Tuesday, March 26, 2013

New Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr!


After seeing these guys twice, I am all but certain they put on the funnest live show I've ever seen. I can't wait to see them out here in a month or so and am pretty damn pumped for their much teased new music. Here's our first, very dancy taste...

Monday, March 25, 2013

The U & U Show 312! The Album Flood of '13 Continues...




Har Mar Superstar : Lady, You Shot Me : Bye Bye 17 (2013)
-          5th album.
-          This album is supposed to be more soul infused. That is clear on this track.
-          Short chubby Ron Jeremy look-a-like with an incredible voice and stage presence.
-          Contributed to the Gayngs album, with Justin Vernon among others.



Pickwick : Letterbox : Can’t Talk Medicine (2013)
-          Debut full length
-          This has catapulted itself to the forefront of the best album of ’13 discussion.
-          Tied for my favorite show at SXSW 2013.



Palma Violets : Step Up For The Cool Cats : 180 (2013)
-          Debut album
-          UK band that makes catchy, chuggling anthem rock.
-          SXSW 2013



FIELDED : Eve of a New Moon : Ninety-Thirty-Thirty (2012)
-          2nd album.
-          Lindsay Powell-led project.
-          When the smoky, sultry sax picks up this makes me think of a montage at a serious point in an 80’s crime movie. Beverly Hills Cop came to mind first for some reason.



Lady Lamb the Beekeeper : Mezzanine : Ripely Pine (2013)
-          Debut Studio album
-          5 years of incredible. minor releases on her BandCamp
-          RIYL St. Vincent.
-          One of the rawest, most powerful musicians I've heard in a long time.
-          Aly Spaltro



Waxahatchee : Brother Bryan : Cerulean Salt (2013)
-          2nd full length.
-          Project from Kate Crutchfield.
-          Played an impressive solo set at SXSW.
-          Debut was lo-fi and a rougher DIY style album.



Marnie Stern : Proof of Life : The Chronicles of Marnia (2013)
-          4th album. Out in March 2013
-          Her previous album was a 2010 Best of the U & U.
-          A wild mix of the joyous unpredictability of Ponytail and the harder Yeah Yeah Yeahs tracks.
-          The band I'm most excited to see play SXSW 2013 of the announced acts so far.



Suuns : Edie's Dream : Images Du Futur (2013)
-          2nd album
-          Just released video for this one, 2020.
-          Tied for my favorite show of SXSW 2013.
-          Pronounced like ‘soons.’



Way Yes : Colerain : Tog Pebbles (2013)
-          2nd full length.
-          Debut full length, Walkability, was out in 2012 and featured the amazing track 'Important.'
-          If you like this band look up the Listening Party. Also reminiscent of mellower Yeasayer and Yellow Ostrich.
-          CMJ 2012



Kurt Vile : Never Run Away : Wakin On A Pretty Daze (2013)
-          First single from forthcoming 5th album.
-          This track is a must listen!
-          Former guitarist for the War On Drugs.
-          He said he was inspired by the album Tusk when making this album.



Devendra Banhart : Won't You Come Over : Mala (2013)
-          8th studio album
-          Full Name: Devendra (Hindu god of rain and thunder) Obi (Star Wars inspired) Banhart
-          His solo electric SXSW 2013 set was breathtaking. Charming, funny, delicate, restrained beauty.



Port Isla : Adventurers (single) (2013)
-          One of several singles out and available on their Soundcloud.
-          Vintage folk sound similar to Fleet Foxes, just not quite as layered.



Frightened Rabbit : Late March, Death March : Pedestrian Verse (2013)
-          4th album and first on a major label.
-          Midnight Organ Fight is their best to date.
-          Scottish accent stands out, but there seems to be something more than that to his vocals and make them truly unique.
-          The construct some of the most beautifully powerful and layered indie rock songs I've ever heard.
-          SXSW 2013



The Black Angels : Indigo Meadow : Indigo Meadow (2013)
-          4th album from the ominous psych rockers.
-          Formed in 2004 in Austin, TX
-          One of the greatest and loudest bands I've seen perform.



Thee Oh Sees : Toe Cutter - Thumb Buster : Floating Coffin (2013)
-          Forthcoming 12th-ish album.
-          Their last album, Putrifiers II, was one of 2012’s best.
-          One of the bands leading the west coast’s psych rock movement.
-          This track is a little less manic than most of their material.
-          SXSW 2013



Warm Soda : Busy Lizzy : Someone For You (2013)
-          2nd full length
-          SXSW 2013
-          Project started by Matthew Melton formerly of Bare Wires
-          Very similar vibe to Bare Wires
-          Slogan on BandCamp: 'JUST SAY NO to SXSW 2013' referencing Bare Wires' break up.



