Side One Track One

Today’s music is willing and ready.  Enjoy.

:Big Deal – Dream Machines:  If you don’t have Big Deal’s upcoming album on your “anticipated” list, then you need to whip out your pen and scribble it in.  So far in 2013 they’ve released three stellar singles, and I can’t wait to check out what else they’ve crafted.  June Gloom is due on June 4 via Mute.

:Honeymoon – Sure Stuck:  Here’s a new act that was created by Aaron Shanahan and Benjamin Plant.  The pair of producers apparently wanted to do something that reflected their love of 60/70s psych pop, and I think they nailed it.  A full length is expected out at some point in the summer.

:GRMLN – Do You Know How It Feels?:  I haven’t spent a ton of time listening to the Yoodoo Park-lead GRMLN, but this catchy bit of 90s-enthused indie rock makes me want to.  So, maybe I will.  Empire will be available on June 4 through Carpark Records.

:Boyfrndz – Water Weight:  I’ve liked Austin’s Boyfrndz for a while, but I think this is the first time they’ve really impressed me.  This is a great track with a big, adventurous sound.  Natures is due on July 16th via Boyfrndz Records.

:Camera Obscura – Fifth In Line To The Throne:  It’s unlikely that I’ll ever tire of how impeccable Camera Obscura always sound.  I mean, just listen to this!  The damn thing is stunningly beautiful from beginning to end.  The band will release Desire Lines on June 4 via 4AD.

In case the overwhelming lack of lounging around time hasn’t tipped you off, festival season is upon us, in a big way. And last week, our former festival-that-could known as Austin City Limits revealed it’s now two-week spanning lineup, full of up-and-comers and big-namers to boot. (Did I meet my dash quota in that sentence – I’m not sure). This year’s lineup, while polarizing to many, boasts some of my favorites, from some Columbia grads who made it big (Vampire Weekend), to a fiery-haired musical heroine (Neko Case), to the band that shaped my college years (Wilco), to a band that shaped my high school years (The Cure). Plus, some lovely Frenchmen (Phoenix), the hipster bands of the moment (Tame Impala, Local Natives), a British rocker so young it seems criminal (Jake Bugg) and many more. Here are my picks for some of the top tracks from bands that will surely be making my ACL Lineup.

:Jake Bugg – Lightning Bolt:
:Vampire Weekend – Unbelievers:
:Okkervil River – Our Life Is Not A Movie (Or Maybe):
:Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better:
:The National – Mistaken For Strangers:
:Local Natives – Airplanes:
:Lissie – Little Lovin’:
:Thao And The Get Down Stay Down – Know Better, Learn Faster:
:Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards:
:The Cure – In Between Days:
:Pinback – Tripoli:
:Wilco – Poor Places:
:Neko Case – In California (Live):

The SOTO inbox is always full of cool stuff that never gets to see the light of day on the actual site, and I’d like to change that.  So, every Friday I’ll be posting the best album streams and videos that were sent my way during the week.  Take a scroll and find something worth remembering.

FULL ALBUM STREAMS

Majical Cloudz – Impersonator
Club 8 – Above The City
Radical Dads – Rapid Reality
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
The National – Trouble Will Find Me
The Gorgeous Hands – Tender
Dead Gaze – Self Titled

VIDEOS

This is a one-off George Jones cover by Robert Ellis.  He plays the Stateside tonight.

Mikal Cronin’s MCII is out now on Merge.  He plays the Mohawk on June 27.

Wampire just put out Curiosity on Polyvinyl.

Queens Of The Stone Age will release Like Clockwork on June 4 via Matador.

Young Galaxy put out Ultramarine last month on Paper Bag Records.

!!! recently released THR!!!ER.  They play the Mohawk on May 25.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr have an EP out now titled Patterns.

On An On’s debut is titled Give In, and it’s available now.

Taffy will release the Tumbling/Boy’s Don’t Cry single on May 27.

Bad Cops will release the Light On EP on June 9 via Jeffrey Drag Records.

Holy Ghost! is expected to put out Dynamics at some point in the fall.

It’s been a long while since I’ve actively thought about Hospital Ships, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy to see Jordan Geiger back in action.  I mean, the more quality indie rock the merrier, right?  Jump below for a new track, and then make a note to snatch up Destruction In Yr Soul on June 18 via Graveface.  Enjoy.

:Hospital Ships – If It Speaks:  This song is just full of so much enthusiasm, and that’s what I love most about it.  Makes me think that the person most happy about Geiger’s return is Geiger himself.

