LCD Soundsystem: American Dream

Now that we have Amazon Music streaming we haven't been buying as many CDs.  Harder to share so instead I'm going to try posting albums I like here so you can take a listen.  First is pretty obvious but I wanted to post this song that's further down the tracklist.  Really good.  It's the one that got Rae spontaneously dancing on Labor Day Weekend.

how do you sleep?



Whole album:

ACL 2017: Playlist

Here's a playlist of most of the newer bands that I liked.  Easier than going back to all the individual posts to discover what you want to see.

ACL 2017

ACL 2017: Badbadnotgood

Sunday at 6:15pm.  Time to wrap this up.  I guess Head and the Heart is our option at this time.  This band out of Toronto got popular making jazz-influenced covers of hip-hop songs.  Pitchfork called them a hip-hop jam band.  A quirky concept that may be interesting to see live.

This song is more R&B/lounge music and was the best one I heard.  That and "Chompy's Paradise".

Time Moves Slowly

ACL 2017: White Reaper

Sunday at 5:15pm.  First Aid Kit is at this time so that's my first choice.  The other options are an electronic duo from Chicago (Louis the Kid) and rock band The Growlers.  Their last album was produced by Julian Casablancas and is on his record label.  I'd preview a song I liked but couldn't find one.  The singer's voice does have a Strokes feel to it.

This band is out of Louisville, KY.  Old-school 70/80s rock in the style of old Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy.  The reviews say they are great live so it may be worth catching a little of their set.  We can pretend we're back at Astroworld.

"Little Silver Cross" is a total throwback but pretty damn good.

Edit: so now I've listened to their whole album, "The World's Best American Band".  I think this is my first choice now. 

Judy French

ACL 2017: Milky Chance

Sunday at 4:15pm.  Another time slot with little to get excited about.  There's a rapper, a reggae band from one of Bob Marley's grandsons, and this band out of Germany.  They were here in 2015 for SXSW and I previewed their two hit songs.

Mellow pop.  Has a reggae/folk feel.  Not really what I listen to but this song has a nice acoustic guitar solo in it that's cool.  It's off their new album that just came out.

Good late afternoon festival music I guess.

Firebird

ACL 2017: Songhoy Blues

Sunday at 3:15pm.  The time slot before this has Rainbow Kitten Surprise, rapper Danny Brown, and Jamaican reggae band Raging Fyah.  I listened to the others and RKS is our obvious choice.

This time slot has Whitney who is my first choice.  This is a band out of Mali that plays "desert punk/blues" music.  David Byrne would love them.  Reminds me of "Remain in Light".  "Yersi Yadda" uses Jerry Harrison's guitar sound throughout.

The other choices at this time are BROODS, who played ACL in 2014.  I don't remember much about them.  The last choice is another pop-country band out of Nashville, the Brothers Osborne.  Whitney it is.

Bamako

ACL 2017: Jamila Woods

Sunday at 1:30pm in the tent.  More soul/R&B out of Chicago.  Her first album was ranked 36th best of 2016 by Pitchfork.  A Brown University graduate, she has collaborated with Chance the Rapper and is also an accomplished poet.

The fifth option in this slot is Tucker Beathard, a pop-country singer.  I'll spare you having to listen to him.

"Way Up" is a good song. Sad but Pitchfork describes it well: "protest music that sounds like a children’s playground".

Holy

ACL 2017: Sam Dew

Sunday at 1:15pm.  One more act we won't get to see unless we catch one song from each band playing at this time.  He's a singer-songwriter out of Chicago that has written for Rihanna, Mary J Blige, and even Taylor Swift.  He's signed to RCA Records and his first album was produced by the prolific Dave Sitek of TVOTR. "Runner" has their style.

R&B/Soul.  He does an extended soulful cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me".

Remember

ACL 2017: Day Wave

Sunday at 1:15pm.  Once again we go from mediocre choices in one time slot to multiple conflicts in the next.  ACL has booked 5 bands to play at 1:15.  The first choice is Middle Kids but this band is damn good, too.

The moniker of Bay Area-raised, Berklee College of Music schooled Jackson Phillips, Day Wave has been embraced by KCRW and Morning Becomes Eclectic.  He has toured with Blonde Redhead and is signed to Harvest Records which includes TVOTR.  His first album just came out.  I like it.  Here's the whole thing.

He's compared to Real Estate and DIIV.  Right up my alley.  Conflicts.

Drag

ACL 2017: Midland

Sunday at 12:30pm.  Country music from Dripping Springs.  Well, kind of.  One of the blogs I follow that covers non-mainstream country ripped into these guys good in "The Midland Authenticity Dilemma".  He basically calls them out as poseurs.

Wikipedia compares them to George Strait mixed with the Eagles.  Ok.

Drinking Problem

ACL 2017: Deep Vally

Sunday at 12:30pm.  This is a female duo out of L.A.  Basically White Stripes mixed with old Black Keys, especially on "Royal Jelly".  Only so much you can do with just a guitar and drums.

This was probably the best song I heard.  It has Courtney Barnett sound and lyrical similarities.

Smile More

ACL 2017: Bibi Bourelly

Sunday at 12:30pm.  Three distinct choices at this time.  First is R&B from a 21 year-old singer/songwriter that was born in Berlin but raised in Maryland.  She has written hits for Rihanna and is now on her own.  I listened to a few songs and this was my favorite.  Would fit right in on the "Insecure" soundtrack.

Ballin

ACL 2017: Tank and the Bangas

Sunday at 11:45am.  The last choice at this time is this band out of New Orleans.  They won the NPR Tiny Desk Concert competition for 2017 with this song.

