photo: Sam Jones

Today is the last day of voting for the first round of last band standing, and as I would like to support as many bands as I could for this, I have an interest in The Shackeltons from PA. I’ve heard these guys on KEXP several times and have been anxiously awaiting the release of their first recording on Loveless Records as well as any opportunity to see them perform live, as heard told that their live performance is pretty extraordinary. Seeing as how I will be at Lollapalooza this year, it would be a nice little treat if my opportunity to see these guys live were to come earlier than expected. Take a listen and feel free to vote if you don’t have any other band in the competition that you think is more worthy.

MP3≥ ‘Your Movement’

help get THE SHACKELTONS into lollapalooza 2007! they need your votes!

Being as there is a lag in live shows that I’m wanting to cover these days, as the summer Festival season gets into full swing and the fact that I would think that most bands in their right mind would avoid Texas during the months of July and August because of the heat, I’ll be creating new avenues for writing posts. This being the first edition of Not Quite Forgotten, which I will be focusing on bands that I have a past with, that were great in their own time either with one great record or multiple, but didn’t have the luxury of the blog ‘o’ sphere to grant them their deserved attention.

Really not expecting this band to be the first to be chosen for this column, Idaho caught my attention quickly as I perused my CD collection for material. I really own only one of the bands recordings which is Three Sheets To The Wind, but each time I revisit it, I can’t help but to find myself engaging each song with a reunited interest, anticipating the appearance of the next song on the record.

Formed by Jeff Martin and John K. Berry in 1992, the comparisons to Red House Painters and American Music Club really didn’t touch on the slowcore sound that mingles with indie rock and emo before emo was cool, that these guys were great at producing. Jeff Martin has been the core of the group, while being the principal songwriter and singer since conception, and still to this day is recording and playing live as Idaho. Look for some new material in 2008, and let’s hope that this work of Jeff doesn’t fall completely by the wayside, and a few more listeners will take notice to the talent he posses.

Idaho myspace

mp3s»

‘Shame’

‘Stare At The Sky’

‘No Ones Watching’

One of my favorite records from 2006, Everything All The Time came from a little band from the Northwest called Band Of Horses, which happen to garner Album of the Year accolades at the last Plug Independent Music Awards ceremony. Seems like the great Northwest has a lot of bands spending time in my CD player, and the list just keeps growing. A blog entry on the bands myspace page states that a new record is done, in the can and staring at an October release. Here is the full quote:

RECORD IS DONE!!!

RECORD IS DONE!!!
That’s right folks. That little bastard’s in the can and soon will be set free on the Sub Pop record label. We’re looking at doing that sometime in October if CD’s and Records still exsist in 4 months. And although this is a spoken word record with no musical accompaniment, we believe you’ll be happy after 100 listens or so. xoboh

All spoken word?? You guys are funny.

mp3s»

‘Weed Party’

‘Part One’

‘The Great Salt Lake’

Band Of Horses On The Road Read more

One of my favorite reads in the Austin Chronicle for the last 4 years has been the TCB music news column, where you can find the latest in music news from around Austin brought to you by the man who always seems to be where the news is happening. Cristopher Gray has been scouring the bars, clubs, theatres, and festivals for the past 4 years gathering all of the information needed to bring you the music news that you have been interested in hearing about, while becoming as much a fixture in the local music scene as most of the musicians themselves. Mr. Gray is resigning his post at The Chronicle and is relocating to his home town of Houston, where surely he’ll find comfort in getting a break from the rigours of his job at the paper, as well as the simple fact that his beloved Astros will be a closer convenience.

I wish you well in your future endeavors Christopher Gray, and will find myself opening the pages of the Chronicle next week with a bit of trepidation while seeking out the words of the man who has big shoes to fill. Good luck to you Austin Powell, the public awaits.

