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August 29, 2008

weakend - luther

   These summer weeks just fly by and mid day rain storms and bar-b-ques don't help, but hopefully this weekend will be a time to slow down and enjoy some of the residual texas burn. Labor day marks the beginning of the end of super hot weather, so we should celebrate with some indoor options for the three day weekend... like blogs!

  •    Sexy People seems to have been around a while, but my Lord, is it thoroughly entertaining. Always good for a morning pick-me-up, this 'blog' (it's really just a consistently updated website) is a "celebration of the perfect portrait"; in other words, it's a collection of terrible studio portraits from every decade.
  •    Apparently classic to many in the graphic arts community, I recently was informed of the wonder that is Photoshop Disasters, a genius little site that points out the obvious over sites of commercial Photoshop abusers. Everything from celebrity magazines to the Microsoft website is fair game for images ether rushed out on deadline or blatantly neglected by their respective graphics department. Funny if your an average joe, extra funny if your an avid user (but aren't we all?). 
   And, of course, the only indoor activity that might verge on as much exercise as something you might be doing outdoors, the dance party. Car Stereo (Wars)'s Chris is back from his Eurotrip (no doubt a carbon copy of the classic, tasteful film) and is back at, where else, the Beauty Bar with an impressive lineup. Accompanied by allaround cool guy Bird Peterson, fresh off keeping the beer flowing at our boat party, and the recently resurrected and better than ever the Laughing. It should be a great way to truly celebrate our nation's fine and honorable labor.
 
 
 

Posted by partyends at 08:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

August 28, 2008

goody two cranks - john

   Screw Vin Desiel in Babylon A.D.  The only action movie anyone should be excited about is Crank 2!!!!!!!!!!! Check out this amazing interview with Jason Statham (star of Death Race in theaters now!) READ IT! Statham states: "It's like Crank 1 but times 1,000." YESSSSSSS! (thanks joe for the link!)

  Here are a few energetic and frantic songs from Jaguar Love from their new album Take Me To The Sea.  Crank 2 would approve.  

MP3: Jaguar Love : Bats Over The Pacific Ocean
MP3: Jaguar Love : Highways Of Gold

Posted by partyends at 09:47 PM | | Comments (193) | TrackBacks (0)

women, their work and conan-john

            

                            (photo: PartyEnds at Birds Bigtop Blowout) 

   Man, Conan is going to be at least twice as tall as the adorable little Swede Lykke Li on TV TONIGHT (aug 28th).  This will be her first US late show appearance and will certainly not be her last.  My money is on her playing "Dance Dance Dance" ,although it could be the other standout track on her debut:  “Breaking it Up.” Both are strong tracks on the album Youth Novels and have long been a favorite of ours here at PartyEnds.  We had the pleasure of seeing her play live at the Birds Bigtop Blowout last year during SXSW, which as far as we can tell was her first US performance EVER.  So, set your tivos, hold off on watching DNC post coverage, and prepare to go into work tomorrow with a smile on your face because this will indeed be some charming tv. 

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   ALSO- there is a big "Summer 4 Ever" party at the Women and Their Work Gallery (1710 Lavaca Street) tonight featuring Katie Pell's sculpture exhibition Tiny Acts of Immeasurable Benefit and the entertainment of Austin Video Bee and Tummy Toast.  Tummy Toast seems to know more ins and outs of Auto-Tune technology than Cher and T-Pain combined.  It is glam electro pop at it's finest and is all going down tonight FOR FREE from 7-10.  (which means you can go home and catch Conan!)

