Dead Confederate have their sophomore full-length titled Sugar hitting the streets legal on Aug 24th. Check out this short little video shot during the making of the album, and then jump over to the band’s website for a free download of the first released track from the album titled “Giving It All Away” featuring some dude named J. Mascis.

Or……….you could listen here

MP3> Dead Confederate ‘Giving It All Away’

I haven’t been a huge fan of the Animal Collective, while I appreciate what they do to a certain extent, I just cannot spend a lot of time with their recordings. I loose interest quickly. They’ll probably be that band that, a year from now, I”ll think is the greatest thing since the internet. Nah.

I like the summer theme of the video, and it works well with the song…

In this whirlwind world of music, sometimes you need a friendly reminder about a band that you really do enjoy the heck out of, and this is that moment.

Dead Meadow’s firm grasp of the traditional rock sounds of the 70′s along with their own modern spin, have earned them a fellowship in today’s modern psych-rock scene. With 5 studio albums under their belt, it only seemed the logical move to showcase the band in DVD format, as that’s what band’s do these days. Dead Meadow just recently released the CD + DVD combo titled The Three Kings, in which the band is featured in the live capacity as well as holy mystics on a character based visual trip.
In support of this newest offering to the band’s audience, they tour to bring the message of The Three Kings to their audience. Sunday 6.27 @ Emos finds the band in company with The Happen-ins and Smoke and Feathers.  Get Tickets

Interpol have been pretty quiet for the past couple of years, but the silence is about to be broken. September will see the release of the band’s 4th album and with a recent lineup change, the band is booking the live dates. More to come soon for sure, but for now… the video for ‘Lights’

June :
Wednesday, June 23 – Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
Friday, June 25 – Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
Saturday, June 26 – New York, NY, Creators Project Party, Milk Studios
Friday, July 23 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street Ballroom*
Saturday, July 24 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place – +
Sunday, July 25 – Baltimore, MD – Ramshead Live – *
Thursday, July 29 – Richmond, VA – The National – +
Friday, July 30 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVA – +
Saturday, July 31 – Atlantic City, NJ – Showboat Atlantic City – House of Blues – #
Wednesday, August 04 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre – +
Thursday, August 05 – Boston, MA – House of Blues – +
Friday, August 06 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights – #
Monday, August 09 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis – #
Tuesday, August 10 – Toronto ON – Kook Haus – @
Wednesday, August 11 – Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargo -+
Friday, August 13 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave – #
Saturday, August 14 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue – *
Sunday, August 15 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre – #
Wednesday, August 18 – Charleston, SC – The Music Farm – +
Thursday August 19 – Lake Buena Vista FL – House of Blues – #

@ – on sale June 23
* – on sale June 24
+ – on sale June 25
# – on sale June 26

In a curious move by someone, Tiny Vipers were booked to play one of my personal favorite venues in town, The Parish. Curious because Tiny Vipers, as much as I feel they should be, aren’t a big drawn in this town, if in many. Tiny Vipers are the work of one talented creative voice named Jesy Fortino, and as incredibly enticing and rewarding as her music can be with a patient listen, it’s not a huge draw for many. It’s one woman with one guitar, engaging time, sound and space in a way that most artists would struggle to even attempt.

Being the 4th time that I have witnessed Fortino work, it was as magical as previous.  Somewhat recluse, Fortino weaves her catalog of work seamlessly with an intensity and restraint that compliments her craft. No need or seeking audience appreciation, just a dedication to the art.

And for the 4 folks that continued to chat during the set until I asked you to shut up…I really don’t know what to say other than..stay at home if you don’t want to watch the music and experience the experience. Either that or Shut The F*** Up!!

Photos by Mary Rehak

Taking an approach to releasing their music that most bands would shrug off, the Austin based Monahans are releasing a track a month from their most recent recording titled simply 2010 Recordings. And I should mention, that the tracks are free for download.

The latest to surface from the Monahans camp is track #4 titled “A Memory Of God”.

In addition to the free tracks being released, the band is also dropping video footage and various reference material as well. If you want to get in on this action, you might want to visit the band’s website and sign up for the email list. Or you could just keep tuning in here, as I’ll likely pass along this stuff to you as well, as I kinda dig these guys.

