Heard the Interpol show @ Stubbs was great. Easy to forget about these guys every now and again, but the music is still good when you remind yourself.

Here is the new video directed by Patrick Daughters:

No I in Threesome

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I just realized that I hadn’t posted the most recent tour update out of the Feist camp, nor have I posted any tour dates for the lovely lady in awhile. The newest dates released find Feist back in the U.S. bringing here closer to these stompin grounds of sonic itch music. Hope to see some Texas dates late in ‘07 or early ‘08.

There was some debate about Feist vs St. Vincent awhile back on the old internerd, and as I find myself wallowing in the St. Vincent sounds currently like a pig in mud, I would have to take the both of them. Both albums are beautiful works, and both of these ladies are sexy in their own way.

Mp3>>How My Heart Behaves

Feist Tour Read more

Looks like the joke is on us. Give it to the folks behind the hoax, who had most of us biting on the bait for awhile, hoping that we might get a bit of glimpse into the mysterious world of Radiohead. Curious about the term Rick Roll’d and what it means?

Mp3>>Karma Police

Everyone is sitting on the edge of their seat, salivating like Pavlov’s dogs, in hopes of any tiny bit of information about the newest recording from Radiohead to make it’s way out onto the information super highway. The cryptic website RadioheadLP7.com has recently surfaced and has everyone scratchin their head questioning whether or not this has been set up by the band or not. A recent development on the site that just took place, now has what seems to be a countdown taking place, a countdown to what though?? I took this screen shot a little after 11 a.m. this morning, so it looks like the countdown ends around 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday 9.29? Check out the site for yourself and stay tuned Radiohead fans.

As usual, Stereogum has their own opinion about the site with a lot research involved to back up that opinion. They present a strong case for a hoax.

Update: NME has reported that the band is claiming that they have nothing to do with the site, and it probably was set up as a hoax to lure fans to reveal login and password information. There was a login and password option on the site before the countdown ensued.

Mp3>>No Surprises

Austin’s own Octopus Project has a new recording in the bag and you can purchase it now on iTunes 3 weeks before it is slated to hit store shelves. Hello Avalanche is the third proper studio album from the band and you can currently catch the Project on the road sporting some new tunage from the record.

Octo Touro: Read more

There seems to be some controversy brewing in regards to the rejection e-mails that artists received from CMJ, and what their content may have revealed. You’ll have to go to Pitchfork for the details, as it’s a bit lengthy and they probably will convey the message better than I. I have also included a link to a related article on the Hypebot that provides more information on the subject as well.

Pitchfork: Did CMJ Reject Artists Without Even Listening To Them?

Hypebot: Sonicbids Responds To CMJ Controversy

You have to give it to the “Hot Freaks” for putting on some really cool shows around Austin, and bringing us some of the best upcoming artists in the modern rock industry today. This video for “The Knife” was shot during one of the ACL after parties that the “Hot Freaks” put on, and really does showcase the bands live abilities. Can’t say I’m a huge fan of the band, but I do like this song. The rock wall @ Club De Ville provides a suitable backdrop for this performance.

All of the local blog kids have been talking about this year’s Wall Of Sound Festival for the past couple of weeks, trying to hype it up as the indie-rock fest you don’t want to miss, and given the line-up, one would love to believe it to be true. What did we expect from this years Wall Of Sound? I’m not exactly sure, but what took place was a mix of disappointment, frustration, confusion, discovery, and pure euphoria with a touch of the surreal.

This years Wall Of Sound Festival boasted 40 bands on 3 stages in one day, with many of the bands being some of the most sought after in the indie-rock community such as, Midlake, Ghostland Observatory, Explosions In The Sky, and others. Let’s keep in mind that 40 bands on 3 stages in one day is not an easy task, and to pursue such a venture and pull it off well, might be a small grand achievement. This adventurous agenda would be one of the downfalls of this event along with a few other minor flaws in the execution.

A quick breakdown of some of my observations from the festival, followed by more ranting about the experience. I’ll do my best to keep it short.