Their sound is described as a "lively fusion of funk, soul, hip hop, rock, and spoken word."

"Quick" is their big song right now thanks to NPR.  This one is more mellow and was on their last album.

Oh Heart

ACL 2017: Okey Dokey

Sunday at 11:45am.  Psychedelic soul from this duo out of Nashville.  It's a "supergroup" of sorts as members of Bully, Wild Child, Weeks, and Rayland Baxter rotate in and out for recording and performing.

A nice chill sound.  Good for first thing in the morning.  Nothing spectacular but the song below and "Hurts to Be You" are good.

Always Never

ACL 2017: Pell

Sunday at 11:45am.  Another option is this rapper (Jared Pellerin) that moved from New Orleans to Jackson, MS at 14 because of Katrina.  This is the one of his newest songs.  His first album in 2015, "Limbo", was produced by Dave Sitek of TVOTR.  It definitely has their sound.  Check out the chorus on "Monday Morning" or "Cafe du Monde".

The online comparisons are to Chance the Rapper and Childish Gambino. 

Late at Night

ACL 2017: Amy Shark

Sunday at 11:45am.  The early hours of Sunday have a lot of bands I don't know.  Time to listen and see what is worth checking out.

First up is this singer/songwriter out of the Gold Coast in Australia.  Apparently Lena Dunham is a huge fan.  Indie pop.  Here's a story about her "overnight" success. She reminds me of Sinead O'Connor, especially on "Weekends".

Adore

ACL 2017: Tove Lo

Saturday at 7pm.  Spoon is playing at this time so that's probably my first choice.  I previewed this singer from Sweden in 2014 for SXSW.  Since then she has gotten positive reviews from Pitchfork and was nominated for a Grammy for a song she wrote for Ellie Goulding.

Vogue said,  "Not since fellow Swede Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” has a song about loneliness and heartbreak been the catalyst for euphoria on the dance floor" about her song "Habits".  Rolling Stone called her "Sweden's Darkest Pop Export."

She cites Lykke Li and Robyn as influences.  She released the album "Lady Wood" last year along with a video of the album that is, shall we say, extremely erotic.

This song is inspired by the "Cool Girl" monologue in "Gone Girl".  The Pitchfork review deconstructs it pretty well.

Cool Girl

ACL 2017: Karen Elson

Saturday at 5pm.  The last option at this time on the BMI stage is Jack White's ex-wife.  A true renaissance woman here.  Model, musician, singer, activist, mother.  Her ACL bio and Wikipedia put her in the center of the fashion and music world.  The high-powered talent that helped on her latest album is impressive.  To drop a few names: Josh Tillman, Patrick Carney, Laura Marling.

She's opened for Neko Case, played with Cat Power and Micheal Stipe, and sung with Robert Plant.  Enough name dropping.  I could go on and on.

The chorus to this has a Band of Horses sound to it.

Call Your Name

ACL 2017: Russ

Saturday at 5pm.  Angel Olsen plays at this time.  She's probably my first choice.  The Black Angels also play but I don't think they're your cup of tea.  Another option is this hip-hop artist out of Atlanta.

Nice sound.  The interesting fact is that he produces, mixes, masters, engineers, writes, and performs all of his music by himself.  Shades of Prince.

More mellow hip-hop/R&B.

Losin Control

ACL 2017: Cody Jinks

Saturday at 4pm.  Our choices at this time are Live ("I Alone". Old school), Nick Hakim (I previewed him for SXSW and saw him at Blackheart.  He was ok.) and this country singer from Haltom City (next to Keller).

Other tidbits:
1. Before going country he was in a thrash metal band. 
2. He opened for Sturgill Simpson on his 2015 tour (though not for the show we saw at Stubbs). 
3. He and Paul Cauthen did a cover of "Black Hole Sun" as a tribute to Chris Cornell. 
4. They also covered "Luckenbach, TX".  Since he's also at ACL perhaps they'll join up on stage.

Rolling Stone has a good article and interview with him.  Compares his outsider country status to Sturgill and Jason Isbell.

This is a pretty good song.

Loud and Heavy

ACL 2017: Dreamcar

Saturday at 3pm.  For informational purposes only.  Benjamin Booker is first choice, Tash Sultana is 2nd, this would be third.  The fourth option is a band called Dreamers out of L.A. that sounded like Fun. -2.  I couldn't get through the first song.

This is a supergroup made up of all the members of No Doubt except Gwen Stefani and the singer of AFI.  They play 80s style music in the vein of Duran Duran, The Cure, and Echo and the Bunnymen.  A good choice if we want to dance I guess.

This has a cool Peter Hook'ish bassline but that's the extent of any New Order similarities.

Kill for Candy

ACL 2017: Tash Sultana

Saturday at 3pm.  The 2pm slot has Car Seat Headrest and Parker Millsap as choices.  We saw a little of Parker Millsap when he played the tent in 2014.  He's back in the tent.  I'm leaning toward Car Seat Headrest.

3pm  has Benjamin Booker so I assume that's your choice.  This is a 21 year-old out of Melbourne that has become hugely popular in Australia based on a single EP.  She hasn't released an album yet.  I like the songs I've heard.  Nice mellow Jack Johnson kind-of vibe but female.

She's a one-woman band.  Here's the video of her in action.  4M views!  She's also done an NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

Jungle


Another song on Amazon:

Notion

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ACL 2017: Grace VanderWaal

Saturday at 1pm.  I keep saying the bands are getting younger but this is a record.  I can't remember a 13 year-old playing ACL on a main stage before: she's playing the same stage that Lorde played. (Old RetailMeNot stage)  She won "America's Got Talent" and apparently has a huge online following.  When I searched on Amazon and typed "Grace" she was the first result, above "Graceland" and Grace Potter.  Ok.

