Well…maybe not Gish or Siamese Dream although I’m seriously considering doing so. This is painful to watch. The fall of what was a relatively talented guy.

Haven’t had a What the F*** entry in awhile. Congrats Mr Corgan!

What to do this Saturday night? Our friends over @ Ultra 8201 have the answer to that question, and a resounding one at that. They have put together a sweet little show featuring two local bands on the lips of many these days along with a Dallas band that I hear are a must catch. Hop over to Do512 and RSVP to this event for a $5 entry to the show or pay $8 @ the door. And while you’re there check out the bands, cause that’s what they do @ the Do512.

It’s almost hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since Eels (Mark E) first captured our attention with “Novocaine For The Soul”.  Mark E has been playing under the moniker Eels for all these years, continuing to churn out music that still remains relevant, while always maintaining our attention. He does so, by staying creative, never standing still, and always entertains in the live setting. I first caught Eels on that career establishing tour in 1996, and have several times since. I have to say that I’m looking forward to the new material, and hopefully a new tour. Cheers to the Eels for still entertaining all these years.

And now the slightly creepy video for the first single off of the upcoming Hombre Lobro release dropping 6/2:

MP3> Eels ‘Novocaine For The Soul’

MP3> Eels ‘Fresh Feeling’

I like the Colbert Report, I like The Decemberists, and the two were together last night for a quick interview, that got a few chuckles from myself, and a performance of “The Wanting Comes in Waves”. Not my favorite Decemberist’s tune, but they’ve got a new record to peddle.

Tour dates after the video.

THE DECEMBERISTS ON TOUR
May 19 – Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
May 20 – Fox Theatre – Oakland, CA
May 21 – McDonald Theater – Eugene, OR
May 24 – Wilma Theatre – Missoula, MT
May 26 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
May 27 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, MO
May 29 – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
May 31 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO
June 1 – Lifestyle Communities Pavilion – Columbus, OH
June 3 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
June 4 – Memorial Auditorium – Raleigh, NC
June 5 – The National – Richmond, VA
June 6 – Tower Theatre – Upper Darby, PA
June 9 – Bank of America Pavillion – Boston, MA
June 10 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY
June 11-14 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
July 18 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR w/ Andrew Bird
July 19 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR w/ Andrew Bird

Hopefully, you feel the same way that I do about some of your favorite records. In a time where the music listening public moves away from listening to albums, and it becomes more about the song, I hold on to the hope that the art and the pleasure of a band’s work as a record aren’t forgotten by the music fans. My favorite recordings hold a special place in my heart, not only for what is etched on that vinyl, or disc, by the artist, but for what they represent as a time, place, or person in my life. They present an emotion and an awareness that happens when the music really connects. The recording takes on a special meaning, whether it be through lyrics, or just through sound. Your interpretation of that artists art that fits your emotional or physical state at that time.

Something drew me to revist one of my favorite recordings from Red House Painters, and as I expected to revisit my memories of Songs For A Blue Guitar, I strangely found new meaning in the record. A new meaning that seemed to be the calling for me to revisit. And that’s the beauty of music.

Many of you might know Mark Kozelek’s more recent work as the outfit Sun Kil Moon, but Red House Painters was the beginning of many of us getting to know the talent of his ability to craft music and lyrics in a unique way. Kozelek crafts songs that patiently wander and drift as if there is no final destination, but only the journey. Like taking a drive in the country for the pure sake of taking a drive in the country, with no real destination. Just taking time to experience what is around you for that moment in time. Songs For A Blue Guitar is, in my opinion, the one of the most complete albums from start to finish that Kozelek has produced.  Sometimes floating along acoustically and delicate and other times a passive sonic trip, that continues on for minutes and minutes, as on the track “Make Like Paper” which clocks in @ 12 minutes. The album is a patient listen, but a suitable companion for the cloudy rain soaked days currently residing.

MP3> Red House Painters ‘Have You Forgotten’

MP3> Red House Painters ‘Make Like Paper’

MP3> Red House Painters ‘Revelation Big Sur’

Well, the 2009 ACL Festival lineup hit the internet when the clock turned April 28th, and as expected the headlining acts previously (purposely) leaked are there. Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys, Dave Matthews Band, and Kings of Leon should guarantee and quick sellout for this year’s event in time when the economy could have an effect on the festival season.

If you haven’t already noticed on the Lollapalooza site, there have been some really cool improvements in regards to the band info and the scheduling features. Facebook linking, video, playlists, artist info. And if it all looks a little familiar to those of you in Austin, it’s because it was put together by DoStuff a.ka. the fine folks @ Do512.com. Good work guys! Looks awesome!

I know I just posted something about the band, but it’s just another reason to get to Emo’s tomorrow night. More Horrors.

