Wye Oak - "Holy, Holy" Video

Check out the new video for "Holy, Holy," one of my favorite songs off Wye Oak's excellent album Civilian.  


 

I found this one over at Pitchfork TV, which also features new videos from Wild Flag, Jay-Z and Kanye West, and Washed Out, to name a few.

David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' As A Children's Book

Courtesy of the wonderful website How to be a Retronaut.

Someone decided to fashion Bowie's 'Space Oddity' into a children's book.  Brilliant!  There's not a physical copy of the book (yet), but the artist, Andrew Kolb, is working on it.  

Kurt Vile "Jesus Fever" video

Smoke Rings For My Halo, the fourth album from Philadelphia singer Kurt Vile, is one of my favorite albums of the year (so far).  "Jesus Fever," with it's jangly guitar and dark, brooding vocals is a standout track on the album.  Vile and his Violators will be in Austin next month for the Austin City Limits music festival, as well as opening for Bright Eyes' official ACL after show at Stubb's on September 18th.  Buy your tickets here.

Check out the official video for "Jesus Fever."

Listen to new Girls track "Honey Bunny"

Christopher Owens (Photo courtesy of Pitchfork)

NPR is streaming "Honey Bunny," a new track by the San Francisco duo Girls.  The track, off their forthcoming album Father, Son, Holy Ghost, is a sunny, surf-pop homage to all things vintage. Primary songwriter, Christopher Owens, said he wrote the song about his mother back in 2008.

Check it out here.

Neil Young - Streets of Glasgow 1976.

Here's an interesting video of Neil Young singing "The Old Laughing Lady" on a Glasgow Street in 1976.

Thanks to La Blogotheque for turning me on to this rare treat!

Bon Iver "Holocene" video

A beautiful video for a beautiful song.

Day 1 SXSW 2011

Young Man at The Parish

My day one kind of started off slowly because I neglected to pick up my Fader Fort wristband on Tuesday and spent the better part of the day standing in line for the damn thing.  We did get to hear some of Toro y Moi and Jonquil while standing in the ridiculously long line.  (Note to Fader Fort:  Get a better system next year.  5 people doing RSVP's for thousands of people = 2 hour wait time).  As my friend Brandi said:  "After that 2 hour wait, Jesus had better be the surprise guest." 
After procuring our wristbands, I really needed a beer.  We headed over to the Flavorpill/Musebox party over at Lipstick 24.  There we saw electronic outfit Oh Land and Pitchfork darlings Nite Jewel.  We headed next door to Eventbrite's Empire Garage party where we should have been the whole time.  We caught the tail end of Braids' set.  It sounded wonderful.  Next up was Jukebox the Ghost, who also sounded great.  There we basked in the sunshine and sipped our free Dos Equis. 
We headed over to the Paste party to see Sondre Lerche but were discouraged by the long line.  After the Fort, I decided that I wouldn't wait in any more long lines that day.  Luckily, there will be other opportunities to check out Sondre.  We got to the New Zealand party and barely missed Liam Finn.  Boo.  But we did get to see The Naked and the Famous.  Their infectious rhythms were just what was needed to kick into night mode. 
After a much needed food break at the Whip In, we headed back downtown again.  Our first stop was the Parish, where we were treated to a set by Young Man, a group of strapping young lads.  To me, they sounded like a cross between Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah and Starsailor.  The stifling heat in the Parish (and the need to smoke a cigarette) brought us out into the street.  We decided to skip the Antlers (I plan on seeing them today at the NPR showcase) and head over to the Spill to catch some of the Dears.  Wow.  I have been a fan of the Dears for awhile, but wasn't crazy about their last album.  The material off of this album sounded great.  Singer Murray Lightburn and company exuded a frenetic energy that permeated the club with a frenzied, ecstatic vibe.  I will definitely be catching another show of the band before South by ends. 
We hightailed it down to Red River to catch Tennis and Yuck at Club Deville.  Unfortunately, we got there too late to see Tennis, another band that I intend to catch this week.  Yuck were amazing.  It was a nineties rock revival complete with soaring, fuzzed-out guitars and catchy pop drenched melodies.  On our way back to the car, we heard Duran Duran belting out "Girls on Film" from Stubbs.  It would have been a great show to see, but I didn't want to spend the entire night at Stubb's (although the lineup was great).  As I have said before, I love the nomadic experience of SXSW. 
My feet already hurt.  On today's agenda?
Wye Oak at the IFC House, The Antlers at the NPR Day show, City and Colour, Atlas Sound at Flamingo, Smith Westerns at East Side Drive-In, and The Strokes!  I'm sure things will get changed around a bit, but I fully intend on seeing the Strokes at Auditorium Shores. 

