2013 Highlights: Brazos-"How the Ranks Was Won"

Putting the spotlight on some tracks or Artists that maybe I was never able to get around to talking about during the year, but yet still played a major part in my music listening habits during 2013.

This former Austin band is now based in Brooklyn and they released their second full length in 2013 titled, Saltwater. It features the slow building jam "How The Ranks Was Won" that found me breaking out the air drums on many occasions.

http://www.brazosbrazos.com

The National- "I Need My Girl" (Acoustic Version)

While in Austin for the ACL Festival, The National stopped by the Gibson guitars showroom and played this lovely acoustic version of "I Need My Girl."

Typhoon- "Young Fathers" (Live Acoustic Session for Austin 360)

I haven't seen many videos capture the mesmerizing quality of the massive Portland ensemble, Typhoon. This acoustic session the band played for Austin360 while in town for the ACL Festival comes pretty darn close though. Watch the bands performance of "Young Fathers" below.

http://www.wearetyphoon.com/
http://www.Austin360.com

The National (live at Stubbs, Austin 10-5-13)

Here's a few pics from The National's show in Austin this past Saturday night at Stubbs. It was my fourth time seeing the band overall and first time on this tour. I'd have to say it was probably the best set I've seen them play, with the new material sounding especially strong. Catch the whole setlist at the bottom after the photo's. 

THE NATIONAL (10-5-13) Stubbs, Austin Tx. Setlist 
I Should Live in Salt
Don't Swallow the Cap
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Demons
Sea of Love
Afraid of Everyone
Conversation 16
Squalor Victoria
Abel
All the Wine
I Need My Girl
This is the Last Time
Apartment Story

Pink Rabbits

Graceless
About Today
Fake Empire

Encore
Humiliation
Mr. November
Terrible Love w/ Justin Vernon
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks w/ Justin Vernon

David Ramirez- “Ball and Chain”

A new tune from David Ramirez to grace your ears this morning. This one called “Ball and Chain” was recorded at the Hotel Cafe with backing vocals provided by Amy Stroup.

http://davidramirezmusic.com/

Shakey Graves- "Roll the Bones" (live session)

One of Austin's finest, the one man show known as Shakey Graves. Watch and learn.

http://shakeygraves.com/

Jesse Woods- "Lazerburn"

I've been long anticipating the upcoming debut LP, Get Your Burdens Lifted,  from Austin's own Jesse Woods. I first spoke of his music back in December sometime (read here) when he unveiled a song called, "Danger In the Dancehall" that was supposed to be off his debut. Whatever the delay was in the release I'm not sure, but now comes excellent news that Woods' debut rolls out next week on August 6th. Take a listen to a new track "Lazerburn" below.


https://www.facebook.com/JesseWoodsMusic

Mother Falcon- "Dirty Summer"

I discovered this 18 piece ensemble out of Austin, Tx. a few weeks back and I'm absolutely hooked. They have a new album titled You Knew in stores now, and it features this infectious & joyous track called, "Dirty Summer." Watch the band playing a killer live version of the song below for the good folks over at 'Subway Tracks' in NYC.
Speaking of NY, the band is currently in the Big Apple doing a month long June residency before moving things over  to L.A. for the month of August. Check their website HERE for all the details.



https://www.facebook.com/motherfalconmusic

New Video: David Ramirez "The Bad Days"

David Ramirez's The Rooster EP came out just last week, and from top to bottom it's probably the best EP my ears have heard this year. He just released a new video for the track, "The Bad Days" which you can watch below. Here's what he told American Songwriter about the song ... “The Bad Days” is an acknowledgement that love itself isn’t enough. There will be days we can’t stand one another but it takes work and effort if we intend to see our love through."


http://davidramirezmusic.com/

Stream David Ramirez's New EP 'The Rooster'

Austin musician David Ramirez has become a big favorite of mine over the last six months or so, starting with his epic 2012 full length Apologies. Also over the last several months Ramirez has been teasing tracks from a brand new 5 song EP titled 'The Rooster', and everything I've heard so far has had me counting down the days to it's May 6th release date. Fortunately for those impatient like myself you don't have to wait until next Mon. to hear the whole EP, as Ramirez is sharing it over at American Songwriter. Here's a little bit of what he had to say about his latest work....

Via American Songwriter-(click HERE for the full article)

In September of last year I released a full length album titled Apologies. It was a very “heart on the sleeve” journey through some of my regrets and remorse. I’ve healed since then in a lot of ways and I have an itch to discuss it. A Rooster, as we know, introduces the dawn. It’s an opportunity for us to try again; to be new.