Posted by partyends at 09:33 AM | | Comments (93) | TrackBacks (0)

August 27, 2008

they shoot music don’t they?- john



   The big trend lately on this wide-open internet of ours has been filming bands in interesting places and re-contextualizing the songs to be even more innovative and interesting.  I am a total sucker for it ever since I saw Arcade Fire playing a song in a freight elevator on the one that started it all La Blogotheque.  Other notable contenders are Austin’s ReTread Sessions, the Dell Summer Rocks Series, and now a new challenger They Shoot Music Don’t They?  Based out of Vienna, Austria the website does a damn fine job of filming performers in out of the ordinary places but what they really have going for them is their selection of artists to work with.  I first stumbled upon them as a result of their breathtaking acoustic footage of John Congelton from the Paperchase in a men’s room stall.   Shaky, lo-fi steady cam, focusing on far away objects and always working back to the subject the two songs he performs are captured expertly by They Shoot Music.  The best part about the Paperchase acoustic is that the “unplugged” movement that was made popular in the 90s is proven to still thrive.  The songs are transformed from off-kilter angst ridden epic horror anthems to jangly 'guy-with-a-guitar-in-an-elementary-school' fables.  The wall is broken at the end of “You’re One of Them Aren’t you” as Congelton looks at the camera and directly sings “suffer little children” like a twisted SNL sketch about a children's musician who sings terribly haunting music. It is fantastic.   

   Another standout session on They Shoot Music… is from the band that we stole our website name from - Saturday Looks Good To Me.  Here, the band is stripped down to a three piece and performs with guitar, bells, tambourine in some sort of abandoned cattle hall where they perform "(Even If You Die On The) Ocean" and "Sun Doesn't Want To Shine" privately to a crowd of a guy with a camera and a guy with some really good sound equipment. At some points the beat is off, the camera goes behind them, gets a little out of focus but all of these imperfections are what makes the performances wonderful.  Not since Brain Jonestown Massacre in DIG! have I watched so much tambourining so attentively.  The performance is intimate and wonderful. Watch it all HERE.

   I am mainly a forever fan of They Shoot Music thanks to their cinema verite take on the Paperchase, but there are plenty of reasons to love the site- other artists they have worked with include: Bishop Allen, Final Fantasy, Two Gallants and TONS more.  Keep and eye on this site.  It is great.  

Posted by partyends at 02:41 PM | | Comments (172) | TrackBacks (0)

August 26, 2008

fox in a box - luther

 

   Faux Fox has been a Texas favorite of mine for a good long time. Between their outlandish, theatrical stage show and their ability to make consistently catchy and equally outlandish and theatrical semi-electronic dance tunes, they cover pretty much all the bases of a great band you very well might never have heard of, despite carrying a hefty and loyal fan base.

   Their newest minimal blipfest is called "Class Ring," heading up the release of their newest full length All That Remains. Check it out and catch them in Houston on the 30th, Dallas Sept. 5th, and Austin on Sept. 6th all along with the outstanding Dallas dance power-team The Party.

MP3: Faux Fox- Class Ring 

Posted by partyends at 02:39 PM | | Comments (567) | TrackBacks (0)

August 25, 2008

all aboard - luther

 

(Photo by Erin at Recovering Lazyholic)

 
   Well, I'm in the office this Monday morning practically alone because everyone I know partied just a little too hard yesterday at our Summer Extrav-o-Ganza 3 boat party on Lake Travis. The Ark was in full swing yesterday afternoon as we loaded up a bunch of youngsters, a bunch of beer, hot dogs and burgers, and a bunch of post-ironic sunglasses and set sail for sunny swimming.

   The day started out nicely enough but for an angry looking body of water as we loaded on board; but soon after embarking we were drenched in a torrential downpour as everyone huddled together on the lower deck trying to keep dry, despite being in bathing suits. This didn't, by any means, slow down the drinking. Soon enough the diluge ended and we were waying anchor and grilling up waaay too much food. Much happy summer fun-time stupidity ensued.

   I have to say, I have been to few summer bashes with better music as Bird Peterson and Ceepluss Bad Knives tore it up while the group drifted on their neon noodles to everything from Pavement to Midnight Vultures Beck. It was like swimming to my own personal playlist with a few curve balls throw in to mix it up a little. To top that off was, of course, the indellible White Denim doing their soultastic pump-up jamz to end the perfectly temperate day. Their set concluded well after we began the long journey back to the docks as the whole boat turned into a half-concious dance party. No one was left behind or lost that we know of yet, and a good time was had by all, score two points for Austin. I can't wait for SE4!

