Local rockers and instrument destroyers ….And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead, are seeking a part-time drummer to ride along for a European Tour according to our friends over at Pitchfork. Tour dates not released yet, but if you have some time during August and September, and you think you have what it takes to lay down the beat and put up with this rowdy bunch, you might want to send them a note. It’s not a full time job, but damn won’t it look good on your resume. Interested?? Send an e-mail to info@shmanager.net

In similarly related news:

Trail Of Dead member Jason Reece is also partner in Austin’s Beauty Bar and tonight you can catch Glass Candy live, the Politics, and DJ Kidindie while enjoying $2 well drinks, Lonestar, and PBR’s. good times!

mp3 ‘Worlds Apart’

Brooklyn Vegan has posted this video for Stephen, and I’m not claiming is officialness, but it’s good fun nonetheless. Look for a video for ‘Firecracker’ rumored to be hitting the web soon enough.

BV also has a contest running for free tickets to Voxtrot’s show at Webster Hall June 15th for those of you in the NY area.

roll tape:

mp3 ‘Firecracker’

I used to have quite a liking for the Smashing Pumkins, but that was years ago, and these days I rarely even pay attention to any news or music regarding the band. It just makes me sad. I allowed myself to watch this video footage of the band backstage and playing on stage during what seems to be on of their most recent shows. Disappointment once again sets in, and I regret watching it, but it helped remind me of how good they were at one time. I know that there are thousands of people that would disagree, but that’s a whole other discussion entirely. Jimmy Chamberlin’s drumming is still present, but there’s a hole that James Iha and D’arcy used to fill, and I cannot even begin to comment on Billy’s stage outfits. Decide for yourself.

video please:

mp3’s from the good ol days Gish days to be exact

I am One

Bury Me

credit: ray lego

I remember seeing Ben Kweller in a band called Radish years ago here in Austin, Tx. and have maintained an interest in the man as a solo artist since. Ben just recently posted a bulletin on his myspace page that reveals some juicy information regarding Ben, the band, and future plans. Ben realizes that there are some parts of the country that are in need of a little Kweller love, hence a tour has been scheduled to quell those desires. Ben has also set up a unique tour kick off event that will take place over three days at Southpaw in Brooklyn with which he will play a different album from start to finish on each of those dates. See a trend happening here? July 30th ‘Sha Sha’ , July 31st ‘On My Way’, and August 1st ‘Ben Kweller’. You can buy a three day pass for $50 and in addition to saving a few bucks, you’ll get to share some cold ones with Ben and the boys compliments of Ben himself. Summer should be good in Brooklyn this year.

Looking forward the his ACL appearance this year sans bloody nose.

check his myspace page for complete details: Ben Kweller

mp3s from ‘On My Way’

My Apartment

Believer

the shows Read more

credit: lionel flusin

Nada Surf have been producing infectious indie pop rock for more years than most currently doing so have been legal to operate a motor vehicle. They first came onto the scene with the single ‘Popular’ off of the Rick Ocasek produced debut LP High/Low, and have continued to produce records peppered with catchy heartfelt tunes that anyone can easily relate to their own experiences in life. The boys are showing no signs of letting up and have enlisted the talents of Ben Gibbard, Juliana Hatfield, the Longwinters’ John Roderick, and Harvey Dangers’ Sean Nelson for their newest release tentatively scheduled for a Jan 08 release. Contributions from the guests haven’t been solidified as making the cut for the record, but one could only think that there is going to be some goodness that comes from the collaborations for the end result.

The guys are plotting a unique approach to a tour for the month of September which would involve people offering up their own house for the bands performance granted that the location would accommodate 100+ people and not piss off the neighbors. Keep an eye on their myspace site for more details, or even yet, send them a message if you are interested. Just make sure that if you live in the Austin area, you invite your friends from sonic itch music.

Some personal favs from the past

mp3s from ‘Let Go’

Inside of Love

Killian’s Red

mp3s from ‘The Weight is A Gift’

Your Legs Grow

Concrete Bed

Being one that has made a career in the restaurant business and loving good food, as well as being a true fan of the rock-n-roll, this caught my eye in a jiffy. Chef Sam Mason has put together a cool little show called Dinner With The Band, on which he hangs out with indie bands and makes a little food. Austinites take note: the online tv spot On Networks which broadcasts this show also features a show called Austin Connoiseur, which at press time I have yet to check out, but look forward to exploring soon.