Cristopher Gray’s last entry as TCB: Is That All There Is?

mp3s» austin bands farewell

Ghostland Observatory ‘Midnight Voyage’

Explosions In The Sky ‘Welcome Ghosts’

Spoon ‘The Guest List/The Execution’

Not that I had plans to rush out and buy the new iPhone today, but I will have to admit that it sounds like a great idea, and the commercials make it look cool, but upon further review, it’s not really as cool as one might want to believe. Several small issues may keep many consumers away from the new Apple product, and one large issue in the way of functionality will most likely have a lot of folks re-thinking their initial urge to purchase. With the pricing being $500-600 and the only available carrier being AT&T, the appeal fades a little, but not being able to download music from iTunes with this latest high tech “revolutionary” device from Apple, might have a lot of consumers passing on this one. Everyone knows that iTunes is the driving force in music downloads, being the number 3 retailer of music these days, and eliminating that option with your newest cutting edge high tech device seems……well, a little bit stupid. Thats’ my thought on the subject for those of you interested.

Okay, maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but taking into consideration that there are people waiting in line for days for this device, one would think that it cures Cancer. C’mon people, it’s a phone that plays music and lets you surf the internet.

mp3s»

Feist has something to say…….. ‘So Sorry’

I have been a fan of Built To Spill for years now, and even though I caught them last year in support of You In Reverse, I still find myself a bit peeved that they have excluded Texas in their most current tour. Why Texas?? Is it too hot? Are we not cool enough (can’t be the case) No new album to support, but a summer/fall tour is scheduled. For those of you not living in the Lone Star State, gear yourselves up for Built to Spill playing your town as they make their way across the states.

This is one of those bands that I have a tendency to forget about, and when reminded, I recall how much I really do love their records.

mp3s»

‘I Would Hurt A Fly’ off of Perfect From Now On

‘Made-Up Dreams’ off of Perfect From Now On

‘Liar’ off of You In Reverse

The Texas-less Tour Read more

photo : valerie@fremin.net

I’ll have to admit, the first time I heard The Rosebuds performing live on KEXP, it didn’t do anything for me, in fact I was a little disappointed as I had grown quite fond of the recording Birds Make Good Neighbors and the dynamics of the recording just didn’t come across live. Despite my feelings about that particular performance, I put them on my schedule as a band to check out during this years SXSW, and am glad that I gave them another shot. The performance with the expanded band was one of my favorites from the conference, and being more familar with the most recently released Night of The Furies I have been curiously awaiting this performance at The Parish.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The Night of The Furies is a bit of a departure from the sounds found on Birds Make Good Neighbors, while maintaining the feel of the Rosebuds, it just makes you want to shake your butt a little more even though it’s a bit darker on the lyrical content. What ever the subject matter is of the songs, you can’t help but be infected with the urge to bop and sing along, when these guys perform live and tonight’s performance only confirmed my liking for the live Rosebuds. Evidence of their relationship(Kelly and Ivan) that fuels this music, revealed in a little on stage flirting instigated by Kelly, warms the heart makes for a comfortable setting live. ‘Boxcar’ still remains a favorite, while newer tunes ‘Cemetary Lawn’ and ‘Hold On To This Coat’ have me singing along just like the rock star I can be in the privacy of my own shower. Unfortunately this show is taking place near the end of the tour, and one would believe that The Rosebuds Show will go into a bit of seclusion for awhile, leaving us with only the music and the memories to hold onto for now. Thanks for both.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Keep your eyes and ears open for a remix recording of Night of The Furies being done by Portastatic, former Cure keyboardist Roger O’Donnel, former Luna members Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips, as well as other notables.

mp3s»

