The thought of what song(s) that you might want played at your funeral was brought up today by a friend, and as I found myself searching through my completely unorganized collection of music for a specific Uncle Tupelo song, I pleasantly revisited “Fatal Wound”.

For those of you not familiar with Uncle Tupelo, the band played a large part in fusing traditional country sounds with a rock approach, fueling the alt-country movement in the early 90’s. Hands down, one of my favorite bands of all time. The band achieved a reasonable amount of commercial success signing to Sire records for their final release, only to disband at the height of their career due to internal issues. Founding members Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar soon found themselves at odds personally as well as musically. Tweedy went on to form the group Wilco, and Farrar forged ahead in his outfit Son Volt, both achieving a level of success with their own unique style.

“columns of sunlight
and glorious cities
oceans of opportunity
and all your decisions seem ancient
but you wait around until
you’ve received that fatal wound” – Uncle Tupelo “Fatal Wound”

MP3> Uncle Tupelo ‘Fatal Wound’

Jawbox is one of those bands that I have always been clearly aware of their existence and the fondness that many of my friends harbored for this D.C. post punk band that found the heart of it’s success in the early 90’s. The D.C. scene a proud breeding ground for many a D.I.Y. band in the 80’s and 90’s. A proud label for many fans that led to the unfortunate backlash when Jawbox left the indie label Dischord for the major Atlantic to record the 1994 release For Your Own Special Sweetheart. Now that we’ve all grown up a bit, and sold a bit of our souls to some corporate entity, the band re-releases it’s heartbeat album For Your Own Special Sweetheart on DeSoto records in the fall of 2009. It’s remastered and sounding as sweet as ever.

You can purchase the remastered release @ DeSoto or @ iTunes

MP3> Jawbox ‘Savory’

The only live performance in celebration of this release will be on the Jimmy Fallon show, Tuesday Dec 8th. Set your DVR, TiVo, whatever, or just tune in like we used to do in the old days.

I’ve found that listening to WOXY Vintage on the weekend is a nice escape from the constant barrage of new music (not that I’m complaining) and a nice venue in which to rediscover some of the music that I tend to forget about sometimes. A track from the Matthew Sweet’s 1991 release Girlfriend sparked a memory that resulted in me putting the album on for a couple of spins reminding me how much of impact this recording had on me at the time.  Read more

I think that most of us would agree (or maybe not), that Neutral Milk Hotel’s 1998 release In The Aeroplane Over The Sea is one of the classic releases in indie-rock history and the story that followed only ads to the album’s status and curiosity.  As the album’s success thrust the band into the spotlight, singer/songwriter Jeff Magnum uncomfortable with the situation that he found himself in, began to withdraw from the public eye, eventually dissolving the band before the end of 1998. A few acoustic shows, and guest appearances is all that Magnum has managed since, and In The Aeroplane Over The Sea has seen an increase in popularity and status while selling 100,000 copies.

Merge Records just announce the availability of both Neutral Milk Hotel recordings On Avery Island and In The Aeroplane Over The Sea on 180 gm vinyl available now in the Merge store.

The Merge site also has posted these two videos claiming they are Neutral Milk Hotel performances @ The Knitting Factory in NY, but the date doesn’t coincide with the band’s tour history. The date could be wrong, or they could be rare Mangum acoustic sets. Either way, enjoyable.

Videos after the jump. Read more

I’ve experienced some great connections with amazing albums during periods of my life when those songs or records made perfect sense in ways that, I would hope that any true music fan can relate, and in ways that when sometimes looked back upon might seem a bit unsettling. A revelation of one’s self and a time when life was different, but a reflection that is necessary for sure.  I would hope that everyone has that experience, but I know that that just isn’t the case, and that saddens me. I have a place for this album Gentlemen.

The Afghan Whigs were a band that were as talented as many of their counterparts during the early 90’s, but never did receive the recognition that they really did deserve. Maybe because the material was too dark in nature? It was a time of revealing the true emotions and the dark side of humanity. Maybe Greg Dulli pulled away the exterior to reveal the inner workings of a man than many didn’t want to admit existed.

Gentlemen was not the first release from the band that hailed from Cincinnati, but in my own personal opinion, was the crux of the band’s personal statement.  Vocalist and front-man Dulli delves deep into his own personal darkness in a manner that is revealing, seductive, disturbing, and somewhat familiar. An extended examination of a man at a point in his life that might have some uncomfortably understanding their own existence, and quietly relating.