Thanks to Brooklyn Vegan for the tip

trailer please:

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Ume had been recommended to me by a good friend on several occasions and as I have had them on my list of bands to check out, I now regret I didn’t make it to their one of their shows earlier. First off, let me tell you that Ume is not some low-fi, cutting edge, indie-pop, twee rock band…they are straight up rock in the Sonic Youth, Nirvana, PJ Harvey sense of the word and could fall in line with any of these bands at any given time. Originally based in Houston, the trio have most recently completed their relocation to Austin, and I for one couldn’t be happier that they are going to be of a local convenience. Lauren fronts the trio with a ferocity almost unimaginable to be delivered from the tiny cute blond physical existence that she posses, with husband Eric on bass, and Jeff on drums. No offense to Eric and Jeff, who do a great job handling the rhythm section of the band, but Lauren takes the songs to a whole new level live with her manic guitar playing, hair flailing, acrobatic style that sends chills up my spine when witnessed in person. This girl is Kurt Cobain and Thurston Moore on the guitar while conjuring thoughts of Kim Gordon and PJ Harvey’s vocal stylings. I hate to make direct comparisons, as bands sometimes cringe from such, but in this instance I would hope that it would be a compliment. Lauren is a true treat to witness live, and I hope that we are provided the opportunity to witness this talent for years to come.

Ume-Check this band out if you get the opportunity, and your next one is coming soon here in town. Mohawk June 8th-be there.

Ume myspace

mp3s off of Urgent Sea

Hurricane

Manic

Valerie got some great shots of the band so bear with me on the length of the post.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Pretty Girls Make Graves are shutting down the machine that is the band and have been touring the states to give their fans once last chance to see them in action, and say their goodbyes. Beginning in 2001, and being a melting pot of members from other bands (Kill Sadie, Murder City Devils, Death Wish Kids) the members melded their individual ideas and musical styles and developed their own unique sound which hit it’s stride on the 2003 release The New Romance. The next full length Elan Vital was released 3 years later in April of 2006 to mixed reviews while failing to capture the relate-able human element lyrics delivered by vocalist Andrea Zollo on The New Romance. With the decision of Nick Dewitt to put down the sticks for the band, Pretty Girls Make Graves are calling it quits, choosing not to continue on without their founding drummer.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Although the band may have not achieved superstar success, it’s success lies with claiming true fans that are dedicated and devoted to the band and it’s music. This was more than evident at the show, and the enthusiasm and energy of the several hundred people rivaled that of crowds I have seen twice the size. The band was tight, the songs sounded right on, and frontwoman Andrea chatted with joyous enthusiasm and repeatedly expressed gratitude for the fans and their love for the music during the set. The band covered a lot of ground, with personal highlights being ‘Something Bigger, Something Brighter’, ‘Blue Lights’, ‘Chemical, Chemical’, ‘Parade’, and ‘This is our Emergency’. Hell, the whole show was great!

mp3s

The New Romance ‘Blue Light’

Elan Vital ‘The Nocturnal House’

Last chance to catch Pretty Girls Make Graves

tuesday 29

Albuquerque, NM Launchpad

wednesday 30

Tempe, AZ The Clubhouse

June

saturday 2

Pomona, CA Glasshouse

sunday 3

Los Angeles, CA Troubadour

monday 4

San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall

saturday 9

Seattle, WA Neumo’s

I have been a fan of The The since the 80’s, and feel like they were one of the most overlooked bands of their time. Matt Johnson penned some great songs in his day and although it be a candy commercial that brings us one of my favorite The The songs, it could be worse. It could be a commercial for a pregnancy test.

Here’s the commercial cut:

a couple of other favorites off of Dusk

mp3s

Love is Stronger Than Death

Dogs of Lust

Paste Magazine recently accepted submissions from their 500+ readers for the best live music venues in these here United States and wittled the recomendations down to a mere 40. Taking into consideration the following qualities: sound, comfort, character, setting, history, vibrancy, uniqueness, and their roles in helping to launch careers, the list was developed. Congrats to our own Stubbs and Continental Club for making the cut, but does anyone think there was an Austin venue that may have been overlooked??

thanks to Stereogum for the tip to this news bit

Keep Reading for the complete list Read more

photo:valerie@fremin.net

Kings of Leon have been out supporting their most recent release ‘Because of the Times’ and as they knock down the remaining dates of the North America portion of the tour and some dates across the pond as summer winds down, they seem determined to continue on later in the year. The Kings have scheduled some fall tour dates for the U.K. which end with a show @ London’s Wembley Arena, which is a monster venue compared to most of the venues that they have been playing here in the states. I feel privileged to have seen them in the comparatively tiny venue Stubb’s early this month. You can find the remaining tour after the jump, and here are the recently added U.K. dates.

