The sun came out just in time for the first day of South By Southwest in Austin, and the big venues filled up to packed crowds as the day went on. Free Energy followed by The Freelance Whales created a line outside The Galaxy Room two blocks long.

We started the day around noon time at Emo's to see Rural Alberta Advantage followed by The Morning Benders. RAA belted out one catchy song after another, as the sun rays beamed in through the shackle roof to light up the stage while the band played "Frank AB" and "Don't Haunt This Place."

"Don't Haunt This Place" - Rural Alberta Advantage

By the time the Morning Benders got on stage, it took them 10-plus minutes to get the soundcheck right, and as a result, they were only able to fit in four songs - three from their new, critically acclaimed LP, Big Echo. Nevertheless, they got the crowd to clap and sing along with them on their most popular recent songs, "Promises" and "Excuses."

"Excuses" - The Morning Benders

Next it was over to The Galaxy Room just in time to catch Philadelphia's 70's FM pop rock (in a good way; think Cheap Trick) band Free Energy. They put on an energetic, engaging performance that had a packed crowd really going - definitely one of the most inspired shows of SXSW's Day One. Half way into Free Energy's set, the line outside The Galaxy Room had grown down the block and around the corner on Red River Street. Free Energy, a young, talented band have built a strong following in the past half year, and have been an IRC band to watch. The recent release of their album, Stuck on You, proves why.

"Dream City" - Free Energy

Following Free Energy at Wednesday's Paste Magazine showcase was Freelance Whales, yet another recent phenomenon to hit the "indie rock" scene in the past year. The band of musicians from the various boroughs of New York City fuse keyboard new wave pop with banjo-picking, stellar choruses and perfectly-timed bass, drums and guitar that round out a sound uniquely their own. By the time Freelance Whales were into their second song, the people outside in the line - including those with the all-mighty badges - were pretty much stuck there - no one was leaving at that point. And for good reason.

"Hannah" - Freelance Whales

Next it was over to Red 7 to see New Jersey's Real Estate perform a number of their widely acclaimed songs, including "Beach Comber," "Suburban Dogs" and "Green River." The band are likely to follow up their praise from CMJ last fall to even bigger buzz post-SXSW. They are scheduled oddly enough for only one official SXSW show, but are actually performing seven 'unofficial' shows by the end of Saturday. The only problem with the Real Estate show at Red 7 was that the vocals were not loud enough, and thus some of the songs sounded more like instrumentals, and still they pulled it off marvelously - which says much about any band's musicianship.

"Green River" - Real Estate

Official SXSW at Night: Good Luck Getting into the Best Showcases

That pretty much put an end to the day shows, which, interestingly enough, are not even considered official SXSW shows. In fact, the official SXSW Music Pocket Guide does not even list the day time shows. This is an interestingly separation as one spectator pointed out today. The day time shows, which are usually free, and somewhat easier to get into than night time shows, offer many regular folks who cannot afford - or get into - the exclusive, and official, evening showcases, a chance to see talented bands. The daytime shows also expose bands to a more diverse audience, and provide a better chance to connect with non-industry people, not to mention the perfect conditions for making new fans.

The interesting thing about the night time shows, is that not even the folks with the expensive badges, can get into a venue once it has hit capacity. The same goes for wristband holders. Many of the evening showcases are open only to badge and wristband holders, who tend to be music industry and press people. But it's still about capacity.

This was the case tonight at Stubb's, where the bill included The Walkmen, Broken Bells and Spoon. The line was extremely long, and not moving enough to create hope of seeing those bands. Before The Walkmen even completed their set, venue staff were telling people in line that they might as well go somewhere else because the joint was at capacity and badge holders, if there was capacity to let anyone else in, would get first priority. Basically, even badge holders were not guaranteed entry because any sane person that actually got in to Stubb's this evening wouldn't be stupid enough to leave, especially since Spoon wasn't scheduled until 12:15am. For many of us, not getting in was a big let-down. OK, get over it fast, and hit another venue with a solid showcase that may be a better shot.

So, we dashed across the street to Club De Ville in hopes of seeing Here We Go Magic, The Middle East, Bowerbirds and Califone. Unfortunately, it was pretty much the same deal. Club Deville was filled to capacity with little chance of getting in no matter how long you waited.