1. Being a media attendant with pre-approved credentials, it was a disappointment to find out that some of the list didn’t make it to the front box office including our names. Luckily the front gate was a little loose with the handing out of credentials and we were granted access. Loose comes into the fold later in the day as well.

2. No specified security for the festival……huh? You could pretty much bring whatever you wanted to into the park, and wander around anywhere you wanted. From what I witnessed this meant back stage, on stage, and everywhere else in between.

3. Available food for the 12 hour festival. Barely edible. Okay, edible but tasted like cardboard.

4. Beer: Complaints about only having two options on this is ridiculous. Coors or Coors Light? What more could you ask for?

5. A couple of pluses aside from the lineup: No lines for the bathroom and the grass was awesome. The grass on the ground. Who calls it grass these days anyway?

All of that aside, the festival felt like a disorganized field party that had some really great music. The beginning of the festival was consumable, but when the bands began to run long with no intervention from the festival staff, it became clear that there was a lack of control on the end of the promoters. Not to site any one particular band, but from what I understand OM (worst sound I have heard from a stage in eons) played well beyond their alloted time, and if anyone should have been completely eliminated from the set, well I think you know who might get my vote. Fast forward…..Ghostland Observatory plays in the time slot allotted for Midlake and Midlake takes the later spot. Speculation as to why this happened is…speculation, but I personally think that Ghostland was ready to play and get out. And as everyone may have already heard, Explosions In The Sky who were the headliners and scheduled to play for an hour, were only allowed to play for 20 minutes. That’s only about 3 songs for those guys, but those 20 minutes were glorious for myself. Enough talk for now, enjoy some photos from the day and random comments will follow.

Astronautalis

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Now, I’m not one for the Hip-Hop or Rap genre, but I enjoyed this white kid’s raps quite a bit. He’s funny, and he can take any myriad of subjects and put together an entertaining little piece. Astronautalis was happy with the beer option of Coors original, and kindly referred to the 3rd stage as the “loser” stage. It was on a sidewalk outside of the park.

The Sword

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Brothers and Sisters

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Micah P Hinson

photo : valerie@fremin.net

It was nice to finally see Micah P Hinson, as I have been a casual fan of the recorded material. Brothers and Sisters should have a new recording coming out soon..stay tuned.

Midlake

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Mp3>>Midlake ‘Head Home’

Midlake soothed any irritations or negativity that may have resided for the day and the live show allowed me to see the true talent and creativity of these guys from Denton, who have a bright future ahead of them.

Before I continue on with the photos, I should establish that, I’m not trying to bash the festival, just trying to point out some areas that could use some improvement for next year. Aside from all that I have said about the festival, I enjoyed myself especially during the last three performances. Yes, it was a bit chaotic, but everyone pretty much behaved themselves and things could have been a lot worse. I think if anyone suffered from the lack of organization the most, it was the bands. Hope to see you in ‘08 Wall Of Sound.

Ghostland Observatory

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Explosions In The Sky

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Local boys all grown up and making good for themselves, with a Jaguar commercial under their belt amongst many other achievements, have reached the pinnacle of “big time”, as one might consider it to be. Spoon will be appearing on SNL next week, October 6th, and I’m sure that many of you will be tuning your TIVO to catch the Spoon men in action. “Don’t you Evah” might be one of the highlights from the most recent release, aside from the production efforts of Mike McCarthy which reach a new high on this most recent recording from the band. Maybe Brit will be sporting one of his custom designed Spoon t-shirts that were available for those who chose to pre-order their copy of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga? It surely would fit into the comedic atmosphere of SNL, one might think? I don’t speak French though, so I guess I can’t really comment.

How ’bout some good ol Spoon?

Mp3>>Don’t Buy The Realistic

So who is this Ice Cream Man that everyone is speaking of these days? Simple answer: He’s a guy who travels the country in his ice cream truck giving away free ice cream at festivals and other events. Local 101x dj Toby Ryan interviewed the Ice Cream Man at this years ACL Festival and got the lowdown on why the Ice Cream Man does what he does. Check it out. It’s pretty cool actually.