Brooklyn Vegan Saturday party!

Brooklyn Vegan have announced the details for their Saturday day party at Barbarella and Swan Dive. For this party they joined forces with M for Montreal to present a stellar lineup with tasty treats too!

Check out full lineup here.


- Alison Willis

Bon Iver at Fader Fort!

Bon Iver will appear Saturday night at the Fader Fort with former bandmates/friends Megafaun. The Fort says it will be a "Bon Iver/Megafaun/Deyarmond Edison collaboration."
Deyarmond Edison is the former band that included Justin Vernon and members of Megafaun.
More info here.

- Alison Willis

Brooklyn Vegan friday party

 

Here is another awesome party put on by Brooklyn Vegan.  This is one of the three-day, multi-stage parties that BV is putting on at connecting venues Barbarella and Swan Dive.  The Saturday party hasn't been announced yet. 

More info here.

Brooklyn Vegan announce ninth party.

The prolific folks over at Brooklyn Vegan have announced their ninth SXSW party.  That's right, they are sponsoring nine parties at SXSW this year.  As usual, the parties feature an eclectic mix of bands, this one included.  There is no RSVP.  Just show up early to guarantee entrance.  There will be free breakfast tacos (while supplies last), some free booze & other tasty snacks.

Get more info + the lineup here.

Perez Hilton RSVP up.

Perez with Snoop Dogg

Check it, yo.  Perez Hilton RSVP is up.  Do it now and see if you can win entrance into his party on Saturday night at ACL Live.  He always has a killer, albeit interesting, lineup.  Last year, Kanye West made a surprise appearance.  Do it!

RSVP

Forest Family x Transparency Party

Forest Family Records (co-owned by Chris Cantilini of Gorilla v Bear) have announced their party.  It kicks off Thursday, March 17th at 1pm and goes until midnight.  The lineup looks delightful and there will be free St. Arnold's beer.  I love the parties that feature tasty craft beer (extra points if it's local)! 

Details and RSVP info here.

Kanye West SXSW appearance confirmed!

Well, it looks like the rumors are true.  Kanye West will play the VEVO party at the Seaholm Power Plant on Saturday night at 11:59 pm.  VEVO will announce the details soon.  Once again, getting there early would be beneficial if you hope to get in to this show. 

Here is the video that VEVO posted earlier today:

Fader Fort Lineup Announced!

The Fader Fort lineup has been announced, and it's a killer.  If you haven't RSVP'd, get on it!  You can't miss this one. 

Check out the lineup: 

Mess With Texas Party

The lineup for this one is amazing and it's at the killer new venue East Side Drive-In.  The set times are TBA.  
Don't miss it.  You can RSVP here.

The Austin Imposition II

Impose Magazine is putting on a 5-show extravaganza throughout the music portion of South by Southwest.  By the looks of the poster, the lineup is pretty damn impressive.  Locations and set times are TBA.  But you might as well RSVP right now. 

Kanye West SXSW Appearance?!

According to the Austin Chronicle, "Definitive sources have confirmed that Kanye West is appearing at Vevo's unofficial after-hours party at the Seaholm Electric Plant on Saturday, March 19th...." 
Hmmmm.  Methinks I need to get down there early if I want to bear witness to this once-in-a-lifetime moment.  My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy, Mr. West's magnum opus, was probably my favorite album of last year. 

Check out Kanye's new video for "All of the Lights."

MOG Party at the Mohawk

The MOG party at the Mohawk on Sat. March 19th is off the chain. The lineup includes TV On The Radio, Big Boi, Yuck, Wild Flag and a ton more.
The event is free (which means no RSVP), but, I suggest getting there early if you want to get in. With a lineup like this, the venue is sure to reach capacity early on.
You can check out the full lineup (no set times yet) and get more info here.



- Alison Willis

Fader Fort RSVP Announced!

The Fader Fort, the mother of all SXSW parties, has opened up their RSVP. You don't want to miss out on this party, which always features a stellar lineup and free booze. The full lineup hasn't been revealed, but some of the "leaked" artists include soul crooner Raphael Sadiq, Twin Shadow, Matt & Kim, and many more. So what are you waiting for? Mosey on over to their site to RSVP!


- Alison Willis

DC Does Texas & Dogfish Head Beer!

