CDDocumentary: Radiohead- OK Computer (1997)

Not much was expected from Oxford quintet Radiohead when they came on the scene in the early 90's with a bad habit of trying to sound like an English version of U2. After they blew just about everyone away with their 1997 release OK Computer, fans now expect an equal level of greatness from every Radiohead album...

CDDocumentary: The Kinks- The Village Green Preservation Society

The singles "You Really Got Me," and "All Day and All of the Night," might have propelled the Kinks into UK stardom but in 1968 the Kinks concept album "Village Green Preservation Society," their lowest-selling album ever, would cement itself as one of the best of all time.

Profile: Martin Perna & Adrian Quesada are Ocote Soul Sounds

Click picture for article.

You can download a copy of the new issue here:

CD Review: Aimee Mann

AIMEE MANN
@#%&*! Smilers
Super Ego

Songwriter Aimee Mann has run the gamut: from movie soundtrack composer (Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia), multi-instrumentalist, contractual standoff (CBS), record label creator (Super Ego) and the smash 1985 MTV video hit for “Voices Carry” by her group ‘Til Tuesday.

More than 20 years later one thing is for certain: Mann is securing her foothold as one of the best.

On her 2005 release The Forgotten Arm, Mann leaned on a more gritty and straightforward instrumentation, reflecting her strengths as a live performer and the energy of the album’s concept.

Her sixth and latest solo album, @#%&*! Smilers, is created with a completely different palate which includes Wurlitzers, Clavinets, analog synthesizers, and selective horn and string sections. The result a master chef serving up her delicious creation: full of flavor but sparse in texture; exotic in presentation yet delightfully simple.

Smilers continues her mastery of whittling human nature into a four minute pop tune. Mann has developed a keen musical and lyrical rhythm from each album release to the next, building on themes and not simply repeating them. Lyrically, she combines a seemingly innate ability to conjure up a vivid image, and to portray it in a way that is universal, not exclusive.

In stores June 3, 2008

CDDocumentary :: Prince- Sign O the Times (1987)

After the Revolution broke apart, this epic double album featured Prince playing every instrument and culminating in a synthesis of his forms, style and production techniques in creating one of his most dynamic albums of all time...

Austin Music+Entertainment: REVIEW- South Austin Jug Band

Austin Music+Entertainment: Marcia Ball Profile

Austin Music+Entertainment SXSW preview

Click on photo or click here to see magazine article.

CDDocumentary: Linda Ronstadt- Heart Like a Wheel (1974)

A milestone in Ronstadt's impressive career, Heart Like a Wheel saw her reach highs on country and pop charts. Never again would she be as convincingly tough and fragile as she was here, her 5th album at the time.

CDDocumentary: Nina Simone- Sings the Blues (1966)

Nina Simone's first album for her new record label was daring and provocative. Those are just a few ways to describe the seminal recording artist and activist who created a landmark record with her 1966 recording Nina Simone Sings the Blues.

Download an iTunes and iPod playable version HERE. Also plays in Windows Media Player and Winamp.

CDDocumentary: Liz Phair- Exile in Guyville (1993)

Love it or hate it, Liz Phair's 1993 Exile in Guyville broke the conventions of bubbly pop female singers of the time and the countless boy bands fearful of veering off course from the successful and formulaic blueprint. In her wake, Phair left one of the more notable efforts of the last 15 years of music.

Download an iTunes and iPod playable version HERE. Also plays in Windows Media Player and Winamp.

CDDocumentary: Roxy Music- Country Life (1974)

Roxy Music was arguably the most influential rock group of the 70's and their impact has grown in the years since. Their recorded work stands as an important groundswell of nonconformity and successful art-pop experimentation.

Download an iTunes & iPod & Quicktime-ready version HERE. Also plays on Windows Media Player and WinAmp.

CDDocumentary- Talking Heads: Remain in Light (1980)

A perfect mix of rhythm and pop meet world music flavorings...Byrne & Eno were really onto something. Remain in light would set new expectations in motion. It would create new boundries. It would also be there last new music for over three years.

CDDocumentary format: stream, download or both?

I have noticed 41 downloads of the Jimi Hendrix CDDocumentary since I posted. Recently, I moved towards a stream on demand version of the last few segments.

Question: which format do users prefer...streaming only, download only, or should I make both options available with each new segment?

Please let me know.

I should have the latest: Talking Heads- Remain in Light (1980) posted up on Monday.

Thank you!

CD Review: Austin's Magnet School- Tonight...

MAGNET SCHOOL
Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand
Arclight Records

Like freshman at their first college kegger, Austin’s Magnet School waste no time running to the tap, hitting a fast stride and head-bouncing attitude in their first full length release Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand.