One thing you find out pretty fast about SXSW, especially at the official, popular night showcases, is that you may not get into see a lot of bands you planned on seeing - regardless of who you are, or whether you have a badge or wristband.

Leaving the Deville and weaving our way through the huge crowds in the closed-to-cars streets of downtown Austin, we headed over to The Galaxy Room to catch Denmark's Choir of Young Believers, and an awesome set from London's Fanfarlo.

After those shows, it was looking doubtful that we'd get into The Parish a few blocks away in time to see Codeine Velvet Club, We Were Promised Jetpacks and Frightened Rabbit. After 20 minutes in a long line, the staff informed everyone that it was sold out.

"Vanity Kills" - Codeine Velvet Club

"Swim Until You Can't See The Land" - Frightened Rabbit

Still, we were able to get into Wave, and proceeded to ascend to the relatively small, cramped rooftop area to see Florida's Surfer Blood, one of the most influential new bands, partly responsible for a wave of popularity in the "indie" surf rock trend that started to take hold in 2009, and is showing no signs of slowing down in 2010. Fans of bands like Pavement and Built to Spill are most likely to be interested in Surfer Blood. One indication of a new band's popularity is the number of profile views they have on MySpace. Surfer Blood's MySpace page already has well over half of a million profile views.

The band played an amazing 40 minute set, but it was literally the most packed crowd yet. Whether we liked it or not, the person in front and back of you were pressed up against you - through no fault of their own. Thankfully, we had a really fun, and tolerable, group of people that were having a blast and took for what it was worth - after all, it's SXSW, and St. Patrick's Day.

During Surfer Blood's set, the band grooved on their psychedelic surf rock sounds on tracks like "Floating Vibes" and "Take It Easy," saving their most well-known song, "Swim (To Reach The End)," to close out the set. During "Take It Easy," front man JP Pitts, took his name a bit literally and jumped into the crowd who caught and held him up perfectly, giving many people the first chance to see a band member because the stage was so low only the people right in front saw the band - unless you were seven-feet tall.

"Floating Vibes" - Surfer Blood

See other Surfer Blood posts with more songs

By the time, Surfer Blood finished, it was 2 am, and time for the festival to close up until 10 am this morning, when dozens of daytime showcases will kick-off and go on all day throughout Austin, with a brief break, usually between 6-8 pm, before the big nightime shows started.

No matter what one does when they visit SXSW, there is no way you can see most of the bands you planned to, not only because they are playing at the same time in different dozens of venues. So, the best one can do at SXSW, is to hope and to get to see as many shows as possible. But after 15 hours on your feet, it starts taking it's toll.

There were many other artists and bands that we wanted to see today that we could not for no other reason than having to make tough choices about which showcases we wanted to see, and which we had the best chance to get into, preferably where you can stay for at least a few sets in a row. Some of the shows we missed today, unfortunately, included Titus Andronicus, Beach Fossils, Neon Indian, Small Black, Washed Out, and Japandroids, to name a few.

"Time" - Beach Fossils

"Phone Call" - Washed Out

One of the saving graces when missing shows by artists you want to see, is that many play more than one - in some cases up to eight - other gigs during the four-day festival, many times at unofficial SXSW showcases. And yet, no matter how well you plan and try, there are going to be bands that you want to see that you simply will miss.

Thursday is yet another big day for SXSW, although it will lack the same energy and green attire and costumes that Day One/St. Patrick's Day offered.

The Austin Convention Center has a great day showcase featuring The Walkmen, Frightened Rabbit, Codeine Velvet Club and Dr. Dog.

"The Rat" - The Walkmen

"California" - Dr. Dog

However, the Bay Area Takeover Party at the Beauty Bar (617 E. 7th St.) offers a splendid lineup for the entire day, including The Ferocious Few, Sonny and the Sunsets, Leopold and His Fiction, Sleepy Sun, Man/Miracle, and so on, not to mention the "other" Beauty Bar (distinguished as "Palm Door" at 401 Sabine Street), which is hosting Bear Hands, Yacht, Fool's Gold, Banjo or Freakout, Growlers and Active Child.

"Too Young To Burn" - Sonny and the Sunsets

"Hot Sprawl" - Man/Miracle

"Upside Down" - Banjo or Freakout

The Fader Fort (1101 E. 5th St.) will host Everything, Everything, Best Coast, Neon Indian, Local Natives, The Morning Benders and others. The Galaxy Room, with an inside and outside stage, will have Shearwater, Miles Kurosky (of Beulah), Lou Barlow, The Lonely Forest, The Low Anthem, The Middle East, Black Prairie and Dinosaur Feathers.