Thanks to Ultra8201 for the heads up on this one.  Free (good) beer courtesy of Dogfish Head.  None of that yellow fizzy stuff here.  You can get more information about the bands playing here.

Kanye West at SXSW?!?

Kanye West at SXSW?  The rumor mill has begun.  This mysterious video was posted on YouTube earlier today.  The word is that Yeezy will play the VEVO party at the Seaholm Power Plant on Saturday, March 19th .  Donewaiting says the rumor might be legit.  I sure hope so!

Muzzle of Bees Backyard BBQ

The folks over at Muzzle of Bees have announced the details for their SXSW Backyard BBQ. Free beer and BBQ!

RSVP to sxswbackyardbbq@gmail.com.

Conflict of Interest Party SXSW

This looks like a good way to start off SXSW 2011.  Free booze and books!  RSVP here.

Wu-Tang Clan & More To Play Village Voice SXSW Party

Carrie Brownstein of Wild Flag

Wow.  The lineup has been announced for the Village Voice Media Party and it's a crazy one.  The line up this year, featuring Wu-Tang, Fishbone, Trae the Truth, Yelawolf, Rocky Business, Trouble Andrew, Marz Lovejoy and a DJ set by Eryka Badu, is heavy on the hip-hop, a stark contrast to the line up last year.  Indie super group Wild Flag, featuring members of Sleater-Kinney, Helium and Quasi, and Austin's own indie sweethearts Ume will add some indie flavor to the show. 
The Houston Press website has more information. 

Other Music Showcase at the French Legation

I love the French Legation parties because they take place in such a pleasant atmosphere.  All lush and green and overlooking downtown Austin.  What more can you ask for?  An amazing lineup?  You got it.  Both days feature heavy hitters like Ted Leo, James Blake, Low, Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger (featuring Sean Lennon), and a ton more. 

KEXP Live Broadcasts

The badass indie radio station KEXP will, once again, be broadcasting live from SXSW this year.  The event features a ton of good bands and will take place at Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop on Nueces over a three-day period.

Check out the lineup:


Wednesday, March 16th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ The Head and the Heart
2:30pm ‒ Yuck
4:30pm ‒ Grouplove
6:30pm ‒ Wild Flag
Thursday, March 17th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ Charles Bradley
2:30pm ‒ O.M.D.
4:30pm ‒ The Black Angels
6:30pm ‒ The Joy Formidable
Friday, March 18th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ Steve Wynn & The Miracle Three
2:30pm ‒ Violens
4:30pm ‒ Jessica Lea Mayfield
6:30pm ‒ John Vanderslice

Popantipop Sea Now Party

This three-day party looks like a blast.  The lineup is insane.

(lineup)
She Wants Revenge, A Place to Bury Strangers, The Twilight Sad, Amusement Parks on Fire, Art Vs. Science, Miniature Tigers, Great Northern, Bear Hands, Billy Harvey, Veto, The Stripminers, Bright Futures, Vanaprasta, The Good Natured, BRAHMS, The Hundred Days, Cloud Control, Hooray for Earth, Snowden, Yourself and the Air, Sherlock's Daughter, The Californian, The Photo Atlas, Carsick Cars, Blonde Summer, Saint Motel, Twilight Sleep, Simon Says No!, Taxi Cab Racers, Rooftop Revolutionaries, Exene Cervenka (acoustic).


RSVP

Axis of Audio SXSW Party

Axis of Audio and Knuckle Rumbler Party!  Great lineup. 

RSVP

Paste SXSW Party.

There have been a whole lot of party announcements in the last couple of days (no Fader Fort, yet).  I will try to put up the ones that I find interesting.
Paste magazine has announced their party and lineup.  The event, which takes place on Wednesday, March 16th and Thursday, March 17th at The Stage on 6th, features some great artists and fun giveaways.   

Wednesday, March 16th:  Eisley, Sondre Lerche, Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, Kopecky Family Band, Lord Huron, Matthew & the Atlas, Lost in the Trees, Jeremy Messersmith, Trampled by Turtles, Keegan Dewitt, The Civil Wars, The Wealthy West, Futurebirds, TV Torso and Ponderosa.

Thursday, March 17th:  J Mascis, The Submarines, David Wax Museum, John Vanderslice, Rural Alberta Advantage, Exene Cervenka, Kim Taylor, Sarah Jaffe, Luke Rathborne, Oryx & Crake, Nathaniel Rateliff, Seryn, Olof Arnalds and Dale Earnhart Jr. Jr.

