Today's Quick Mention: I saw that
Stereogum posted up a list that details what they
think are the 40 best new bands of 2010.
There's not really too many surprises on it, but I
think it's worth a bit of your time. Check it
out
here.
Each of their selections has a downloadable track,
which is nice.
Good news! Jamiroquai is still kicking.
Yeah, I know, you don't care because they were
totally a guilty pleasure back when you were in high
school and you've moved on to bigger and better
things. But I haven't. In fact, I'm still
digging them to no end, and I'm sort of thrilled
they have a new album. Rock Dust Light Star
is supposedly going to hit store shelves in
November. Enjoy.
:Jamiroquai
- White Knuckle Ride:
Want to know what the difference is between this and what
the band was like during their peak in the late 90s?
Not much. They can still make you want to get up and
dance around like a crazy person and Jay Kay sounds just as
soulful as he did in songs like Cosmic Girl (check it
out in video form below), Little L and other gems
from way back. By the way, it's totally cool if you
like this but don't want to tell a single soul on Earth.
When you live
in the state of Texas, guns are pretty much a dime a dozen.
Aside from the guns I pack through my shirt sleeves though
(zing!), the only revolver I could ever be expected to carry
around with me is purely auditory. Don’t let it be
said that it still doesn’t pack a wallop though. In a
very basic setup that isn’t much more than what the trio can
handle themselves, Revolver, at their simplest, is a musical
countdown of three guys, two guitars, and one cello, and
with this, the musical messieurs produce a bevy of jangly,
lively arrangements nestled in mellow, harmonized vocals.
This pop rock Parisian three-piece of twenty-somethings was
stowed away in the same steamer that brought us the fresh
off the boat goodness of Phoenix in that this French group
similarly also chooses to sing in English and leaves nothing
lost in translation. It’s a French band you can sing
along with; it’s a French band you’ll want to sing along
with. Dubbing their style "chamber pop," Revolver
created an intimate sound and was out to play for the few,
but found themselves appealing to the many. It’s a
classic throwback sound with a contemporary polish that
gives way to an eclectic, endearing din. Having
created a sociable buzz on their home turf, the group is
ready and prepped to meet a whole new continent. Their
first full-length release recently hit our shelves on the
24th, and gems like Get Around Town and Balulalow
make it quite a listen.
When he’s not sleeping or being lazy, Brad writes
and creates for Both Sides of the Mouth. If
you’d like to reach him regarding his writings here
on Side One: Track One, feel free to contact him
here.
Today's Quick Mention: In case you
haven't noticed yet, Pitchfork is doing their "Top
200 Songs Of The 90s." The last time they did
one of these lists it started out pretty good and
then ended with me wondering why I even bothered
reading it. Maybe this one will be different.
Check it out
here.
I
love me some Cotton Jones, but I have to admit that
I totally whiffed on them having a new album.
It's probably the President's fault. In any
case, I'm on it now and just based on the song
below, I already love it to no end. Tall
Hours In The Glowstream is what it's been
titled, and it can be had via the always steady
Suicide Squeeze. Enjoy.
:Cotton
Jones - Sail Of The Silver Morning:
Michael Nau and Whitney McGraw have long been two of the
best at creating warm, vintage pop, and this is definitely
in line with that particular sound. Only, I think this
might be one of the best songs they've ever done together.
It has a very lovely slow-dance appeal and the moments in
which Whitney chimes in are incredibly dreamy. Get
ready to leave this on repeat.
Today's Quick Mention: Ready to get out
and about? I hope so since there's a bunch of
shows going down over the next couple of days.
Zest Of Yore is at the Mohawk tonight, Ben Kweller
is at Threadgill's tomorrow and Titus Andronicus is
playing Emo's on Wednesday. For more info
check
Showlist Austin.
And now, the week begins.
Enjoy.
:Margot
And The Nuclear So And So's - New York City Hotel Blues:
I've never been able to move past the word "solid" when it
comes to this band, but their third full length could be the
effort that pushes me over the top. Or, it could
convince me that all I'm ever going to get from them is a
quality indie rock track (like this) or two per album.