"Sun Hands" - Local Natives

"Blood" - The Middle East

Check back tomorrow for more about the Thursday night shows, news of the day shows, and some videos, photos and more as they begin to pile up. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook for lots of updates that we send out during the entire day and night events.

As we are putting this together at a ridiculous time of the morning, we're still debating how we can see most of our top-pick shows tomorrow, while also considering heavily the logistics.

Labels: SXSW 2010

Today, Wednesday, March 17, is the date that Austin's South by Southwest fest transitions from a focus on film to music, bringing thousands of artists and spectators from around the world to downtown Austin for four days and nights of every imaginable type of music.

The music festival and conference held at SXSW for 16 years now, is the event of the year where musicians and bands, press and bloggers, spectators and fans, record industry executives, music scouts and agents, and so on, gather in conventions, centers, music halls, bars and clubs, churches and museums, backyards and roof tops to play, listen to and chronical more music than is ever possible to hear.

At anytime of the day or night, there are dozens and dozens of bands playing at venues throughout downtown Austin. SWSX organizers say there are more than 1,700 artists and bands scheduled just for the official showcases. However, there are also hundreds of unofficial SXSW events. Relatively unknown artists perform in pizza joints, hotels and cafes; better known bands perform at the top venues, such as Stubb's, Emo's and The Galaxy Room.

Wednesday will be a big day for places like The Galaxy Room (508 E 6th St.), which features two stages (inside and outstage) will host shows from Roman Candle, Free Energy, Freelance Whales, Suckers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Roky Erickson with Okkervil River and Frightened Rabbit.

"Generator First Floor" - Freelance Whales

"Lost Coastlines" - Okkervil River

"Heads Roll Off" - Frightened Rabbit

Red 7 (611 E 7th St.) a few blocks away will host the SXSW Terrorbird/Force Field Day Party with shows (inside and outside) from The Fresh and Onlys, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Toro Y Moi, Inlets, Beach Fossils, Real Estate, Neon Indian, Choir of Young Believers and The Rural Alberta Advantage.

"Terminally Chill" - Neon Indian

"Action Reaction" - Choir of Young Believers

The Fader Fort (1001 E. 5th St.) is featuring shows from We Were Promised Jetpacks, Free Energy, Freelance Whales, Visqueen and others.

"Conductor" - We Were Promised Jetpacks

Not far away at Emo's (603 Red River St.), showcases include The Morning Benders, Titus Andronicus, Japandroids and The Black Angels.

"Excuses" - The Morning Benders

"A More Perfect Union" - Titus Andronicus

Just up the street at The Mohawk, there's an all-day showcase that includes White Demin, Besnard Lakes, Washed Out, Small Black, Royal Bands and Phantogram, to name a few.

That's just a sampling of the day shows for Day One of SXSW 2010. Stay tuned for more about night showcases that include The Walkmen, Broken Bells, Here We Go Magic, The Middle East, Califone, Fanfarlo, Princeton, Surfer Blood and more.

With South by Southwest the major deal this week for most music freaks, it is fitting, and not surprising, that some of the best new releases of the week are from artists who are scheduled to appear at SXSW 2010.

Firstly, Athens, Georgia's Drive-By Truckers officially release their new album, The Big To-Do, today - perfectly timed for their SXSW show this Thursday at Stubb's in Austin. Unfortunately, and unlike many other bands at SXSW, TBT have only appearance booked at SXSW before they head to New Orleans for back-to-back concerts on Friday and Saturday. From the little bit we've heard of the new album, The Big To-Do, it sounds so good, so far.

"This F*cking Job" - Drive-By Truckers from The Big To-Do

Drive By Truckers on MySpace

Drive By Truckers SXSW Show:

March 18 @ 10:30pm at Stubb's

From the UK to Austin, Texas, and three shows at SXSW. Not a bad deal for a relatively new band; Standard Fare specialize in catchy post-punk influenced pop songs, and are one of the lesser-known bands that should win over some new fans this week. The band's debut album, The Noyelle Beat, is available today.

