If this week’s recommendations seem a bit short, they are. I don’t have to tell you that in music it is quality over quantity. Just take a look at what Austin’s got to offer this week.

Wednesday 9/10
Iron Age @ Red 7
Definitely not for the faint of heart, Iron Age does metal proud. Try The Way Is Narrow.

Thursday 9/11
Common @ Stubb’s (outside early)
One of the best performances at ACL 2007, Common is required viewing for a degree in progressive hip-hop.

Friday 9/12
King Yellowman @ Flamingo Cantina
Sampled by everyone from Sublime to Tupac, Yellowman has been a powerful reggae voice since the late 80s.

Samiam & Cruiserweight @ Red 7
Nineties punk fans: this one’s for you. Samiam will be no stranger to anyone who remembers the days when MTV actually played videos. Check out their video for Capsized below.

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Riverboat Gamblers are playing the final night of a two-night stand with Toadies tonight at Stubb’s.  The band’s new album was recently recorded in L.A. and is currently in post-production.

Video for Riverboat Gamblers single Don’t Bury Me is below for your viewing pleasure. The video was directed by Chris Rose of Car Stereo (Wars).

More info: Riverboat Gamblers // Night Marchers // Emo’s

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Federal officials labeled Mitchell a Narco-terrorist which brought stricter sentencing guidelines and denied spousal privilege to his wife. She is currently in jail for refusing to testify against her husband. Granted, Mitchell has admitted to having a role in the marijuana operation. However it’s the terrorist label that most people have a problem with. Do you think the Feds have a true Narco-terrorist on their hands?

From a band press release:

It is obvious from anyone who has ever met, hung out with and gotten to know Jake Mitchell that he is anything but a terrorist. This incorrect and unfair branding on our own US citizen and friend, Jake Mitchell, is a disgrace and this has caused untypical hardships on his life. He has sold his house, lost his cars, and his freedom. We are asking our friends in the media, in bands, in t-shirt screen shops and really, anyone who can help, to send the message of his story to the public eye. We know there was a crime involved but branding him a terrorist has set unfair sentencing guidelines on a person who is anything but a terrorist.

We are accepting PayPal donations to help Jake’s mounting legal bills
at : freejakemitchell@gmail.com

For more info: The Boxing Lesson

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When Shane Lawlor (formerly of the IV Thieves) arrived in Austin, he teamed up with three tried and true Texans and Electric Touch was born. The band has strong ties to Texas, including a few Houston natives (everyone has relocated to Austin). They even share a label (Justice Records) with Carolyn Wonderland.

Electric Touch has already played SXSW, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and V Festival and are scheduled for ACL and Monolith. As if that list alone wasn’t impressive enough, they’re currently on tour with The Fratellis and just released their self-titled debut album.

The Brit-rock quartet is reminiscent of The Killers, but with more adrenaline and the added bonus of a genuine Brit in the band. Shane Lawlor’s vocals are the real treat here. He’s got a unique sound that can’t be mirrored in a non-native. When you combine Lawlor with the straight forward alt. rock ethos of the band, it’s no surprise this band has seemingly exploded out of nowhere. If you aren’t lucky enough to see them at ACL, be sure to check their tour schedule with The Fratellis for a tour date near you.

Electric Touch plays ACL on Saturday, Sept 27th. at 5:15pm on the Austin Ventures Stage.

For more info: Electric Touch // MySpace

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Instrumental rock has long been the red-headed stepchild of the music industry.  Instrumental anything is often relegated to background music, but Explosions in the Sky, The Calm Blue Sea and their local brethren have elevated the visability of the genre and are exploring new boundaries to bring mainstream attention to music that was once an afterthought in the minds of music fans.

The Calm Blue Sea’s self-titled debut album is only six songs, but clocks in at 46.5 mins. Both of these things are completely standard and expected in the instrumental genre. What’s fresh and unique to The Calm Blue Sea are the bold peaks and valleys of their songs. The piquant crescendos and decrescendos are hallmarks of skilled songwriting and composition. Most striking are the soft, ethereal piano choruses, bookended by driving guitar verses that hold your attention and simultaneously leave you wanting more.

The Calm Blue Sea is slated for release on October 4th. You can preview the album on The Calm Blue Sea’s MySpace, including my personal favorite The Rivers That Run Beneath This City.

