Wednesday, February 3, 2010

If you live in Austin you’ve probably heard of Matador Records new compilation album, Casual Victim Pile - Austin 2010.  You’re probably also aware there’s a three day release party at Beerland starting tomorrow night.  But, mostly importantly, have you actually listened to the album yet?  Well, if you haven’t, trust me when I say that you’re missing out!

Before we delve into my favorite tracks though, let’s explore the back story a bit, shall we?

The man behind the album meant to celebrate the numerous unheralded bands playing in Austin each night is Gerald Cosley, Austin resident and co-owner of the great Matador Records.  Also, the record title, while having a having a menacing and cool rock sound to it, is actually just an anagram of "Live Music Capital". 

Now, it's obvious that when a guy like Cosley, who has signed and championed legendary bands such as Spoon, Pavement, Liz Phair, Yo La Tengo, Mission of Burma, Sonic Youth, and many more, picks seventeen Austin bands (and two from Denton) for you to listen to - you listen and just assume he got it right. 

Still, even for a man of Cosley’s experience, compiling an album which captures the Austin music scene is no easy task.  No matter what, talented bands deserving of recognition will be omitted, and this album is no exception (personally, I would’ve included a La Snacks tune).  With that being said, Cosley wasn’t necessarily looking to cast a wide net and capture a variety of rock genres, so I do have to give it up to him for the stellar job of highlighting some of the best garage and punk tunes the city has to offer.  We both clearly love stuff that's drunken and distorted ... yet oddly catchy.

It was tough to select just three songs since my favorites change almost daily (a sign of a great mix tape), but here are three I think everyone needs to hear:

:Follow That Bird - The Ghosts That Wakes You:  The album kicks off with this hard-driving tune featuring echoing guitars and syncopated drums.  I’ve been on a girl group kick lately so I really dig the vocals on this burner.  Follow That Bird is one band I’m sure to write about again very soon.

:Tre Orsi - The Engineer:  Tre Orsi is one of two Denton bands on the album (The Bad Sports being the other).  They distinguish themselves nicely with this standout featuring big guitar and powerful yet intricate drums.  I have a very specific reason why I find this song so appealing - it reminds me of a not-too-successful band out of Illinois called The Poster Children.  Back in college I used to listened to their Steve Albini produced albums, Flower Plower and Daisychain Reaction almost daily.  If you like The Engineer, then do yourself a favor and check out The Poster Children.

:Kingdom Of Suicide Lovers - Hoboken Snow:  The alternating guy-girl vocals and obvious Sonic Youth (not too surprising Cosley liked it, right?) influence was enough for me to declare this a winner.

So there you go  - three tracks off what’s sure to be one of my top albums of 2010.  Pick yourself up a copy of the album and then stop by Beerland tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday night to see the bands perform live.

 

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.

- Dan Corbin -



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