I’m hoping that The Kills show me something that I just didn’t seem to get @ ACL last year. I’m sure the sun soaked early afternoon performance wasn’t their preferred venue, and Emo’s is about as opposite of that, you’ll find in this town. The Horrors and Magic Wands just seem to beckon my attention. A solid bill, with a lot of potential. Emo’s is the place to be on Friday night for some current day, black leather, dark sunglasses, romantic darkness via the 80′s circuit.

This new Horrors song is pretty darn cool.

MP3> The Kills ‘Cheap and Cheerful’

MP3> Magic Wands ‘Black Magic’

My Bloody Valentine produced one of the most memorable and historic albums of my music listening years, as well as for many others that have come to understand it’s significance and place in modern rock-n-roll. There were no hit singles on this record, the songs don’t necessarily stick in your head for days on end, but it felt like something that was completely different, but no so much to turn us off. By industry standards, it was a quiet statement by a band, that left a impact on music fans that has survived the test of time, and still resonates with many. Loveless was the record, and although some might argue differently, was the album that secured My Bloody Valentine’s place in music history for many of us.

The opportunity to see this band perform once again in it’s original conception, had pretty much vanished from my mind as happening in my lifetime, but despite years of separation and almost fading into ghost’s of music past, they have resurfaced. And they happened to pick Austin as one of the 5 U.S. dates to perform their glorious return.

What transpired this night @ The Austin Music Hall, almost escapes words. The band is legendary for their loud shows, and free earplugs at the door at the request of the band were in order if you didn’t already come prepared. With little to say to the audience or even amongst themselves, My Bloody Valentine proceeded to launch an all out assault on the senses. A visual, auditory battering that enraptured the audience and left many paused as to what they were witnessing. An experience so powerful, and moving, words cannot do it justice. I’ve been to many a live music event in my day, and what took place on the stage that night was the pinnacle of my experience. It wasn’t about the songs, or the band, but something lying deep within what the two combined was powerful on a completly different level. Music from a time less complicated, less contrived, unpretentious, and simply more fun. A smile on my face from start to finish. A constant check to see if I was really wearing earplugs, and possibly a tear or two. Beautiful!

Set list here

I didn’t think that I was going to be this excited for the show, but I’m pretty stoked. Part of it, is that my talented partner/photographer will be shooting the event. And it’s a rare opportunity to see a band that I might never have the op to see again. A band that put out a record, that was a staple for me back in the day.

MP3> My Bloody Valentine ‘I Only Said’
MP3> My Bloody Valentine ‘Blown A Wish’

I’ve been pouring over the most recent release from Silversun Pickups Swoon for the past couple of days, and am enjoying it for the most part. Sure, some of it sounds like The Smashing Pumpkins when the Pumpkins were great, but can we fault them for that? Maybe a little, but there’s more to Silversun Pickups. I’m really curious as to how this record is going to be received by the general public. The band has acheived a bit of commercial success with their previous record, and I think that Swoon might challenge the listeners a bit.

The impact that Swoon has is yet to be seen, but I will have to admit that “Panic Switch” is a great, feel good, rock song. The kind of song that you and your friends can sing along to, rock out in the car, and use for the soundtrack to your youthful summer excursions. I long for those days.

I know it’s not summer yet, but by the time this song hits momentum, the sun and festival season will be ripe, and SSPU will be on the lips of many.

MP3> Silversun Pickups ‘Panic Switch’

I found this poster on the internet, and honestly can’t confirm any of the artists that they have listed. Maybe it’s just someone’s wish list?

I did, however, discover that in the latest copy of Spin, a confirmation of several artists playing this year’s Lollapalooza. Nothing too revealing, but a short list.

• Jane’s Addiction
• Silversun Pickups
• The Gaslight Anthem
• Metric
• The Killers
• Tool

Soon enough, we’ll know the full lineup, but I’m thinking that this year might warrant a trip to Chicago.

UPDATE: Here it is..the real deal http://2009.lollapalooza.com/

This might come as a surprise to many, and considering that I don’t regularly agree with or much respect his opinions these days in regards to music, Michael Corcoran made a point that I find interesting. But, I believe that it goes much deeper than what he expressed in this short quip  on Austin360.com. The gist of his point was that the situation with Freddie’s Place having to discontinue the live music on their outside stage because they couldn’t abide by the new regulation set for outside amplified sound tied into a restaurant establishment by code, was just. Well, maybe not completely just. but it got me thinking. I know, I’m just as surprised as you might be.

Now, before you get all worked up over this, let me explain my thought process.

I, for those who know me well, am one of  the biggest proponents of live music in this city. That is why I moved to this wonderful city, and that will probably be the solidifying component to keep me here the rest of my years. I understand the importance of the city’s claim of “The Live Music Capitol” and support it 100%, but with that statement, I believe that we have entitled ourselves to bestow an unnecessary burden upon ourselves.

