May 1 – Horseshoe Tavern – Ontario, Canada
May 3 – The Bell House – Brooklyn, NY
May 5 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, USA
May 6 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
May 7 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA
May 8 – Mezzanine – San Francisco, CA
Okay, I think the Troubadour might have been a bad choice of venue–too small! too…wooden? I don’t think the acoustics are right for a shoegaze band, but I guess we’ll find out.
And now we play the waiting game..
aw the waiting game sucks let’s play hungry hungry hippos
I would also like to add that the people at Pitchfork are (still) jerks.
I know, SXSW is just right around the corner and yes, I know that everyone is recommending a million bands. Hell, I’ve rec’d like 15 or so that I think are really awesome and you need to see and you can listen to me on those, if you want. But, what I’m about to say is going to be the most important recommendation I’m going to give.
If I may, I will use Ezra Pound’s words (and manipulate them a little) – “I can only repeat, but with the urgency of 50 years ago: LISTEN TO THE GROWLERS”. Seriously, it will be the best choice you make. Between the two of us here, at NRBW, in the past year, we’ve seen the Growlers like 20 times. As you can tell, we are girls with a wonderful, discerning taste in music who attend only the best gigs with great bands. So what on earth would we be doing devoting so much of our time (20 gigs? Shit, man) to a band like the Growlers. It’s only proof that they are the greatest band on the planet.
They consistently deliver live – the songs take on a whimsical life of their own, coupled with the bands complete and utter dedication to ridiculousness, well, it never can go wrong, can it? Their energy, their perfection, their willingness to wear costumes – I can’t say enough about this band.
But I will say more. Because their songs are ridiculously good. I’ve heard it called freak folk (What year are we in?) and I’ve heard it called alt-country (WHAT?) but really it’s just bluesy-surfy-psychy-rock and fuckin’ roll that’s awash in reverb and tin can recording techniques and it’s perfect. Don’t mistake their craziness for idiocy for freaks, they may be, but idiots they are not – The Growlers lyrics are witty, laugh out loud funny, poigniant, and just plain smart, plus they have a song (Mean People Suck) with the line “All of the gays and straights cum in my hands” – I mean really.
Fucking listen to us, people, for we have been preaching the gospel of the Growlers for a long time now, and their US tour has netted them more and more fans and I think that SXSW will be a definite turning point to getting them more exposure, more gigs, more fans – everything they deserve. They are the best band in the world!
DOWNLOAD -> The Growlers – Underneath Our Palms Blues
The Strange Boys
If you read this blog regularly, you’re aware of our well-documented love of Austin’s own Strange Boys. Although we’ve not fallen for their second album as swiftly as we fell for their practically perfect ‘And Girls’ LP, we know that their live show will always deliver. They’ve got a new lineup – drummer, sax and Tim Pressley from Darker My Love and it will be interesting to see what they’ve got to offer on the live front now that the stage will be a little more crowded. They’re only playing the Wednesday so they can carry on the rest of their US tour, so be sure to check them out early, while you can.
DOWNLOAD ->The Strange Boys – Be Brave
Harlem
Harlem has been one of my favorite new musical discoveries of the year. You can probably guess what they’re like – lo-fi, garagey music with “hidden” pop tunes. Harlem’s new record ‘Hippies’ is filled with some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard all year long – ‘Friendly Ghost’ is witty and prime for shouting along to; ‘Tila and I’ and ‘Gay Human Bones’ stand out as best of ‘Hippies’. I wouldn’t miss Austin-via-Tucson’s Harlem who will be one of the standouts this year.
DOWNLOAD -> Harlem – Friendly Ghost
Magic Kids
Magic Kids are, to me, kind of what Los Campesinos! were in 2008. They’re a little bit twee, a lot quirky, but all in all a ton of fun. They also have extremely catchy songs – well, the two that I’ve been addicted to were, at any rate. If I was to guess, I’d say they’re going to wind up as just a kitchy little band, not go the way LC! have really, but that’s not to say they won’t put on a fun show in Austin, so I’d catch them, but only if you have the time.
DOWNLOAD -> Magic Kids – Superball
Fool’s Gold
Another NRBW live favorite, Fool’s Gold is going to be playing this years SXSW again. We loved their debut album ‘Fool’s Gold’ with its sense of whimsy, rhythm and communal experience – I even gave it like a 7/10 or something on DiS! – and can’t wait to see how they’ve improved as a live band since we saw them last April. If you’re looking to dance or if you want to have a really fun, uplifting, communal live experience – Fool’s Gold will fulfill that need beautifully.
