Melissa Auf der Maur SXSW OOOM Pre-Release Party, 03.18.10 @ Péché, 6-7pm

Former Hole bassist (and onetime Smashing Pumpkin) Melissa Auf der Maur will be making the rounds at SXSW this week to promote her multimedia project Out Of Our Minds, or OOOM for short. The album drops on March 30th, and to celebrate Melissa will be hosting a pre-release absinthe hoedown this Thursday, March 18 at Péché on 4th st ( a.k.a. the one above Cedar Street Courtyard).

Festivities will take place from 6-7pm. The party is being sponsored by Fender, Filter Magazine, and Venuszine. RSVP here.

For those who don't know, I've been a long time supporter through Melissa's career and am very excited that she is finally unveiling the music of OOOM.

Come and join us at the party. There will be fun... Oh yes, F-U-N will be had...

OUT OF OUR MINDS MUSIC VIDEO from MAdM OOOM

Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

Here is another that I'm late in posing on this blog, but...

My review of the new Gil Scott-Heron album I'm New Here went up on Stereo Subversion. Let me tell you, this was a treat. This is his first studio offering in over 15 years and it totally took me by surprise. Scott-Heron's ability to deliver this powerhouse of an album is a testament to a true artist.

Here is an excerpt:

The first thing you must know about I’m New Here is that the smooth as butter vocals that decorated Scott-Heron’s earlier ventures into traditional R&B/soul are gone. The years of hardship have transformed a now 60-year-old voice into a grainy, rugged drawl that’s half way between elder Johnny Cash and your drunken uncle at the family barbeque. Within that lies much of the appreciation; it’s hard to imagine that this album would have the same appeal if Scott-Heron didn’t sound like he’s been to hell and back.

Read the entire review over on Stereo Subversion.

[SSv Review: I'm New Here]

Kate Nash - 'Do Wah Doo' Video

I dig Kate Nash... Much more than Lily Allen, who she is often compared to and most hipsters prefer. But I think Nash is a better songwriter and creates better tunes. I even love her over-the-top English accent. Plus, girls with freckles are so ubbercute!

Given that, I'm very much anticipating her second album My Best Friend is You, which looks like it will hit our shore on April 20th. So imagine my excitement when I came across her new video today. Yes, there was excitement. The clip is for the song "Do Wah Doo" and though it may be short, I dig the old school doo-wop sound she's going for on this one.

and here is 'Exhibit A' in the whole cute with freckles thing...

Buzzcocks - A Different Kind of Tension

I'm being kind of lazy in posting these things... but hey that's nothing new.

Anyways... My review of the Buzzcocks reissue A Different Kind of Tension is up on Stereo Subversion. Always challenging to review classics, but it gave me an excuse to write about one of my favorite periods in all of music history. I have some deep love for the late-70s/early-80s era of UK post-punk. That period spawned some of my all-time favorite bands, i.e. Joy Division, Siouxsie & The Banshess, et al.

So jump over to SSv and read what I have to say about one of those classics to come from that era...

[SSv Review: A Different Kind of Tension]

While you're there, read the review of another Buzzcocks reissue, their debut album Another Music in a Different Kitchen.

Adrian and the Sickeness - B.F.D.

I’m working on some Austin coverage for Stereo Subversion. I’ve always jumped at the opportunity to write about Austin for the site (see Ume review, SXSW 2009 coverage). Now we’ve planned out some album reviews and a commentary piece focused on what the local ATX scene has to offer.

The first of these posts is a review of the latest album from balls-to-the-wall rockers Adrian & the Sickness. Trinity Stardust has a little history with the band as they were one of the initial bands reviewed when I started the whole music blogging thing. It was cool to go back and revisit their music.

Be on the lookout for those other Austin pieces in the next month or so. Of course I’ll link them here on the blog from mars when they go up. But for now check out my review of Adrian & the Sickenss’s B.F.D…

[SSv Review: B.F.D.]

Tegan and Sara - 'Alligator' Video

Well it has been a while since I've posted anything on this bloggity-thingy, so I figure why not take the opportunity to get back in the game by blurbing about one of, if not my favorite band. The latest video from Tegan and Sara premiered over the weekend. The song "Alligator" comes off their spectacular sixth album Sainthood, which received a great distinction from me. And as with any T&S vid, I must warn that watching my result in an overdose of cuteness. Seriously there are eskimos and dancing involved. Take a look...

Coincidentally, Tegan and Sara will be in Austin this Friday (02.26.10) for a show at Bass Concert Hall. Should be a great show. I've seen them live several times in the past and each time has made me love them more. I promise you, more cuteness will ensue.