"Fifteen" - Standard Fare from The Noyelle Beat

Standard Fare on MySpace

Standard Fare SXSW Shows:

Mar 17 @ 3:00P Music For Listeners Day Party
Mar 19 @ 1:00P SXSW Day Party @ Waterloo Cycles
Mar 19 @ 8:00P SXSW Showcase at Mohawk inside

Casper Bangs are a relatively new indie pop band from Washington, D.C. In the past year of so, the band has created their own good buzz within the "music underground." Casper Bangs are booked for two shows this week at SXSW, including a spot on Sneak Attack Media's Thursday night showcase, and the daytime BYT Party at the Red Fez. The DC band received good reviews for the DIY release of their debut, self-titled EP last year, and have since been building a modest, but loyal following. Casper Bangs started as the band project of Rob Pierangeli.

"Skylark" - Casper Bangs from I Woke Up

Casper Bangs from MySpace

Casper Bangs SXSW Shows:

Mar 18 2010 8:00P SXSW - Sneak Attack Media Showcase
Mar 20 2010 1:00P SXSW - Red Fez - BYT Day Party

Not all of the band's with new notable releases this week are scheduled for SXSW, but it would have been good if they had been. We previously wrote about the Hamilton, Canada band, The Rest, in praise of their last album, Everyone All at Once, most especially for the tracks, "Apples and Allergies" and "Modern Time Travel."


Acclaim of the album reached across the oceans to Europe as well, and landed the band opening tours with Final Fantasy's Owen Pallet, Deerhoof, The Besnard Lakes and The Twilight Sad. The band's new EP, Cried Wolf, drops this week on Autuer Recordings, and includes the invigorating, forward-driving rocker, "With Every Heartbeat," perhaps the EP's most accessible track, followed closely by the sprawling, artistic folk rock of "Cried Wolf (and Other Animals)." Thanks to the band for sending these songs in to share with the world.

"With Every Heartbeat" - The Rest from Cried Wolf

"Cried Wolf (and Other Animals)" - The Rest from Cried Wolf

- The Rest on MySpace

If you haven't heard of Eddy Current Supression Ring, here's your chance. The band is definitely on our radar for 2010. Also, check out new tracks from Moneybrother, herMajesty, and One For The Team.

"Anxiety" - Eddy Current Suppression Ring from Rush to Relax

Eddy Current Suppression Ring

"Born Under a Bad Sign" - Moneybrother from Real Control

"World Smiles" - herMajesty from Images from the Vanishing Night EP

herMajesty on MySpace

"Hard for You" - One for the Team from Ghosts

One for the Team

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

It's not a stretch that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club would be high on the list of bands to see at SXSW in 2010, even though they are definitely not indie (they're signed to a major label), yet rule in the minds of many alternative-to-heavy rockers. The band's new album proves their status in the rock world. The band keeps pumping out exciting rock songs with all the right elements to keep their original fan base engaged, and reach new fans. The music speaks for itself.

"Conscience Killer" - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from Beat The Devil's Tattoo

BRMC SWSX Shows:

March 19th at 11:00 at La Zona Rosa
March 19th at 4:30 at Cedar Street Courtyard

- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on MySpace


Princeton

Kanine Records (Grizzly Bear, Surfer Blood, The Depreciation Guild) has steadily been building a solid roster of bands in the past few years. One of their most recent family members, are the shoegaze pop band Princeton of Eagle Rock, California.

The band has climbed up quickly since the release of their 2006 DIY EP debut, A Case of the Emperor's Clothes, followed in 2008 with their second EP, Bloomsbury. Last year, their debut LP, Cocoon of Love was released to critical acclaim and a growing following of fans.

"Calypso Gold" - Princeton from Cocoon of Love (2009)

"Korean War Memorial" - Princeton from Cocoon of Love (2009)

Bonus tracks:

"Ms. Bentwich" - Princeton from Bloomsbury EP (2008)

"The Waves" - Princeton from Bloomsbury EP (2008)

Princeton shows at SXSW:

Mar 17 2010 10:00P KANINE SHOWCASE @ WAVE ROOFTOP
Mar 18 2010 12:30A CREEKSIDE LOUNGE
Mar 19 2010 12:00P BROOKLYN VEGAN PARTY@ CLUB DEVILLE
Mar 20 2010 4:00P KEVCHINO PARTY @ CAFE MUNDI

Princeton on MySpace


Real Estate

New Jersey band Real Estate are returning to SXSW for their second year. Plus, the band released their much anticipated debut LP in November to a great deal of positive reviews. The LP is definitely one of the best debuts of 2009. Check out our review of the LP and then come back here to listen to two additional songs not included in the release review. This band is truly amazing and unique and just about every track on the LP is a keeper - can't say that about most debut albums. Anticipate big crowds for their shows at SXSW next week.