We'll see when Mariel Recordings, which is actually their
label, releases Buzzard on September 21.
:Quinn
Marston - Can You Hear Me See Me Now?:
The pop scene these days seems to be full of bands trying to
have the perfect amount of noise/fuzz/haze and super retro
appeal, so it's kind of nice to stumble upon something from
the simple realm of 90s alt-rock. There's even a
guitar solo! Awesome. Ernest Jenning Record Co.
will put out Can You Hear Me See Me Now? on October
26.
:Sufjan
Stevens - I Walked:
Leave it to Sufjan to disappear for a good long while and
then come storming back with a huge tour, an EP and a full
length. I think there's usually a slower rollout for
these sorts of things, Mr. Stevens. Anyhow, the guy
still has it, as this headphone-worthy song so effortlessly
shows. Asthmatic Kitty will deliver The Age Of Adz,
which is now one of 2010's most anticipated albums, on
October 12.
:Blackbird
Blackbird - Pure:
This is a fairly no frills sort of track, but it happens to
have such a calming sound that I'm having a tough time not
keeping it on repeat. You can expect it to have
the same effect on you. Unless, of course, you hate
the world. Then you'll probably just hit "next" and
move on with you life. The San Francisco-based act
will release a 12" on September 28 via Arcade Sound Ltd.
:The
Ting Tings - Hands:
I wasn't exactly an admirer of this song until it dawned on
me that I was giving them way too much credit. There
first album had a bunch of goofy singles and this, which was
produced by Calvin Harris, is nothing but a step up on the
fun scale. So, don't take this seriously, friends.
Just dance. My guess is that the duo will have a full
length out on Sony later this year.
Today's Quick Mention: Dead Prez,
Wiretree, Tia Carrera, Ween, Quiet Company, The
Bandulus, Dead Confederate, Eastern Sea, Ume, The
Boxing Lesson, My Education. It's probably not
possible to see all of these bands around town this
weekend, but you should try. See
Showlist Austin
to map out your plan.
Let's bring this week to a close!
Enjoy.
:Coma
Cinema - Business As Usual:
Aside from impressing because it's just one guy (Mat Cothran)
behind this well crafted slab of indie rock, I really love
that this sounds like it's building towards something big.
So does it? I don't know, and there's no finding out
until he puts his album out at some point later this year on
the hilariously named Wonder Beard Tapes.
:Rose
Elinor Dougall - I Know We'll Never:
Every new track I hear from Rose leaves me torn. On
one hand I'm happy she's churning out such infectious pieces
of pop (like this gem), but on the other I'm bummed she
isn't sporting a polka dot dress in the Pipettes. Oh
well. Things could be worse, I suppose. Without
Why is the name of her anticipated debut, and it is due
out next Tuesday on Scarlett Music.
:Tony
Castles - Black Girls In Dresses:
This is kind of a weird song. In fact, I've repeatedly
gone back and forth on whether to share it, and I think it's
because at no point does it actually decide whether it wants
you to sit in your chair or get up and dance. It just
... slinks along. I dig it though. You probably
will too. No Service, which is the band's debut
EP, is set to be released on September 21 via Famous Class
Records.
:Small
Black - Photojournalist:
I've been super slow to come around on this song, but I
think it's because I really have to be in a particular mode
to fully appreciate/love the dancey, but thick electronic
arrangement that drives it. Here's hoping you're
feeling a bit less fickle. The band has what will
surely be an interesting full length that's due out October
26. It's titled New Chain.
:Celebration
- Open Your Heart:
If I made a list of bands that I listen to mainly because of
who's singing, I think this one would be near the top.
I just love the bluesy/soulful sounds that come out of
Katrina Ford's mouth. If you want more music you can
either download the Hello Paradise EP, which is
available for free right
here, or you can wait for their full
length to hit store shelves later this year.
Today's Quick Mention: There's all
kinds of neat things coming up on the schedule, but
I have to say that I'm most excited about an early
screening of Catfish tonight. The
film just looks crazy interesting. Check out
the
trailer
if you haven't already!