The Feeling of Love : I Could Be Better Than You But I Don't Wanna Change : Ty Segall & The Feeling Of Love Tour Split 7" (2012)
-          6 total albums.
-          Aggressive garage rock band from France.



Burnt Ones : Fountain of Youth : You'll Never Walk Alone (2013)
-          2nd album.
-          Debut album, Black Teeth & Golden Tongues, was out in 2010.
-          San Francisco band.



Friday, March 22, 2013

The U & U SXSW 2013 Recap Show!




Songs:Ohia : John Henry Split My Heart : The Magnolia Electric Co. (2003)
-          9th and final Songs:Ohia release before he launched his next band Magnolia Electric Co.
-          Leader Jason Molina died at 39 this past Saturday night (3/17/13) in Indianapolis. He was battling alcoholism for years and it finally was too much.
-          It’s an odd feeling to describe, but he was without question one of my all-time favorites and the person I’ve been the biggest fan of to die.
-          I feel fortunate to have seen him perform.



Pickwick : Well, Well : Can’t Talk Medicine (2013)
-          Debut full length
-          This has catapulted itself to the forefront of the best album of ’13 discussion.
-          Tied for my favorite show at SXSW 2013.



Suuns : Mirror Mirror : Images Du Futur (2013)
-          2nd album
-          Just released video for this one, 2020.
-          Tied for my favorite show of SXSW 2013.
-          Pronounced like ‘soons.’



Devendra Banhart : Golden Girls : Mala (2013)
-       8th studio album
-       Full Name: Devendra (Hindu god of rain and thunder) Obi (Star Wars inspired) Banhart
-       His solo electric SXSW 2013 set was breathtaking. Charming, funny, delicate, restrained beauty.



Diamond Rings : Mellow Doubt (Teenage Fanclub Cover) : You & Me b/w Mellow Doubt (single) (2011)
-       B-side of a single off his debut album, Special Affections.
-       2nd album was 2012’s Free Dimensional and much more beat driven and dance.
-       Powerful solo acoustic performance at SXSW 2013.


Hiss Golden Messenger : Red Rose Nantahala (Live) (2012)
-          Unreleased track recorded at a festival in late 2012.
-          Provided a perfect solo acoustic set on the back patio on a sunny afternoon at SXSW 2013
-          His album Poor Moon is a highlight of 2012.



Marnie Stern : Nothing Is Easy : The Chronicles of Marnia (2013)
-          4th album. Out in March 2013
-          Her previous album was a 2010 Best of the U & U.
-          A wild mix of the joyous unpredictability of Ponytail and the harder Yeah Yeah Yeahs tracks.
-          The band I'm most excited to see play SXSW 2013 of the announced acts so far.



Phosphorescent : Ride On, Right On : Muchacho (2013)
-          6th album
-          Singer/songwriter alias for Matthew Houck.



Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Down : We Don't Call : We The Common (2013)
-       4th album. Also one collab album with Mirah called Thao & Mirah.
-       if you are unfamiliar with Thao you need to correctly that quickly
-       If she ever were to propose to me, I would say yes.
-       SXSW 2013



You Won’t : Three Car Garage : Skeptic Goodbye (2012)
-          Debut album.
-          Liked them at CMJ. LOVED them at SXSW.



Nick Cave : Wild Lovely Eyes : Push Away the Sky (2013)
-          15th studio album
-          Most recent was 2008’s ‘Dig, Lazarus! Dig!!!’ and then his two Grinderman albums.
-          Like a few artists out there, like Lou Reed and Tom Waits, he has a huge cult following and a unique/distinct sound.
-          SXSW 2013



Cloud Cult : You’re the Only Thing In Your Way : Love (2013)
-       10th album
-       Led by environmentalist Craig Minowa
-       'Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus' was their 6th and best album.
-       I reference this band a lot when talking about newer bands taking on this style because these guys are so good at it!



Youth Lagoon : Pelican Man : Wondrous Bughouse (2013)
-          2nd full length
-          Lusher, wilder, trippier follow up to their understated debut.



Turf War : Ain’t Living Long Like This (Waylon Jennings cover) : Turf War Plays the Hits (2013)
-          EP of covers
-          Favorite band of SXSW 2012



Sunday, March 10, 2013

The U & U's 10 SXSW 2013 Bands You Need To Know


So, there are a ton of people that are telling you the bands you need to know now at Sx '13 before it's too late and their tickets skyrocket... Allow me to add to that overpowering din. These are bands that I think are most poised for big things, or even if they're not, they're ones you'll enjoy the crap out of...

Pickwick : Album's on its way and it is tremendous. This is one of many highlights including the 'Lady Luck' cover.



Fletcher C. Johnson : His debut full length was out last year and garnered a ton of praise from the few who got their hands on it.





Dune Rats : These guys were the most energetic, fun band I took in at CMJ 2012. I can't wait to see and hear more from them. Australian FIDLAR? 