"Suburban Beverage" - Real Estate from s/t debut (2009)

"Black Lake" - Real Estate from s/t debut (2009)

Real Estate Shows at SXSW:

Mar 17 2010 1:00A Underwater Peeps house show
Mar 17 2010 4:30P Forcefield Party @ Red 7
Mar 18 2010 3:00P Other Music show @ French Legation Museum
Mar 18 2010 9:00P 2908 Cole Street w/ Woods, Pocahaunted, Beach Fossils, Eternal Tapestry, Silent Land Time Machine
Mar 19 2010 12:00P Ground Control Party @ Urban Outfitters
Mar 19 2010 2:00P Pitchfork Party @ Emo’s Jr.
Mar 19 2010 11:00P Gorilla Vs Bear/ Mexican Summer @ Klub Krucial
Mar 20 2010 2:00P The Mohawk, Mog Party
Mar 20 2010 6:45P Fader Fort
Mar 20 2010 11:45P Woodsist Showcase @ Red 7

- Real Estate on MySpace


Surfer Blood

Surfer Blood definitely fall into the new wave of surf rock bands during the past year or so. The West Palm Beach, Florida area band broke through last August after putting on a much-talked-about show at Brooklyn's Bruar Falls, and subsequently, during last falls' NYC CMJ festival. The band relentlessly toured throught 2009, including bills with Art Brut and Japandroids. Within months of literally becoming a band, Srufer Blood were making it on to many music blogs' and sites' "Bands to Watch" lists. Heather Phares of the All Music Guide wrote warmly that Surfer Blood "fuse sunny surf rock charm with indie rock cool." In January, the band released their excellent debut LP, Astrocoast.

"Swim (To Reach The End)" - Surfer Blood from Astrocoast


Surfer Blood SXSW Shows:

Mar 17 2010 4:00P Waterloo Records (live free instore)
Mar 17 2010 11:45P The Wave Rooftop, Kanine Records SXSW Party
Mar 18 2010 1:00P Club Deville (Insound SxSw Party)
Mar 18 2010 3:00P The Parish (NPR SXSW Party)
Mar 18 2010 5:45P Sled Island Party
Mar 19 2010 1:00P La Zona Rosa: Village Voice SxSW Party w/ The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Superchunk, The XX
Mar 19 2010 5:30P Emos (Pitchfork SxSw Party)
Mar 19 2010 10:00P Lustre Pearl (Filter, Dickies SxSw Party)

- Surfer Blood on MySpace


The Drums

The Drums have busted through in the past year to praise from bloggers and the music press, not to mention enthusiastic fans. It's easy to get lost in the vast ocean of "hot, new" indie bands from Brooklyn nowadays, but The Drums have definitely carved out their little piece of home turf with their decidely catchy, post punk/pop sound. The Drums are considered by some to fall into the so-called "surfer indie rock" that has been attributed to other bands like, ironically enough, Surfer Blood, Real Estate, Holiday Shores, all of which are also favorites to be seen at this year's SXSW fest in Austin.

"Let's Go Surfing" - The Drums from Summer Time EP

"I Felt Stupid" - The Drums from Summer Time EP

The Drums SXSW Shows:

Mar 19 2010 1:00am NME Showcase @ Latitude
Mar 19 2010 3:45pm FADER FORT
Mar 20 2010 10:00pm Stubb’s Showcase

- The Drums on MySpace

Bands that Should be at SXSW 2010: The Swimmers: We plan to feature this band in the near future. They are good. Also, The Canon Logic; see our review for perspective on that. Other bands that would have been cool to see at SXSW, but apparently won't be there, include Pete and the Pirates, Frank Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, The White Stripes. Getting conflicting messages of whether The Ruby Suns are showing or not. While they are doing one show, more slots at SXSW of The Morning Benders would be a good thing.