Bonus Video:

There is so much good new local music happening lately; it’s a bit overwhelming but it’s a good problem to have. Tomorrow at Holy Mountain you can catch the live debut of indie pop/rock quartet Slomo Drags (including members of Cartographers, BOY, and The Couch). On the bill you’ll also find Boy + Kite, who are celebrating the release of their new EP, We Can Go Anywhere We Want (first 30 people to arrive will receive a copy of the new EP), and The Plastic Habit, whose glam/pop/punk sounds are from guitarist and producer Jonas Wilson (of The White White Lights).

After the show there will be a a special DJ set with Laurie Gallardo from KUTX. If you listen to her weeknight program on 98.9 FM, you know you’re in for a solid selection of quality, eclectic tunes.

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If you’re not too wiped out from tomorrow’s extravaganza, I highly recommend going to Scottish Rite Theatre on Friday for another show chock full of local Austin music goodness. Borrisokane are celebrating the release of their new EP, Murdering Teeth, which features the outstanding single, A.F.E..  The song is guaranteed to get stuck in your head with its sultry vocals, sparkling and squiggly synths, and a chorus worthy of dancing and singing along. Their set will also include performances from three other up and coming local bands – Growl, Schmillion, and Knifight. The first 100 attendees will receive a copy of their EP.

This show also acts as a UK tour send off for psych/dream pop quintet Black Books, who have just released an album across the pond and will be playing some festival dates and opening for The Flaming Lips in London. Those two bands are reason enough to attend, but make sure to note that the evening also features sets from Letting Up Despite Great Faults and Tiger Waves.  Awesome.

Jason Molina passed away at the age of 39 on March 16, 2013 after a long struggle with alcoholism. It was a sad ending for a man that touched many with his music. He released numerous albums, EPs, and singles as Songs: Ohia (1996–2003) and then as Magnolia Electric Co. (2003–2009).  Jason was a prolific and widely admired songwriter that never chased the latest sound or trend. He didn’t craft his songs with the goal of gaining airplay. He just wrote music that mattered to him, songs that were true to himself, and in doing so he had a profound effect on other musicians.

One of those affected was Randy Reynolds (Leatherbag, No Future) who curated Lone Star Horizons: A Texas Tribute To Jason Molina. Reynolds teamed up with other Texas artists for this album of covers to raise money for the Jason Molina Medical Fund. The result is a moving homage to Molina and an album you’re sure to love. The diversity of artists and musical styles is a reflection of Molina’s music and yet another example of what a remarkable songwriter we have lost.

Buy Lone Star Horizons: A Texas Tribute To Jason Molina now on Bandcamp; donate some money to a good cause and enjoy one hell of an album.

Album Artists and Track Listing:
01. Battle Bend – Hot Black Silk
02. The Blurries – Hard To Love A Man
03. Cyber Dads (featuring James Petralli) -Just A Spark
04. Daniel Markham – Heartbreak At Ten Paces
05. Danny Rush Folmer – Being In Love
06. Delmore Pilcrow - I’ve Been Riding With The Ghost
07. Driftin Luke – Rock of Ages
08. Excited States – Napoleon: How We Have Ranged
09. Ghostward – Just Be Simple
10. Isaac Hoskins – Leave The City
11. Jordan Moser- Get Out Get Out Get Out
12. Lex Land – Northstar Blues
13. Linen Closet – No Limit On The Words
14. R. Reynolds – Down The Wrong Road Both Ways
15. Ryan Thomas Becker (of RTB2) – Soul
16. Some Say Leland – 34 Blues
17. Starhead – Lioness
18. Some Say Leland – Hold on Magnolia

With a little assistance from Kickstarter and a nice sized helping of patience, Austin’s Knifight have readied their debut full length, Dark Voices.  The album, which was co-produced by Alex Bhore and Chris King of This Will Destroy You, is set to be released on June 4, and I think you guys are going to really dig it.

If you happened to miss the band’s EPs over the years, they pack an intense sound that’s clearly influenced by acts like New Order and Future Islands.  Dark Voices doesn’t feature them really changing much, but it’s a swirling, aggressive effort that feels like it’s coming from an act that’s ready for bigger things.  Here’s hoping they get there.

Below you’ll find the retro-enthused video for In The Fire, which we were kindly asked to premiere.  Frontman John Gable directed the video, Lobo Sucio Collective did the filming, and Kara Weinstein is who guest vocals/stars.  Enjoy.