The albums cover shot is probably one of the more appropriate album covers considering the content.  A man exposing his own faults and insecurities, while trying to justify his reasoning and sometimes egocentric ideals. All the while making some really sexy dark rock-n-roll.

“Ladies, let me tell you about myself
I got a dick for a brain
And my brain is gonna sell my ass to you
Now I’m OK, but in time I’ll find I’m stuck
‘Cause she wants love, and I still want to fuck
Now that I’m ashamed, it burns
But the weight is off
Now that you’re out of the way
I turn and I can walk
You showed no sympathy, my love
And this was no place for you and me to walk alone”

-”Be Sweet”

MP3> Afghan Whigs ‘Gentlemen’

MP3> Afghan Whigs ‘Debonair’

MP3> Afghan Whigs ‘My Curse’

I know that Fun Fun Fun Fest 09 is still months away, and we’ve only been allowed a peak at to what’s instore for us this year, but if there is one reason to plunk down your hard earned cash this year for the festival, it’s Jesus Lizard. I cannot stress how excited this guy is about this show.

The reunited band, is currently on the road bringing the sweat, energy, rock, and glory it’s so well known for delivering on stage. Here’s a couple of videos from the Pitchfork Festival, in which the band performs “Nub” and is interviewed by Fucked Up’s Pink Eye. Enjoy.

Now, if only Transmission would manage a Jesus Lizard aftershow at Mohawk? That would rule.

The reunion has been leaked on Idolator, and now Austin 360.com has confirmed an Austin date for the reunited Sunny Day Real Estate and the pending tour. The tour starts on Sept 17th just 2 days after Sub Pop reissues the bands second release Diary on both vinyl and cd. Oct 7 sees the band stepping on the La Zona Rosa stage here in Austin, Tx. Sweeet!

MP3> Sunny Day Real Estate ‘The Ocean’

Sunny Day Real Estate Fall 2009 US Tour

September 17th – Vancouver, BC/Commodore Ballroom
September 18th – Portland/Crystal Ballroom (Musicfest NW)
September 20th – Salt Lake City/Murray Theater
September 21st – Denver/Ogden Theater
September 23rd – Minneapolis/First Avenue
September 24th – Chicago/Metro
September 25th – Detroit/St Andrews Hall
September 27th – New York/Terminal 5
September 28th – Boston/House of Blues
September 30th – Washington DC/930 Club
October 1st – Philadelphia/Trocadero
October 3rd – Atlanta/CW Center Stage
October 5th – Dallas/Granada Theater
October 6th – Houston/Warehouse Live
October 7th – Austin/La Zona Rosa
October 9th – Tempe/Marquee Theatre
October 10th – Anaheim/House of Blues
October 11th – Los Angeles/Henry Fonda Theater
October 13th – San Francisco/Fillmore
October 15th – Spokane/Knitting Factory
October 16th – Seattle/Paramount Theatre

I would be a bit more excited about this news if we hadn’t already been notified of the band’s scheduled performance @ Fun Fun Fun Fest ‘09, but it should get the blood going for many of those in the cities listed on this tour. The return of The Jesus Lizard to the stage is sure to be one of the highlights of the year for myself. It’s gonna be mean, nasty, and a hell of a lot of fun. Hopefully David Yow is still got it in him, to pull off the crazed madman performances that he is so well known for delivering.

The band will also reissue their first four albums Head, Goat, Liar, and Down September 22nd on CD and vinyl via Touch and Go.

MP3> The Jesus Lizard ‘Puss’ off of Liar

And now, the Tour Read more

photo: Courtney Chavanell

It seems just like yesterday, but 2006 is almost a lifetime away in an industry that changes as frequently as your facebook updates. 2006 was the year that one of Austin’s more promising punk/indie bands decided to call it quits. To most, The Arm probably doesn’t even ring familiar, but for those of us who have been inhabiting the downtown scene for more than a decade, The Arm’s rapid rise and unexpected fall, still remains quite the mystery. The band on the rise, with the critically acclaimed album Call You Out (Indirect Records), a successful showing @ CMJ, and an Austin buzz growing louder by the minute, that turned the switch to off, and quietly slid into their every day lives.

