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April 30, 2008

no fade in: film begins on a kid in the big city-john

 
   KANYE TONIGHT!  Yes. It is going to be amazing- lasers, holograms, costume changes- but honestly, will it beat the majesty of seeing Okkervil River perform at sunset on a New York rooftop?  Pitchfork TV has quite the little show going on right now called Don’t Look Down.  It is more structured than le blogotheque’s take away shows, which gives it a slight advantage depending on your stance on freedom vs. frenchness.  It is a simple shoot leaving the talent to do what they do in a comfortable and visually interesting environment.  The money they saved on not having to build a fancy pants set got passed along to the part of the budget for sound recording.  I want mp3s of theses three songs (!) because the drumless arrangement and the scenic inspiration make for a truly special performance.  Another GIANT plus of this set is that OG member Jonathan Meiburg is rocking the keyboard and accordion and not his older, red haired-er, studio musician-er counterpart who fills in when he is off fronting Shearwater.  

   Don’t even get me started on how good the Bill Callahan set is.

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April 29, 2008

small answering machine-john

 

 

 

   Tronye will be in the ATX in less than 48hours!  I cannot wait for the Glow in the Dark Tour to hit town tomorrow night.  I have wanted to see Kanye live for the past 4 years and in my wildest dreams never imagined that it would involve a Daft Punk quality light show, Muppets and glowing in the dark.  It is going to be the concert of a lifetime.  That is what I need to keep telling myself in order to justify the ticket price.  

   On the other hand – there is some great FREE entertainment on the internet!  Check out the new  Cassettes Won't Listen Mixtape titled Small Answering Machine! The mix reads like a greatest hits (well, greatest remixes) as well as a sampler for his new proper EP, Small-time Machine.  Listen for some good Aesop & El-P as well as Midlake, Asobi Seksu, and more.
MP3: Cassettes Won’t Listen- Small-Time Answering Machine Mixtape

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April 28, 2008

where have all the g's gone?-john



   I think I have a Bun B addiction- and the new Dizzee Rascal single off the forthcoming Maths + English is not helping. Pimp C’s verse is good and all but the surviving Underground King’s lyrics on the new jam “Where’s da Gs?” is as tight as ever and remind us all that this dude actually lives that life.  Lots of rappers are getting played on drive-time corporate radio right now portraying the image of being from “the ghetto” and selling drugs etc etc.  BUN B ACTUALLY DOES IT.  Bun B will kill you if you key his candy-coated car.  Bun B will kill you if he sees you in the express checkout line with more than 10 items.  Bun B will kill you if he sees you sneezing in a kitchen and not washing out hands afterwards.  Bun B is the trill deal.


             (Dizzee @ the partyends Birds Bigtop Blowout dayshow sxsw 2008) 
 
   The new Dizzee Rascal album has been out overseas but is finally hitting the American shelves tomorrow.  Why do I care?  Sure, I am excited about all of the new bonus tracks -but the real reason is that I want to relive the amazingness that was seeing Dizzee LIVE at the Birds BigTop Blowout last month!  Check out all of the pictures of Dizzee, Lykke Li and more HERE.   
MP3: Dizzee Rascal- Where’s Da G’s- feat. Bun B/Pimp C

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April 25, 2008

les savy alive- john

    

   Tonight in Austin: The Mohawk has one of the best bills ever .  Check it out here.  The pot is only sweetened by the fun lineup next door at Club Deville… but I digress away from local music because as much as I am looking forward to seeing Belaire’s newest incarnation (new drummer and new keyboard playa, son!) I am perhaps even more excited about hearing the new Les Savy Fav live album called After The Balls Drop!  

  I missed them as they came thru Austin supporting the AMAZING Let’s Stay Friends (but somehow we reviewed it anyway) so this is exactly what I need to fill the void.  It comes out on the 29th and is digital only? (you so crazy new media) So, as an appetizer., the Brooklyn smart-punks have unleashed a handful of live tracks and a cover pulled from the LSF vaults -- a rendition of Superchunk’s “Precision Auto” from the band’s City Sol performance last year, and three oldies.... check out the MP3s!
MP3: Les Savy Fav- Precision Auto (Superchunk Cover)  live @ City Sol
MP3: Les Savy Fav- Disco Drive -From Atlanta ‘05
MP3: Les Savy Fav- Reprobates Resume- From Atlanta ‘05
MP3: Les Savy Fav- In These Woods- From Atlanta ‘05
MP3: Les Savy Fav- Sweat Descends - from the new live album