Here's her new single which is more poppy than her older stuff.  Back in her younger days.  Ukelele is her signature instrument.

If we go see her we'll have a great view over her audience.

Moonlight

ACL 2017: Striking Matches

Saturday at 1pm.  This is a duo out of Nashville that has had nine of their songs performed on the TV show "Nashville".  Their album was produced by T Bone Burnett and they were picked "International Act of the Year" by the British Country Music Association.

Americana/country.  Wikipedia says they're a countrified Civil Wars. "Nothing But the Silence" fits that description.

A good choice for the old-school ACL/Sun Radio crowd.

When the Right One Comes Along

ACL 2017: Allan Rayman

Saturday at 1pm.  This is an R&B singer now in Toronto that purposely avoids any media coverage.  Lots of mystery surrounding who is and and what he's about.  Great strategy: he's going for the anti-marketing dollar.  Very smart.  That's a big market.  (HT Bill Hicks)

Not much online but one review of his live show said: "You NEED to see Allan Rayman and experience his music in a live setting. "  He's in the tent so it should have good sound.

"Tennessee" is his big song.  This one is interesting.  Nice beats.

27

ACL 2017: Mondo Cozmo

Saturday at 1pm.  I previewed this guy during SXSW.  He's ok.  Reminds me of "Rattle and Hum" era U2.  Some Oasis in there, especially on "Shine".  Of course, they're both following the Beatles and Dylan.  As does he.


Come With Me

ACL 2017: Pumarosa

Saturday at 1:00pm.  A few choices at this time.  First up is a band out of London signed to Universal Music.  Their debut album came out in May and is getting great reviews.  It reminds me of Siouxsie/The Motels/Foals/War on Drugs.  All right in my wheelhouse.  I really like what I've heard.  Their album isn't on Amazon yet the whole thing is on Soundcloud.  Strange.

I haven't listened to the other options but this is looking really good.  "Priestess" is the one that feels like Foals.

Dragonfly

ACL 2017: Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real

Friday at 5:15pm.  I skipped over this since we saw him in 2014 at the Heartbreaker Banquet and weren't too impressed.  We need to re-evaluate that opinion given his new album, which just came out.  While he was trying too hard to be a rock star then he has changed course and has put out a damn good album.  I recommend the whole thing.  It's getting positive reviews, too.

This is a good song. 

Just Outside of Austin

ACL 2017: MISSIO

Saturday at 12:15pm.  This is probably my choice.  Paul Cauthen, formerly of Sons of Fathers, is playing the tent but you thought he was too country when I posted about him for SXSW.  I wouldn't mind checking out a little of both of these.

This is a duo out of Austin that signed to RCA Records based on the success of this song.  I listened to a few other songs and am still undecided.  I hear a Nine Inch Nails influence but I think I've outgrown this style.  "Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea" is good, though. 


Middle Fingers

ACL 2017: Billy Raffoul

Saturday at 12:15pm.  The lull after the storm.  Not much sticking out during this time slot.  This is a singer-songwriter out of Canada that is signed to Interscope Records.  His press materials compare him to Jeff Buckley, Neil Young, and Joe Cocker.  Seems they're targeting the young female millennial with an earnest guitar-playing outsider.

There are only two songs listed: this anthemic song and a heartfelt love song about a bad boy that is trying to win back the girl he loves called "Dark Four Door".  Swoon.

Driver

ACL 2017: Blackfoot Gypsies

Saturday at 11:30am.  From Yard Dog to ACL.  We know these guys put on a hell of a show so this is most likely the choice.  Hopefully the singer won't be too hungover this early like during SXSW.  That didn't slow him down, though.

The other option is local band Tomar and the FCs who will also be rocking.

Under My Skin

ACL 2017: Ought

Saturday at 11:30am.  This is the indie hipster choice.  It's a band out of Montreal that plays post-punk/alternative rock.  Carol likes them and I think she said she saw them in Amsterdam.  Reminds me of Television mixed with Wall of Voodoo.  His voice is very similar to Stan Ridgway's.  "The Weather Song" has gotten some airplay.

Beautiful Blue Sky

ACL 2017: Xavier Omär

Saturday at 11:30am.  Another day, another series of conflicts in the morning.  Another reason to start early and leave early.  There are four good options at this time.  First is this singer from San Antonio.  Smooth soul.  He also played Lollapalooza.  "Afraid" is good.

Blind Man

ACL 2017: Solange

Friday at 7:15pm.  Since we're seeing Ryan Adams the week before at Stubb's we could check out Solange on the new Barton Springs stage across the road.  The sound should be good as it's far from the other stages.  That's good because she is mellow.  Not what I expected.

As you know I don't have eclectic taste so only know Solange as Beyonce's sister.  However, her last album was picked #1 in 2016 by Pitchfork.  Plus, it was produced by Raphael Saadiq who also coordinates music for "Insecure".  Given that I thought I'd give it a try and have listened to the album a couple times.  It's nice.  Mellow neo-soul.  Great for a road trip or chilling out.  I wouldn't mind checking her out.

Here's the album if you want to listen.

I like this song.  "Don't Touch My Hair" is good, too.

Don't Wish Me Well

ACL 2017: The Revivalists

Friday at 6:15pm.  The other option is this band out of New Orleans.  They're described as roots rock/jam band/indie rock.  Comparisons are to Dave Matthews Band and O.A.R.  Their hit getting airplay is "Wish I Knew You." 

This song reminds me a little of Citizen Cope and was on World Cafe. I like it.