Labels: SXSW 2010

Yesterday, we published part one of the Best New Releases of the Week; it was necessary to make two installments because there is a lot of great new music out this week. In the first installment, we featured The Morning Benders, Ted Leo, Free Energy, Titus Andronicus, Josh Rouse and others. So far this year, there have been at least eight weeks of solid new releases that have made for some fantastic playlists of 2010 songs, including today's playlist. Listen to it from start to finish with the built-in player to get the full experience of the diversity of terrific songs.

First up is new music from Broken Bells (a collaboration between The Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse). Broken Bells performed on The Late Show with David Letterman last evening in what must have been a difficult performance for Danger Mouse and Mercer, both of who had collaborated with the late Mark Linkous, who founded the band Sparklehorse in 1994. Sparklehorse was arguably one of the most influential groups of the alternative rock movement that grew in popularity from the mid to late 1990s, and into the new millenium. Linkous was also a frequent influenetial bands of the alternative rock movement that who died last Saturday in Knoxville following a reported suicide. IRC paid tribute to Mark Linkous and his music in a special feature on Monday.


"The High Road" - Broken Bells from s/t debut
Stream the entire album via Spinner
Broken Bells official website


LA alternative rockers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's new album, Beat The Devil's Tattoo, was released yesterday on Vagrant Records. After streaming it a few days ago via Spinner, fans of the BRMC are likely to be well satisfied - it rocks from start to finish. The band is currently on an extensive tour that will cover much of North America over the next three weeks, and then on to a six-week European tour. The band is set to perform one show next week during Austin's annual South By Southwest music festival and conference.

"Conscience Killer" - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from Beat The Devil's Tattoo


Brooklyn's power pop band, The Canon Logic, sent in two singles to share with all of you from their new album FM Arcade. Sounds like yet another promising band to break out of Brooklyn. Also, Emanuel and the Fear, a New York City band, have a new album release that dropped yesterday via the growing line-up of indie label, Paper Garden Records.

"Avenue of Criminals" - The Canon Logic from FM Arcade

"Nights at Armour Mansion"- The Canon Logic from FM Arcade

Canon Logic official website

"Dear Friend" - Emanuel and the Fear from Listen
Emanuel and the Fear on MySpace


In addition, don't miss these splendid fresh tracks from new albums (worthy additions to your music collection; otherwise, we wouldn't recommend them) by Frightened Rabbit, The Besnard Lakes, The Ruby Suns, Mighty Tiger, Thunder Power (produced by Ian Aeillo [Bright Eyes, Cursive, Matthew Sweet]), Jatun and others.

"Swim Until You Can't See Land" - Frightened Rabbit from The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Frightened Rabbit on MySpace

"Albatross" - The Besnard Lakes from The Roaring Night
The Besnard Lakes official website

"Cranberry" - The Ruby Suns from Fight Softly
The Ruby Suns on MySpace

"33 1/3" - Mighty Tiger from Western Theatre
Mighty Tiger on MySpace

"Heartifact" - Thunder Power from Hearts Intersect EP
Thunder Power on MySpace

"Circuit Eater" - Jatun from Blanket of Ash
Jatun official website

"Fare Thee Well" - McCabe & Mrs. Miller from Time for Leaving
McCabe & Mrs. Miller on MySpace

"Song for Dreaming" - Judson Claiborne from Time and Temperature

"Leave Me Alone" - Pretty Good Dance Moves from PGDM

"No Logic" - White Hinterland from Kairos

As if releasing their debut record Witches last week wasn't enough, FUR teamed up with Coyote Clean Up on another EP available now for free download. The two artists took a crack at remixing each others tracks, both ironically titled "Lackadaisical" and added a few more of their own to boot. The Lackadaisical EP was described by Gorilla vs. Bear as "haunted lounge-house" and is available for free download via the Waaga Records website. Power Animal also have a new song out from their new album, People Songs, out later this month, and will be performing at next week's SXSW, followed by a month-long U.S. tour.