All four original members will be together on stage tonight for the first time since the 2006 break-up, with one member even traveling halfway across the country for this one-off show. The call to The Arm for this reunion show faded years ago, and it seems the band never forgot that call. Joining The Arm tonight @ Emos will be The Lemurs, and the Good Times Crisis Band.

MP3> The Arm ‘The Privileged Few’

MP3> The Arm ‘Lovers and Agents’

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’

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’ll admit that I haven’t been much of a fan of the solo work of the former front-man for the Smiths, who calls himself Morrissey. Some of the early solo material sets well enough, but over the past few years, I’ve chosen to relish in the genius of the collaborative effort called The Smiths. A simple name, which simply contradicts the incredible library of artist Brit-pop/indie-rock that these four lads accomplished over the time that they were together.

Lucky enough for me, and with the assistance of some, I found myself in attendance of the Morrissey show last night here in Austin. I had probably set myself up for some disappointment based on a few years of witnessing live performances via Internet and video, and was cautious as to what I might experience this evening. What I did experience, was an unrequested trip into youthful memories that moved my emotions and spun time backwards in an instant. That instant was when Morrissey and company took the stage and launched into “This Charming Man”. Not soon after that the rendition of “How Soon Is Now” steadied that trip, while the lingering feeling of wanting to have seen the original 4 on stage for these performances, tirelessly attempted to falter the pleasure of what I was watching.The classic “Ask” beckoned for a personal sing along, which..for those that know me, is not of character, but who could resist?

As the show continued, it was evident that Morrissey still has it, and still flaunts it, much to the delight of the past and present fans. The band sounded great, Morrissey strutted the stage, crooning to the audience and playfully bantering with them between songs. There were numerous changes of clothes, and a barechested moment, while he, the man known as Mozz these days, captured the audience and held them in his hand for the entirety of the set. This is where you might understand that the reason of the dismantling of one of the greatest bands on earth came about. November spawned a monster, and monsters cannot survive together.

I loved what I saw tonite on stage, but it only made me long for once what was. A talented group of musicians and poets that brought us a musical message that was not only morose, but whimsiclay comical, and musically as serious as music should be. Please take some time to listen to The Smiths. And see the Mozz on tour if you can. It’s a treat that shant be missed.

MP3> The Smiths ‘Ask’

My introduction to the great band The National. A friend recently mentioned that he knew folks that didn’t like The National because they thought Matt Berninger’s vocals sounded too much like the guy from Crash Test Dummies. I can’t say that I quite get that comparison, and will admit that I did own some Crash Test Dummies at some point. What struck me  the most when first listening to this record was Berninger’s lyrics. There’s an honesty in his poetic portrait of ordinary life that easy to relate to, and subsequently, is extremely comforting. The Devendorf and Dessner brothers (yes, 2 sets of brothers) do a fine job of complimenting the lyrical ambiance musically.  A fine introduction to what shall be remembered as one of the more talented bands of this era.

The band followed up with the critically acclaimed Boxer and is currently one driving force behind the most recently released Red Hot compilation Dark Was The Night.

There are some great moments on this record and these are just a few.

MP3> The National ‘Secret Meeting’

MP3> The National ‘Daughters of The Soho Riots’

MP3> The National ‘Mr November’

After the break-up of Austin’s noise rock/punk outfit Scratch Acid, David Yow relocated to Chicago and formed The Jesus Lizard with Duane Denison and former Scratch Acid bassist David Wm. Sims. Noise rock/post punk/alternative were used to describe the band’s music, which featured Yow howling like a tortured animal at times while forming lyrics that painted the darkest of images. The band was known most for it’s live shows, where Yow was known to flail around the stage recklessly, expose himself, and inevitably end up in the crowd.

The band’s career spanned a little more than a decade, and produced numerous albums on both Touch and Go and Capitol, while building a reputation as one of the best live shows around.

May 2009 finds all of the original members reuniting for a string of dates that begins with All Tomorrow’s Parties and ends sometime in November in the band’s hometown of Chicago. All that’s left is to fill those 7 months, and chances are good that Yow and company will return to the city where it all really began. I for one, am quivering with anticipation.

MP3> The Jesus Lizard ‘Gladiator’

MP3> The Jesus Lizard ‘Whirl’