Burnt Ones : I find it pretty much impossible to not love this warm fuzzy sound. 



Night Beds : Does the Jagjaguwar group ever disappoint? No. That's one hard and fast rule I am certain of...



Holy Esque : This is one band that I can't say I have seen get pub anywhere... at all... that's gonna change...



Palma Violets : This is another outfit, like Holy Esque, that I just stumbled onto by thumbing through the SXSW band list. It is ALWAYS a rewarding project.



Suuns : They just put out their 2nd album, but damn! It's hard to pull yourself away from it... no matter what those assholes as Pitchfork say. Jagjaguwar again...



Bad Cop : I was only somewhat sold on these guys, that was until I heard the following song/video. More please.



FIDLAR : They have already started to break out, but if you are late, climb about this wonderfully enjoyable group's bandwagon of slackerdom.



Honorable Mentions

UFO Club, Shark Week, Warm Soda, Little Green Cars, Gap Dream and Gold & Youth.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The U & U Show 310! SXSW 2013 Preview #5!




Dune Rats : Red Light, Green Light (2013)
-          Latest single.
-          2 EPs and 2 Singles out so far.
-          Sloppy garage, REM-leaning act starting to carve out a name for themselves in a similar way as FIDLAR.
-          Tied for best act of CMJ 2012 with the Grizzled Mighty
-          SXSW 2013



Youth Lagoon : Mute : Wondrous Bughouse (2013)
-          2nd album.
-          Trevor Powers recorded the debut at 20 yrs old
-          Beachy (at times), spacey indie pop.
-          SXSW 2013



Suuns : 2020 : Images Du Futur (2013)
-          2nd album
-          Just released video for this one, 2020.
-          Experiment, engrossing prog rock band from Montreal.
-          SXSW 2013



The UFO Club : July : The UFO Club (2012)
-          Debut LP from collaboration between The Black Angels and Night Beats.
-          Great dark psych rock… not a surprise considering the band's family tree.



Savages : Husbands : Flying To Berlin/Husbands (single) (2012)
-          Debut single.
-          One of the most buzzed about bands at CMJ 2012.
-          All female post-punk rock from the UK
-          SXSW 2013



Lady Lamb the Beekeeper : Penny Licks : Mammoth Swoon (2010)
-          4th of 5 minor releases.
-          Just released her tremendous studio debut in Feb 2013.



Diamond Rings : All Yr Songs : Special Affections (2010)
-          debut release. 2nd album was out in 2012.
-          Solo project from John O'Regan, the lead singer of the D'Urbervilles (they have a fantastic cover of Timber Timbre's 'Magic Arrow'!)
-          Reminds me a lot of the leading indie pop bands... Belle & Sebastian, Bishop Allen, Etc.
-          Don't watch the video for this song...



The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! : Snowday : I Love You! I Love You! I Love You and I’m In Love With You! Have an Awesome Day! Have the Best Day of Your Life!! (2010)
-          Debut album
-          Self described as 'like a band meets gym class meets group therapy'
-          Quirky, eclectic. catchy, charming upbeat pop.
-          SXSW 2013



Josh Ritter : New Lover : The Beast In Its Tracks (2013)
-          7th album
-          By far the happiest, most grateful for the moment they're in musician I've ever seen perfom.
-          One musician that's been going strong for the entirety of my adult life and a constant on the U & U though out.
-          SXSW 2013



Pickwick : Blackout : Myths Vol. 3 (2011)
-          One of their earlier EPs.
-          Readying their full length this year.
-          Seattle band.
-          These guys will be one of the biggest bands to break out this year.
-          RIYL Cold War Kids
-          SXSW 2013



My Jerusalem : Sweet Chariot : Gone For Good (2010)
-          debut full length. 2nd full length out in 2012.
-          Members of The Twilight Singers, Great Northern and Polyphonic Spree.
-          made a big impression at SXSW
-          This was their first single and was released like over a year ago! Time to revisit and remember why the anticipation was so massive for this record.
-          SXSW 2013



You Won't : Who Knew : Skeptic Goodbye (2012)
-          Debut album
-          One of 2012's best albums.
-          SXSW 2013



The Zombies : This Will Be Our Year : Odessey and Oracle (1968)
-          2nd album of 5 total.
-          Very successful, though short-lived run in the late 60's
-          SXSW 2013



The Memories : I’m Easy : Rainy Day Tape (2013)
-           
-          Very intriguing band just added to SXSW 2013.
-          Lo-fi glam/big beat  vintage rock.
-          Most of their songs clock in under 2 minutes



Japandroids : Crazy/Forever : Post-Nothing (2009)
-          Debut full length.
-          2nd album, Celebration Rock was one of 2012's best.
-          raucous anthem-filled post punk rock.
-          huge energy and distortion. You’ll want to see this song live and as loud as possible.
-          SXSW 2013