You have to love the internet. My inbox is
overstuffed with seemingly everything right now, and
yet I was still able to casually browse around
outside of it and find something awesome. It's
crazy. Anyhow, Pepper Rabbit are really good.
They just signed to the great Kanine Records, and
they will release a full length (one that I can't
wait for) titled Beauregard on October 26.
Enjoy.
:Pepper
Rabbit - Older Brother:
Admittedly, this track is a little melodramatic.
There's talk of how much someone means to another person,
taking care of family members, memories and so on.
Fortunately though, before your can subconsciously object to
such mushy subjects, the incredibly warm and endearing
arrangement makes the entire listen worth your time.
Just know you may be left with a need to cuddle.
When most
people think of Austin instrumental groups they imagine 12
minute epic jams with huge crescendos - all set to a high
school football highlight reel. And let’s not forget
the fireworks going off (yeah, you know what band I’m talkin’
about). Well, Broke Beads ain’t that band.
They’re grown up, but not necessarily mature, skater punks
that play smart groove infused psychedelic rock. It’s
music the stoners, jocks, and dweebs can all agree upon.
The first release from the band is Wave High, a six
track LP now out on Bombay Cove Records. Judging by
the album’s cover art, Napoleon Dynamite-esque drawings of
dragons and a man-baby jumping over an explosion of fire,
the band doesn’t take itself too seriously. However,
that doesn’t mean the music itself should be taken lightly.
The songs are melodic yet possess clever shifts in tone and
intensity.
Listening to
Wave High, I was reminded of the first album from one of
my all-time favorite bands, ! by The Dismemberment
Plan. Their early stuff had more showmanship than
musicianship and not all the songs were winners. Yet
the album demonstrated the group had stumbled onto something
unique and the guys had serious potential. Broke Beads
show similar promise and I look forward to hearing more of
their songs.
There's a chance my comparison of Broke Beads and The
Dismemberment Plan totally off, but you'll have to judge for
yourself. Here are two tracks from each band’s debut
album. They have different styles, but they both have
killer grooves and incredible rhythm - the kind of songs you
keep on repeat.
Dan Corbin also writes for a blog called DC Rock
Club. If you would like to contact him in
regards to his writings here at Side One: Track One
then please do so
here.
Today's Quick Mention: Be sure to come
out to Emo's Jr. tonight for The Delta Mirror.
They put out one of my favorite albums this year,
and I think it's going to be a great show.
Doors are at 9pm. Tix are $10. One
Hundred Flowers and Candi And The Strangers will
open.
Dead Confederate seemed to win everyone over last
year, but I'll gladly admit that I didn't "get"
them. Every track I came across just sounded
like bad southern alt-rock. However, as usual,
to make me change my mind a band only needs a bit of
time and one great new single. Good work,
fellas! Sugar is due out today, and DC
is at the Mohawk on Saturday. Enjoy.
:Dead
Confederate - Run From The Gun:
"I got let down gently/I never even knew the end was on the
way" Not only does this have a few fantastic lines
strewn about, but it sounds (in a good way, of course) like
a haunting version of early Oasis. In other words,
expect to feel a strange need to listen to Wonderwall
and talk on the phone about all the drama in your life.
Today's Quick Mention: The Sword will
be blowing ears out tonight at Waterloo Records.
You should go. Partly to celebrate the release
of Warp Riders (the band's third LP), but mostly
because every Monday should entail a good amount of
headbanging. The event starts at 7pm and it's
oh-so very FREE.
Time now for the five tracks that impressed me over
the weekend. Enjoy.
:Still
Corners - Don't Fall In Love:
Here's a super hazy number to help get the EP started.
Sure, maybe that's not the ideal sound you're looking for on
a Monday, but once you grab some headphones and picture a
James Bond tune without the cheese, you'll be thoroughly
impressed. The Great Pop Supplement (awesome name) will soon
release a 7" that has this song and another.