Although I’m now writing more about love, this isn’t an upbeat pop record. I’m still carrying my low-tempo melancholy self through these beautiful new moments. “Fire of Time” is a confession of who I’ve become but resolves with being reminded who I was and who I can be. “The Bad Days” is an acknowledgement that love itself isn’t enough. There will be days we can’t stand one another but it takes work and effort if we intend to see our love through. “Glory” is a beautiful lullaby. Sweet, simple, and lovely. I revisit some old themes in “Don’t Call Me Cryin,” and “The Forgiven” is entirely new ground for me where I discuss my observations in the relationship between an audience and their artists.

http://davidramirezmusic.com/

Song of the Week: Frank Smith- "Chewing Glass"

Frank Smith is a band not a man, and somehow with 10 releases already under their belt I managed to miss them all. Luckily they just released a brand new album this week that I did catch called, Nineties. As you might have guessed it features some nice guitar driven nineties inspired tracks, but it's actually the slow burning piano tinged ballad, "Chewing Glass" that I keep returning to.
Give it a try below & check out more of Frank Smith's new LP over on their website HERE.


http://franksmithmusic.com/

David Ramirez- "The Forgiven"

Ever since moving to Austin late last year I've fallen hard for the tunes of David Ramirez. I've been doing everything I can to soak up all his music both new and old. Last month came great news of a new EP called The Rooster, along with the release of a phenomenal new track "The Bad Days." As amazing as I thought that track was, Ramirez unveiled another new song from the EP yesterday, this one called "The Forgiven" and it's even more impressive. I'm not sure how many songs are on this EP but it's shaping up to be pretty ridiculously good. The Rooster is due out this May 7th.


http://davidramirezmusic.com/

Night Beds- "Borrowed Time" (live version)

There's been a ton of fantastic records to come out already this year, but maybe none better than the debut disc from Night Beds, Country Sleep. While doing the rounds at SXSW several weeks back the band made some time for a performance of the album track, "Borrowed Time" on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in Austin for the folks at 91.7 FM and Art&Seek's On The Road series. 


http://www.nightbeds.org/

SXSW Photos: Shakey Graves at South By San Jose

SXSW Photo Set: Local Natives @ American Rag Presents- FILTER Showdown at Cedar Street

Very special thanks to Alyssa Jones at Filter.

SXSW Photos: Night Beds @ Urban Outfitters Backlot Sesh

SXSW Photo Set: Lord Huron @ DTS And Slacker Present-FILTER On Rainey Showcase

Very Special thanks to Alyssa Jones @ Filter.

SXSW Preview: Fader Fort Presented by Converse

One of the party's I'll be hitting this year at my very first SXSW. Some must see's for me include The Afghan Whigs, Cayucas, Jake Bugg and Parquet Courts.
Here's more from the press release via the Fader Fort:
The FADER FORT Presented by Converse, our annual four day SXSW party featuring Solange, Future, Earl Sweatshirt, DIIV, Sky Ferreira and many more, opens next Wednesday, March 15th at 1101 E. 5th Street in Austin. See the complete FORT lineup and a day-by-day schedule above.
FORT wristband pickup information will be posted here on Monday, March 11th. SXSW badge-holders must pick up wristbands to enter the FORT, but will be given priority access on a first come, first serve basis. For up-to-the-minute FORT announcements, follow FADER on Twitter.
If you’re not headed to Austin this year, watch the entire show streaming live on theFADER.com.


More at http://www.thefader.com/category/faderfort/

SXSW Preview: Get to Know Shakey Graves

Shortly after moving from NY to Austin a few months ago I started poking around the local music scene to see what's good in town. One of my very first finds was the one man wonder known as Shakey Graves. For those unfamiliar with him, he's a bit of an old throwback, a rare talent of sorts, and a real performer if you've come across his live work. Armed with just his guitar and suitcase drum kit he delivers an intense blend of soul, blues, and gritty rock that just plain ol' leaves me speechless. 
He's most definitely one of my must see acts here at SXSW. Get familiar with a few of his tracks below and visit his website for all his upcoming appearances.




http://shakeygraves.com/

David Ramirez- "The Bad Days"

A brand new single from Austin singer/songwriter David Ramirez surfaced today titled, "The Bad Days." It comes from a forthcoming EP The Rooster that will be out this May 7th.
For more David Ramirez and to grab some free tunes he has posted you can visit his website HERE.


http://www.facebook.com/davidramirezaustin