DOWNLOAD -> Fool’s Gold – Surprise Hotel
Surfer Blood
The more I listen to ‘Astrocoast’ the more taken I am with this band – what started out as a casual listen has blossomed into something much more. There’s something instantly likable about their polished tunes – perhaps it’s the voice that owes more to Panda Bear than Cole Alexander, perhaps its the danceable instrumentation, or the delicate heartbreak layed bare throughout the album or even the wit and charm (“Coupled with a weakness for cocaine and liquor”, anyone?) of the entire album. I don’t know which of those things it is but ‘Astrocoast’ is growing on me and lucky for us, Surfer Blood is playing about 5 times a day during SXSW so hopefully everyone will have the chance to catch them.
DOWNLOAD -> Surfer Blood – Take It Easy
She Keeps Bees
Lo-fi, bedroom, sexy… What can I say about She Keeps Bees? The interplay between the members, the blues, the dirtiness of the recordings – it all comes together in a really messy little package that’s practically bursting with delight. Jessica’s vocals are beautiful and tortured on record and I can’t wait to see how they translate live. The simplicity and the timeliness of their songs is sure to make a memorable set – don’t miss out on this band – I was forced to on Valentines Day and I’ve been depressed ever since.
DOWNLOAD -> She Keeps Bees – Gimmie (Live)
Lissie
I’m gonna be straight up honest here – I don’t know a lot about Lissie. But what I do know is that the girl has an enchanting voice. A lot of people reference like 70s Laurel Canyon talking about her – and I have to agree a little bit. There’s something a little country backwoods about her (perhaps it’s because she lives in Ojai) but there’s also something really contemporary, something like female-Fionn-Regan about her. I am basing this recommendation on the strength of her Bob Dylan cover of ‘To Ramona’. Give it a listen. If you’re not taken with her voice, well, you suck.
DOWNLOAD -> Lissie – To Ramona (cover of Bob Dylan)
From Fader comes a ‘documentary’ on Wavves which is actually like a 7 minute interview that ends with the camera just literally looking away from Nathan and the band. I think it’s kind of meant to show that he’s just a kid playing music and fucking around, but it kinda comes off like he’s a prick but I guess, who cares, really if you like the music? And I do, but stilllll, maybe keep this shit in? I dunno.
Wednesday, March 17
1:30 p.m. — Visqueen
2:15 — The Bloodline
3:00 — Chasing Kings
3:00 — Annie Mac (DJ)
3:45 — We Were Promised Jetpacks
4:30 — Free Energy
5:00 — Nguzunguzu (DJ)
5:15 — Ratas Del Vaticano
6:00 — Freelance Whales
6:45 — BRAHMS
7:30 — To be announced
Thursday, March 18
1:00 p.m. — Eskimo (DJ)
1:00 — CFCF (DJ)
1:30 — Yawn
2:15 — Everything everything
2:15 — Harlem
3:00 — Best Coast
3:45 — Neon Indian
4:30 — Local Natives
5:15 — Bomba Estereo
6:00 — CHEW LiPS
6:45 — Morning Benders
7:30 — To be announced
Friday, March 19
1:00 p.m. — Cool Places Sound System (DJ)
1:30 — Love of Diagrams
3:00 — Japandroids
3:00 — Tanlines (DJ)
3:45 — The Drums
4:30 — The Very Best
5:00 — Jokers of the Scene (DJ)
5:15 — XYX
6:00 — Marina & The Diamonds
6:45 — Fool’s Gold
7:30 — Midnight Madness
Saturday, March 20
1:00 p.m. — Lemonade (DJ)
1:30 — Memory Tapes
2:15 — Tamaryn
3:00 — Dam-Funk
3:00 — Poirier (DJ)
3:45 — Salem
4:30 — Dum Dum girls
5:15 — Chico Mann
6:00 — Washed Out
6:45 — Real Estate
7:00 — A Trak (DJ)
7:30 — To be announced
8:30 — To be announced
IHRNR/VOLAR/VIDEOTHING/COLONEL ABE 2010 SXSW PARTY
Trailer Space Records
Ste A, 1401 Rosewood Avenue
Austin, TX 78702-2026
Free VitaminWater, Free Beer
Thursday, March 18 (1:00-7:00)
Cowabunga Babes
Tijuana Panthers
Shining Path
Jaill
TV Ghost
Crystal Antlers
Fresh and Onlys
Kid Congo
Friday, March 19 (1:00-7:00)
Audacity
The Baths
Ratas Del Vaticano
Davila 666
Soft Pack
Grass Widow
Darker My Love
Thee Oh Sees
Saturday, March 20 (1:00-7:00)
Eternal Summers
Reading Rainbow
Zola Jesus
Wounded Lion
So Cow
Nodzzz
Gun Outfit
Happy Birthday
www.ihaterocknroll.com
www.volarrecords.blogspot.com
www.videothing.com
Panache Hangover Party
Sunday 3/21 @ Beerland 711 Red River Street Austin TX
FREE // TWO STAGES!!!! // CHEAP DRINKS!