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April 24, 2008

watch lost tomorrow-john

 

   Tonight is a big night.  You have the Office, 30 Rock, McDreamy, Lost, free vodka…. Wait-what?  The choice is clear: Beauty Bar tonight for the PartyEnds show!  Beauty Bar has arranged for you to drink on their dime for one hour (9:30-10:30) while you gear up for a night of music from Magic Surprise, the Always Already and then get crunk and disorderly with Stay Gold. Also- you can have your soul stolen by the fine folks at Camera Obscured! Besides, all those shows will be online first thing tomorrow morning for you to watch and it is not like they are actually going to tell you what is up with that four-toed statue on the island.   see you tonight!


 

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April 23, 2008

saturdays look youth to me- john

 

   I have always liked M83.  It is great background relaxing music perfect for waking up or falling asleep.  I saw him at ACL fest a few years back and it was very disappointing because it was at 4pm on a 100 degree day and M83 needs to be experienced with a pair of quality headphones alone and not with a bunch of sweaty Pat Green fans.  Nonetheless- I still like the albums and perhaps even have a new favorite with the newest and 5th release Saturdays= Youth. Full of filmic and musical nostalgia for the 80s the album is mellow, lush and concentrated with a droney electronic love for the films of John Hughes… but you know…hopped up on Ambien. The album is out now on Mute Records – preview it below! 

MP3: M83 - We Own the Sky (Maps remix)

VIDEO: M83 - Graveyard Girl  

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April 22, 2008

vodka, bands, dancing-john

   This Thursday: the night begins with the drum machines and many synthesizers of Magic Surprise before the Beauty Bar’s stage is handed over to the neurotic political arrgo dance punkers the Always Already.  Afterwards, the dance party duties will be headed up by Stay Gold. Richard Gear had to cancel due to family emergency. 

   Camera Obscured will be on hand taking free portraits of any willing patron.    

   As added incentive to come out early come enjoy FREE vodka from 9:30 - 10:30!  yep.

MP3: The Magic Surprise- Forget About It

MP3: the Always Already - I am Electric

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April 21, 2008

ATXLR8R-john

          

   I just got back from a quick vacation (or as the HR rep in  Stranger than Fiction would say in- “vaykay”) and to prepare for the trip I stocked up on reading materials.  The new XLR8R caught my eye because of the FRESH Bun B cover story but inside the pages of the April issue are all sorts of Austin homegrown gems!  Bird Peterson!  Ghostland Observatory! Yellow Fever! It is almost like the ghost of Stevie Ray Vaughn himself slipped the rag a key to the city in exchange for the plugs.  Kudos to a magazine that “accelerates music and culture” for taking notice of the diverse sounds coming out of the Lonestar State.  

    Also- props to Ghostland for shouting out 105.9fm.  niiiice.  


   One thing they forgot to mention about the skillful Bird Peterson is that he just contributed to a RADICAL new 12inch from Burlesque called Do it To it which also features the likes of Cosmo Baker from the Rub, Mike the 2600 King who uses retrotastic old school video game samples up against the durrtiest of the duurty rap, and Dave Nada. The record sleeve is brightly screen-printed (think Kid Robot, or a pair of Nikes that would cause a traffic jam) and are super limited edition so snatch one up now. You can pick it up at the link above or at Turntable Lab. If you live in Austin- Backspin Records has a few left.

MP3: The Who - Baba O’Riley [Bird Peterson Remix]
(zshare download link)
(yousendit download link)

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April 17, 2008

watch the watchmen - luther

 
 
   Though the updates have been few and far between, there is a very exciting new glimpse at the upcoming wrapped Watchmen movie. I'm a huge geek for the Watchmen, as I think has been evident over the last few months as this film has been developing, and I've been really really apreheensive that the movie could turn out to be as bad as, say, the League of Extraordinary Gentleman. The casting seemed questionable, then the early set shots looked great, then the overly stylized costumes came out and things started to look bleek again, but I am very reassured by the first installment of this new  minidoc  series giving some behind the scenes  info on the depths gone to to even attempt to do justice to this epic story. So see for yourself; there is no plot information given away in the video either, in case you haven't read the graphic novel; in which case I would suggest that you go and purchase it right away and spend the next ten hours reading it.
 