Upright

ACL 2017: Bonobo (Live)

Friday at 6:15pm.  This is a nice surprise.  I was expecting another techno DJ.  It's the moniker of Simon Green, a musician/DJ/producer out of Brighton, England.  He actually tours with a live band composed of a singer, keyboardist, guitarist, saxophonist, string section, synth, and drummer. (hence the Live in the band name).  He plays downtempo instrumentals.  They're playing in the tent so if we just want to chill and catch a mellow show this could be nice.  Much better than Foster the People. "Black Sands" is a pretty song.

Kerala

ACL 2017: Ten Fé

Friday at 5:15pm.  This is probably my choice.  It is a duo out of London.  The other options are Lukas Nelson and Eagles of Death Metal.

Soft rock/yacht rock.  Nothing groundbreaking but it's a nice sound.  This song reminds me of Fleetwood Mac mixed with Chris Isaac.  "Follow" is a nice song, too.

Turn

ACL 2017: Skepta

Friday at 5:15pm.  This isn't really our thing but it makes me realize how out of touch I am.  This is the moniker of Joseph Junior Adenuga, an artist/rapper/songwriter/producer out of Tottenham in London.  His album won the Mercury Prize in 2016, beating out such unknowns as David Bowie and Radiohead.  Nike has collaborated with him to create his own shoe and Mick Jagger recorded a song with him.  He is listed as one of the most influential people in the U.K.

This is a more mellow song.

Ladies Hit Squad

ACL 2017: Vulfpeck

Friday at 4:15.  The dancing is starting earlier this year.  At this time we have Crystal Castles, who played in 2012 and you didn't like.   "Vanished" isn't bad, though.  Another option is producer/DJ Big Wild.  He plays mellow dance stuff.  "I Just Wanna" is a good representation of his style.

My choice is this band originally out of Michigan that is now in L.A.  They've been around since 2011 but this is the first I've heard of them.  They play old-school funk and soul. For the soul check out "Wait for the Moment".  For funk check out:


Back Pocket

ACL 2017: Two Feet

Friday at 3:15pm.  ACL announced the new layout of the stages and there are some changes.  The small BMI stage was moved to where we saw Lewis Del Mar and that big stage has moved across Barton Springs Rd. to where the Box Office used to be.  The road is now actually part of the festival grounds and there are entrances at both ends of it.  We'll be walking a lot more now.

This time slot has The Lemon Twigs, who could be interesting and fun, Deer Tick Hamilton Leithauser, James Vincent McMorrow, and this artist from New York.  He has a couple EPs out but has played Bonnaroo and now ACL.  He's on the newly configured BMI stage.

He reminds me of Alt-J.  I like what I've heard.  "Her Life" reminds me of Lewis del Mar.

For some reason this song is labeled Explicit.

Go Fuck Yourself

ACL 2017: Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness

Friday at 2:15pm.  This time slot has Valerie June in the tent.  We saw her in 2013 on the BMI stage.  It's her, O.A.R., or this guy.  More pop for the kids.  I blame Fun.  Another time slot with few alternatives.

Cecilia and the Satellite

ACL 2017: Nightly

Friday at 1:15pm.  This is an alt-pop band originally from Philadelphia but now out of Nashville that is signed to Interscope Records.  A little poppy for my taste.  I'm sure they'll be a hit with the kids.  "Honest" isn't bad.

The Band of Heathens play the tent at 1:30 so we've got that as an option, too.

XO

ACL 2017: MUNA

Friday at 1:15pm.  "Dark pop" from a female trio out of L.A.  Most of the songs I've listened to are too poppy for me but these songs are a little more mellow.  They identify as queer and avoid gender-based pronouns in their songs.  That's what Wikipedia says.  They've been opening for Harry Styles on tour (former One Direction member.  Kate's favorite band.)

If U Love Me Now


Winterbreak

ACL 2017: (Sandy) Alex G

Friday at 1:15.  The 12:30 time slot has Dale and Ray (collaboration between Dale Watson and Ray Benson) and Ron Gallo. I'll skip previews for those.  The next slot has a few options.  One is a band called COIN out of Nashville that is New Wave pop.  I listened to one song and couldn't finish it.

This is Alexander Giannascoli, a singer-songwriter out of Philadelphia.  Pitchfork compared him to Elliot Smith and really liked his album.  Could be worth checking out.  Americana/folk sound.

Powerful Man


Here's a video for "Bobby"

Proud

ACL 2017: Liz Cooper and The Stampedes

Friday at 11:45am.  Playing the BMI stage is this band out of Nashville.  Four options at this time and they all sound good to me.  It would be nice if ACL spaced out the similar genres instead of booking them all at the same time.  There are going to be time slots with no good options for us while this time has four. 

Motions

ACL 2017: Annabelle Chairlegs

Friday at 11:45am.  Another option at this time is a band originally from Sante Fe that relocated to Austin.  Psychedelic folk.  Mellow.  Nice. I like what I've heard.  They play Saturday, September 2nd at Hotel Vegas.  Same night as My Jerusalem.

Pipeline

ACL 2017: Twelve'len

Friday at 11:45am.  This is a singer out of Florida that cites Marvin Gaye and Al Green as his influences.  Not bad.  He only has a couple songs out but was booked for ACL.  Must mean something.

Human Gods is on Amazon and it's pretty good.  Definitely hear the Marvin Gaye influence on it.

Star Dust

ACL 2017: Welles

Friday at 11:45am

As you know, the schedules are out.  Just a quick look and I realize there are a lot of bands I've never heard of.  Either I'm out of touch or ACL just keeps finding newer, non-popular (yet) acts they don't have to pay much.  Hopefully after I get through the previews we'll find some bands worth checking out.  Right now there's not much I see that sticks out.

