This is the new music video for "Solitary Bizness" from Tahiti 80. The song is the tile track off their new EP. Just as I was about to close the press release it came from, my doorbell rang which set off the weenie dog into a barking frenzy. I must have started the music video over again somehow when the music suddenly calmed her down. I figured that warranted a blog post? Maybe? So here's to you Tahiti 80, you calmed the dog down. For more on Tahiti 80, in the event you like what you hear, visit www.tahiti80.com.
I guess he dug his head out the sand pit of shame (Taylor Swift incident) and resurfaced with a new video. I have to be honest....I can't stand Kanye but his music is dope. He's the arguably the best artist of our time. I'm diggin' this mini-movie meets music video concept. You need a good 34 minutes to watch this though, and that isn't always easy to do on a computer screen. Plug your laptop or desk top into your TV and couch it for this one. This should get a big buzz going and sell tons of copies of the new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Like any other Friday night in Austin, there are so many amazing live shows to pick from. This Friday night though, is especially heavy. Choices ranging from The Gorrillaz at The Frank Erwin Center to Stone Temple Pilots at The Backyard will force music lovers to choose between many of their favorites. If you are looking to get out and avoid all that touring act and stadium show craziness, then you should head over to Ruta Maya on South Congress. They seem to have a good party going on that celebrates some of the best local blues, funk and soul.
Ruta Maya has been one of my favorite local venues in the past few years, especially since they moved from downtown to South Congress. I love how it is out of the way from downtown, sells food, non-alcoholic drinks and has a great new sound system. It is a venue unlike any other in town and now they have a new booking manager. I have already seen the changes in what they are trying to do, the first sign being a Leatherbag residency on Thursdays. Friday night they are throwing a soul party with Lisa Marshall, Dertybird and Soul Track Mind. The line up is a mix of southern rock style blues and old school soul. It is not an everyday showcase although those musical genres can be found here in Austin.
Doors open at 8:00pm. The cover is $10, which I think is a little high for this sort of local show. Still, I know local musicians don't make a lot of money on shows and have to split the door amongst all the performers. I hope it does well which is why I chose to spotlight it here on my blog. Here's a clip I found on YouTube from headliner Soul Track Mind that gives you an idea of their vibe and sound:
Many outside of Austin don't see Austin as a "salsa town." That is true in terms of salsa bands maybe, but not when it comes to salsa music lovers and the amount of salsa dancers we have here. That is why my crew and I at Austin Vida, together with DJ Orion and The Parish, have put together a salsa happy hour tomorrow night. DJ Orion is one of the few DJs I know with a good salsa collection and the good taste not to play any newer, poppier salsa. Him and I see eye to eye when it comes to our love of old school Fania Records classics and obscure salseros from records our parents have tucked away that no one has ever really heard of. We did this once already with mild success and his set was fantastic.
The other details include $3.50 drink specials for my favorite alcoholic drink, the mojito. It is an early evening event so working folks, such as myself, aren't dragging Wednesday morning at work. The Parish is a beautiful room with an epic sound system right smack in the middle of 6th street. My favorite part is the no frills, everyone 21+ is welcome vibe. Salsa can get a little too uppity in this town for my likings sometimes, but not at our Mi Gente events. Come as you are, be yourself and listen to some of the best in classic salsa. It's just a cool hangout with a good setting and good people. I hope to see you there.
I almost forgot...
We are celebrating the release of the new El Rey, Tito Puente CD, from Fania Records. DJ orion will be spinning some of the tracks from the two disc anthology. Here's a small sample:
I'm a Thorrier!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see Valient Thorr again at this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest. I have seen them at Red 7 a couple of times and they are one of my absolute favorite bands to see live. What you are watching, or should be watching above, is their new video for their single "Double Crossed." You can find the song on their latest album, Stranger. You can also download the song for free from their website:
The Cool Kids can do no wrong in my book. Getting down with them is one of the best decisions Travis Barker has made. This video will hurt your eyes without 3D glasses, so if you don't have them just listen. It's dope.
Outkast's Big Boi is coming to Austin this weekend to play a big show at the new Eastside Drive-In located at 1001 East 6th Street. Local promoters Knuckle Rumbler and Transmission Entertainment teamed up to put this together. I'm stoked.
This will be this weekend's biggest event and quite a show. Local DJ crews Peligrosa and Table Manners will be going record to record in a bad ass DJ showcase of sorts. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Buy them online through Frontgate Tickets here.
For those of you who have yet to hear Big Boi's solo stuff, or who caught Vonnegut at ACL this past weekend, check out this video for Big Boi's single "Follow Us" here:
Brooklyn "etherealists" School Of Seven Bells are in town for a headlining show at Mohawk. This is one of the indie bands I actually listen to and like. Their style of indie is very mellow without being folky or weird. They have a unique sound with a lot of sound effects and melodies going on all at once, but they totally make it work. I do have to be in the mood to listen to them, but their music is relaxing. I bet they are good live. you should o check them out tonight if you are looking for something to do because you didn't get tickets to any of the ACL after-shows. Take a look and listen to this music video for their song "Half Asleep."
If you like what you heard, learn more about School Of Seven Bells from my interview with Alejandra Deheza on Red River Noise here.
Talib is one of my favorite MCs. I don't talk about too much hip hop these days, but Kweli is always worth talking about and checking out live in concert. Tonight he will be at The Scoot Inn over on the Eastside. I hope he does his old Black Star verses. It is one of my all time favorite albums, any genre. Check out Kweli with Mos Def from back in the day.
Remember her from the Super Bowl commercials during 2007? I didn't until I saw her video on YouTube again for "Message From Your Heart" the other day. She is Kina Grannis and she will be performing at Stubb's tonight. Hear this fellas...
Grannis's poppy, singer-songwriter style is perfect for taking out your non-Red River girlfriends who shop at The Domain and like Hallmark Valentine's Day cards. It is not exactly a dude friendly genre or sound, but take the time out from being a bro or hipster douche and go with her to see something she will actually like.
Ladies hear this...
Your date, boyfriend, husband, etc will sit through this concert with you. Kina is gorgeous and can actually sing, despite the Hallmark card style content of the lyrics. She is what guys refer to as "attainably hot." I know that isn't even a word, but we use it to describe an above average girl next door type who we mistakingly believe would go out with us. Chances are, guys won't like her music but won't mind the show. Take advantage.
So, here is the video for her most recent single "Valentine" and link to ticket info:
Doors are at 9:00pm. This is an all ages show. Ticket and cost info HERE.
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