‘My Punishment For Fighting’ off of Night of The Furies

‘Hold Hands and Fight’ off of Birds Make Good Neighbors

Spune Productions has announced information in regards to it’s Wall of Sound Festival taking place 9.22.07 @ Lagrave Field in Ft. Worth, TX. Tickets for the festival will become available for purchase this Friday 6.29 @ 10 a.m. through Spune.com or Frontgate Tickets. Buy your tickets for the one day Festival featuring 40 bands for the low price of $30 before the day of the Festival or $35 day of show. Austin is well represented in this fine group of performers scheduled to perform which includes Explosions In The Sky, Midlake, Ghostland Observatory, Pinback, Lions, The Sword, White Denim, Doug Burr and many others with more to be announced. Looks like a good way to spend a day.

mp3s»

Explosions In The Sky ‘Catastrophe and The Cure’

Midlake ‘Young Bride’

Ghostland Observatory ‘Piano Man’

Who doesn’t love Sonic Youth?? I’m guessing and hoping that if you read this blog, you know and love the Sonic Youth, and are hopefully thrilled with the idea that you can catch their live show sometime this summer. The kids aren’t getting any younger, but the rock is still just as loud and sonic as it has ever been. Several dates this summer have the band playing the classic recording Daydream Nation in it’s entirety. Interesting date listed for Marfa, Tx.

mp3s»

‘Unmade Bed’ from Sonic Nurse

‘Washing Machine’ from Washing Machine

‘Sugar Kane’ from Dirty

On The Road Read more

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Land of Talk opened for the Rosebuds @ The Parish on Wednesday night, and as I have only recently become familiar with the band and it’s music, seeing them live closed the deal on me being a fan. Listening the the record, which brings me back to the days of the early/mid 90’s when PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Dinosaur Jr ruled, I expected something different live than what I witnessed. Don’t get me wrong, the record doesn’t seem dated, but it’s hard to deny the influence of those great bands, and the live show was delightful, mostly due to the play of Elizabeth. Singer/Guitarist Elizabeth Powell bright eyed and dripping with girlish charm attacks each song with a passive aggressive style that is a joy to watch.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The 7 song recording Applause Cheer Boo Hiss is making marathon laps in my cd player, and while Summer Special has my attention, the slow sonic closer Street Wheels is quickly becoming a favorite from the record. I know that these guys are getting quite the buzz here on the Internet, and there is good reason why, the record is good, the show is good, and you should investigate for yourself why this band is on many a list of Bands to Watch.

Land Of Talk myspace

mp3s»

Summer Special

Street Wheels

Live dates: Read more

I had some Doves in the CD player the other day, thinking about how much I really enjoy the bands music, and looks as if we’ll have some new tunes to work with soon enough. Thanks to Sound on the Sound for this welcomed little news bit, as the news of the band in the studio comes compliments of their website.

From the site:

SAT, 19 MAY 2007 DOVES ENTER STUDIO

THREE TRACKS ‘WINTER HILL’ , ‘10.03′ AND WORKING TITLE ‘DISCO EYAM’
LEGENDARY PRODUCER AT THE HELM.WHO’S NAME WE DONT WANT TO DIVULGE YET. WERE SOUNDING TIGHT, IT’S BEEN FUN PLAYING WITH THE REBEL AGAIN AS HE’S BEEN BUSY WRITING HIS 3RD LP WHICH SOUNDS IMPOSSIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO HEAR THE RESULTS
LOVE DOVESBANDXXXX

These guys really do make good records that are solid all the way through, and I for one am looking forward to more Doves.

mp3s»

