At one point, our plans for every morning in Austin included a run and the early morning radio station sponsored shows..well, that didn't happen. Turns out wandering around the city and standing at gigs all day and night tires out this old guy so...our first band of the day on Thursday..is
Billy Bragg at 11:30 am at Mellow Johnnys. Again, this has quickly become one of my favorite places to see shows and if bands are playing there that I have any interest in, I am there. Bragg, like Robyn Hitchock, is a story teller. He is a funny guy, even when he is trying to be politically serious, and his songs are well written and he can still put on a solid, amusing show. He played a number of songs off the new album and some classics, including Great Leap Forward that has been completely re written to include modern politics and it was quite clever.
Thursday was always going to be the day Sandra and I spent primarily at the Paste party, at Stages on 6th. It is a fantastic venue with an inside and outside stage with shows back to back. When the band inside is off, head on out into the sun, grab a beer and watch another band that is just about to start
First off..we get to the venue in time to catch most of the lovely Mount Moriah. I remember reading a review that said Heather McEntire reminded them of a young Ann Wilson. Pretty heady statement but after the first two songs, I would suggest that that is pretty accurate. The set was a lovely start at Paste..energetic, emotional and honest...Heather and Jenks are a great fit with the atmosphere that Paste is trying to create here in Austin and its making the decision to hang out here for the afternoon pretty simple.
Hurray for the Riff Raff is the next band up for us, grab another free craft beer and shift it to see this band. Have heard plenty about them and was curious to see how they performed. They are a great New Orleans folk band..a great Americana band that sings with their hearts, especially about New Orleans. Have to say though..my favourite song was their "ode to John and Yoko"...lovely number and a real treat to hear live.
we take a quick break and grab some food but return in plenty of time to see a full set by Brendan Benson. I have always been a fan of Brendan's and he really can't miss..full band and full sound, its great to hear his songs while we stand out in the sun at the party. He is a summer kind a guy and his songs fit the setting
Now its inside to check out a favourite from last year...Pickwick. Pickwick is led by singer Galen Disston who's voice is one of the best I have heard. This kid exudes soul..he demands attention and big organ sounds and his solid band add to the full sound of Pickwick. The new album is a favourite and it features heavily in the set. Motown and Gospel influenced it takes little time before the whole floor is swaying and dancing. If you get the chance, go see these guys as its a lot of fun.
Now outside we go to see Indians. Outside and sunny and now some dreamy psychedelic music to end our afternoon at Paste as the plan is to drag Sandra back to British Music Embassy for..
The China Rats. These kids do rock...young punks and playing crunchy guitars, the songs are pretty catchy and you could not ignore them when they are playing, the singles are clever and have all those in attendance moving forward (except for Sandra..think they scared her!) but for me, it was the perfect way to end the afternoon and off to dinner we went as the night was going to be a full one.
While there was plenty to do tonight, it was going to be hard to pass up the Warner Music party. It featured Guards, Surfer Blood, Frightened Rabbits, Atlas Genius, Joy Formidable, Alt J and ending with Flaming Lips
Guards ..pure indie rock, that may be aiming for much more, its a solid start to the evening. Quite popular with the local crowd here..i have to do some research to figure out how I missed these guys. Lead singer is the brother of Cults lead singer so I guess strong vocals run in the family.
Surfer Blood is up next, and this must be the 4th or 5th time I have seen them. Apparently, this may be their last tour for awhile as there are some legal issues that the lead singer has to deal with soon that could hinder their tour plans. Band is solid and lead singer come through the crowd to thank everyone for coming, they play a solid set and glad to have seen them again.
Frightened Rabbit are up next. Not sure just how popular they are in the states but it only takes two songs before people are clamouring to get closer..these guys are fantastic. The venue we are at (The Belmont) is a great venue, outside with plenty of room to roam around inside and out so Frightened Rabbit sounds drifted around downtown Austin and it was fantastic to hear. Just purchased tickets to their show in Toronto as they simply are great to see live.
Sadly the sets are getting shorter as the headliner (Flaming Lips) rule the roost and there is no shortening their set so its a 6 song FR show and a 6 song set by
Atlas Genius...they are power pop brothers from Australia. Thought their sound was clever when I listened to it before I got to Austin..and still think they are awfully fun. Nothing new but after 5 songs and the band ask the crowd to vote for their final song, and 3/4's of the place chose the single "Trojan"...very loudly..its clear these kids are popular and I cant take anything away from them, they play really well.
Joy Formidable are up next and it does seem most everyone is here to see them. Having seen this band before the first release was out, I do notice how they have grown..bigger. The sound is bigger, the band looks bigger(more equipment) and I fear singer Ritzy is getting overwhelmed by the heaviness of the band. Perhaps it was just the sound system but her vocals are drifting away inaudible and that was always the main reason I liked the band. She is a feisty singer and guitarist and I love hearing her voice but tonight, I wasn't feeling it!
Time is ticking and stage set up for Alt J takes some work. Being the first time I see them, glad I stuck around as I was unsure just how the live show would compare to the album. When Joe starts singing, I find it rather soothing. Sadly, the full band don't look like they are there as I have seen footage with people playing everything from castanets to xylophone but the back up is a bit limited today. The songs still form as they should and you are almost drawn into some dream state. It is very beautiful live.
now its late..and there is very little time and I have no intention in staying for Flaming Lips. Pete Eley and I have already seen Flaming Lips in perhaps the smallest club we will ever see them in, cant get any better and I can walk Sandra home and see if I can catch Jake Bugg again
We get to Hype Hotel only to find out The Specials went on an hour late so its 1am and MS MR is just going on and Jake Bugg is to come on after them. Sandra waves goodbye and I am on my own!
MS MR is an odd band. Perhaps I am just bitter as my knees are sore and I would prefer to be watching Jake Bugg but when they come on to play their pop chillwave and I am not sure I can believe they hype I have read. Like many before, they depend on the lead singer and her sugar pop vocals and attempt to get the crowd involved. Its late..the crowd is drunk, they didn't have to work too hard. The songs are played well but it seems one song blends into the next..again, perhaps I am just old.
Now Jake Bugg comes on. Its late and he does not have enough time to soundcheck so instead of the three piece..its just Jake Bugg. Most of the people left in the building look like university kids and they are confused. The Bugg fans are up front but the drunk Uni kids are pretty obvious and Jake is already not pleased with being out there alone so he goes through his 6 song set very quickly. He also decides to change some of the words of "Two Fingers" as a dedication to the drunk Uni kids who start to get into the song ..none realising that he is making fun of them. It was rather clever and I am glad I went just for that..it was pretty amusing. He stays on course...gets his songs done and now its time for me to walk the block back to the hotel and go to sleep!!
see you Friday!
Jim