:Wild
Nothing - Golden Haze:
This is very Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, which means I
have to like it. Seriously. There's just
something about this style of glossy pop that rules my life
and makes me want to engage in strange activities.
Speaking of such things, I now feel the need to go dance in
a dark corner. The Golden Haze EP is due later
this year on Captured Tracks.
:Cee-Lo
Green - Fuck You:
It's been a very long while since we've had anything as
hilarious or catchy as Outkast's Roses, so I'm really
not surprised that the world exploded with excitement over
how ridiculous this track is. Way to go, Cee-Lo (that
rhymed)! I just wished it wasn't doomed to become the
most overplayed track of the year. Oh well. On a
lighter note, is there anyone that's not just straight up
excited for Lady Killer? I need an official
release date on that thing ASAP.
:She
And Him - Fools Rush In: I
thought I had been dong a good job of keeping up with the
various artists doing the Levi's Pioneer Sessions, but
somewhere along the way I totally missed out on this cover.
It's good. Just don't expect anything that's too
outside of the sugary sweet realm that M. Ward and Zooey
Deschanel normally operate in. Click
here ff you missed out on the snazzy
project that Levi's had going on over the summer.
:The
Antlers - Atrophy (Sybarite Remix):
The original version of this is about as ethereal as it
gets, but the digital edge provided in this definitely
enhances that aspect of it. I hope you still have your
headphones on, because you'll for sure want them here.
The Antlers currently have Hospice out, and you can
check out more about where this remix came from over at
HobNob.
Today's Quick Mention: As I mentioned
on Monday, The Budos Band are going to be playing
the Mohawk tomorrow night. You need to be
there. So do your friends, which means you
need to invite them. $12 at the door.
Ocote Soul Sounds will open with a DJ set.
The weekend is here! Let's celebrate with five
songs.
Enjoy.
:Tim
Kasher - Cold Love:
Tim's work in Cursive has leaned more towards pop over the
last few years, so to see him fully jump into the genre as a
solo artist doesn't necessarily register as all that
surprising. Although, that's not to say his iconic
voice thrown over a somewhat starry-eyed arrangement isn't
weird. Because it is. I wonder if there's any
indie rock on the new album? Saddle Creek will release
The Game Of Monogamy on October 5, and Mr. Kasher will
be at the Stubb's with Minus The Bear on October 27.
:Fol
Chen - The Holograms (Teen Daze Remix):
Considering this is a remix, there really isn't much of
anything that's too different than the original.
Still, I think Teen Daze added just enough electronic bells
and whistles to push it over the top and make it in to
something better. I'd really love to hear all of the
new album touched up like this. Check out The
Holograms Remix EP
here. It's free!
:A
Classic Education - Gone To Sea:
Have you guys become tired of these bands that all feature
the same exact mix of fuzz and hazy vocals? I want to
say that I have, but it seems as though I find more to like
with every passing day. It never ends! Anyhow,
this part Canada/part Italy-based act is good, and I'm
looking forward to seeing if their EP has anything else this
catchy. Hey There Stranger is due September 21
via Lefse.
:Glasser
- Home:
I must have completely missed out on this artist earlier in
the year. Everyone is referring to this as her second
stellar single, and I didn't know a first even existed.
Oh well. On the bright side, it's easy to take a
better late than never approach when it comes to a song this
good. Grab some headphones so that you can fully
experience the sonic prowess of Glasser. True Panther
will release Ring on September 28.
:Adam
Haworth Stephens - The Cities That You've Burned:
I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised by the
solo projects from both of the Two Gallants fellas.
Drummer Tyson Vogel has the very dramatic Devotionals and
Adam has what I think is probably best described as an adult
alternative sound. That's right, no alt-country/folk
to be found anywhere. Way to branch out! Here's
hoping we'll get more of the same slick material when Saddle
Creek releases We Live On Cliffs later in the year.
- John Laird -
Unless
otherwise expressly stated, all text in this blog and any
related pages, including the blog's archives, is licensed by
John Laird under a
Creative Commons License.