‘One Of These Days’ from Some Cities

‘Black And White Town’ from Some Cities

‘There Goes The Fear’ from The Last Broadcast

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The Parish was the place to be this Tuesday night, with a packed house awaiting the quirky indie rock trio known as Menomena to take the stage and prove whether or not they are capable of delivering the unique multi-layered multi instrumentation that shines so brightly on their records, in a live setting. I know that the question was on the mind of a few including myself, as the thought of witnessing the band reproducing their recorded magic on stage stirs the curiosity. Armed with an arsenal of instruments and the digital loop processor, the band led us on a journey through their recorded catalog relying heavily on selections from the most recent release Friend or Foe. It’s like an indie rock Alice In Wonderland, where the twists and turns are unexpected, curious, strange, and completely intriguing throughout the experience, while wanting for more of the journey to reveal it’s unique treats again and again.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Personal favs included ‘The Pelican’, ‘Muscle’n Flow’, and ‘Ghostship’, although I’m still processing the interesting sounds from these guys, my list of favorites is on the move.
After wishing a Happy Birthday to audience member Erin, the band launched into ‘Wet and Rusted’ appropriately if you are familiar with the lyrics from the song making fans for life out of the group of celebrating girls. These guys are talented, mysterious, creative, and obviously intelligent, and one can only expect more trips into indie-rock otherworldliness from them in the future.

Oh yeah, the answer to the question is a resounding Yes!

If you don’t own the cd, you should pick up a copy for the cover art alone, it’s a twist. Illustrated by Craig Thompson, it’s a beautiful fun piece of work that can entertain for hours.

mp3s»

Wet and Rusting

Ghostship

Running Weird Read more

Local droansters, and personal favs The Black Angels continue their time on the road supporting The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club across the pond for the month of July before they return back to the States for a showing at Lollapalooza. I missed their show here in Austin last Saturday, but look forward to the Chicago showing, and am glad to see that they are going to be able to make it over to Europe to support BRMC. I encourage you check out the live performance of The Black Angels when presented the opportunity, and don’t forget the earplugs.

mp3s»

The Black Angels ‘Manipulation’

BRMC ‘Restless Sinner’

The Black Angels descend Read more

News of this completely absurd royalties rate increase for stations that broadcast on the Internet has been circulating for awhile now, and as I would like to think that the efforts made to combat this move would have had some effect, it apparently has not. This is the an article taken from Rolling Stone explaining the day of silence scheduled in protest of said rate hike.

More details on the fight against the new, bad deal for webcasters: On June 26, thousands of Internet radio stations will go silent for twenty-four hours to protest a recently announced hike in the royalty rates they pay to play music on their sites. If the new rates – which will be more than double the current rates for webcasters – go into effect as scheduled on July 15th, many stations say they’ll have no choice but to shut down. Leading the fight against the ruling is the SaveNetRadio Coalition, which includes large webcasters like Rhapsody, Yahoo! and Pandora, as well as dozens of smaller ones. “The arbitrary and drastic rate increases … threaten the very livelihood of thousands of webcasters and their millions of listeners,” says Jake Ward, a spokesperson for the organization. While most stations will refrain from playing anything on Tuesday, others will devote the day to anti-shutdown programming. KCRW, L.A.’s National Public Radio affiliate, will stream a 60-minute special “D-Day For Webcasters” every hour at KCRW.com and on the airwaves at 2pm. – Stefanie Roberts

Please visit SaveNetRadioCoalition and do your part to help save our Internet Radio.

If you live in the Austin area these are your Senators and Representatives that you need to contact:

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
(202) 224-5922 or e-mail
Washington, D.C. office

U.S. Senator John Cornyn
(202) 224-2934 or e-mail
Washington, D.C. office

U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett
(202) 225-4865 or e-mail
Washington, D.C. office

Another one for the what the f*** category.

I have to admit, that I have spent a fair amount of time being a fan of The Cure, though it was many years ago when Robert Smith wasn’t quite as cheery as he can be these days, and well before he decided to get involved with the likes of Korn, Billy Corgan, or (gasp) Ashlee Simpson. Back then he was hanging out with the likes of Siouxsie Sioux, who ranks high in my book of respectable associates. I haven’t been interested in any of the recorded material since Disintegration, and you probably won’t catch me at a Cure show these days, as I was lucky enough to see both the Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me and Disintegration Tours. Both remain high on my list of great concerts. There is a tour, and if you plan on attending, filter the content and hope for the great songs of the past, and I’m sure they will revisit them as they have been known to play for hours.

A few from the past mp3s

Push

A Night Like This

Close To Me

Cure Tour Read more