“XX” begins the sprint. An immediate guitar riff followed by crashing drums is fitting intensity for a Friday night drive downtown. Vocals are big and production is clean with added distortion touches in “Seventensplit,” essentially the title track and reminiscent of Arcade Fire largeness.

Just when you think Magnet School can’t possibly keep up the evening’s rapid consumption, they strike with “Never Loose That Feeling,” possibly the best track on the album. Led by a bouncy guitar hook but never losing the soft-loud explosiveness of your favorite early 90’s indie rock.

Jason Fergusson provides a big sound on drums and Brandon Tucker carries the baseline. Mark Ford and Michael Wane play guitar and share vocals. Although more than competent as players, their guitar style leans towards repetitive. The second half of Tonight We Drink…continues with a diversity that hints at bigger things to come.

In stores November 6, 2007

CDDocumentary: Patti Smith-Horses (1975)

Recorded in Electric Lady studios and produced by John Cale, Patti Smith's first album saw the passionate and viceral performance poet break out from New York City's underground. Smith would go on to greatly influence the next generation of rock.

CDDocumentary::Uncle Tupelo-Anodyne (1993)

Uncle Tupelo's final effort is often considered their best, a perfect blend of country, rock and folk. This album was recorded completely live in an Austin, Texas studio and within a year of its release, Uncle Tupelo was history and Son Volt and Wilco would rise from the phoenix...

ACL Wrapup

Well, it's over. And it was successful. I have recovered, unwound and reflected. But seriously, all the follow up you can read, look at and interact with is right here. Start with a great article about Bob Dylan that reflects a time when Bob played in front of not so many people here in Austin.
I'll be getting back into the swing of things this weekend, starting with next weeks CDDocumentary (the station's are restless, a good thing) on Patti Smith's album Horses, and a review of Austin's Patricia Vonne and her newest album set to release next week. In the meantime, check out all the great Austin City Limits stuff from the Statesman at the link above.

ACL Announces White Stripes Cancel. Options?

It was announced weeks ago that Amy Winehouse will not make the trip to ACL fest this year. Many outlets report that ironically, she's checked into rehab.

Monday, Rodrigo y Gabriella announced they will cancel a few weeks of dates in March, including their ACL fest date. In a press release, RyG announced Gabriella needs a break due to exhaustion. The percussive-flamenco-styled guitarist plays an aggressive and uptempo backing to Rodrigo and it was mentioned that in order to preserve the ability for her to continue the rest of their September and October dates (which are many), she needed a two week break. Reports say she's developed a mild case of tendinitis (you might remember Ani Difranco needing a rest too, a few years back...) The group said they will honor the city's they miss buy returning sometime in winter or spring.

And the dagger...ACL organizer Charles Attal announced in Tuesday's Austin American Statesman, the White Stripes have canceled their Saturday, Sept 15th ACL performance. "Medical reasons" were the only explanation.

Unconfirmed rumors that abound say it's Meg not Jack.

Of course, this disappoints many folks who's main attraction are the headliners, but there is still plenty of fantastic talent. It means folks, you have to work harder to find it. But that's why you're here in the first place.

Pitchfork (here they go again...) has reported that the WS were unhappy with their performance slotted at the same time as Arcade Fire on Saturday and offered speculation as a possible reason for the cancellation. They also claimed early on Tuesday the WS Sept 13th gig in Albuquerque, New Mexico is still on. I will let you find both the Austin American Statesman article-- a factual piece of reporting-- and the Pitchfork piece all on your own. Pollstar has confirmed the Albuquerque cancellation.

We can only hope Jack and Meg's PR people make a public statement in the next day or two. Somehow, I doubt we'll get much till later.

This certainly takes steam out of looking forward to the weekend. The biggest mistake ACL organizers have made, is moving Muse into the WS time slot. Now they are paired in competition with Arcade Fire, who have to be laughing at all of this. Granted, there aren't many options for organizers at this stage of the game. They did what they felt best.

It's unfortunate that ACL organizers haven't been able to land a replacement of the status of Winehouse at the very least. One wonders if they've even tried. They've had three weeks and there are last minute options, but you can't imagine what the last three weeks leading up to a festival is like. Absolute insanity is minimum. So cut them a break.

With a new album release, the 35 year old Common has effectively taken the spot of RyG.

This cancellation disappointment happens every year to one of the (new) biggies (Bumbershoot, Vegoose, Wakarusa and Bonnaroo, etc...), who's organizers are all certainly gleaming with satisfaction at ACL and it's fan's misfortune (I will follow up with a story about festival cancellations). Now in its sixth year, nothing of this proportion has happened. It was bound to.