Nov 30 Hull Arena
Dec 1 Aberdeen AECC
Dec 3 Glasgow SECC
Dec 4 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Dec 6 Brighton Centre
Dec 7 Nottingham Arena

Dec 9 Manchester Central
Dec 10 Birmingham NIA
Dec 12 London Wembley Arena

Black Thumbnail mp3

Ragoo mp3

Arizona mp3

Kings on the Road Read more

I know that I posted a recommended on this record once already, but I cannot seem to tear myself away from this latest release from The National. Checking the tour agenda and the updates, I keep thinking that these guys are going to make their way to Austin, or even Texas before their stint at the 2007 ACL Festival, but to no avail at this point. I’m just about curious enough to make a special trip to catch these guys in a more intimate setting than what is going to be provided at the festival.

If you don’t own the record, go out and buy it. You people still pay for your music these days, don’t you??

More sweet treats from The National ‘Boxer’

Squalor Victoria mp3

Apartment Story mp3

Brainy mp3

The Tour with updates Read more

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Austin’s indie pop flagship set sail this night with a new recording in tow, and a sea of fans anticipating the band’s stop in their town. Voxtrot released the self titled full length debut this past Tuesday and the band celebrated the release and the begginning of the tour @ the oh so familiar Emo’s. With all of the attention the boys have been getting in the press these days, and handling the label of Austin’s Indie Pop Flagship, it was no surprise that the show was well attended and more than likely, sold out. For the new record Voxtrot teamed up with Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey, Luna, Nick Cave) as well as utilized the talent of Tosca Strings hoping to enrich the style and musical diversity of the bands sound. The show tonight featured Tosca Strings on stage with the band, and you’ll find them once again sharing the spotlight when the boys make their stop in New York. ‘Introduction’ followed by ‘Kid Gloves’ started off the set, and as I was looking forward to a true translation of the rich sound of the record live, I soon came to realize as the show progressed that it just wasn’t going to happen. The sound was muddy, and all of the nuances of the bands sound was lost in the mix making for a disappointing experience. The annoying chatter of the portion of attendees there for the social aspects instead of the music didn’t help either. It’s a rock show people, there are people on stage performing for you! The choice of venue for this show, probably wasn’t the best as Emo’s is a great venue for a lot of bands, but my previous experience proves that some bands with certain sounds just don’t come across very well in the venue and bad sound is like a bad kisser. It’s hard to get past it and enjoy the rest of the experience.

I’m sure the rest of the tour will be great and the waiting public will be entertained by the boys of Voxtrot as they make their way across the states. Sail on Flagship Voxtrot, may the wind be in your sails and the seas greet you with great fortune.

Every Day mp3
Future Pt1 mp3

The Tour Read more

The all mighty music web source giant Pitchfork is putting on a live music festival and they have just released their complete lineup for the rock fun in Chicago. The envelope please:

Friday, July 13:

Sonic Youth perform Daydream Nation
GZA/Genius performs Liquid Swords
Slint perform Spiderland

Saturday, July 14:

Yoko Ono
Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues (w/ members of Dirty Three, the Delta 72, and Blues Explosion)
Clipse
Mastodon
Iron and Wine
Battles
Grizzly Bear
Voxtrot
Califone
The Twilight Sad
Girl Talk
Dan Deacon
Oxford Collapse
Professor Murder
Fujiya & Miyagi
Beach House
William Parker Quartet
Ken Vandermark’s Powerhouse Sound

Sunday, July 15:

De La Soul
The New Pornographers
Of Montreal
Stephen Malkmus
Jamie Lidell
The Sea and Cake
Junior Boys
Menomena
The Ponys
Deerhunter
Klaxons
The Field
Cadence Weapon
The Cool Kids
Craig Taborn’s Junk Magic
Nomo
Brightblack Morning Light
Fred Lonberg-Holm’s Lightbox Orchestra

Grizzly Bear ‘Knife’ mp3

Voxtrot ‘Blood Red Shoes‘ mp3

Get your tickets HERE

I have been a fan of the Joy Division for years and even named a pet rabbit Curtis after the man who is the subject of the movie Control. Taking top prize for best European film at Cannes makes me even more curious as the trailer warms the pallette. Take a peak.