*A big thanks to everyone involved in the success of yesterday's festivities: GPV, Austinist, Transmission, Cacophony, Annie Ray, and anyone else who helped us put it together and take it apart!*

We'll update y'all on the inevitable photos and other coverage that will be coming along later this week.

Posted by partyends at 08:28 AM | | Comments (265) | TrackBacks (0)

the laughing release recap- john

          

                            (photo from partyends.... more HERE)

                                

                                 (photo from Recovering Lazyholic)

      The Laughing EP release Friday at Club DeVille was a blast. The mural painting went off without a hitch and look gorgeous. Not to mention that  all of the performances were stellar.    

   Magic Surprise was flawless as always.  The Cari and Jason Band was more somber than I expected but I suppose that is why their songs exist outside of Belaire and/or Voxtrot. The simplicity and earnestness of a drummer and a keyboardist was refreshing and their sharp matching outfits weren’t too shabby either.  Both Cari and Jason deserve to be watched and be payed attention to in any and all of their many creative side projects.  They are all so good sometimes it is tricky to keep track of what is a side project! The Laughing was in top form.  They had a 6 person incarnation which included Danny Reisch from the Lemurs (adding to the existing fanatic percussion work of Grant Van Amburgh) and Abram Shook who recorded the EP the group, left to focus on his own project (the Great Nostalgic), and will always be associated around town as that guy who wails on the bass and the baritone sax.  Needless to say, the stage was packed full of great talent. The band played a fine mix of material off Tiger Cry, Jungle and a few off whatever their next release will be.  One thing is for sure; Jungle is just a thematic taste of what else they have in store. Pick up Jungle EP online HERE. 


   Read Recovering Lazyholic's  insightful take on the evening and check out all of her pictures HERE .

 MP3: The Laughing – Canopy

Posted by partyends at 07:48 AM | | Comments (86) | TrackBacks (0)

August 23, 2008

i compare thee to a summer extrav-0-ganza! -john

Yes.  

Posted by partyends at 07:32 PM | | Comments (1102) | TrackBacks (0)

August 22, 2008

bigtime in the jungle- john

           

   Tonight is the big night for the Laughing.  They get their second EP released in a very cool fashion- the cd sleeves will be painted live throughout the night on a giant wall mural by one of Austin’s best gig poster artists Bryan Keplesky.  Magic Surprise is always technically spot on and full of drum machine joy.  They play early- around 9pm.  The Cari and Jason Band are up next at 10pm with their lo fi goodness.  I have yet to see this vehicle for the duo but something about my love for Fancy Feast, Belaire, and Voxtrot tells me that this will be something good.  Around 11 the Laughing will untangle a gaggle of cords and plug in their multitude of samplers to perform songs from their new Artifact Workshop release Jungle.  Expect a shocking display of drumming, xylophoning and maybe a surprise guest or two.  After the cds have dried, and folks pick their jaws up off the ground- the EP will be for sale for 3 bucks for you to relive the multimedia experience over and over again in confines of your house.  Can’t make the show? Order the one of a kind cd HERE.  

MP3: The Magic Surprise- Forget About It 

MP3: The Laughing – Canopy

Posted by partyends at 07:32 AM | | Comments (292) | TrackBacks (0)

August 19, 2008

wamp wamp fun fun- john


                               (Clipse at Pitchfork festival 2007)
   WHOA- head over to  Austinist for a COMPLETE listing of Fun Fun Fun Fest! The lineup looks like a dream ! It looks as if  diversity and amazingness are the the main focuses this year.  Anticipated highlights for me include: Clipse, ALL, Dan Deacon, Tim and Eric Awesome Show (oh please oh please let it be tim, eric and dan deacon awesome show great job!) St. Vincent, Bishop Allen, Swinging Utters, Dead Milkmen and on and on and on.  The festival takes place November 8th and 9th at Waterloo Park in Austin Texas.  It is extra-reasonably priced and promises to once again be the best representation of Austin’s cutting edge on independent music out there.  Now, if Transmission Entertainment would let us know what they have cooking for after show that other festival in town…
 
Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah is on the bill too - maybe they will paly a live mashup of the Hood Internet's Classic "Clipse your hands and say Wamp Wamp!"
 