Unlike the other festivals which occur on farmland, or with stages packed into a football stadium located twenty miles out of town (or further), ACL festival is held in a wonderful location and a mile from downtown Austin. The city is teeming with music and things to do. In the grand scheme of things it is unlikely that this will affect the momentum of 2008's festival buzz. Consider this:

Organizers now effectively save a decent percent of two (RyG isn't breaking the bank) canceled performers fees. They are not getting it all back. They could use this to upgrade the facilities next year, offer a small discount next year to this years pass buyers, or justifiably "go big" on the lineup next year. Or a combination of the three. Some people complaining now might be sour to attend, but a big headliner list shuts them all up. Everyone. They'll forget in an instant.

Among active performers never making ACL festival appearences: Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, the Police, Iron Maiden (that's not a misprint), the Cure, Pearl Jam, Elton John, the Foo Fighers, Jimmy Buffett, Morrissey, Prince, Rush, Ozzy Osborne and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Give me three or four of those names next year and everyone is happy. My vote would be for the Boss, Radiohead, The Police and Elton John... ok, and Iron Maiden. I'm cheating.

And dreaming. But, organizers at ACL have the money to do it. They're not spending it this year, nor should they try to find replacements as you're likely to hear everyone clamor for. Instead, draw out a very public plan for next year. They'll save face and involve the public in what is always their "little secret..." the lineup was announced all at once this year. 130 bands. The first time that's happened too. Call it Karma if you're so inclined.

Meanwhile, you'll find me enjoying headliner Bjork (duh, people) at one of the best festivals in the land in the greatest town on earth.

Get 'Yer Austin City Limits Preview Buzz On...

New issue out now! We're now counting a handful of days to ACL #6. On top of the features you've seen lately on Eating Fresh Texas, we've been busy doing the glossy thing too. Pages 14 + 15 tout more previews by yours truly, and a great cover story on Ghostland Observatory as well as dozens of things to do when you're here...if you don't know already!
Pick up a copy of the new Austin Music + Entertainment around town or at the airport when you fly in. Here's the online version...

(part 3 of 3) 2007 Austin City Limits music festival lineup: better than skin deep

Part three of a three part series focusing on the "3rd tier" of bands plaing the Austin City Limits festival.

(column 3- far right)

Amy Cook- if you haven't seen Norah Jones, here's a gal who vocally sounds just like her. A pleasant singer-songwriter who's up and coming. Quite a few of her tunes have appeared on television latenight dramas.

Backdoor Slam- love these guys. From the Isle of Man. Stevie Ray Vaughn back from the dead. Lead man has got the voice of a young Bad Co. Paul Rogers and plays the living crap of the guitar. Don't miss.

Mario Matteoli- former player in the Weary Boys, Matteoli has a nice upbeat style, smooth voice and will probably be joined by a handful of other Austin notables.

Jennifer Nicely- there is a really strong group of females playing this year's ACL. Nicely is one of them. In the mold of Leslie Feist, Regina Spektor- and if you miss the latter, Nicely is, well, a nice option.

Loretta Williams Gurnel- can you say "the next Queen Lateefa?" Not only does one of the latest Texas residents have the pipes to smoke up some sexy R&B, she's an actor too.

Q Brothers- another in the R&B vain, but with that poppy L.A. hip hop sound. Fun, energetic, if this is your cup of tea, then you should be near the stage for this one.

CDDocumentary: The Police- Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)

Reposted: CDDocumentaries now available instantly! Click player above.

The third album by the Police would be their last in the "reggae-influenced" Police era. It contained their third #1 UK hit in as many albums, gained them the best chart success to date in the U.S. and was the last album they would work on entirely as a group...

CDDocumentary: Velvet Underdround & Nico (1967)

Reposted: CDDocumentaries now available instantly! Click player above.

CDDocumentary, produced weekly for three public radio stations, is a tribute to an album we feel essential to the station's music library.

If anyone bottled the energy of 1967 in the most representative package of the times, it was the Velvet Underground & Nico led by producer Andy Warhol. One of the most seminal albums of all time never sold many copies, but as the artists of yesterday turn gray and a new guard takes their place, they credit this album as having some of the biggest impact ever...

ACL Festival Local Spotlight: One Mississippi

Friday, Sept. 14th
11:45-12:30pm
AT&T Blue Room

Composed of former members of two Austin favorites, Prescott Curlywolf and Grand Champeen, One Mississippi deliver an energetic rhythm section, fast guitars and slightly off-phase vocals reminiscent of Pavement or Dinosaur Jr.

Hitting the stage as one of the first bands to kick off the festival, there will be no time to sit in the chair you should have left at home in the first place.

