Austin Sound Check

This week’s show recommendations are absolutely packed from start to finish with good music. This is definitely one of the best week’s of music in Austin that I’ve seen since I started putting these recommendations together over a year ago.
There are equal amounts of good local shows and good roadshows, leaving some tough decisions to be made. Who are you going to see this week?
Tuesday 4/21
Spoon @ Scoot Inn
Harlem @ Mohawk
Wednesday 4/22
Wild Sweet Orange @ Stubb’s
Thursday 4/23
I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness, Ume and The Boxing Lesson @ Mohawk
Wine and Revolution and Car Stereo (Wars) @ Victory Grill
KVRX Benefit, …read more

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The Sword talked with LiveDaily, giving us more details about life on the road with Metallica.
See video of Spoon’s Britt Daniel doing a live cover of 1977 tune 1 2 X U by Wire.
Drowned In Sound asked several indie musicians what they hope for in 2009, including Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater.

Image: Ana Wolken

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Back in November, Spoon was live in-studio at KUT here in Austin. They recorded a live cut of their song Don’t Make Me A Target from the critically acclaimed album GaGaGaGaGa. Click here to visit KUT’s Music Matters blog and listen to Don’t Make Me A Target. Be sure to download the free MP3 while you’re there.
Image: Newscom

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It’s been a good long while since I’ve posted Soundbytes, but today is the day to dust off the old aggregator and bring you some news clips.

Riverboat Gamblers are the artist of the day on AOL’s Spinner.com. Download your free copy of their single A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology.

Spoon and Iron & Wine are among the multitude of indie favorites who have contributed to an AIDS benefit album called Dark Was The Night out February 17, 2009 on Beggars Banquet. (For the record, yes I know Spoon moved!)

Brooklyn Vegan has some excellent photos from Ghostland Observatory’s December 12th performance …read more

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It’s t-minus three weeks to the big election and we’re bringing music and politics together this week. Kick the week off tonight with Spoon and Gary Clark Jr. at The Parish, playing a Texas Democratic Party Fundraiser. Then on Saturday, Portugal The Man plays Emo’s. I interviewed lead singer John Gourley last week and I’ll be bringing you more on the Wasilla, AK native’s thought on none other than VP Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin.
There’s also a few shows this week featuring ACL 2008 alum, like The Steps and Dan Dyer on Wednesday and Scott Biram on Thursday. Full recommendations below …read more

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Car Stereo (Wars) has posted a new remix of Spoon’s Rhthm & Soul. You can listen below or download your copy here.
I’d put Car Stereo (Wars) mashups up against Girl Talk anyday. What do you think of CS(W) remixes?

Image Courtesy Car Stereo (Wars)

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Spoon, Austin’s reigning indie champions, have recorded a Daytrotter Session. They recorded four songs, including a previously unreleased cover of Paul Simon’s Peace Like a River. Visit Daytrotter to listen and get your free Spoon downloads.

 
Spoon – Daytrotter Session
Peace Like a River (Paul Simon cover)
The Ghost of You Lingers
I Can See The Dude
Back to the Life
 
More info on Daytrotter Sessions from Daytrotter.com

Daytrotter Sessions
These fine people – as they’re traveling through America’s heartland – take two hours out of their travels between shows to stop in for a Daytrotter Session at Futureappletree Studio One in downtown Rock Island, Ill. …read more

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Stream The Black Angel’s new album Directions to See A Ghost on Imeem.
RCRD LBL is also offering a free download of Doves, the first single from Directions to See A Ghost.
Download the Ted Leo (as in The Pharmacists) remix of Spoon’s Don’t You Evah.
Wilco announced upcoming tour dates, including a two-night stand at Stubb’s on May 11 & 12.
Pitchfork has a great review (with pics!) of last night’s Okkervil River show with the New Pornographers at 9:30 Club in Washington D.C.
Dilated Peoples announced dates for their Fresh Rhymes Tour, coming to Emo’s on June 9.

Image : American Chronicle

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Day Two of SXSW 2008 started off right, as my first show of the day was The Cliks. They played at Creekside Lounge, which is a pretty small venue, so I was concerned about getting there early and whatnot. I was not going to miss this show. Luckily, the show wasn’t very full. I also had my first drink of the day (Bacardi & diet) which the bartender mixed at about 75% rum and 25% cola. Ouch. But, if you’re into blindingly strong drinks, I recommend Creekside Lounge for all your boozing needs.
The sound was horrible at Creekside, so bad …read more

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When people from other states think of Texas Music, it usually involves twang and at least one cowboy hat. Now, I’m not saying we don’t have any twang or cowboy hats here in Austin, but the depth of talent in the music scene can’t be contained within that narrow stereotype.
SXSW is the time of year when the industry turns its focus on Austin. Bands from across the globe inundate the city and for a week in mid-March everything is at our fingertips. It is also a chance for the rest of the world to see what an incredible scene exists …read more

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