Steve Albini. Lynch, Julian “Terra” CD (Underwater Peoples) His latest. Vinyl should be here next week. The sweet spot between Animal Collective and Michael McDonald. Manchester Orchestra “Simple Math” CD (Columbia) A concept record about a 23-year old who questions everything from marriage to love to religion to sex. Moby “Destroyed” CD (Mute) Written by Moby on the road during the small hours of the night, when his insomnia was in full tilt. Queens of the Stone Age “s/t” CD (Rekords Reckords)1988 debut album reissued. Schmillion “S/T” CD Sea And Cake “The Moonlight Butterfly” LP (Thrill Jockey) Now available on vinyl. Tinie Tempah “Discovery” CD (Astralwerks) UK rapper Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, best known for his hit “Pass Out”. Vangaalen, Chad “Diaper Island” CD/LP (Sub Pop) Chad VanGaalen emerges from his bunker in Calgary with a batch of new songs. Weekend “End Times” 7″ (Slumberland) A nice slab of wax with two tracks. White Fence “Harness / The Pool” 7″ Afterlife Features the track “Harness” from the band’s new Is Growing Faith album, backed with the previously unreleased cut “The Pool.”
Local garage rock favorites, White Denim will be playing a pre-album release party at Waterloo Records today at 5pm. Their fifth release, D will be available on Tuesday, May 24th. Not sure if Waterloo will be able to break street date and sell copies of the new album, but White Denim is always great live and of course there is always the free beer too!
This will be your last chance to see them for awhile. They hit the road starting Monday in Arizona and will be making their way around the country throughout the summer. Go check ’em out!
Well here it is, another weekend in our fine Central Texas city of sunshine. What’s that? Rain? I know not what you speak of. Don’t let water prevent you from having a good time this week. If you need a friendly nudge and aren’t sure what to do, check out these bands playing this week.
Thursday May 19th
Kingdom of Suicide Lovers, Lola Cola, Elvis, the French Inhales-Emo’s
Joan of Arc, Air Waves, My Empty Phantom-Mohawk
Alvin Crow-Ginny’s Little Longhorn
Austin Chronicle Spelling Bee-Threadgills South-6pm (for those not looking to rock out)
Friday May 20th
Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs-Emo’s
The Fiery Furnaces-Lambert’s
Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven-ACL Moody Theater
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony-Venue 222
John Wesley Coleman, Simple Circuit, the Energy, A Giant Dog-Beerland
Pong-Continental Club
White Denim-Waterloo Records 5pm
Calhoun-Skinny’s Ballroom
Saturday May 21st
Ozomatli (Pachanga Fest 2011)-Fiesta Gardens
Federico Aubele-Parish
Zeke, Antiseen-Red 7
Megafauna-Flamingo Cantina
Scott H. Biram, Chili Cold Blood-Red Eye Fly
Sex Bruises, Book of Shadows-Trailer Space 7pm
Sunday May 22nd
Airborne Toxic Event-La Zona Rosa
Sarah Jarosz-One World Theather (Also playing Waterloo Records Monday, May 23rd at 5pm)
Starting today and throughout the summer, we’ll be giving away tickets to specific Emo’s shows. First up, we have 3 pairs (maybe 5) of tickets to give away to the Bad Manners show on 5/26 and RX Bandits with Maps & Atlases on 6/29. It’s the RX Bandits final tour!
So all you have to do is comment below which show you want to go to and I’ll select 3 (or 5) winners for each. I’ll notify the winners via email. Good luck!
I’m sure most of you have already seen this since it was leaked at midnight, but here are our thoughts on this year’s lineup. Obviously, you can’t go wrong with Stevie Wonder as one of your headliners. Solid pick, C3. I’m sure a lot of folks are really excited about Kanye West and Arcade Fire as well. As far as Coldplay goes, not a bad pick, but it seems odd that they are already back since they already headlined the festival just a few years ago. Here are my picks for each day not counting the headliners. I’m sure this will change closer to the festival in September. Can’t wait for the aftershows lineup to come out!
Fort Worth bred Calhoun will be in Austin this Friday at Skinny’s Ballroom (115 San Jacinto Blvd) in support of their brand new album, Heavy Sugar, which will be in stores tomorrow. Look for a TVD Austin review of the album this Wednesday.
Since we love Calhoun and love giving away free stuff, shoot me an email at bobby@thevinyldistrict.com for your chance to win tickets to this Friday’s show. We have two pair we are giving away. Also, the winners will each receive a copy of the new album and a show poster. Now that’s a sweet deal! I’ll select and notify the two winners this Friday at noon. Good luck!