The Calm Blue Sea is playing Beauty Bar this Friday, Sept. 5th along with The Boxing Lesson. Their CD release show is October 4th at Emo’s Lounge with The Murdocks and Hat talk.

For more information: The Calm Blue Sea // MySpace

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The hardworking folks at b5 Media are doing some much needed server maintenance and migration. If things don’t seem quite right or are a little glitchy around here, please bear with us.

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Tickets are going for $15 and are available through Frontgate Tickets.

Uh Huh Her’s debut full length, Common Reaction, dropped last week and charted at #9 on Billboard’s Heatseekers. The video for lead single Not A Love Song and full tour intinerary are below for your viewing pleasure.

October 2008
17 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
18 - Scottsdale, AZ - Martini Ranch
20 - Austin, TX - The Parish [Tickets]
21 - Dallas, TX - The Loft
23 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
25 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of the Living Arts
27 - Boston, MA - Roxy
29 - New York, NY - Fillmore at Irving Plaza
30 - Montreal, Quebec - Le NationalNovember 2008
1 - Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre
2 - Ferndale, MI - Magic Bag
3 - Chicago, IL - Park West
5 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line Music Cafe
8 - Seattle, WA - Neumo’s
9 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard’s On Richards
10 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
11 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
14 - Los Angeles, CA - Avalon

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Girl in a Coma’s music is garage punk, with Smiths and Pixies influences mixed in and even a touch of Patsy Cline-esque vocals. Lead singer Nina Diaz’s voice is powerful and unique. Once that is mixed with the precise grooves from bassist Jenn Alva and Phanie Diaz (Nina’s older sister), Girl in a Coma can’t miss. Their debut album Both Before I’m Gone has gotten rave reviews since its release in 2007. A highly anticipated followup is due out in 2009.

I’ve got a free Girl in a Coma MP3 for you. Say is far and away one of the best singles from Both Before I’m Gone. Download your copy here. (Right click and save as.)

See Girl in a Coma live at Emo’s Lounge this Friday, September 5th. Doors are at 9pm with an $8 cover.

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Well, we’re back from Labor Day, UT is officially back in the house and things are picking up in local music. The Toadies will be performing for three nights at Stubb’s. Girl in A Coma and Mudhoney are playing Emo’s as part of their 16th Anniversary week. As if that wasn’t enough The Lemurs are releasing their new EP at Mohawk on Saturday. Details and links are below for your viewing pleasure.

Wednesday 9/3 - Friday 9/5
The Toadies & Lions @ Stubb’s (outside)
A testament to the one-two punch of The Toadies and Lions lineup, two nights of this three-night stand at Stubb’s are sold out. Tickets are still available for Friday’s show on Stubb’s website.

Friday 9/5
Girl in A Coma @ Emo’s Lounge
This San Antonio three piece is modern garage punk with some Smiths and Pixies thrown in. They’re on Joan Jett’s label. What are you waiting for? Tickets on Emo’s website for $8.

The Boxing Lesson & The Calm Blue Sea @ Beauty Bar
I’ve told you about The Boxing Lesson before. If you’re a TBL fan, you’ll probably like The Calm Blue Sea as well. They sent over some tracks for review and I’ll have more Calm Blue Sea up for you later this week.

Spin Alley @ Hole In The Wall
Punk with a hip-hop attitude. Spin Alley’s full-length debut is on the way in January and these guys have built considerable buzz in Austin.

Saturday 9/6
Mudhoney @ Emo’s
These godfathers of grunge are a must see, plain and simple. Check out their newest album The Lucky Ones.

The Lemurs (CD Release) @ Mohawk
One of Austin’s great alt. rock indie bands, The Lemurs are giving away a free CD with entrance to this show. You won’t be disappointed.

Sunday 9/7
Muchos Backflips & La Snacks @ Red 7 (free)
Can’t beat a free show on a Sunday night. Muchos Backflips and La Snacks provide pure Austin indie goodness.

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Flobots will be performing at Batfest in Austin on Sunday night. Fresh from their recent performance at a protest at the DNC in Denver. Don’t forget that this year’s Batfest has been moved to the First St. Bridge.

Senator McCain’s VP pick, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, is from Wasilla, AK. Wasilla also happens to be the former home of Portugal. The Man, who I interviewed back in July. Photographer Jillian Butt also got some great shots from their show at Emo’s.

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