Monday, April 7, 2008


- Thao Nguyen And The Get Down Stay Down - The Mohawk - Austin, TX -
 

- Weird Weeds -

Weird Weeds are a local act that I had been wanting to see for awhile, and they did not disappoint.  I thought they were the perfect choice to open the rather diverse show, and I really enjoyed their intricate, yet bombastic sound in the midst of what turned out to be a surprisingly cold night.  If you're into experimental music then I highly recommend that you seek out this trio's latest, I Miss This.  It's out now on Autobus.

:Weird Weeds - Red:

- Thao Nguyen And The Get Down Stay Down -

While I was very happy to see Weird Weeds and Xiu Xiu, the main reason I was at the show was to hear a few selections from my favorite record so far this year, We Brave Bee Stings And All.  The 11 songs that make up that disc have been on constant repeat since January, and I couldn't wait any longer to see them live for fear of too high of expectations.  Actually, after seeing them perform I don't think I could have ever considered them disappointing.  Not only did they spruce up all of my favorite songs from the new album into foot-stomping jams, but they also provided more than a few laughs in between.  I can't say enough how tired I am of artists strolling on stage, playing and then leaving without much more than a hello, so it's always a relief when an act I really like isn't completely uptight and awkward.  I can't possibly tell you how anxious I am for Thao and TGDSD to return in June.  You should be making an effort to catch them if they're within driving distance from you.

On a side note, if you get out to see them play then make sure you take a moment to introduce yourself and/or provide a high-five or two.  I think it's only a matter of time before they get to the point where they aren't working their own merch booth (they are about to tour with Rilo Kiley, after all), and you shouldn't miss out on getting to chat with good people who are making great music.

:Thao Nguyen - Bag Of Hammers:

- Xiu Xiu -

Xiu Xiu are definitely an act that you need to be really familiar with in order to fully enjoy live.  I only know a handful of songs, and to be honest I'm not even sure if they played any of them in their set.  So, for the most part of the show I ended up standing around being more concerned with watching, which is a little weird since it was a concert.  In any case, I did think they put on a show that kept everyone on their toes because of constant jumping from more noise inspired efforts to normally structured pop tunes and everything in between.  I don't know if what they do on stage is for everyone, but if want something different then I say check out Xiu Xiu live.

:Xiu Xiu - I Do What I Want, When I Want:

- John Laird -

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