Video: The Watchmen - Behind the Scenes Video Blog

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April 15, 2008

melee savy fav-john

          
                          (image pulled from Kanye's AMAZING blog)
   Friday Night’s DJ Melee event at the Mohawk was pretty much as big of a success as anything.  The free admission, the cross section of who was involved and the curiosity of the whole shebang drew a wide range of drunk boys, dance starved ladies and a stockade of friends and family for each of the three competing talents.  The place was decorated with multiple projectors showing both information as well as mini-nanny cams on each of the DJs’ hands so even the folks on the upper deck could see everyone’s wild style up close and personal.  

Congrats to Giant Hornets From Japan who walked away with the honor of being selected as the night’s victor.  This cat seemed to come out of nowhere and wowed the audience and judges with his selection and blends.  Plus – dude had maybe the coolest DJ name ever.  At the end of the night house DJ Orion (he played beforehand- he did not just play house music- thank god) and other competitors DJ Manny and DJ Tweedy played an all-star collaborative set the likes of which the Mohawk has never seen before- 8 turn tables at once- on two different building stories.  This was perhaps the best part of the night and lo, the crowd was apperceive.  

   Round TWO is at The Beauty Bar on May 9th.  Looks like it will be Abominatron versus Ian Orth versus DJ Starsign.  DJ Tweedy will be the house DJ w/ The Giant Hornets from Japan dropping in to guest spin a few jamz as well.     

   DJ Orion is about to take off from Austin and do some high profile dates with the one and only Yo Majesty so buy him a drink and dance a cumbia jig for him if you see him around.  Check out this original that he and Yo Majesty’s Shunda K made: it is chock full of electrobangitude, partyswagger, and durrtydanceinstructions !   
MP3: DJ Orion and Shuda K- That’s my DJ

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April 14, 2008

snapshotsholm syndrome-john

           

   Whew, the weekend is over and now it’s back to work.  Thanks to everyone who came out to last week’s PartyEnds event- Stockholm Syndrome! It was a great mix of Swedish pop/dance fans and Elysium regulars.  Even those who were not sure exactly what was going on quickly gave into the Swede goodness coming out of the gothic speakers. We hope to continue working with BingolandUK, Stay Gold, Elysium and the fine fine upbeat jamz coming out of the 25 provinces of Sweden and doing the event again in the future. Also- has anyone heard that Elysium is haunted.  I did.  Crazy.  

   Camera Obscured was on hand to take some pictures of some of the attendants until technical difficulties forced them to shut down about half way thru the night.  Check out all the photos from the night HERE!

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April 13, 2008

sunday scene - luther

   Well, I figure there have to be some people out there who haven't seen this yet, and it's fucking incredible, so I had to put it up here. I have only recently been informed of this new initiative by Zune (in fact, I didn't even really know what Zune was) that apparently commissioned a bunch of great videos from creative houses around the world. Check out some of the others and enjoy, many are pure gold.

   Also, for no apparent reason, everyone should also listen to this great and somewhat unknown 90's David Byrne song from the album Uh-Oh, it's becoming one of my favorites. Beautiful, the horns I once thought cheesy now make my spine tingle.

 David Byrne: Somebody
 

Posted by partyends at 08:43 AM | | Comments (1291) | TrackBacks (0)

April 10, 2008

dj melee-john

      
   DJ Melee /dee  jay maylay/ n.  1. A touring DJ competition showcasing the vinyl scene and urban nightlife in major U.S. cities.  2. A gritty, documentary style reality show.  3. One hell of a party.

   Tonight (friday duuuuh), our fair town has the privilege of taking part in this exciting new media competition which will showcase the best records stores (DJ Dojo, Waterloo, Friends of Sound, Backspin, Antone’s, End of an Ear, Cheapo, Sound on Sound) and some of the best record geeks (DJ Manny, Giant Hornets from Japan, coolhands, DJ Orion, Abominatron, DJ Tweedy) in town.  It is all happening at the mighty Mohawk. 

  Yeah, yeah- you’ve dug thru those crates before and you’ve heard all these dudes at Beauty Bar before- but the DJ Melee is something totally different and is sure to make for an entertaining evening.