RSVP for entry. 

The Strokes To Play Free SXSW Show

The Strokes, who are set to release their new album Angles on March 22nd, are playing a free show at Auditorium Shores on Thursday, March 17th. The show will be their first SXSW appearance in ten years.
Levis, the sponsor of the show, will make concert footage of the show available online the following day.
Exciting news, indeed!


- Alison Willis

I Guess I'm Floating/Flying Dog Party

I Guess I'm Floating announced the details about their annual SXSW party. The lineup looks great! Flying Dog is sponsoring the party, so I'm sure some of their delicious beer will be on hand. No RSVP needed. Details and full lineup can be found here.


- Alison Willis

SxSeattle Party Details Announced

SxSeattle has announced the details for their annual SXSW party. Lineup, details and RSVP info here.


- Alison Willis

Under the Radar Announces Day Parties

The indie mag, Under the Radar, has announced the lineup and set times for its two SXSW day parties this year.  The day parties, which take place at Flamingo Cantina, boast stellar lineups, with Atlas Sound making its only SXSW appearance on Thursday.  I suggest getting there early to ensure entrance.

The Lineup:  
Thursday
(12:00) Violens
(12:45) The Dodos
(1:35) Yuck
(2:25) Anna Calvi
(3:15) Lord Huron
(4:05) The Dears
(5:00) Atlas Sound

Friday
(12:00) Porcelain Raft
(12:45) Hooray for Earth
(1:35) Owen Pallett
(2:25) Surfer Blood
(3:15) Telekinesis
(4:45) Menomena
(5:00) Okkervil River

Yours Truly/Bella Union Party

I love the parties at The French Legation museum over on the east side. The lush, green lawn makes for a good party atmosphere. It looks like there are free tacos and beer, as well as a great lineup.

-Alison Willis

IFC Crossroads House SXSW 2011

The Independent Film Channel will be setting up headquarters in Austin for SXSW 2011.  Last year, the IFC Crossroads House hosted some great bands and events. 

You can sign up for a wristband here.

BAMM.tv Offers Up a Trio of Free SXSW Shows

 

BAMM.tv, a specialty music and video streaming subscription service, is hosting three different parties at SXSW 2011.  Each party features an open bar and some good music.  The parties are free and open to the public, but you must RSVP to gain entrance.  

BAMM.tv Fan Appreciation Party at the Palm Door

Saturday, March 19th

RSVP 

BAMM.tv Official App Launch & Music Showcase at the Palm Door

Friday, March 18th

RSVP 

BAMM.tv Presents: Hollerado's Nacho House at the Beauty Bar

Thursday, March 17th

RSVP 

Invisible Children: Silver Series

This looks really cool.  A ton of good artists will be doing some acoustic busking on the streets during SXSW throughout the festival.  Donations will help efforts to end the 25 year war in East Africa.  Some of the performances will be filmed by the awesome La Blogotheque. 

Check out the lineup here.
 

Sonicbids Official Party

The RSVP link is up for the official Sonicbids party happening at Maggie Mae's on Friday, March 18th.  Some of the bands playing include The Seedy Seeds and The Jezebels.  This is an official party, so I don't know if you need a wristband or badge in addition to your RSVP. 
For RSVP and lineup info click here.

Tiger Mountain & Noise Pop Party

The folks over at Tiger Mountain and Noise Pop have announced their Brooklyn vs. The Bay party.  The show is happening Wednesday, March 16th at the Red Eyed Fly and will feature two stages chocked full of good bands.  It looks like there will be free Trumer Pils beer and Smoking Loon wine.
No RSVP link, but it looks like you need to send an email to sxsw@noispop.com to get on the list.

Update:  the email address doesn't seem to be working.  I will update when it is working.  

Village Voice Showdown at SXSW

 

This one is actually free (no wristbands or badges required).  So far Wild Flag is the only band announced, with more TBA.  Last year this party featured a good lineup, so I'm sure the bands will be good for this one as well.  

Cheers!

New Zealand Party at SXSW

  

This was a fun one last year.  I really enjoyed Surf City and The Ruby Suns.  Free booze and Liam Finn!  (Note:  I think you need a wristband or a badge to get in, even with a RSVP)

Mexican Summer x Gorilla vs Bear party

Gorilla vs Bear and Mexican Summer have announced their party/showcase at Klub Krucial on 6th Street (East of Emo's).  No set times have been announced yet.  The impressive day party lineup will include Shabazz, Palaces, White Denim, Cass McCombs, The Fresh & Onlys, Star Slinger, The Soft Moon, Lia Ices and Grimes.  There is also free beer while it lasts!  The night portion of the event is an official showcase with wristbands required to attend.  The lineup for that:  Nite Jewel, Tamaryn, Games, Toro y Moi, Puro Instinct, No Joy, and Lower Dens. 