Doors at 11am!
12:00 pm Baths (stage)
12:30pm Carletta Sue Kay (floor)
1:00pm Gagakrise (japan) (stage )
1:30pm RICE (floor)
2:00pm Screens (stage )
2:30pm Turbo Fruits (floor)
3:00pm The Sandwitches ( stage )
4:00pm Charlie and the Moonhearts (floor)
4:30pm Past lives (stage)
5:00pm Ty Segall (floor)
5:30pm Signals ( stage )
6:00pm Golden Triangle (floor)
6:30pm JEFF the Brotherhood ( stage )
7:00pm Lovvers ( floor)
7:30pm Vivian Girls ( stage )
8:00pm When Dinos Ruled the Earth ( floor)
American Apparel is bringing its factory flea market to SXSW!
Tens of thousands of your favorite garments to choose from. Up to 85% off, with prices starting at $1. Inventory will be constantly replenished throughout the weekend. RSVP on this event page to receive updates, tips, and be the first to know when new inventory arrives!
More than 50,000 people came to our factory rummage sales in Toronto, Vancouver, San Diego, and Miami. They found great pieces and saved hundreds of dollars. Get there early!
Mexican-American Cultural Center
600 River Street
Austin, TX 78701
Thursday, March 18th 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday, March 19th 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, March 20th 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Free admission
Cash, credit, and debit accepted
The awesome Aquarium Drunkard has announced flyers for both their SXSW shows, one (the better lineup, unfortunately) is during SXSW Interactive, and the other at the Music Festival. Check out both below…
WEST ROCKS SXSW “day party” (so is it during the day … or?)
Austin, TEXAS. U.S.A
Friday 19 March 2010
1pm thru 8pm
Beso Cantina
307 b, W 5th Street, Austin TX
(btw. Guadalupe & Lavaca)
BANDS*
7.40 – 8 Asteroids Galaxy Tour (DENMARK)
7.05 – 7.25 Kiss Kiss (USA)
6.30 – 6.50 Yes Giantess (USA)
5.55 – 6.15 One Night Only (UK)
5.20 – 5.40 General Fiasco (UK)
4.45 – 5.05 Chelsea Boys (USA)
4.15 – 4.35 KAV (UK)
3.45 – 4.05 Ten Bears (UK)
3 .15– 3.35 US Royalty (USA)
2.45 – 3.05 Lookbook (USA)
2.15 – 2.35 Imagine Dragons (USA)
1.45 – 2 Melati Melay (USA)
1.30 – 1.45 Red Horse (USA)
1.15-1.25 Beanz On Toast (UK)
1-1.10 Nat Jenkins (UK)
*onstage times are subject to change
DJ’s – between bands through the day
The Knocks (USA)
Tara Rocks (UK)
Chris Black (USA)
Kate KK (UK)
Tom Graham (UK)
Sean Hanratty (USA)
Rene Symonds (UK)
RSVP for guestlist westrockssxsw@gmail.com
Paul Weller, Kevin Shields and Gem Archer. Brilliant!
from reverbnation–”highspire are a fairly beloved shoegaze band that formed almost 10 years ago in philadelphia by alex white and ej hagen. they only put out one full length album, the well received “your everything” in 2003-04. they are thought to have broken up. ”
.…..BUT THEY DIDNT! alex and ej went off to be in the The Morning After Girls
for awhile, but have returned to focus on making a new highspire album, and from what i can tell it’s going to be pretty cool.