   The basic structure goes like this: Earlier this week each DJ had only five minutes to pick up 30 pieces of vinyl to use in a thirty minute set from a designated record store.  All the vinyl went straight into a locked box where it will stay until tonight.  They didn’t get to practice or import any bpm from their iTunes into Serato Scrath Live- it is nothing but straight up skill and innovation being judged by the ultra-sexy panel of adjudicators, one of whom, if you look closely and drunkenly squint – looks a lot like me.  

   This is round one of three in Austin tonight before the top DJ goes off to the finals to rep Austin against the likes of LA and NY.  The event is FREE so come check it out and root for your fav! See you there! 

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... and release - luther

(photo by John for PartyEnds) 

   If you're like me, you're still in some sort of distant recovery from SXSW. It might take the form of not seeking out shows, swearing off Sparks, or simply shying away from large crowds of slavenly drunken out-of towners. Or maybe you just don't want to go to  big clubs for a while, in which case Friday's Pataphysics album release party should be right up your alley.

 

   Tucked away under the warm armpit of UT, Hole in the Wall plays host to Austin undergrounders the Seas, Bear Claw, and La Snacks in support of the new full length from Pataphysics, a phenominal Austin super-grouper (a play on the poster? Perhaps) of sorts, out on  Business Deal Records (home of great bands like Fishboy and Yellow Fever). Herky-jerky ceribral pop, and hard drinkin' all night? Now that's a good start to the weekend. Don't miss it.

 MP3: Pataphysics- Jesus Grow a Handlebar Mustache for Me

Also, check out some photos from the last Party Ends event featuring Pataphysics here.

************************************************************************************

TONIGHT: STOCKHOLM SYNDROME!  

a FREE night of non-stop Swedish jamz!  check it:

 

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April 09, 2008

hawaiian ukulele-john

 

   As far as giantly tall austin musicians go there are two mainstays: that dude from the white ghost shivers and there is Ethan Master of the Hawaiian Ukulele.   

   The later has a CD release show TONIGHT at the Hole in the Wall.  Ethan previously put out a totally DIY 7inch spilt with Best Fwends offshoot the Dumb Haircuts back in 2005 that was an inspiration to the art of putting out self-released vinyl. The new album "So Real" comes out on the 14th.  

   The show tonight is sure to be filled with enough summer to cancel out this dreary texas day- and if you are feeling extra ballsy- ask the bartender with tattoos of bulldogs on his face to make you a hurricane. 

   Also playing:Lonesome Heroes, The Catfish Hunters, Burton & The Buffalo

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swed-hop?- john

               

                                         (photo from Palms Out Sounds)

    Just in time for tomorrow night’s Stockholm Syndrome at Elysium (a FREE night of non-stop Swedish synth pop, indie, and dance music) Palms Out Sound gives props to the new face of Swedish hip-hop. Check it:
“Looptroop (Rockers) consists of the rappers Promoe and Supreme (CosMIC was also formerly a member) and the producer Embee. Looptroop fame started in their strong political lyrics, something that has always been a theme with the troop. Strong beliefs, great lyrics, Embee's melodic beats and extremely fun energetic live shows have always been the group's trademarks.”

   Swing over to POS and grab the DOPE mp3 “the Building” as well as a nice little track from one of Sweden’s best ragga MCs – Chords- called “Blind to the Facts.”   

   Be sure to make time to come out tomorrow night to check out TONS of Swedish music as selected by Stay Gold and have your Swedish picture taken by the illustrious Camera Obscured!  Did I mention that it is free?  check out the flyer over HERE.

Posted by partyends at 08:18 AM | | Comments (125) | TrackBacks (0)

April 08, 2008

the breaking uppers eat your heart out-john



   The Upright Citizens Brigade has a new DVD release available at a fine retailer near you of their ASssssSCAT live improv show.  You should get it and see the original 4 plus some of the lesser-known agents of chaos alongside comedy giants like Thomas Lennon, Will Arnett and Paul F. Tompkins.  After watching it recently with Will-the walking Seinfeld/UCB encyclopedia I went back and watched bits and pieces of season 3 (RELEASE IT ON DVD COMEDEY CENTRAL!) in particular episode 304 entitled “Band” in which the group skewers all things music from band rehearsal to unrealistic and often unnecessary fame (see also the Titte Brothers) with the fuax creation of a band.  When it comes time to choose a band name no conclusion can be reached and so the band breaks up and in turn giving the band their eventual name the Breaker Uppers.  It’s amazing and you have to write Comedy Central to tell them you want Season 3 out on DVD or come over to my house to watch my VHS copy.  Anyway- I remembered coming across a REAL band called the Breakups and that they were pretty good.  I wrote them to inquire about a possible UCB homage... check out the reply:

“John, Congratulations!  You are the first person who has ever gotten the UCB reference.  We were desperate for a band name and my girlfriend had just broken up with me and I was over at a friend's house who had some UCB episodes on her On Demand Cable and when I saw that one I just freaked out.  It was so perfect in so many ways.  Of course, if anybody ever came to us threatening to sue I would deny everything.”