Posted by partyends at 10:36 PM | | Comments (421) | TrackBacks (0)

August 17, 2008

welcome to jungle- john


   The Laughing is on the verge of their triumphant return to the Austin music scene and this Friday is when it all goes down.  Their last public shows were a string of SXSW performances back in March but with this Friday’s EP release show at Club DeVille the band initiates a new era with a newly formed band, the promotion of new recorded material, and a new genre of music the band calls "jungle smut-core."   

   Expanding on the art rock of the 1970s and adding in the soundscapes of ambient noise and manipulated melody of Animal Collective, the boys have certainly matured from their days of worshiping a mythical tiger and being straight up dance rock.  Although the group could still rock a house at the drop of a hat, it would now probably be best if the house were full of people discussing the work of Anton Corbijn. The bands frontman Logan Middleton explains that “part of the new more sonically varied sound came from a deliberate attempt to distinguish ourselves from being another copycat in the now obsolete dance-rock craze, while still not entirely abandoning the undeniable “funness" and timeless appeal of a dancey drum beat.”

   The new EP Jungle is a just that, an EP. It fiercely demonstrates to the listener the band’s raw talent and new direction by cramming in hook riddled, upbeat jams as well as atmospheric layering of clarinets, djembes, chants, glockenspiels and on and on and on. The Laughing is equal parts Q and Not U and Rafter and it somehow REALLY works.  After hearing it, there is no doubt that the band is still one of Austin’s most talented and their return to playing live shows is certain to impress anyone who happens upon it not just from the music but come this Friday from the experience as a whole….

   The band is putting out this EP on Austin’s Artifact Workshop boutique imprint in a interesting way: throughout the night of the release show artist Bryan Keplesky will be painting a mural of cd sleeves which will make up the album art. The Laughing playing that night will christen it , as it were.  Those who grab an album will have a one of a kind piece of art which will no doubt be much more gratifying that just ripping it from your co-workers iTunes.  The one of a kind EPs will be available at all independent local record stores the next day as well as on the label’s website….  

   Ladies and gentlemen, here is the lead track from Jungle: "Canopy!" It is full of rim shot hooks that make for mean mean mean breaks. Best recognize:

MP3: The Laughing – Canopy

Posted by partyends at 09:23 PM | | Comments (181) | TrackBacks (0)

August 15, 2008

future fried cupcakes- john

 
   The boat party sold out in about 15 minutes yesterday which made me feel good.  A tire blowing out on 183 made me feel bad, and now I am back up to feeling good because I am greatly looking forward to tomorrow night’s Cup Cake Social at Carousel Lounge.  The place will be packed with folks listening to electro jams from all ends of the spectrum, starting with Rae Davis then Lady Pterodactyl and ending with Fizzy Dino Pop!  Don’t forget that Carousel is BYOLiquor.  They sell cheap beer and set-ups and if nothing else you should tip generously so the creepy circus paintings on the wall don’t animate and kill you.  Cover is cheap and the first 100 attendants get a free cupcake.  The show is 21 and up so you don’t have to worry about too many KVRX freshman DJ apprentices snatching all the good cupcakes.  

   Also going on in that neighborhood of Austin is Karaoke Underground over at Nomad.  Where else can you ditch your inhibition at the door and belt out the Deadmilkman, the Paperchase, and Pulp?  Nomad is a great place for this and the crowd is amazing, you should check this place out even is punk karaoke isn’t happening they have some good local beers on draft and a tabletop Ms Pac Man machine. Nuff said.   Happy Friday everyone- have a good weekend !  Ileave you with a brand new banger from Austin producing superstars Orion and King Louie.  Check it:

MP3: Orion & King Louie- Future Fried

Posted by partyends at 03:22 PM | | Comments (115) | TrackBacks (0)

August 14, 2008

row row row- john

   The sun beginning to set on the last Summer Extrav-0-ganza Boat Party signified Summer 2007’s end.  I have no doubt that this August 24th will be just as bitter sweet and just and awesome.    