Listen to the songs here:
If you’re in LA tomorrow, as I suspet a portion of our readers will be – definitely hit up this benefit show at the Echoplex. I am always impressed by the Echo/plex’s ability to throw benefit shows constantly with amazing lineups. Anyway, this one benefits 826LA so go! I mean, THE GROWLERS! Hello?
This weeks BDF as I now lovingly refer to this weird amazing task I’ve taken on is a continuation of last week’s The Great White Wonder bootleg. Amazing. Ps. Only 12 more weeks until BDF turns 52 weeks old. Holy Shit! Pps. How adorable is that picture? So cute.
1. Baby please don’t go 4:13
2. Interview by Pete Seeger 1:30
3. Dink’s song 4:46
4. See that my grave is kept clean 3:38
5. East Orange New Jersey 1:30
6. Man of constant sorrow 3:33
7. I shall be released 3:50
8. Open the door, Homer (take 1) 2:47
9. Too much of nothing (take 2) 2:43
10. Nothing was delivered (take 1) 4:24
11. Tears of rage (take 2) 4:02
12. Living the blues 2:45
So we’ll all be coming down from the live music bender that is SXSW at this point but let’s keep it going and kick off the spring fun with some CTKME-approved bands. Remember, life only gets better and better starting in March (and then crashes and burns in October) so GET READY!!!!!
Austin TX’s own WOVEN BONES have released (to Forkcast) a new cut from their upcoming LP. I was lucky enough to catch the band twice in December and fall for their scuzzy almost letcherous songs, their primal energy and the southern-twinged vocals. Their forthcoming LP entitled ‘In and Out and Back Again’ will be released on Hozac Records (who by the way are excellent) sometime soon. Check their newest cut out below.
DOWNLOAD -> Woven Bones – IF IT FEELS ALRIGHT
WEDNESDAY MARCH 17th
12PM Jay Ryan (of Birdmachine, Dianogah): Poster & book signing
1pm Intimate Stranger
2pm High on Fire
3pm Priestess
4pm Surfer Blood
5pm The Smith Westerns
6pm Cheap Trick (Q & A and signing only)
THURSDAY MARCH 18th
12PM Book Signing with Gary Calamar
signing his new book, “Record Store Days”
1pm Titus Andronicus
2pm The Drive-By Truckers
3pm Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore
4pm Ola Podrida
5pm Carrie Rodriguez
6pm The Watson Twins
FRIDAY MARCH 19th
12PM Antonino D’Ambrosio presents A Heartbeat and a Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears in word and song
1pm John Hiatt
2pm Shearwater
3pm Miles Kurosky (formerly of Beulah)
4pm Serena Maneesh
5pm Sweet Apple (featuring J. Mascis)
6PM Rye Rye
SATURDAY MARCH 20th
12PM Dengue Fever
1pm Lawrence Arabia
2pm The Soft Pack
3pm Pearl Harbor
4PM Happy Birthday
5pm A Sunny Day in Glasgow
6PM Hollerado
I’ve been doing a lot of searching for the kind of California sound that I’ve been so taken with lately in this cold, cold place I now call home, and it hasn’t been easy. But I’ve found some awesome ones (Sex Beet, Spectrals) and I’ve found another! I got passed Hey Sholay’s myspace through work and fell head over heels in love with their track ‘Dreamboat’. I can’t work out if they are from warm-tropical climates as they claim and somehow just decided to move to Sheffield – but even if they’re just Northern, they infused such a sunny disposition into this song that just wraps around you like warm cotton. There’s something about this that is just clean and to the point, but lately I’ve been drawn to that uncomplicated, unfussy sound and Hey Sholay really encapsulate that into their music. Although there is the tropical element, I really hear something that sounds just so English to me, but I can’t put my finger on it. Regardless, its a 3:32 slice of heaven to get you through the last cold bits of Winter before Spring finally rears her head. When’s that supposed to be again?
DOWNLOAD -> Hey Sholay – Dreamboat
If you’ll be in LA for this, I honestly wouldn’t miss this. It sounds fucking amazing! And all for $10? Yeaaaaah.
Nu Rave Brain Wave strongly encourages all music lovers to support the musicians and labels they love in a responsible way. All the mp3s on this blog are made available to enlighten you and hopefully coerce you into buying good music and supporting awesome bands. If you see an mp3 on here that is your property and you want us to remove it, just shoot us an e-mail us here.
