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

Labels: New Releases