101x In Studio – Ice Cream Man (ACL Festival)
Watch Music Videos at Roxwel

photo : michael maly

Andrew Bird seems to be making some waves this year with his multi-instrumentation and incredible whistling abilities. He left quite the impression at this years ACL Festival with his performance along with his guest appearance with My Morning Jacket during their show. Pair him up with Wilco and Bright Eyes for a smattering of dates on this recently announced tour, and the future seems bright for Mr. Bird. Presale information for the tour HERE.

Mp3>>Fiery Crash

Bird Tour Read more

Terry Lickona and the fine folks over @ Austin City Limits have been entertaining us for years with live performances from some of the more interesting up and coming artists along with the classics. The show has been expanding on the spectrum of music that it presents over the past few years, including more indie-rock artists and this season holds some nice surprises. Local buzz bands Ghostland Observatory and Explosions in the Sky make the cut along with Wilco, Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, and more. Saturday night isn’t always the most convenient time to sit looking at the boob-tube, so fire up the TIVO and enjoy.

Psssst…..the show is shot in a studio, not outside.

Austin City Limits:

10-06 Norah Jones
10-13 The Decemberists/Explosions in the Sky
10-20 Femi Kuti
10-27 Jimmy Reed Highway: Jimmie Vaughan and Friends
11-03 Wilco
11-10 Arcade Fire
11-17 Brad Paisley/Dierks Bentley
11-24 Van Morrison (Encore)
12-01 Gretchen Wilson/Miranda Lambert (Encore)
12-08 Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Encore)
12-15 John Mayer
12-22 Lucinda Williams/Old Crow Medicine Show
12-29 Bloc Party/Ghostland Observatory
01-05 Crowded House/Grupo Fantasma
01-12 Regina Spektor /Paolo Nutini
01-19 Roky Erickson/Kings of Leon
01-26 ACL PRESENTS: The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Interesting trailer for the upcoming film “At War” by Scott Kesterson that features the music of one my local favs The Black Angels. I like the documentary film stuff, and this looks like an interesting in-site into our current situation in Afghanistan. Details about film follow video.

At War – Trailer 1

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At War is a documentary film shot and directed by Scott Kesterson, who spent a year embedded with US forces in Afghanistan. The film is produced by David Leeson, Pulitzer Prize recipient and currently Senior Producer of Video for The Dallas Morning News. The film is subject-driven storytelling, allowing the truth of the moment to speak in the tradition of ethical still photojournalism. At War explores the timeless nature of war and conflict, and ultimately challenges us to look at ourselves as beings filled with love and hate, fear and courage, passion and chaos.

I just can’t get enough of The National, and Boxer is holding strong in the number one spot for album of the year in my opinion. Their performance at the ACL Festival was one of my favorites from the weekend. Check out this stripped down performance on the WOXY Lounge Act featuring two songs from Boxer as well as a b-side treat that originally surface with the “Lit Up” single.

Mp3>>The National on WOXY

This is from the band’s myspace page:

“To anyone who attended the Wall of Sound Festival last night in Fort Worth, Texas…

Our sincerest apologies. Due to scheduling problems that we still don’t really understand, our set (which was supposed to be an hour) was cut to 20 minutes by the festival organizers. They had a curfew they had to abide by. These things sometimes happen. Anyway, we were pretty disappointed. We also apologize for the poor sound quality. Apparently, our amps and drums weren’t even being sent through the PA speakers. We’re not exactly sure why that happened.

Again, sorry about that. At least the weather was nice. And The Books were great, as always.

Love,
Explosions”

Now, we were at the show and as it was great to see the band, the set was short and the crowd wasn’t happy. It’s nice that the band is apologizing to the fans but the band aren’t the ones that owe us an apology, someone else does. Keep checking back for photos and a report on the Wall of Sound Festival. Soon my dear….soon.

Mp3>>So Long Lonesome