Just so everyone knows there
will not be a post tomorrow or a podcast on Saturday. Instead, there
will be full Austin City Limits coverage for the entirety of weekend.
I'm hoping that my reports, which should consist of show reviews and an
interview or two (maybe), will turn out well, but who knows for sure whether
or not I'll survive the heat or the crowd.
At any rate, this week is short and my inbox is full, so I'm providing you
with another little EP. Call it my gift to those of you who will not
be attending ACL. Enjoy.
BTW, who here is going to ACL? We should meet up.
:Saint
Bernadette - I Own The City:
This Motown-esque number was not what I was expecting when the press release
that accompanied it mentioned that the band's centerpiece, Meredith DiMenna,
writes parody songs and voices an MTV character named Chunky Pam.
Actually, I'm not sure why I even bothered listening with a
background like that, but I'm glad that I gave it a shot. You should
as well. Her debut live album, In The Ballroom, is due out
October 2.
:Bottomless
Pit - The Cardinal Movements:
Given that this band is made up of guys from Silkworm, Seam and .22 I have
absolutely no idea as to how I missed out them until now. I mean, in
the indie world that's almost a super group! Anyhow, this is a great
mid-90s style piece of indie rock, so count me as interested to see what
else Tim, Andy, Chris and Brian have put together on their debut LP,
Hammer Of The Gods.
:Red
Collar - Hands Up:
A member of this North Carolina-based outfit emailed me earlier this week
and suggested that I check out his band. Now, I realize that may not
seem like anything special, but of all the artists that send me unsolicited
music most usually don't have a resume that includes being the soundtrack to
the Carolina Hurricanes' home games, comparisons to Springsteen/Fugazi,
spins from KEXP and XMU, and Brian Paulson (Wilco, Superchunk) as their
producer. These guys are on their way.
:Partique
- Death For Blushing Rogue:
If you've ever imagined a pop-enthused, more accessible version of White
Rabbits then I think you might really like this. However, even if that
perfectly sane thought never crossed your mind I think you will still find
something to love in this quartet's sound, which is clearly rooted in the
desire to make sure you're smiling and moving your hips in ways you never
thought possible. Watch out for the fall release of their album of the
same name as this gem.
:Tim
Williams - Novel:
I know this guy is all over a zillion other blogs right now, but with the
singer/songwriter genre feeling a tiny bit stale right now I think this is
just too good for me to not jump on the bandwagon, crowded or not.
Plus, in case you have yet to come across its glorious folk pop sound then
you will be happy that I shared it. Tim's new album is due out in
early October, so seek it out if you're in the mood for some good pop music.
-
John Laird -
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