This isn’t going to be easy, but let’s start with this: Music is art. I think we all agree on that, although comparing art genres will show that creating music is a bit different. The reality is, that music is possibly the most recognized form of art on every scale. It translates in every language and is probably the most heavily produced form of art in our modern world. Austin, supports the art of music wholeheartedly, and it’s a great environment to exist in as a fan. But, does the city and our mindset, enable the existence of an environment that works against the artist?

I see my fair share of live music, and can say that if I’m going out to eat, I don’t want to watch a band. For one, if a band is playing while I’m eating, they aren’t getting my full attention. Two, if you are a band playing for a dinner crowd and are expecting to gain fans, you might want to rethink your agenda. Maybe you just want to get fed? And that’s understandable, we all need to eat. My opinion mind you.

I appreciate the fact that some bands are cool with just getting up and playing with some friends for a few drinks or maybe a free meal, but they don’t necessarily represent the majority. We have a community of individuals who believe that this town holds the key to their success, their future, their survival in the near years, and we struggle to provide any hope for many. Sure, we have successful bands, but the success rate comparatively is surely not as favorable as to other cities. Although we have discussions going on within the government that provides the infrastructure, I’m not seeing any solid solutions that make much sense at this point.  I’m not saying that it won’t happen, but I think that we might be avoiding the reality of the monster that we have allowed to be created.

If we, as a city, convey the idea that we can support any “Joe” with providing a venue for that “Joe” to perform, and not take into consideration that “Joe” can’t live on what this city has to offer, we have done a disservice to the artist.  Having live music on every patio, outside stage, or deck available doesn’t make us the “Live Music Capitol” of the world. It just feeds our ego. Providing the appropriate venues, and support for the music scene and venues that honestly support the future of the scene, proves more significant.

I support any artist pursuing their passion, but there is a responsibility that we owe to the artist as consumers. They deserve an honest chance, and an honest response. Are we providing that to them as a city? That’s the question that I’m asking.

Update: An interesting post on Austin Sound “Did City Council Surreptitiously Screw Live Music In Austin?”

We all love reading interviews with our favorite bands, and the interviews usually cover a lot of the same stuff, how the band got started, new album details, etc., etc., etc. Coming into contact with quite a few artists on a regular basis, I figured I could prepare a short set of short answer questions that I could deliver without having to go into a lengthy sit session of talking and editing. This is the forth in what I hope to be a long series of “Get To Know In 7″ and any suggestions or recommendations on questions that you might want used in future editions, please, please, let me know.

Blind Pilot’s 3 Rounds and A Sound has quickly become one of my favorite indie, folk-rock inspired recordings of the year. Hailing from Portland, OR is no surprise as that area seems rife with great musical talent, especially in the vein of this style. Patient, delicate, poetic, and gentle. The band started as a project between two college friends Isreal Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski and has grown into a group of musically talented friends that are delivering, what some might argue, are the sounds of the next breakout indie band from Portland. The live show would surely support that argument as would the recent addition to support another little band from the Northwest called The Decemberists. The delicate sounds of the band are only magnified live with the multitude instrumentation, including the sweet sounds of a xylophone, a little bit of banjo, a stand up bass, and many more. Recommended for anyone looking to chase away the negatives of daily life and wanting to put a smile on their face, which is exactly what they did last Tuesday night @ The Mohawk.

I sat down with the soft-spoken frontman Isreal Nebeker for a quick chat and 7 questions. Thanks to Nebeker and company for the music, and taking a moment to answer these ridiculous questions.

1. What’s your favorite color? “I don’t think I have one. I like a lot. I like mauve a lot, it’s interesting color, and it wasn’t even invented until the late 1800′s.”
2. Name one must own album/record: “Paul Simon’s Graceland”
3. Name one person dead or alive that you would like to meet: “I’ll say Jesus Christ. Ghandi. I’m changing it to Ghandi.”
4. First record or song you remember listening to that had an impact on you. “Can I change my record one to Neutral Milk Hotel In The Aeroplane Over the Sea? and this one to Paul Simon’s Graceland?
5. Last record or cd that you played and enjoyed: “I really like MGMT, their album”
6. What’s your favorite season of the year and why? “Fall. Because..Summer is over too quick, and by the time Fall comes you still have great weather and you got to do all the swimming and camping because Winter is coming.”
7. One word to describe your band: “Excited”

Blind Pilot have every reason to be excited, and hopefully you’ll get out to see what this excitement is all about. I highly recommend the music and the live performance.

MP3> Blind Pilot ‘Two Towns From Me’

Watch the video for “Go Say It”