   We are pleased to announce the sale of tickets for this year’s shenanigans featuring unlimited beer, food, and dance party anthems from CeePlus Bad Knives and Bird Peterson as well as past Extrav-0-ganza alumni and future Austin City Limits breakthrough artists White Denim.  This, faithful readers, is what it is all about. Tickets go on sale over at Austinist.com/BoatParty at 1pm SHARP!!!!

   Join strangers and friends as we pay tribute to Point Break, Beach Blanket Bingo, Jaws, Seaquest, and House Party all in one giant boat on the wide-open Texan waters with style, grace and sunscreen.  This will sell out.  Soon.  Do not miss this boat. Buy your tickets AT 1 PM TODAY!

MP3: White Denim- ShakeShakeShake
MP3: Bird Peterson- Thriller Remix
MP3: Cee Plus Bad Knives- Cut off your Ear

Posted by partyends at 10:55 PM | | Comments (257) | TrackBacks (0)

August 13, 2008

let them eat free cupcakes- john

                          

   It was dreary and wet outside yesterday, but have no fear Austin- come Saturday the 16th you will be enjoying FREE CUPCAKES!  Yes, we are pleased to be working with KVRX, our favorite radio station in town (sorry Jammin 105.9) on this super fun CUPCAKE Social at Carousel Lounge, our favorite crazy themed bar in town (sorry LaLa’s.) 

   FREE Cupcakes for the first 100 people and after that I bet they will be super cheap compliments of Polkadots Cupcake Factory.  While you buy your cold setups (Carousel is BYOLiqour!)  and chomp on your cupcake baked with love, you will be pleasantly entertained by the jazz hip-hop and electronica of beat master Rae Davis.   Next up is the two-girl powerhouse Lady Pterodactyll!  These ladies are no strangers to playing PartyEnds shows and we are thrilled to be involved with their synthesizers, drum machines and vocoders again! Headlining the night is the snarky ultra fast drum machine lovin’ wunderkind Fizzy Dino Pop. His energetic Death Set-esq anthems mixed with 8-bit catchiness are awesome and are sure to make a killer live performance.  

  The show is 21+, cover is $5, and proceeds go to the KVRX Station Survival Fund. Doors open at 9pm, and the show starts at 10pm. The first one hundred party people will eat free (and delicious!) cupcakes from Polkadots Cupcake Factory, so come early! Six time Best of Austin winner Carousel Lounge is located at 1110 E. 52nd St. The KVRX Cupcake Social is sponsored by Partyends.com, Polkadots Cupcake Factory, and Mangia Pizza. For more information on the event, visit www.kvrx.org.

MP3: Fizzy Dino Pop- Lazy Vegetarian

MP3: Fizzy Dino Pop-  She's So 8-bit

MP3: Lady Pterodactyl- Love to Hate You 

MP3: Lady Pterodactyl- Grikon

Posted by partyends at 03:39 PM | | Comments (475) | TrackBacks (0)

August 12, 2008

'smokin - luther

 

   Man, I am so girlishly giddy about seeing the Smoking Popes tonight at the Mohawk. I mean, come on! I know I stand alone most of the time among even former pop-punk enthusiasts (which I am categorically not) in my un-dieing love of what have become post punk icons, but I am willing to stake a fair amount on this being a pretty great performance. Seasoned musicians, a broad catalog, and essentially no pretense. Set aside the terrible tribute album, the Clueless soundtrack and the years long hiatus and enjoy the bleeding heart music of so many relatable, slightly teenage stories in all it's glory.

   'Good one' to Transmission for booking them so I don't have to go over to Red Seven or Emo's and brave the usual punk club patrons, bar tenders and bathrooms. Seeing them at the Mohawk makes it all the better; now and forever, my favorite place.