First up is the moniker of Jehsea Welles (yes, that is supposedly his name).  He's originally from Arkansas (who from Arkansas would pick Jehsea as a name?) but now resides in Nashville.  He played Bonnaroo and now plays ACL.

This is his first single.  It has that John Lennon feel.  I listened to a couple other songs and like his sound.  Nice mellow start to the day.

Life Like Mine

Video

Japanese Breakfast

Here's another album while we wait for the ACL lineups to come out.  I'll wait until the time slots are announced before getting started unless they take forever and we start running out of time.

This is the moniker of Michelle Zauner who spent some time in bands in Philadelphia before returning home to Eugene, Oregon to care for her mother.  While there she recorded her own music and released an album.  She was signed by Dead Oceans for this her second album.  It's getting great reviews.

I like the 1st half of the album but the 2nd half kind of slows down.  The first song reminds me of War on Drugs.

She's playing Barracuda on Friday September 15th.  Probably won't go on until midnight or later.

Here's the album on Amazon



Road Head

RIPS

Hearya, a blog I follow, reviewed the debut album of this Brooklyn band and gave it thumbs up so I gave it a listen.  I like it.  Mellow guitar sounds like old REM, Modern Lovers, and Real Estate. The song attached has a Joy Division sound to it.  Good stuff.

They are on a limited tour and Austin is one of their stops  They'll be at Cheer Up Charlie's this Wednesday.  Lots of music that day.


Here is the album on Amazon


Save Room

Kelly Lee Owens

I really like this debut album from Kelly Lee Owens out of Wales.  Best I've heard this year.  Gorilla vs. Bear listed it as one of the top albums of the year (so far) so I decided to give it a listen.  Probably a little electronic for you but it's a nice mellow sound.  She's out on tour but I don't see any Austin dates as of yet.

Album on Amazon

Lucid on Youtube

SXSW 2017: Recap

I think this covers it.

Tues 3/14
@Dogwood
The Mastersons
Band of Heathens
Major and the Monbacks

Wed 3/15
@Blackheart
Oliver John-Rodgers
Blank Range
Allison Pierce
Dams of the West
Linying
Nick Hakim
Sykes
The Secret Sisters

@Latitude 30 (British Music Embassy)
Let's Eat Grandma
Mt. Wolf
Flamingods (briefly)

@Shiner's
Wild (end)
Run River North

@Austin Taco at Hilton
PAVVLA

@Hilton
Molly Burch (end)

Thurs 3/16
@GSD&M
Lillie Mae
Lizzo

@Waterloo
Real Estate

@Whole Foods
Darling West
YOUNGR
The Aces

@Gingerman
Juanita Stein
She Devils
Hand Habits

Friday 3/17
@Weather Up
Madeline Kenney
QTY
Hoops
Teen Daze (partial)
Yoke Lore
L.A. Salami
Undercover Dream Lovers
Big Thief
Future Generations
Mobley
Calliope Musicals
Born Cages
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Overcoats (partial)
Horse Thief
Nicole Atkins

@Town Lake trail across from Auditorium Shores
Prince Tribute

Saturday 3/18
@Woodrows
Jared and the Mill

@Threadgills
Kinky Friedman (end)
Whitney Rose (partial)
Blackfoot Gypsies
Shinyribs (partial)
Sunny Sweeney
Ray Wylie Hubbard

@Hyatt
Michigan Rattlers

SXSW 2017: Michigan Rattlers

I thought I had posted this band already.  It's a duo originally from Michigan that is now in L.A.  I like their sound.  Americana/country.  His voice reminds me of a young Uncle Tupelo-era Jay Farrar, especially on "Brutus Road".

They're playing quite a few shows this week.  They're playing Shiner's Saloon at 4pm on Wednesday if you can get out of work that early.  Otherwise we could try Friday at 7pm at the Hilton.  They're also playing Saturday at 6pm at the Hyatt.

My thought on Friday is stay on the east side for the Frontgate and Weather Up parties.  Then we can venture back through town and stop if we want to see more.

Last Week

SXSW 2017: Jamila Woods

The other option after GSD&M on Thursday is to head over to the French Legation Museum for the Pitchfork party.  That afternoon is a full slate of female-fronted bands.  The line to get in could be long by that time, though.


5:00 p.m. Hurray for the Riff Raff
4:30 p.m. Lydia Ainsworth
4:00 p.m. Noname
3:30 p.m. Jay Som
3:00 p.m. Jamila Woods
2:30 p.m. Vagabon

This is a Chicago-based singer that Pitchfork loves.

LSD

SXSW 2017: Kučka

Thursday may be a good day to stay around West 6th/Downtown.  We can do the ACL Bloody Mary Morning, then maybe go see Real Estate at Waterloo at 2pm.  Brew Exchange came out with their schedules and I don't see much on Thursday unfortunately.  This is the best I heard.  It's the moniker of Laura Jane Lowther out of Perth, Australia.

Nice mellow R&B sound.  She plays at 2:30pm at Brew Exchange.  My thoughts are to go to Gingerman after this.  I'd like to see Jessica Stein there at 4:30.

Unconditional

SXSW 2017: Linying

Time to make plans for each day.  First up is Wednesday.  I'm not too impressed with Lambert's so I see two options.  My first choice is the Blackheart.  Second choice is SXSanJose.  It's a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood and Whole Women's Health and is an all-female lineup.

This singer from Singapore has big label backing in Universal and Nettwerk Music Group.  She plays at 1:30pm at Blackheart.

My thought is to spend Wednesday around Rainey.