:Knifight – In The Fire:

By the way, you should definitely make plans to attend Knifight’s album release show on June 8 at Red 7.  Borrisokane, Night Drive, and Blackstone Rangers are also playing!

You’re still here?  That’s nice of you.  Now watch this video where Knifight talks about their new album.

Today’s music was forged in the fires of Mount Doom.  Enjoy.

:Club 8 – I’m Not Gonna Grow Old:  For those of you who have spent the first five months of 2013 impatiently waiting for someone to deliver a stunning disco-enthused pop song, expect this Club 8 effort to make your day.  Their new LP is titled Above The City, and it’s due out May 21 via Labrador.

:The Orwells – Other Voices:  Apparently for their upcoming EP, this up and coming act wrangled TV On The Radio’s David Sitek as a producer.  Nicely done.  As for this song, it’s loud and entertaining, and I really like it.  The band will put out the Other Voices EP on June 25 via East End/Canvasback.

:Tim And Adam – So Much More:  Tim from the Postmarks and Adam from Whirlaway, I Am Stereo, and Hello Human are the pair that lead this new act.  Their sound is a nice mix of early 2000s indie and electro pop.  Tim And Adam’s self titled debut is currently available.

:The Mantles – Hello:  This is one of those singles that makes me shift from curious to excited about an upcoming album.  In other words, let’s hurry up and get Long Enough To Leave in my hands.  The LP is expected out on June 18 via Slumberland.

:MS MR – Hurricane (Chvrches Remix):  I think the original version of this is perfect, but this Chrvches remix is too entertaining to not like.  By the way, the chorus will most certainly make you want to instantly host a dance party wherever you are.  MS MR will release Secondhand Rapture tomorrow Creep City Records.

FINALS. By the time you read this, I’ll be in my last final. And as of that, I’ll be halfway done with college–whoa. So on the last two years, I’ve gotten pretty good at the post-finals triumphant jams. It’s pretty pop-heavy, but I think a good collegiate celebration playlist should include some booty shaking.

We start and end with Biggie, because he always seems to do the triumphant vibe so well. While Biggie begins the party (and bullshit) with his tales of honeys and hard life, Miley Cyrus chimes in with her own catchy requests to get the party going … plus this song is a more credible way to enjoy the guilty pleasure that is Party In The USA. Next up, perhaps the polar opposite of Ms. Cyrus, M.I.A. comes in to remind you that now that your finals are over, it’s time to live a little faster. I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman that didn’t feel badass while listening to this song. Can you hang with M.I.A.? Probably not, but it’s fun to pretend with this song anyway.

Then we go decidedly more pop-rock with Passion Pit keep that sickly sweet melody that makes you wanna fist pump like it’s ACL 2009 all over again. The chorus is great for screaming along to, and perhaps a walk would be nice to relax after all that studying. But lest you get too calm, prepare for Flo Rida to bring you back to party central. While he may not be known as a musical genius, I think Flo Rida has been making some of the best mindlessly enjoyable pop music my generation has seen. And if you’re looking to let some good times roll, this guy has got you.

But then indie rock pops its cute little head in for a cameo via The New Pornographers. This super cute and upbeat song just makes me wanna jump around. Plus you can feel pretty cool singing along “it was crime at the time but the laws have changed now.” Even if you’ve never committed a crime, just roll with it. Because you know who rolls with it? Kanye. And yeah, when finals are done, you probably do feel like you’ve touched the sky. Because you are extra fly. And truly, copping the horns from Curtis Mayfield’s Move On Up just may be the best thing Kanye West ever did.

Another fist pumper / party jumper comes courtesy of Grouplove. The cuteness of a crush is relived through this track, which sounds like it was definitely made with reality TV kissing montages in mind. And I do mean that in the best possible way. Of course, no college playlist would be complete without THE song of the moment, Daft Punk’s Get Lucky. I’m pretty sure they composed this song with college parties in mind, and for good reason–it’s the weekend anthem. But guess what–it’s summer now. So every day is like a weekend. So LET’S DANCE ALL NIGHT TO DAFT PUNK.

While “party jamz” and “Arcade Fire” may not seem synonymous, I beg to differ. Because now you’ve danced for a while. And it’s time for that 1:30am Whataburger run for a HBCB (Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit for the sadly uninitiated). And there is probably nothing greater than rolling your windows down and blasting this song. And that total arrogance of being young is beautifully reflected– cause us kids, we know the place, where no cars go (HEY!). And of course, we full circle with Biggie. Because damn, Cali is a great place. And even if you’re not actually going back there, or have ever been there, you can appreciate the sentiments, and the badass steel drums that kind of make you feel like a hyphy Little Mermaid. I’m going back, back to Texas?