MP3: the Smoking Popes - Pretty Pathetic

MP3: the Smoking Popes - Starstruck One

Posted by partyends at 02:11 PM | | Comments (190) | TrackBacks (0)

August 10, 2008

she man - john

 

   Is it sacrilegious to not like Hercules and Love Affair?  They seem to be critically acclaimed across the board but it doesn’t excite me at all. A 9.1 on Pitchfork? Really?  I like DFA tracks prolly MORE than the next guy but this does nothing for me.  Maybe it is because I don’t live in New York.  I think if you live there you have to praise Antony Hegarty (of Antony and the Johnsons) as Jesus.  Living in Texas I take simple pleasures like the Parlor, Ghostland Observatory and Real Ale rather than Antony, Hercules and pan-sexuality. (Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that) If it is supposed to be so disco shouldn’t it be more fun and less creepy?

MP3: Hercules and Love Affair - Blind (Featuring Antony) link via the Walrus

Posted by partyends at 10:27 PM | | Comments (162) | TrackBacks (0)

August 08, 2008

infinite playlist - john


   Coldtowne Theatre has a good looking Stool Pigeon lined up for tomorrow night- Trever Middleton from the Yuppie Pricks.  I am not sure if he will be telling fake stories from his YP persona or if he will be using his real name and telling actual tales that don’t involve hummers in his hummer or frat parties, but no matter what- the creative and funny folks at Coldtowne will make excellent awkward long-form comedy out of them.  Speaking of awkward comedy- check out the trailer for Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist:


Hollywood Executive: “Superbad and Juno made a lot of money, what if we remade it with some of those Williamburg hipsters I have read so much about on the internet?”
Hollywood Executive’s assistant: “Great idea sir. Here is your salad.”

    After some screenwriter spent hours toiling thru “blogs,” watching Apple commercials and gawking at American Apparel ads it looks like they produced a mainstream version of one of my favorite “mumblecore” movies -Mutual Appreciation.  Coincidentally enough Bishop Allen, whose front man Justin Rice is the main actor in Mutual Appreciation, also appears in this movie playing themselves.  I am excited because I, along with high school girls everywhere, love Michael Cera.  I am convinced he can do no wrong until he turns about 45.  But I am concerned because the “indie music” culture appears to one step closer going the way of skate punk in terms of being co-opted by “the man.”  Will this movie be looked back at the way we look at Empire Records?  Singles?  Clueless?  Only time will tell.
 
   Has anyone on the internet talked about that Bishop Allen is playing Fun Fun Fun Fest yet?  It is posted online on their upcoming tour dates….November 8th Austin!  November 8th!!! So add them to the list along with Dan Deacon! Dead Milkmen! Who knows who all else?! I have a few guesses and a few wishes... we'll see. One thing is for sure- it will at the very least i get to hear Wham City performed live again!  I Can not wait.

MP3:Bishop Allen – Psycho Killer (Talking Heads cover, duh)

Posted by partyends at 07:03 PM | | Comments (127) | TrackBacks (0)

August 07, 2008

how a resurrection really feels - john


                                   (photo by Skipper Chong Warson)
   First off- the Hold Steady is the greatest rock band in America.  Ask any one at the Parish last night.  So much gratitude, swagger, hand gestures, soloing, sweat, singing along, drinking… the Hold Steady show had everything I love about live music.. and more. They played an exhaustingly long set ranging from bonus tracks to classic jams.  Check out the set list:
Constructive Summer
Hot Soft Light
Chips Ahoy!
Sequestered In Memphis
You Can Make Him Like You
One For The Cutters
Cheyenne Sunrise
Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night
Massive Night
Navy Sheets
Banging Camp
Joke About Jamaica
Don't Let Me Explode
Stevie Nix
Lord I'm Discouraged
Ask Her for Some Adderall
Stay Positive
Slapped Actress
-first encore-
Stuck Between Stations
The Swish
Your Little Hoodrat Friend
How a Resurrection Really Feels
-second encore-
Positive Jam
Killer Parties!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone for putting up with 3 Hold Steady posts in a row.  Cheers!

