Watch: "All My Friends Are Junkies" by The Young Things

The Young Things are a New York City  based band who first met in London. They have this sort of throw back garage-pop sound that I can see a lot of people liking. Bloggers will buzz about this band if they aren't already.

Watch: "Powergolve" by White Mystery

White Mystery are a brother and sister garage rock duo from Chicago. I have their self-titled debut and am really looking forward to their new album coming out in April, Blood and Venom. Currently there aren't any scheduled tour stops in Austin, but I'm sure they will come back around to play Beerland again this year.

Listen: "Trashcan USA" by A Giant Dog

A Giant Dog are one of many talented garage rock bands based here in Austin. They perform tomorrow (4/1) at Club de Ville at 7:00pm. Like with many local bands here in Austin, there is always a struggle to get people's attention in this crowded field of local talent and of course the constant stream of popular touring acts.

Since Red River Noise is a media sponsor for the showcase tomorrow, I thought I'd shed a little bit more light on the night's headliner. Listen to A Giant Dog's new EP Trashcan USA below:



For more details, visit our preview on Red River Noise here.

Mark Austin goes acoustic at Oxygen

My favorite new discovery at this year's South By Southwest festival was Irish rock band, The Minutes.They are three piece, no frills rock and roll throwback of sorts that kick ass live. Of course I follow them on Facebook and came across the video posted above of lead singer and guitarist, Mark Austin, playing acoustic. I had not seen anything acoustic from them yet so I thought I'd share this with you guys. They were part of this year's Oxygen line up and  already got a positive review. More positive things are in store for them once their record comes out this fall. A vinyl for yours truly would be good. To learn more about the minutes, check out my interview on Red River Noise here:

Q&A: The Minutes

New music video from Gasoline Silver: "Indianapolis"

Gasoline Silver is a three piece indie-garage band from Minnesota. Having just formed in 2009, there isn't too much out there on these guys, but you will be seeing more from come September when their debut release comes out. Gasoline Silver is Ron Franklin on vocals and guitar, Andy Hertel on drums and Josh Misner plays synthesizer and tambourine. Check out their music video for their lead single "Indianapolis" here:

New video and interview from The Minutes

So during SXSW, I try and check out as many international bands as I can. I don't get caught in the all the hype of the free booze hipster parties. I look for music or bands that I will only get a chance to see at SXSW. Everyone else as far as popular bands always make their way back around to Austin at some point so I don't sweat missing them at South By.

Well this past March during SXSW, my favorite new discovery, meaning a band even I hadn't yet learned about or heard of, was The Minutes from Dublin, Ireland. They are three piece Irish rock machine that resurrects the spirit of the 60s when rock and roll was raw. They took me by complete surprise by how good they were live and I can't wait for them to stamp a vinyl for me to add o my High Fidelity collection. Check out The Minutes here. Turn it up and listen loud!


The Minutes - Secret History from Krank Music Videos on Vimeo.

What did I tell you? Not bad huh? Learn more about these cool Irish fellows from this interview I did for Red River Noise:

The Minutes Q&A

New video from The Brute Chorus: "Could This Be Love"

Europe, particularly the U.K., is an indie force not to be messed with. Every time I like a new indie band, which I try not to as indie freakin' everywhere these days, it seems they are European. Is it the cold weather and terrible food that breeds this creativity? Is it the fact that they are more open to different sounds and genres than American audiences? Hard to say...Well I found another good indie-ish type band with from U.K. that has a little rockabilly-garage rock feel. They are called The Brute Chorus.

Fun With My Mini-Cam: White Denim at Antone's

So last night I was at Antone's because one of my favorite Austin bands, White Denim, was playing and it was cheap. Thanks to Do512 for hooking that that up for only five bucks. I think that and the fact White Denim rocks your face off brought in the packed house last night. When I got there people were lined up outside waiting to get in. I'm glad to see White Denim drawing that kind of crowd. The funny thing for me though, was that people were in line while the lead singer was starring at all of them as he was outside by the door having a smoke. Perhaps it is because people have only heard them and not seen them that no one seemed to notice. Maybe they just don't get amped like I do about that stuff. I tend to be a bit of fan boy sometimes.

For those of you not familiar with White Denim, you need to watch the video above and the ones I uploaded to my YouTube Channel. What makes this band for me is the soulful, old school rock and roll voice of the lead singer. When you combine that with high energy indie-garage rock, you have a winner. The guy may look like a dorky hipster of sorts, but he got soul I tell you. If you like what you hear, go to Waterloo Records and purchase the their album Fits which comes with a bonus disc. The bonus disc is White Denim's Explosion album. It's not as good as Fits, but you might as well get them both while supporting local talent.

2/13 Weekend Show Pick: White Denim at Antone's

 

What more do you need to know? Oh wait, there is more. If you are on of the first 200 people to RSVP on Do512, you can win tickets and maybe even a VIP table for four. If you've never seen White Denim live or heard their music, time to get with the program. These dudes rock. I'm so glad they are playing Antone's because the sound and lighting are always good. Good for White Denim. 

WHITE DENIM - Shake Shake Shake from ACIDBIRD on Vimeo.