:Notorious B.I.G. vs Miley Cyrus – Party and Bullshit In The USA:
:M.I.A. – Bad Girls:
:Passion Pit – Take A Walk:
:Flo Rida –  Let It Roll:
:The New Pornographers – The Laws Have Changed:
:Kanye West – Touch The Sky:
:Grouplove – Tongue Tied:
:Daft Punk – Get Lucky (Radio Edit Featuring Pharrell Williams):
:The Arcade Fire – No Cars Go:
:Notorious B.I.G. –  Going Back to Cali (Viceroy Jet Life Remix):

The SOTO inbox is always full of cool stuff that never gets to see the light of day on the actual site, and I’d like to change that.  So, every Friday I’ll be posting the best album streams and videos that were sent my way during the week.  Take a scroll and find something worth remembering.

FULL ALBUM STREAMS

MS MR – Secondhand Rapture
Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires Of The City
Dirty Beaches – Strange Pleasures
Small Black – Limits Of Desire
Peals – Walking Field
Wampire – Curiosity
Eluvium -  Nightmare Ending
Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood – Black Pudding
Pure X – Crawling Up The Strairs
Sam Amidon – Bright Sunny South
Survival – Self Titled
Dungeonesse – Self Titled
Phaseone – If I Tell U
Snowden – No One In Control
Adult – The Way Things Fall
The Features – Self Titled
Saturday Looks Good To Me – One Kiss Ends It All
Luke Rathborne – Last Forgiven
Burnt Ones – You’ll Never Walk Alone
PacificUV – After The Dream You Are Awake

VIDEOS

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Mosquito is out now on Interscope.

Smith Westerns will release Soft Will on June 25 through Mom + Pop.

Alpine’s A Is For Alpine is due out May 21 via Votiv.

Wolf People just recently released Fain on Jagjaguwar.

David Bowie’s The Next Day is out now.

The National will put out Trouble Will Find Me on May 21 via 4AD.

Gary Clark Jr. released Blak And Blu last year.

Queens Of The Stone Age are set to release Like Clockwork on June 4 via Matador.

Deftones have an album out now titled Koi No Yokan.

Girl Names put out The New Life earlier this year on Slumberland.

Wild Moccasins’ Gag Reflections single is out now on New West Records.

Secret Colours will release Peach on May 28.

Theophilus London is expected to put out a new full length later this year.

Cool Ghouls have a self titled album out now on Empty Cellar Records.

Tycho have a 12″ available now titled Fragments.Ascension.

Hands just recently put out Synesthesia on Kill Rock Stars.

Blake Hazard (of the Submarines) will release The Eleanor Islands on July 9.

Coma Cinema’s Posthumous Release is due June 11 via Fork & Spoon Records/Orchid Tapes.

Every year the Midgetmen are allowed to throw a party in celebration of themselves.  We’re not sure why, but it happens, and we’re stuck in what’s so obviously a vicious cycle until the band breaks up or we snuff out whoever they know in Austin that keeps giving them permission to do this thing.  It’s ridiculous.

Anyway, since it’s, like, happening or whatever, I told the Midgetmen I’d attend if they could provide me 11 barely compelling reasons to do so.  Surprisingly, they did.  So that backfired.  Shit.

11 Reasons To Attend The Midgetmen’s 11th Anniversorry

1. There will be beer.
2. Jessica Alba’s book signing at BookPeople is on Thursday, not Friday.
3. You, like the rest of the planet, missed the previous 11 years of shows.
4. You want to see the bands most likely to play the Austin/Bergstrom International Airport’s bar circuit in 2014.
5. You’re 15 months late too pick up your free Sony Playstation at Red 7.
6. Already saw “fun.” and “Why?” and now need to see “Cunto!” and “Easy, Tiger” to win “Band Name Punctuation Bingo” challenge.
7. Red 7′s bathrooms are nicer than the Cedar Park Center bathrooms according to that homeless guy on Yelp.
8. You’re a condo developer in search of something to tear down.
9. You work at Red 7 and have to be there to serve us beer.
10. You’re an employee of SXSW and want to return the hundreds of dollars in application fees we’ve given you over the past 11 years.
11. You’re all cried out over Lustre Pearl closing and need to find a new hangout ASAP.

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Here’s some fancy info for the thing.  I’ll go if you go.