LISTEN to One Mississippi

Sunday, Sept. 16
12:30-1:30pm AT&T Mainstage

In 2007 it’s obvious the ladies got it goin’ on with the R&B retro revolutions, but to make it complete you have to have the Y chromosome in the mix. Ryan Shaw packs Stevie Wonder’s pipes, Ben Harper’s fire and savvy and tops it off with a tip of the hat to Otis Redding. This Georgia native is turning the clubs upside down, and is sure to do the same to Zilker Park.
www.thisisryanshaw.com
LISTEN! to Ryan Shaw

CDDocumenatary: Ali Farke Toure- Talking Timbuktu (1994)

CDDocumentary, produced weekly for three public radio stations, is a tribute to an album we feel essential to the station's music library.

A collaboration between the finest two guitar players that Mali and the US have to offer. Though neither Toure nor Ry Cooder spoke the other's language, the recording proves that some sort of deeper, more fundamental communication was going on. TALKING TIMBUKTU was originally released on March 29th, 1994, and holds the distinction of being the longest-running #1 album in the history of Billboard Magazine's world music charts.
LISTEN! to CDDocumentary: Ali Farke Toure

ACL Festival Local Artist Spotlight: Guy Forsyth

Friday, Sept. 14th
6:40-7:20pm
BMI Stage
Incredibly talented and difficult to classify, Guy Forsyth has forged many styles of music over four solo albums. Forsyth is a man who probably strummed to Robert Johnson while humming Tom Waits and listening to King Buscuit Flower Hour on the radio while Doctor Demento sensibilites (or nonsenseabilities!) ran through his head. His blues-Americana grit is on display here for all who’ve missed his working man nation-wide tourning schedule in the past.
www.guyforsyth.com
Listen to Guy Forsyth

ACL Festival National Spotlight: Back Door Slam

Saturday, Sept 15th
1:50-2:30pm
Austin Ventures Stage
Back Door Slam opened the eyes of everyone in attendance this year at an early summer gig at Austin's Continental Club. Front man Davy Knowles channels familiar blues-rock vibes that would make a certain Town Lake Trail statue nod in approval. And (duh) you know, a ton of musicians have taken this exact photo, but there have been very few where the picture really does say a thousand words about the talent below the man. Knowles can flat out play the hell out of the guitar. Equipped with the voice of a young Paul Rodgers, the ‘Slam’ will deliver a rousing flavor worth raising more than one cold Lone Star in toast. Pace yourself though. It’s a long weekend.
Listen to Back Door Slam.
www.backdoorslam.com

Austin City Limits Local Spotlight: Sound Team

Saturday, Sept. 15th
12:30-1:30pm
AMD stage
It’s pretty amazing the kind of controversy one negative ("pissy" would be more acurate), review** can generate. During the fallout, the online bloggerati came to Sound Team’s defense of their 2006 release Movie Monster with a vengence. This group is young and rising and their sound is synthetic meets organic in a blissful mash up of brit-like synth pop and Texas alt-rock. One of the leaders of the Austin scene, don’t miss them on the AMD stage or the gig with Spoon and Alright Tonight! Thursday, 9.13.07 before ACL, in what will go down as another Austin classic.
Listen to Sound Team.
www.soundteam.net

**look it up on Pitchfork if you like, CMJ's whiny stepchild.

Austin City Limits National Spotlight: M.I.A.

Friday, Sept 14th
5:30-6:30pm
Dell Stage

Possibly the most intriguing performer of ACL and one you’ve likely never heard of takes the stage at just the right time. M.I.A. (Mathangi Arulpragasm) descends from a Sri Lankan family of intense political activism. She’s a successful visual artist and has collaborated with Elastica and Peaches in her early music career. Combining elements of hip-hop, dancehall, ragga, grime and baile funk, some of her music and videos have been censored for their political content. M.I.A. is a woman with a lot to say, but U.S. radio has found no room for her. An outcast if you will, M.I.A. is a glove-like fit for her first Austin appearance. Make sure to leave work early.
Her new album is due out 8.20.07 in the U.S.
Listen to M.I.A. on Download of Week.
www.miauk.com

Austin City Limits National Spotlight: Willy Mason

Saturday, Sept. 15th
11:45-12:30pm
Dell Stage

Staring off Austin City Limits on Saturday is young and witty Massachusetts guitarist/singer-songwriter, Willy Mason. Keeping true to the classic structures of country and blues, Mason peppers his songs with a keen humor and Dylan-esque lyrical narrative. His singing voice is uniquely his own. Just old enough to enjoy a Lone Star after this gig, Mason’s star potential is rising and is a great compliment to this year’s lineup.
Listen to "We Can Be Strong" on the Download of Week.
www.willy-mason.com
www.astralwerks.com