"Lackadaisical" (Coyote Clean Up Dub) - FUR from Lackadaisical EP

"Dear My Body" - Power Animal from People Songs


Other Posts and Playlists You Might Dig:

Best New Releases of the Week, Part One: The Morning Benders, Free Energy, Titus Andronicus, Josh Rouse, Ted Leo and More

RIP: Artists Remember Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse (1962-2010)

In Dee Mail Special Edition, Vol. VIII: The Middle East, The Love X Nowhere, Emanuel and the Fear, Solfege Radio and More

Disbanded: Band Break-Ups, Vol. I: New Faces, The Fake Fictions and The Catholic Comb

The Morning Benders widely anticipated new album, Big Echo, officially drops today, March 9th. We have two terrific singles, the album opener, "Excuses" (via Stereogum) and "Promises," from the folks at Beggars Group. The band will embark on a six-week tour of the U.S. and Canada with a kick-0ff show tomorrow in Philadelphia (see the tour schedule).

"Excuses" - The Morning Benders from Big Echo

"Promises" - The Morning Benders from Big Echo


It goes without saying that Free Energy are one of the hottest indie bands of the past year. With their blissful 70's pop rock sound and energetic live shows, the band have won wide praise from the music blogging and mainstream press communities.

"Hope Child" - Free Energy from Stuck On Nothing

"Dream City" - Free Energy from Stuck On Nothing

- Stream Stuck on Nothing


One of our favorite shoegaze bands from the Garden State, Titus Andronicus, released the follow up album to their widely acclaimed debut, The Airing of Grievances, this week, and so far, it sounds like a real keeper. The band were nice enough to share not one, not two, but three tracks from the new album. Titus Andronicus will be performing a free in-store performance during SXSW at Waterloo Records on March 18 at 1pm in downtown Austin.

"A More Perfect Union" - Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

"Four Score and Seven (Part One)" - Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

"Four Score and Seven (Part Two)" - Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

- Titus Andronicus on MySpace

"The Mighty Sparrow" - Ted Leo and The Pharmacists from The Brutalist Bricks

"Even Heroes Have to Die" - Ted Leo and The Pharmacists from The Brutalist Bricks

- Ted Leo on MySpace

"I Will Live On Islands" - Josh Rouse from El Turista

- Josh Rouse on MySpace

- Stream El Turista via Spinner

"Do The Method" - Method Actors from This is Still It

"Bleeding" - Method Actors from This is Still It

- Method Actors on MySpace

"Crystals" - Thrushes from Night Falls

- Thruses official website

"Song for Dreaming" - Judson Claiborne from Time and Temperature

- Judson Claiborne on MySpace

Check out Part Two of the Best New Releases of the Week featuring Broken Bells, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Frightened Rabbit, Mighty Tiger, The Ruby Suns, Thunder Power, The Besnard Lake, The Canon Logic and more.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

Feetz to Da Beatz, Vol. I - Bands That Get You Dancing: Body Language, Yes Giantess and Friends Electric

2010 Releases You Might Have Missed: Boy Eats Drum Machine, Phantogram, ArpLine, BlueBrain, Wakey! Wakey!

Best New Releases of the Week: Bear Hands, Local Natives, The Hush Now, Field Music, Son Lux, The Good Listeners

Band to Watch: Nashville's The Vermicious K'nids

Labels: New Releases

The alternative rock world has lost another giant. Over the past couple of days the news of the death of Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse has shocked and saddened many fans, friends and artists. On Saturday, The New York Times reported that Linkous committed suicide in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 47.

Colin Greenwood, the bassist for Radiohead, released this statement: "I was very sad to hear the news that Mark Linkous has died. He and his band toured with us in Europe, at the start of OK Computer, and they were great every night...He was softly spoken, with an Old South courtesy I hadn't heard before...Mark wrote and played some beautiful music, and we’re lucky to have it. Rest in Peace."

From Steve Drozd, multi-instrumentalist for The Flaming Lips: "R.I.P. Mark Linkous. You were a kind soul...Mark Linkous toured with us in 2003. Every night he and I would share a quiet moment with a shot of whiskey and a few laughs. A nice memory."

Via Twitter, the band Metric, wrote: "Don't care about the Oscars. Thinking only of our latest loss too soon, Mark Linkous," and Californe: "goodbye mark l., we will miss you badly."

Linkous' family has released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."

Linkous had a Twitter account, but he rarely used it. His last message was in November of 2009, and seemed to indicate a sense of excitement about a new project: "working on a film about Beatles guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi."


In 1995, Sparkelhorse's first album, vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot, was released, and quickly became a hit on college radio, as did the song, "Someday I Will Treat You Good." The following year, Sparklehorse toured Europe with Radiohead. While in London, Linkous overdosed on a combination of anti-depressants, heroin, alcohol and valium, and almost lost the use of his legs from the resulting emergency surgery. He was confined to a wheelchair for six months.