Posted by partyends at 12:12 PM | | Comments (387) | TrackBacks (0)

August 06, 2008

constructive summer heat- john

   Austin! Tonight is the SOLD OUT Hold Steady show.  Hop on Craigslist right now to try and start bartering your graphic design services for a ticket or two! Pitchfork knows what’s up because they posted TWO MORE live videos of the band playing on a rooftop.  Check them out below!


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For a constructive summer like this you might be in need of some Summer Jams that aren’t Hold Steady.  Check out the new mix from Austin DJ Spin Laden.  It is called Summer Heat and if we all listen to it at once we can banish Tropical Storm Edouard.  Check out the tracklisting:
j rob - the chase
destroy disco - but it aint
rico tubbs - gangsters
t2 - butterflys (the count remix)
heavy feet - dirt diver
ali payami - we be jammin
jukey - the way we go (herve remix)
sharkslayer - fleshlighter
dj rush - motherfucking bass (popof remix)
thunderheist - jerk it (jokers of the scene remix)
steve angello & laidback luke - be (rave edit)
destroy disco - acidrod
david guetta - joan of arc (crookers remix)
Download it FREE HERE!

Posted by partyends at 11:45 AM | | Comments (646) | TrackBacks (0)

August 05, 2008

doublewhiskeycokenoice- john

The Parish better stock up on plenty whiskey and coke for tomorrow night's HOLD STEADY SHOW!!! Ice? not so much. I would have paid twice as much for my ticket to this show because i am so in love with the new album!! (sorry for all the exclamation marks- i am super excited.) Check out the band playing on top of a NYC roof thanks to Pitchfork TV!

Posted by partyends at 11:03 AM | | Comments (82) | TrackBacks (0)

August 04, 2008

flashing lights -john


   Praise be to local wunderkinds Loxlsy who seem to be getting more and more internet press lately.  We have been fans of the band since frontman Cody Ground was making quirky songs about cats and cars on his computer back in Waco.  Nowadays the Austin based project is fleshed out with ultra talented pop enthusiasts and is riding a wave of popularity thanks to the relentless years of top notch live shows featuring homemade light rigs, bubbles, smoke machines, you name it! Locals know that Loxlsy is the closet thing we have to a Flaming Lips style performance both in terms of heartfelt lyrics and projections of oddballness juxtaposed with smart, interesting rock and roll. Watch out Austin, the internet is catching on. 

    Their new EP Flashlights features fewer guitars than previous records almost separating the band from their previous rocking releases.  When the guitar does poke it’s head out- it is subtle, effects-laiden and restrained. So i guess this is growing up.  The production is organic yet slick, highlighting the same lively range and vocals as ever but showing great maturity from Maps and Organs.  As always – the genuine cracks in Grounds’ voice are one of the aspects that sets the band above other groups, right along with eerie steel guitar, bouncy Robert Sledge-esq bass playing, and poetic lyrics with reoccurring motifs and harmonies that fit together like that crown that lets you control the Golden Army in Hellboy 2.   All hail Loxsly!  (That is with an X- screw the imposters that use the “Locksley” spelling.) 

   I will stop gushing about how good the record is and just let you check out some of the recent press they have gotten yourself! Check it out: 

Loxsly on The Tripwire
Loxsly on Said The Gramaphone
Loxsly on Fensepost
Loxsly on Muzorama
loxsly on Have You Heard?
Loxsly on Indie Surfer Blog

Check out Loxsly in a finer neighborhood near you :

08/07 - The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
08/08 - Caledonia Lounge - Athens, GA
08/09 - P&H Cafe - Memphis, TN
08/10 - The Nick - Birmingham, AL
08/11 - The Gypsy Hut - Cincinnati, OH
08/12 - The Saint - Asbury Park, NJ
08/16 - Pianos - New York, NY

   The new EP Flashlights hits store shelves tomorrow.   It is dripping DIY and is MOS DEF your monetary support.  Grab track one as an appetizer:

MP3: Loxsly: Lamprey Eels

Posted by partyends at 08:12 AM | | Comments (91) | TrackBacks (0)