Alpine

SXSW 2017: Colter Wall

This 21 year-old country singer from Saskatchewan is about to be big.  Even "Rolling Stone" is talking about him.  His next album was produced by Dave Cobb and is coming out soon.

He'll be at the Bloody Mary Morning party, Willie's Luck Reunion, Spoon's Friday showcase at the old Emo's, and the Yeti flagship on Thursday.  All the high profile gigs.  Those are just the day parties.

This song was on the soundtrack to "Hell or High Water" and is from his first album.  Here it is on Amazon Music.

He's got the Johnny Cash voice going for him.

Sleeping on the Blacktop

SXSW 2017: Paul Cauthen

Lambert's lineup is out.  The first name on the list is probably the one playing at noon.  He was in Sons of Fathers, who we saw in the chapel at Willie's picnic in 2014.  I really liked them but they broke up soon after that.  Now he's solo and apparently his first album is getting lots of praise.

Very country.  "Saddle" is pretty good.

Still Drivin'

SXSW 2017: OJR

Still nothing for the Lambert's day party on Wednesday.  Plan B could be Blackheart.  The first act on the bill at 11:30am is Oliver John-Rodgers aka OJR, a singer-songwriter originally from Virginia but now in Nashville.  World Cafe highlighted him and he's playing Friday at 8am for the KUTX Live at the Four Seasons as well.  World Cafe says "The music on his stylistically diverse new album, Nashville Demos, ranges from grunge to alt-country."

Numb

SXSW 2017: Gibbz

Here's another band playing at the Frontgate party.  It's the moniker of Mike Gibney out of Brooklyn. He's already played Coachella and Bonnaroo and is preparing the release of his next album.


This has a little LCD Soundsystem in it.  His stuff is more soul/electro-pop, though.

Bright Lights

SXSW 2017: Khruangbin

I just found the Frontgate party invite.  Here's the band list:

SOHN
Youngr
Khruangbin
Gibbz
Gabriel Garzón-Montano
In The Valley Below
Sad13
Alchemist Prime

This band is a trio out of Houston that has been booked to play Bonnaroo.  The Guardian and Vice both really like them.

Nice sound. "People Everywhere" is worth a listen.  This video for "A Calf Born in Winter" is worth checking out, too.

Two Fish and an Elephant

SXSW 2017: Durand Jones and the Indications

Old school soul from this trio out of Indiana.  They are playing Waterloo on Thursday at 5pm.  Chastity Belt plays after them at 6pm.  They are also playing at Whole Foods on Thursday but those times haven't been announced yet.


Smile

SXSW 2017: Chastity Belt

KEXP posts about this band as they're from Washington state but I assumed they were garage punk and never gave them a listen.  I was wrong.  More mellow guitar like Real Estate.  "Joke" is a good song but I'll highlight a new song that is going to be on their album that comes out June 2nd.

They are playing SXSanJose on Wednesday on an all-female bill.

Different Now

SXSW 2017: Overcoats

One more for International Women's Day.  This is a duo out of NYC that plays "folktronica", whatever that is.  They are touring with Tennis and Maggie Rogers.

The best chance to see them is at Weather Up on Friday at 6:30pm after Rainbow Kitten Surprise and before Horse Thief who I really want to see.


Hold Me Close

SXSW 2017: Woodes

This is the moniker of Melbourne-based Elle Graham.  Mellow electronic pop.  She plays after Allison Pierce at Lambert's on Wednesday night.  I don't see her at any day parties yet.

I'm thinking Lamberts could be the pick for Wednesday night.

Good song.  She liberally borrowed the riff from "Reckoner", though.


The Thaw

SXSW 2017: Big Moon

Here's an all-female quartet out of London.  Their first album comes out April 7th and right now they're touring with another London female with SXSW buzz: The Japanese House.

Their sound leans towards garage rock but this song is a little more mellow.  They play Lustre Pearl at 2pm on Wednesday on the same bill as Lewis Del Mar.  They also play SXSanJose on Thursday between Nick Hakim and Lemon Twigs.


Formidable

SXSW 2017: Allison Pierce

I'll try to pick female artists today.  This is a singer originally from Birmingham that now lives in L.A. She is in the band "The Pierces" with her sister but is now releasing her first music solo.  She is signed to Sony Masterworks and her album is being produced by Ethan Johns who has produced Ryan Adams and Ray LaMontagne.  The album comes out in May and right now she's touring with the Wind and the Wave.

There are no studio produced songs online and the only thing I've found is live recordings by fans so here's the best I could do.  She has a nice sound.

She's playing Lambert's at 8pm on Wednesday which could be an early option that night.  She's also playing at 12:30pm at Blackheart on Wednesday so if there's no C3 party at Lambert's we could meet there at lunchtime.  It has a good lineup.

Follow You Down

SXSW 2017: Communist Daughter

The Tiniest Bar in Texas is having shows every day but it looks like Friday and Saturday are the best.  Woodrow's also has some good bands on Saturday so we could plan to spend the day around West 6th.

This band out of St. Paul has been around for a few years.  They are playing the Blackheart on Tuesday with Temples and they play at 5:10pm Sat. at Tiniest Bar.  Nice sound.  Kind of reminds me of Raveonettes.

Keep Moving is good, too.

Roll a Stone

SXSW 2017: James Hersey

Universal Music has taken over Antone's this year and is putting on shows each day.  The best one to me is Thursday:

JAMES HERSEY
MONDO COZMO
JACOB BANKS
THE JAPANESE HOUSE
TEI SHI
MAGGIE ROGERS

I've previewed most of those and like all of them.  All big-label acts we could see at a small venue (if we can get in).  Obviously we would need to get there early.  I assume the first act is this electronic/pop musician from Vienna, Austria.  He is releasing his first EP after a string of singles took off on Spotify.  Here's one of them.