Ironically, last December, a mentor and fellow musician, Vic Chesnutt, who Linkous had collaborated with on the 2001 release of It's a Wonderful Life, committed suicide in Georgia. Chesnutt was bound to a wheelchair for his adult life following a car crash at the age of 18. He was 45.

After recuperating, Linkous and the band released Good Morning Spider in 1998, a somber album that contained the song, "Saint Mary," which Linkous is reported to have dedicated to the nurses who helped in his recovery.

Following GMS, Linkous and Sparklehorse recorded It's a Wonderful Life, that, in addition to Chesnutt, included collaboration with another mentor, Daniel Johnston, plus, Tom Waits, Bob Rupe (The Silos and Cracker), Nina Persson and PJ Harvey. In 2006, Sparklehorse released their fourth album, Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain.


Last year, Linkous teamed up with Danger Mouse and producer David Lynch on the Dark Night of the Soul project, which was not released due to a legal battle between Danger Mouse and EMI. However, Pitchfork announced last week that Danger Mouse and EMI had resolved their differences, and the multimedia project, which Linkous co-wrote, co-composed and co-produced, would officially be released sometime this summer. Much of music from the project had already been leaked on the Internet.

According to BrooklyVegan, Linkous' publicist confirmed that Sparklehorse was nearly done with a new album that was scheduled to be released by Anti- Records. However, there is no information on the Anti- website about the project or Linkous' death.

Other collaborators on Dark Night of the Soul include James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, and Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.

For anyone who has followed Sparklehorse over all of these years, the loss of Linkous cannot be overstated. He was truly one of the most gifted singer and songwriters of the alternative scene.

"Little Girl" - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse featuring Julian Casablancas from Dark Night of the Soul (2010)

Stream Dark Night of the Soul on NPR

"Little Fat Baby" - Sparklehorse from It's a Wonderful Life (2001)

"Saint Mary" - Sparklehorse from Good Morning Spider (1998)

"Return to Me" - Sparklehorse from Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain (2006)

"Heart of Darkness" - Sparklehorse from Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (1995)

KCRW interview with Mark Linkous upon the release of It's a Wonderful Life.

The official Sparklehorse website

Sparklehorse on MySpace

Their music is carefully crafted and performed brilliantly; it is touching, cinematic and enchanting, not to mention wonderfully experimental.

Dark Dark Dark are a hybird of musicians from New York, New Orleans and Minneapolis, including the magnificent lead vocalist and piano and accordion artist Nona Marie Invie, supported by the vocals and multi-instrumentist Marshall LaCount (banjo, piano, clarinet), two choir singers, Jonathan Kaiser on cello, and multi-instrumentalist Water McClements (piano, trumpet and accordion), plus the talents of drummer Brett Bullion and bassist Todd Chandler.

The new EP from the chamber folk sextet Dark Dark Dark is a wonderful follow-up to their widely heralded debut album, The Snow Magic, in 2008.

It's another winner and a tease for a sophomore album slated to be released later this year. The band is musically advanced in both songwriting and performance, Invie's splendid and moving lead vocals are at the center, the music incorporates many styles and is always inventive, at times gypsy-like, theatrical, tragic, joyful, and, of course, dark - all accomplished with remarkable sophistication and what would otherwise be a contradiction - an uncanny rawness.



We listened to Bright Bright Bright a number of times and enjoy it more with each subsequent spin. Marshall LaCount summed up the new EP as a conceptual piece "about a character finding a place in the world, and the strange interactions that happen along the way."

Dark Dark Dark has also be wildly successful on the road, touring with one of our favorite, still really indie bands WHY? The EP was recorded on analog at the suggestion of Minneapolis producer Tom Herbers (WHY?, Low, Retribution Gospel Choir, The Jayhawks, Fog) who wanted to capture the band's live chemistry on analog equipment from start to finish. "Recording like this allowed so much room for musicality, warmth and energy," Herbers said.

Dark Dark Dark has been recording new material for the upcoming LP at the historic Music Box Theatre in Minneapolis with Herbers, and are currently touring their way to Austin next week where they are slated to perform at three shows for the South by Southwest music festival.

"Bright Bright Bright" by Dark Dark Dark from the Bright Bright Bright EP (2010)