You can find more info about this event, plus free mp3's of the artists performing here.

Filter/Dickies SXSW Party

This one was super-fun last year. It looks like the lineup is pretty awesome this year as well. I think the evening portion is badges-only, but you can RSVP for the daytime festivities.

Radiohead Releasing New Album Saturday!

Surprise! First, Arcade Fire wins a Grammy for album of the year, and now this. Radiohead will release a digital version of their eighth album, "King of Limbs," on Saturday. No pay-what-you-want format this time. The MP3 version will set you back $9, with the WAV version priced at $14. For those who want a physical album, Radiohead offers a "newspaper album" package that includes two vinyl LP's, a CD version, 625 pieces of artwork, plus access to the digital version ($48 MP3, $53 WAV).

You can pre-order the digital and physical version here.


- Alison Willis

SCHED SXSW

Last year, I found SCHED, an interactive SXSW planning tool, to be invaluable for navigating SXSW. It not only includes all of the official stuff for SXSW Film, Interactive, and Music, but also tons of unofficial parties and events. You can create your own custom schedule for print out or view it on your mobile phone.

What are you waiting for? Get started here.

- Alison Willis

IODA Opening Day Bash

Beach Fossils

IODA Opening Day Bash
Emo's Annex
Wed. March 16th (12-6)

Lineup

(12 pm) Withered Hand
(12:20) Geographer
(12:45) Queen Sea Big Shark
(1:15). Fredrik
(1:45). Weekend
(2:30). Aphasia
(3:00). True Widow
(3:30). The Bewitched Hands
(4:15). Typhoon
(5:00). Beach Fossils
(5:30). Gold Panda


You can download a free sampler that includes all of the artists and find more information about the party here.

A useful guide to navigating SXSW

This Tumblr article by @wornwhite has a lot of useful SXSW info, including suggestions for compiling a killer party list and more. Check it out.

Worn White



- Alison Willis

Eat Your Own Ears @ The Mohawk

Cloud Control

This looks like a nice lineup.  Eat Your Own Ears is pairing with The Austinist and the Windish Agency to put on this show at the Mohawk.  Check it out.

Eat Your Own Ears Party
@ The Mohawk
Wed. March 16th
(12-6)

Featuring:  Cloud Nothings, Cloud Control, Givers, Foster the People, Royal Bangs, The Holidays, Twin Shadow, Hanni El Khatib, Huw Stephens DJ Set.

Check out the EYOE site for more info. 

Gowalla Party at SXSW

The Austin-based company, Gowalla, has just announced their annual SXSW party.  It's happening on Monday, March 14th at The Belmont with special guests Matt & Kim and Flosstradamus.

Details:
See The World With Gowalla
Monday, March 14th
The Belmont
(9pm-midnight) 

RSVP 

Windish Party at SXSW

Twin Shadow

It looks like the Windish Agency has announced the lineup and date for their annual SXSW party.  As usual, the lineup is amazing!  Emo's will be packed to the gills, so i suggest getting there early if you want to get in.  As always, the event is free.  Thanks to the awesome Austin blog Ultra8201 for sharing the details for this event.

The Windish Agency's 6th Annual Austin Day Party
Friday, March 18th
Emo's (noon-6) 

Lineup: 

Twin Shadow, Toro y Moi, The Naked and Famous, Givers, Friendly Fires, Foster the People, Esben and the Witch, The Chain Gang of 1974, Cults, BRAIDS

Filter Announces Details for SXSW 2011 Party

The folks over at Filter have announced the line-up for their three-day party at Cedar Street Courtyard.  Once again, there will be free BBQ while it lasts, along with an amazing line-up of artists, including Surfer Blood, Cults, and Phantogram.  This is always a fun party.  RSVP for entry.  It fills up fast, so get their early to guarantee entry (and free BBQ!). 

Back For The Attack

After a brief hiatus I am back.  It's that time of year again:  SXSW madness!  This will be my last SXSW  as a resident of Austin, so I plan on living it up.  Once again, I will be scouring the web for parties and the must-see bands at SXSW 2011.  It's mid-February and the announcements are just starting to trickle in.  SXSW 2011 is upon us! 

Here we go!