Miss You

SXSW 2017: Hand Habits

Blurt Magazine has curated all the parties from Wed. to Sat. at Gingerman but it looks like they may be skipping this year.  That's unfortunate. So far Thursday has been filled by Gorilla vs. Bear in what they call a "#way-slower curated jam."

The first act on the bill is the moniker of Upstate New York/L.A. musician Meg Duffy.  She has backed bands such as Kevin Morby and Weyes Blood but this is her solo project.  Mellow stuff.

All the While

SXSW 2017: Girlpool

All the SXSW internet is abuzz for this new Girlpool song that was released today.  It's on their new album which comes out May 12th.  They also announced a show at Mohawk on June 17th.  We'll be out of the country.

This is a duo from L.A. that is going to be big with the kids I guess.  They are playing quite a few of the marquee shows during SXSW week but the best chance for us to see them is at 12:30pm on Friday at the Pitchfork party.

"Chinatown" is an older song that isn't bad.  More mellow.


123

SXSW 2017: Half Waif

ABGB has put on day shows the last few SXSWs which are usually pretty good but this year they turned it up a notch.  Friday is especially impressive.  It would be a commitment to bike down there but if the weather is bad or we're looking for a single venue to camp all day this is a good option.  It's a day/night lineup so I'll watch out for the set times.

Half Waif is the moniker of Brooklyn-based Nandi Rose Plunkett.  She's compared to Enya but this song is more poppy.  It's off her new EP that just came out.

Frost Burn

SXSW 2017: Julie Byrne

Pitchfork is going to be at the French Legation Museum this year on Thursday and Friday.  If the weather is nice I'd be happy camping out all day there.  Here's Thursday's lineup:

5:00 p.m. Jidenna
4:30 p.m. Lydia Ainsworth
4:00 p.m. Noname
3:30 p.m. Jay Som
3:00 p.m. Jamila Woods
2:30 p.m. Vagabon
2:00 p.m. Kweku Collins
1:30 p.m. PWR BTTM
1:00 p.m. Priests
12:30 p.m. Julie Byrne
12:00 p.m. Downtown Boys


Julie Byrne is from Buffalo and has released two albums.  Pitchfork loves her new album.  She's also playing the "Twin Peaks" day show.  Mellow music to start the day.  "Follow My Voice" is also good.

I Live Now as a Singer

SXSW 2017: Diet Cig

Here is another band playing lots of day parties.  Our best chance to see them is at Waterloo on Friday at 3pm.  It's a duo out of New Platz, NY.  Not really my usual style as most of their music is garage/punk but this song is pretty good.  It's off their first album which comes out April 7th.

Tummy Ache

SXSW 2017: Dams of the West

Here's another band that is showing up on all the big day party schedules.  It's a solo project of Vampire Weekend drummer Chris Tomson.  His first album was produced by Patrick Carney and just came out in January.

Nice casual pop song.

Death Wish

SXSW 2017: Yoke Lore

The After the Gold Rush day party on Thursday at Sidewinder always has good bands.  I've already previewed quite a few.  This is the moniker of Adrian Galvin from Brooklyn.  He seems to be playing many of the bigger day parties.  He's compared to Animal Collective and Shins.  Quite a mix.

Hold Me Down

SXSW 2017: Aaron Lee Tasjan

The NPR Austin 100 is out and this is the first name on the list.  He's in Nashville now but used to be Brooklyn-based.  This is a more Nashville sound.  He's on New West Records and is playing Willie's Luck Reunion.

Very throwback 70s sound on this one.  "Memphis Rain" is more country like Roy Orbison.

Little Movies

SXSW 2017: Let's Eat Grandma

Had to post this for the name alone but it just so happens that they are pretty good.  It's two teen girls out of Norwich, England.   They're playing the "Twin Peaks" party but are also at the British Music Embassy day party on Wednesday at Latitude 30.  That could be cool.

This song is perfect for David Lynch fans. "Eat Shiitake Mushrooms" is a little more uptempo.

Deep Six Textbook

SXSW 2017: L.A. Salami

Here's another buzz act.  Lookman Adekunle Salami is out of London and goes by L.A. Salami.  He released his debut album in 2016 to rave reviews.  He's playing the "Twin Peaks" show at Clive Bar on Thursday and the Weather Up show on Friday.  Two big gigs.

Very cool sound.  Love the organ.  NPR likes him.  "The City Nowadays" is also pretty good.

Going Mad as the Street Bins

SXSW 2017: Lillie Mae

ACL released their "Bloody Mary Morning" lineup for Thursday at GSD&M.  I know a few and don't know a few.  I listened to the lowest band and didn't care too much for the one song I heard so we don't need to be there at 10am.  Slow Dancer is playing everywhere so we'll see him at some point.

Lillie Mae has been a backup musician and singer for Jack White and now she's releasing her first album that was produced by Jack White and is being released on his Third Man Records.   Not a bad start.

She's playing Willie's party in Spicewood as well as this.  May be worth checking her out here.

Over the Hill and Through the Woods

SXSW 2017: CHINAH

Here's another band off the blogger's guide.  It's a trio out of Copenhagen.  Nice mellow pop sound in this song.

Also nothing showing for them during the day.  The Operation Every Band blog that puts together the matrix of shows to see says this year only 30% of the day parties have announced their schedules.  Way down from previous years.

Away From Me

SXSW 2017: Skott

SXSW just came out with their "Music Bloggers Guide to SXSW" that highlights the bands picked out by various music bloggers.  One of the acts is this singer from Sweden that's picked to be the next big indie pop sensation.  I don't see any day parties for her yet.