In related news: The previous incarnation of Monahans, Milton Mapes have received a little attention by some guy named Robert Plant? This guy is recording a version of their track “The Only Sound That Matters”. Nice.

Just the whisper of “new album” from Radiohead draws more attention than Lionel Messi receiving the ball at the top of the box, and we’ve got more than a whisper about a possible release in 2010 for the band. During an interview on BBC 6 with Adam Buxton, guitarist Ed O’Brien reveals that the band is in the studio recording what will be their 8th release. The sound of Radiohead fans gasping is deafening…..

Listen to the interview where in addition to the exciting news, O’Brien discusses the recording of In Rainbows HERE

Austin’s Black Angels have a new recording looming in the near future titled Phosphene Dream, recorded with producer Dave Sardy (new for the band), and on the recently revived label Blue Horizon (new for the band). What does all of this change mean for the local artisans of psychedelic drone? For those in attendance of this year’s Austin Psych Fest, you were treated to what Phosphene Dream has wrapped up inside, when The Black Angels performed the recording in it’s entirety live on Saturday night of the 3 day fest. And first impression suggests that change is good.

MP3> Black Angels ‘Bad Vibrations’

The band has several European festival dates lined up before they head back to the states for an appearance @ The Jim Jarmusch curated stage during ATP New York.

It had been awhile since we’ve heard any rumblings from the Blonde Redhead camp, until this most recent single has emerged titled “Here Sometimes”. One would be lead to believe that this would signal a new album on the horizon, but nothing official on the release. Word is there is more info heading our way soon though, so stay tuned.

Until then, enjoy this sleepy haze introduction to new music from 4AD’s Blonde Redhead..

MP3> Blonde Redhead ‘Here Sometimes’

One voice, one guitar, and one woman’s words can be a difficult sell these days, but Jesy Fortino aka Tiny Vipers manages to close the deal with her somber, haunting, yet powerful weaves of minimalist acoustic guitar and beautiful vocals. Patience is the key, and can be rewarded when applied to approaching the music of Tiny Vipers, and Fortino will test that patience this Saturday night on the stage at The Parish, with reward for those accepting.

Tiny Vipers most recent release Life On Earth, recorded here in Austin, finds Fortino focusing on the organic soul of her songs with the help of producer Andrew Hernandez, and the result is exactly what you will find with the live performance.

Tiny Vipers @ The Parish Sat 6.19 Tickets

Video provided by the folks over @ They Shoot Music Dont They

While the Sonic Itch Music jury is still deliberating on whether or not we are on board with Suckers.. we present evidence  item #1.

I like the guitars..but the vocals??

The band just set loose the video for “Black Sheep”, and we bring it to you……

The reunited Pavement have been making the rounds this year, much to the delight of many an indie-rock fan, and as a good majority of their appearances have been at some of the prestigious festivals, the band will make a stop here in Austin, at a much smaller venue called Stubbs. I have to say that I was a bit surprised that the band didn’t make the ACL Fest lineup, but am much happier with this news. Who wants to wade through a sea of lawn chairs, Phish heads, Eagles fans, and misguided weekend music warriors to enjoy the Gold Sounds of Pavement? Not this guy! Two thumbs up C3!!

Pavement @ Stubbs 9.28!!

Tickets on sale June 18th HERE

MP3> Pavement ‘Fight This Generation’

I was just listening to some Built To Spill the other day thinking about what a solid career these guys have had with some great recordings under their belt, and then POOF! they are coming to town. As if I almost willed it to happen.

Built to Spill, who usually find themselves playing the larger Stubb’s venue as of lately, take it down a notch and get real @ Emo’s for not just 1 night, but 2. Expecting them to traverse their illustrious catalog of jams.

Built to Spill @ Emos 10.22 Tickets

Built to Spill @ Emos 10.23 Tickets

MP3> Built To Spill ‘Untrustable Part 2 (About Someone Else)’

I have to admit, that I know absolutely nothing about this band Ariel Pink, other than I’ve seen the name enough now, that I’m checking them out.