Like what you hear? RSVP on Do512 here:

http://do512.com/event/2010/02/13/white-denim-w-tba

New Strange Boys Video for "Be Brave"

Austin's garage rock darlings, The Strange Boys, released their new music video for their first single off the upcoming album entitled Be Brave. That's also the title track for the single.

Now I haven't been up on the blogosphere recently as I have been swamped with Austin Vida stuff, but I'm sure I'm not the first blog to post this video. The Strange Boys are a "blogger" band, but deserve all the recognition they get despite that. The last time I saw these dudes was at Fun Fun Fun Fest. The new single sounds like everything you'd expect from the The Strange Boys, but that's not a bad thing. Check it out:



The Strange Boys will be peforming at Emo'son February 19th before going on tour. They will be back for SXSW and then tour some more. mark your calendars.

Dirty Laundry Interview with Jemina Pearl

Dirty Laundry Presents: Jemina Pearl from Dirty Laundry on Vimeo.

I love Dirty Laundry and have a mad crush on Jemina Pearl. I hated the fact I had to miss her show at Emo's. Next time my dear Jemina...next time. I want a photo and an interview. If her "people" are reading this, let's make it happen next time.

Cream Vintage grand opening featuring Glynn Wedgewood

Austin Vintage clothing staple, Cream Vintage, is partying to celebrate their grand opening this afternoon. I am not a "fashionista" by any means, but the music of the event is what drew me to the event. Austin psychedelic/garage rockers, The Tunnels, are scheduled to perform. That's a good pick for this store and a free First Thursday show.

photo by Briana Purser

Also on the music front is a DJ set by Glynn Wedgewood from the band Stereo Is A Lie. My friends Ajay and Sal turned me on to Stereo Is A Lie. I saw them play at Emo's recently for one of thoe 101X Homegrown Live shows. They are pretty cool to say the least. They grew on me. Even though they aren't performing, just spinning, I just wanted to show you a quick video of Stereo Is A Lie.



The event is sponsored by Lone Star and starts at 5pm. Cream Vintage (this location) is located at 1714A South Congress between The Woodland and Crafts. For more information, visit the following links:

Cream Vintage Website

Cream Vintage Myspace (Campus location)

Cream Vintage Myspace (South)

Joe Strummer Birthday Bash at Flamingo Cantina Saturday!

This Saturday night at The Flamingo Cantina is a Joe Strummer Birthday Bash put on by Conexion Rockera and is my Saturday pick. Yes, you can still catch this show after Bat Fest to keep the party going. If Bat Fest isn't for you, this is your show.

There are some cool bands on the bill, but the real treat for me is Austin punk rockers, The Sweethearts (pictured above). I have seen them a few times, both Emo's and Stubb's indoor. Their style of punk is reminiscent of early No Doubt with more of an edge. I think even the casual punk fan would dig The Sweethearts. Give them a listen on their Myspace. I have some info and links for you below on the other bands on the bill as well. Happy Birthday Joe Strummer!

Visit The Sweethearts on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sweethearts


Clampdown is a Joe Strummer/The Clash tribute band. I haven't seen them live yet, so I'm curious to see or hear what they sound like.

Visit Clampdown on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/clampdowntexas


The Jungle Rockers are a garage rock band from right here in Austin, Texas. I have seen their name listed plenty of times walkign down Red River. The Austin Chronicle and Austin Sound have shown The Jungle Rockers some love before. From what I heard on their Myspace, it sounds very 1950s greaser, Rat Fink era rock. It's not my usual musical preference but it isn't bad. I'm glad to see people keeping that sound alive and well.

Visit The Jungle Rockers on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thejunglerockers

Venue: Flamingo Cantina @ http://www.flamingocantina.com/

Album Review: Take It All In by The Steps

Here in Austin, there aren’t too many of us who aren’t familiar with The Steps. They are one of the most polished indie rock bands to come out of Austin. After having won last year’s ACL The Sound and The Jury contest at Antone’s, their national climb to fame is really getting started. Now with their recently released Take It All In EP, music listeners everywhere will get to hear why that is.

Click here to read the full review on Double Stereo

Take A Look & Listen to Monterrey's XYX

From Austin Vida's Alysha Hernandez: "Austin Vida sat down with the duo outside of Sound on Sound Records to talk musical projects, chemical inspiration, and the Monterrey music scene. Anel – clad in a black dress, tights, and wrestler-esque boots – stared into the skyline. She seems quiet, but on stage she sings and screams like a banshee – her heart’s contents on display for all to see. Meanwhile, Mou wore dark-rimmed glasses; his hair was characteristically unkempt, with curly tufts shooting into the air."

Here is a YouTube video from their recent show at Emo's, a video different from the one we used for Austin Vida. This should give you an idea of why we were so fascinated with XYX. On Austin Vida, we use the Vimeo player for the better sound quality and HD capabilities.



Click here to read the full interview with XYX on Austin Vida featuring live video.

Album Review: Morning Maid by The Satin Peaches

I first discovered The Satin Peaches by the recommendation of Alejandro Escovedo in an interview I did for Austin Vida. I asked him about new bands he liked. Escovedo mentioned three names specifically: Austin’s own The Riverboat Gamblers, At The Drive In, and The Satin Peaches. Having never heard of The Satin Peaches prior to speaking with Alejandro, I immediately got my hands on their latest album, Morning Maid.

Click here to read the full review on Double Stereo