  ...and just like that- the Breakups are instantly and immortally cool despite being from Hollywood- ha.  The sound is a cross between Fountains of Wayne and Dion (you know- the guy who sang “has anyone here seen my old friend John?”)  It is lonely pop music with a somber edge that can be listened to over and over again. The debut EP is called Eat Your Heart Out and can be previewed on their myspace HERE.

Posted by partyends at 07:22 PM | | Comments (321) | TrackBacks (0)

April 07, 2008

stand up and show the world we're number one!- john

          
               (Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman. Photograph: Jacob Forsell/EPA)

   This weekend was full of plenty of Dogfish Head, yard work, Battlestar Galactica and way too much Swedish music.  I have been getting ready for this Thursday’s Stockholm Syndrome and am pleased to report that it is going to be bra (that is Swedish for “good” and Var är toaletten is “Where is the bathroom?”)

   Yes, Stockholm Syndrome will be much more than the Cardigans and Ace of Base- there will be tracks from artists that are much “cooler” too like Jens Lekman, Shout Out Louds, and the Sounds. One of the artists that I have learned about recently and gotten the most into is a dude name Timo Räisänen.  He has put out three full-length albums with the latest from 2007 called Love Will Turn You Around. If Timo were in America- he would be a good signee for Saddle Creek.  It is jangly, upbeat and soothing.  Check out this Cure-ish song below and then listen to others on his myspace and if you feel like dealing with international shipping- you should of course buy his albums too!
MP3: Timo Räisänen- Let’s Kill Ourselves a Son

Come to Elysium this Thursday night for a FREE night of non-stop Swedish pop, dance, synth, and music to sit in angular furniture to.

Posted by partyends at 08:06 AM | | Comments (262) | TrackBacks (0)

April 02, 2008

dept. of foreseeable outcomes - john

(photo from PartyEnds Flickr account/ draft sesssions April 2007)

   The Lovely Sparrows are a well kept Austin music secret, but not for much longer. First, Daytrotter got them for their world famous recording sessions and since then more and more heads have been turning and feet tapping.  Their performance at last year’s Draft Sessions was certainly memorable and left me wanting more but Shawn Jones and the rest have been reclusively working on new material (and what looks like a new website.) The new full length is going to be called Bury the Cynics and from the new MP3 below it sounds to be every bit as epic and dynamic as anything off their last Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (new) Paint.  Aside from the fact that we (Americans) will be getting more songs than the impressive EP- we will also have the option to purchase it on vinyl (for freedom)! The LP comes out in July on Abandoned Love Records but for the time being – cop this track below!
MP3: the Lovely Sparrows- Department of Foreseeable Outcomes

Posted by partyends at 03:20 PM | | Comments (216) | TrackBacks (0)

April 01, 2008

killer parties- john

             
                                            (photo from Skipper- more HERE)
   Ok- I have finally stopped smiling about the amazing Hold Steady show that was last Thursday.  The band was full of energy and inspiring appreciation of all of those in attendance.  If Craig Finn and the boys decided to go all Pearl Jam on us and release every live show of a tour on cd – I guarantee you that I would buy every single one, get drunk and sweaty in my living room and pretend like I was at the show.  Saying that The Hold Steady is amazing live is like saying that Superhero Movie looks bad- it is an understatement that can’t fully be explained on a computer screen. 
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  Speaking of killer parties- mark your calender for next thursday April 10th for a night of non-stop Swedish JAMZ.  Stockholm Syndrome will be the perfect excuse to go to get down to ABBA and perhaps even a little Ace of Base.  Jokes aside- prepare thyself for a nonstop dance mix of all the best stuff from the country that gave us both Jens Lekman and Ingrid Bergman as well as Ikea.  Mark the ol' iCal and start counting down the days with us!    
         

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