August 02, 2008

the fresh prince's new defintion of summer madness - john

     
   Free beer all day today at BackSpin Records – the only shop In town that has a section for Anticon as well as Miami Booty Bass.  "What is the occasion?" you ask- well, it’s their Summer Madness 20% off sale and 3 day nonstop DJ-A-THON-  all day yesterday, today and tomorrow! This is the time to pick up that Paper Planes remix record you have had your eye on, or invest in a quality first edition Clash record.  Backspin has it all.  And If inspiration isn’t your forte- Backspin has booked quite the lineup of folks from the music community to be on hand playing nothing buy vinyl practically all weekend. They will steer you in the right direction of what needs to be on your turn table at home.  If you go all the time, this is your reward for loyalty, if you have never been boy are you in for a treat and some savings.  Also free beer.  So roll up your sleeves and stop by to pick up the new LPs from Young Jeezy & Fakts One, the new single from Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip, or dig thru their 45s for a CSS 7inch… don’t you get it?  Don’t you see?!   Backspin has it all. Oh and if you happen to be out and about today before 11:30- I can’t recommend the migas taco from nearby Jalapeno Joe’s enough.  Best. Migas. Taco. In. Town.    
 
   Backspin Records is located at 4631 Airport Blvd, Suite 110-A, down the street from I Luv Video and near I35 in the Concorde Shopping Center.
 
Here is a song by that guy from Hancock.
MP3: Will Smith- Summertime

Posted by partyends at 08:45 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

August 01, 2008

american psycho hose beast - john

 
   I go on and on about my favorite Austin bands here on the site but there is one that I just realized that I have never proclaimed my long time admiration for –Yuppie Pricks.  Seeing them at Red 7 Wednesday night open for Guttermouth was as fun as ever.  They still have the shtick down pact.  I have seen the Pricks play in tennis gear, golf gear, tropical gear, Italian suits, on segways, and on and on....so I am familiar with the antics and the masterful execution of each yuppie theme, but the Red 7 show they performed in front of a giant “mission accomplished” banner.  It was brilliant.  The brilliance was only built upon by their custom-made flight jump suits (like they were on that fateful ship with GW- get it?) .  Further more, the American flag thong that frontman Trevor Middleton rocked the later half of the set made all of the audience’s ladies dump their loser boyfriends, rent American Psycho and find a CEO with a Jacuzzi in the back seat of his stretch hummer to teach them about stock options. Yuppie Pricks are the Stephen T. Colbert of punk rock, and if you don’t agree the terrorists have won.

   The new Yuppie Pricks album is called Balls and the cover provides a pretty good visual of what goes on when the silly costume comes off at a YP show.  

   Guttermouth’s frontman and button pusher Mark Adkins is now 42 years old but still churned thru all of there skate punk hits like it were the 90s.  They played nothing but good old stuff ranging from the Album Formally Known as the Full Length LP (1991) to Musical Monkey, (1997) which made me very happy.  They knew the crowd they were playing to and knew how to balance requests with a sloppy set list, which some girl ended up walking away shoved down her bra.  Her sweaty, shirtless moshpitting boyfriend is surely proud.

   In the past few years, SO many of my favorite punk bands of yesteryear have made their way thru town on seemingly oddly timed tours.  I have gotten to see the Vandals, NOFX, Rancid, Lagwagon, and now Guttermouth.  All I need is a time machine so I can see Propaghandi circa 1996 and I can die a happy man- ergh….. high school version of myself.  

   Speaking of hign school- Less Than Jake is playing tomorrow night at La Zona Rosa with Big D and the Kids Table.  Less Than Jake is another one of these bands that I don’t really listen to any more (ok, ok those who know me keep your mouth shut and let me try and sound cool) but can’t turn down the opportunity to see them once more for old times sake.  At least they have a new album they are pushing GNV FLA  hopefully they will play a medley of Losing Streak and Hello Rockview.  And come on- at least one from Pez Core.  Ahhh.. irony and nostalgia- you get the best of me again.  You always do.
 
MP3: Less Than Jake - Does the Lion City Still Roar?

Posted by partyends at 08:11 AM | | TrackBacks (0)