This song reminds me a lot of Lykke Li.  Another song of hers, "Amelia", is also good.

Porcelain

SXSW 2017: QTY

Weather Up always has a really good day party on Friday but we've never ventured over there.  This year is no exception.  A mix of local bands and out-of-towners.  Depending on the time slots it could be worth heading over there for awhile.

This is a duo out of NYC that actually grew up in NYC.  They released this song on Soundcloud and the internet blogs went nuts.  They've since released another really good song, "World Breaker", so they have 2 songs to their credit.  Very high expectations for these guys.

They're compared to early Strokes/Velvet Underground.  His voice has that Lou Reed vibe.

Rodeo

SXSW 2107: Living Hours

Friday at Urban Outfitters starts with the female singers.  There's Molly Burch at 1pm. (I like her album). Then Jay Som at 2pm. (I previewed her and really like her last album.)

Kicking off at noon is this band out of Winnipeg. Dreamy pop.  One review called them mellow Tame Impala and another compared them to Beach House.

Seagull

SXSW 2017: Alex Izenberg

Thursday at at Urban Outfitters starts with the male singer-songwriters.  It has Nick Hakim at 1pm, Gabriel Garzon-Montano at 2pm, and L.A. based Alex Izenberg kicking things off at noon.  Three mellow bands that could be worth biking over to see.

He's compared to 70s songwriters like Harry Nilsson.  I can hear the influence in this song.


To Move On

SXSW 2017: Hoops

Urban Outfitters just released their schedule and it's heavy on all the buzz bands once again.  It seems the big buzz bands are playing all the same parties.  I've already previewed quite a few.  I'll cover some of the others today.

Wednesday starts off at noon with this band from Bloomington, Indiana that reminds me of a mix of Real Estate and Tame Impala.  Their EP is on Amazon and it's pretty good.  Gemini is really good.

This is the first single off their first LP which comes out May 5th on Fat Possum Records.

Rules

SXSW 2017: Christopher Paul Stelling

I mentioned the Blackheart day shows but now they've released the bands for each day.  Friday is really impressive:

Andrew Combs
Slow Dancer
Sara Watkins
Christopher Paul Stelling
The Whiskey Gentry
River Whyless
The Wild Reeds
Nicole Atkins

Great Americana bands.  May be worth spending the day there.

This singer-songwriter currently in Brooklyn hasn't put anything new out since 2015 but this is a nice song.

Castle

SXSW 2017: Allison Crutchfield

Waterloo Records just released their schedule. Still some TBAs.  Waterloo is usually best early before it gets insanely crowded.  Friday at 1pm is this singer originally from Birmingham, Alabama.  She's the sister of Waxahatchie singer Katie Crutchfield who was at SXSW last year.  I previewed her here.

Both bands are on Merge Records.  This song is not bad.  Dean's Room is on Amazon and it's pretty good, too.

I Don't Ever Wanna Leave California

SXSW 2017: Nick Hakim

One more from SXSanJose.  This is a singer originally from DC who attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and now resides in Brooklyn.  He released a critically acclaimed EP and is now releasing his first LP on ATO Records.  This was a KUTX song of the day a couple weeks ago.

Mellow sounds.  Probably better in a more intimate environment.

Bet She Looks Like You

SXSW 2017: Savoy Motel

The Guardian spotted a comment to this video that said "Marc Bolan would be proud."  How fitting given we were talking about him yesterday.

This is a band out of Nashville also playing SXSanJose. Another 70s throwback sound. Seems to be the trend this year.

Pitchfork liked their album and said "Savoy Motel recreate the sounds of the ’70s using the ’90s pastiche techniques of Beck, Ween and Royal Trux, compacting glam-rock, southern boogie, and Stax sax stabs into 8-bit videogame proportions."

Sounds about right.  "Sorry People" is getting airplay on KUTX.

Hot One

SXSW 2017: The Lemon Twigs

Here's another band on the South By San Jose lineup.  It's two teenage brothers from Long Island that play throwback 70s Beatles/Supertramp sounds and dress to fit the period.  They're signed to 4AD out of England and are selling out shows over there.  The Guardian has an article on their show in Leeds.

As Long as We're Together

SXSW 2017: Slow Dancer

Two weeks away and everyone has waited until the last minute to make announcements.  I don't know if I can cover everything so I may just pick the usual day parties and focus on them.

South by San Jose announced their bands but no times yet.  One of the bands is Dove and the Wolf, the two young women we saw at the Stephen F. bar last year.  The ones from Paris (as they kept reminding us).  They are on a couple other big bills as well.  

This is the moniker of Simon Okely from Australia.  NPR describes his sound as "a delicate blend of folk and indie R&B largely inspired by classic blues from the '60's and '70s".  They mention Nick Drake and José González as influences.

This is a song off his new album which should come out soon.  He's on ATO Records, an indie powerhouse.  Their roster of bands is impressive.

Don't Believe

SXSW 2017: Frenship

Another of the big day parties just dropped their 2-day lineup.  This is the one at Cedar Street that always has the big buzz bands.  No exception this year.  From my earlier previews, here's Tei Shi, Mondo Cozmo, and Jain.  Friday is the day I'd pick to stay all day if we go but I'd at least like to see Jain at 1:50. 

Thursday is not quite as good.  Ten Tonnes sounds like the Strokes to me.  Didn't impress.  The closer that day is this duo out of L.A. signed to Columbia Records.  Electronic dance pop.  My bet is that they'll be at ACL.

This song has 9M plays on Youtube.

Capsize