Inside Stage:
930-1000 The Slakes
1015-1045 Easy, Tiger
1100-1140 The Sour Notes
1155-1235 Midgetmen
1250-130 Shivery Shakes

Outside Stage:
10-1030 Blistering Speeds
1045-1115 Chancellor
1130-1205 Big Bill
1220-1255 Mole People
110-145 Cunto!

DJ Richard Henry before/after/between bands. Nash Cook Photoboothin’ compliments of Birds Barbershop! Beverages provided by Treaty Oak Distilling!

My week has been going fine, but it really got a nice boost when Daptone announced that Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings have readied a new album.  I can almost guarantee the release will end up dominating a large portion of my 2013.  The properly titled Give The People What They Want is due out on August 6.  Below you’ll find the first single.  Enjoy.

:Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings – Retreat:  As much as I love it when Sharon uses that perfect voice of hers to deliver pure soul magic, it’s definitely more fun when she gets a little funky.  I actually kind of hope the new LP has more of this over the slow jams.

Bonus Video:

What do you when your band calls it a day? Well, Natalie Gordon from Agent Ribbons decided to start up Tele Novella (featuring members of Belaire and JC & Co). They made their live performance debut during SXSW and are embarking on a May/June West Coast US tour. A vinyl release (Don’t Be A Stranger 7″) is expected this summer, but in the meantime there are two songs available for free download, No Excalibur and Don’t Be A Stranger. Tele Novella combines the best of my favorite pop flavors – garage, psychedelia, indie, mod, twee – which results in a cool, refreshing musical treat perfect for adding to your summer soundtrack.

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One of my favorite Texas bands of the past decade is the San Antonio based Buttercup. Their songs are an irresistible meeting of art and pop; they can be offbeat and quirky but they’re also accessible and relatable. This is a band that loves Neil Young, The Kinks, Talking Heads, The Smiths, and Elliott Smith in equal measures. Their last album, The Weather Here, was released in 2009 and with the loss of their original drummer, it was time to adapt as songwriters and performers. The core trio of remaining members, Erik Sanden, Joe Reyes, and Odie, created band alter egos in the form of Demitasse (Erik and Joe as a downbeat, acoustic duo) and Grand Marais (Erik, Joe, and Odie who are out “to write the definitive anthem for the clinically depressed”). It’s a rare, special treat for a Buttercup show these days, so I highly recommend seizing this opportunity to see them perform this Friday at Frank.

Today is the day that Mikal Cronin puts out the super anticipated MCII.  You should definitely pick it up … right after you check out the unreleased track that he contributed to Adult Swim’s FREE garage rock compilation, Garage Swim.  The 15-track effort also features stuff from Thee Oh Sees, the Black Lips, Jeff The Brotherhood, King Tuff, and many more rad acts.  Enjoy.

:Mikal Cronin – Better Man:  Because Mikal knows what I like, this isn’t too different than what he normally does – it’s a slab of power pop that comes off as genuine and inspired.  I do appreciate the added bit of fuzz, though.

Bonus Video:

Album Stream:

Today’s music was raised by wolves.  Enjoy.

:Wampire – Trains:  I really dig this song.  It’s a breezy, charming pop effort that I imagine will turn the majority of you into Wampire fans.  Here’s hoping their upcoming LP has more of the same.  Curiosity is due out May 14 via Polyvinyl.

:Vampire Weekend – Ya Hey:  I’ll give it up to Vampire Weekend, they’re upcoming album is looking like it will be one of the year’s best pop releases.  Every song released so far has been pretty great.  Modern Vampires Of The City is due out May 14 via XL.

:Majical Cloudz – Bugs Don’t Buzz:  I recently saw Majical Cloudz perform, and it made me realize they shouldn’t be experienced with a crowd.  Their work is intimate stuff, so if you’re going to spend some time with it (and you should), use headphones.  The highly anticipated Impersonator is due out May 21 via Matador.

:Virgin Of The Birds – Make Me A Witch:  Here’s one from an act that’s long been a SOTO favorite.  Main-brain Jon Rooney really knows how to do lo-fi pop, so don’t be surprised when this track quickly wins you over.  The Summer Palace EP is available now on Bandcamp.

:Eluvium – Happiness (Featuring Ira Kaplan Of Yo La Tengo):  This is a beautiful song, but I’ll admit it’s a terrible choice for a post on a Monday.  No one wants to start their week with an intricate eight-minute wad of emotion.  Still, it’s too good to not share.  Nightmare Ending is due out May 14 via Temporary Residence LTD.