Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent (AKA Shovels and Rope) - Gasoline - Shovels and Rope (2011)
- Collaboration of two South Carolina
- Cary Ann Hearst just released her 2nd full length this year, but is best known for the great song 'Hell's Bells'
- Upbeat rootsy, country rock.
Blue Giant – Blue Giant - DayTrotter Session (2011)
- Debut full length
- One of my all-time favorite songs. Granted it's a long list, but this song always makes me happy.
- This is a side project from members of Viva Voce.
MySpace : Amazon : HypeMachine : DayTrotter
Young Circles - Changing - Jungle Habits (2011)
- Debut full length. Also 1 EP out.
- Extremely interesting blend of styles. Freak folk, harder alt-rock, electronic and beat driven.
- I think they are at their best on heavier, more aggressive tracks like this.
Mother Falcon - Fireflies - Alhambra
- Debut full length. Also a Debut EP in 2010.
- Austin
- Incredibly layered orchestral songs.
Megafaun - Everything - Megafaun (2011)
- Forthcoming 4th album
- Rolling gospel feel to this the album closer.
- Members of this act were in DeYarmond Edison with members of Bon Iver.
- Played SXSW
A. A. Bondy – The Heart Is Willing - Believers (2011)
- 3rd album.
- solo debut was American Hearts and out in 2007.
- Former Verbena band member
- tons of praise for this effort so far
- Daytrotter session is excellent.
MySpace : Amazon : HypeMachine : DayTrotter
Strange Markings - While Domini Sleeps - Lightly Asleep EP (2011)
- Debut EP
- LA band that brings forth a pretty entertaining casual and loose style of rock.
Pela - Anytown Graffiti - Anytown Graffiti (2007)
- Only full length release. 2 EPs as well.
- This band consisted of people who now make up We Are Augustines.
We Are Augustines - Juarez - Rise Ye Sunken Ships (2011)
- Debut full length.
- Consists of two remaining members of the band Pela, Billy McCarthy & Eric Sanderson.
- Pela disbanded after McCarthy’s brother committed suicide.
The Pack A.D. - Seasick - Unpersons (2011)
- 3rd album
- Big White Stripes and Kills vibes here.
Grouplove – Cruel And Beautiful World - Never Trust a Happy Song (2011)
- Debut full length.
- Self titled debut EP was out last year and blew me away.
- Modest Mouse and Polyphonic Spree had a baby band… not really, but that’s what this sounds like.
- Big power pop.
- SXSW performer.
MySpace : Amazon : HypeMachine
Hello Echo - Birdbeat - Birdbeat (2011)
- 2nd album. Debut out in 2010.
- pretty straight forward pop rock. Hard not to turn it on and enjoy it.
Man Man – Knuckle Down – Life Fantastic (2011)
- Forthcoming 4th album
- Manic and energetic big band sound.
- I always think they bring the sound and style that Franz Nicolai (formerly of the Hold Steady) is aiming for on his solo work, but never achieves.
- They were great at SXSW!
- Leader of Man Man is also in the collaborative project called Mister Heavenly with folks from Modest Mouse and the Unicorns.
- 2nd full length. Debut was out in 2009, Actor.
- Was a member of Sufjan Steven's backing band along with My Brightest Diamond, arguably two of the biggest breakout female artists of the past couple years.
Cowboy and Indian – Troubled Tracks - Cowboy and Indian (2011)
- Debut full length. One EP out as well, ‘Pony.’
- They can bring an upbeat folk rock sound with male and female lead vocals, but here they showcase a much more restrained folk duet.
- Austin , TX
Wilco – Misunderstood – Being There (1996)
- 2nd album of 8 albums.
- The Whole Love is their 8th and out Sept 27th
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