Live music review: Reverend Horton Heat mixed new material with old at Emo's

Saturday evening Reverend Horton Heat played some smoking guitar at Emo's with Two Tons of Steel from San Antonio and Austin's own Dale Watson. Jim "The Rev" Heath showed off his massive guitar chops on his signature Gretsch hollow-body. Bandmates Jimbo Wallace (upright bass) and Scott Churilla (drums) were just as impressive. Wallace demonstrated his slap technique on the bass while Churilla twirled his drumsticks at every opportunity while keeping perfect time. Heath even invited... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Weekend music preview: Reverend Horton Heat, Hard Proof, Peligrosa, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

With Christmas just around the corner, Austin music fans might assume there is not much going on in the "live music capital" this weekend. They may be surprised to learn there are plenty of shows happening. Psychobilly pioneer, Reverend Horton Heat will be at Emo's with Dale Watson and Two Tons of Steel. At nearby Antone's Mingo Fishtrap and Hard Proof Afrobeat will get the dance party going. If you still have last minute gifts to buy, you can do it with a full bar and live music at... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Wheeler Brothers headline Paramount Saturday - win tickets

Austin upstart musical act, The Wheeler Brothers are set to headline KUTX Live at The Paramount Theater Saturday for what guarantees to be a great Thanksgiving weekend concert. After spending much of the past year on the road in support of their second full-length album "Gold Boots Glitter," The Wheelers return to their hometown for a special performance with Drew Smith's Lonely Choir. Smith produced their recent release. If you have not seen Smith perform, you will be pleasantly surprised at how good this musician's musician is onstage. Check out how to win two tickets... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Fun Fun Fun Fest Day 3: MGMT, Jurassic 5, Bonobo, The Polyphonic Spree, Cayucas

The final day of Fun Fun Fun Fest at Auditorium Shores in Austin on Sunday found us weary but willing. Our photographer, Emily Lim was excited about Cayucas from Los Angeles performing an early set and made to the venue in time to grab a few choice shots. She hung around for the joyous romp that is The Polyphonic Spree, a large, symphonic band that wears matching choir robes as if they were participating in a church service. We made sure to... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Fun Fun Fun Fest Day 2: MIA, Ice-T, Television, Chelsea Light Moving, Geographer

The eighth edition of Fun Fun Fun Fest at Auditorium Shores in Austin concluded Sunday and we have more photos from Emily Lim. This time our slideshow features images from the second day of performances by MIA,Body Count (Ice-T), Television, Chelsea Light Movingand Geographer. The booming bass during the headlining set by MIA at the Orange Stage sent our photographer's... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Nine Inch Nails record historic ACL TV episode

Over the past 39 seasons, television's longest runningmusic show, Austin City Limits (ACL TV) has had some legendary performers on the show. From country legends like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to rockers Radiohead and Jack White last season many incredible artists have been guests in the studio. Perhaps no act has generated as much excitement as industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails did prior to their... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Portugal. The Man jammed out at debut ACL TV taping

While heavy storms drenched an already soggy Austin with up to nine inches of rain last night, Portugal. The Man was busy recording their debut Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) taping in front of an enthusiastic studio audience. The quintet from Portland played a psych-rock heavy, 13-song set that drew heavily from their acclaimed latest album, "Evil Friends" produced by Danger Mouse. The band set the tone for the evening with opening song... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Dark Side of the Rainbow - A Pink Floyd Experience

Friday night at Austin Music Hall a special, live performance of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" will take place featuring some of Austin's best local musicians. The show which benefits Anthropos Arts merges inspiration from the classic film, The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd's epic album. The event will open with Christian Bland and the Revelators channeling a concert from the UFO Club (see video on left) circa 1966 when Floyd was led by original vocalist, Syd Barrett. Popular songs from across the Floyd discography will follow, culminating with a dramatic... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Local Natives honored to tape debut ACL TV episode (Photos)

There is a special feeling attending an Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) taping (like getting to peek behind the curtain). During Austin City Limits Music Festival, when artists appear on the show a heightened sense of excitement permeates the theater as it did last night when Local Natives made their ACL TV debut. The Los Angeles indie rock quintet only has... Continue reading at Examiner.com

ACL festival review: Day 3 - Atoms for Peace, Lionel Ritchie, Tame Impala, White Denim, Peterson Brothers Band (Photos)

Thom Yorke of Atoms for Peace                        Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro

The first weekend of Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival wrapped up Sunday with beautiful weather. The cold front that moved in Friday evening kept the high temperature below 85 degrees and brought drier air to Austin. For the first time in several years it did not rain during the event. The conditions meant it was comfortable for music fans and Examiner who witnessed sets byAtoms for Peace, Tame Impala, White Denim... Continue reading at Examiner.com

ACL festival review: Day 2 - The Cure, Wilco, Kendrick Lamar, Haim

Robert Smith of The Cure                      Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro

The second day of Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival began much like Friday with hot, humid weather. That all changed after the sun went down and chilly winds from a cold front moved in. The weather may have caught some festival goers ill-prepared, but Examiner was ready. We caught Wilco displaying musical excellence at the Samsung Galaxy Stage performing in their traditional sun down slot. We watched... Continue reading at Examiner.com

ACL Festival Day 1 recap: FIDLAR, Savages, Pinback, Black Angels, Purity Ring (Photos)

The 12th annual Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival got off to a good start yesterday in Austin's Zilker Park yesterday. For the first time, the festival has expanded to two weekends of performances. Friday marked only the first of six days of live music on eight stages spread across the park. Our coverage focuses on buzz acts... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Language Room returns to stage at Stubb's BBQ

Austin indie band Language Room appeared on stage at Stubb's BBQ Thursday for the first time since entering the studio to record their second full-length album. Seeing the band perform again cemented our belief that these guys may be headed for a breakout year. Three new songs were included in the set list that also featured their catchy tune...Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music slideshow: Rancid 20th Anniversary concert at ACL Live

While we promised a complete review of Rancid's stop at ACL Live for their 20th Anniversary tour to another publication, we did not say anything about photographs. Monday's 28-song show included all the hits; "Roots Radicals", "Time Bomb", "Olympia, WA" and Ruby Soho all appeared in the set list. The show was epic. Lot of mohawks, tattoos, Doc Marten's and crowd surfing dominated a fun night. Find the complete set list is below.

In the slideshow, you will find photos generously provided to Examiner by photographer Jac Malloy. There are even ...View slideshow at Examiner.com

Live music review: The Black Angels overdue debut Austin City Limits TV taping

Alex Maas and Christian Bland of The Black Angels    Photo: Emily Lim

There are a lot of folks who think what put Austin on the live music map is the Texas Blues sound made famous by artists likeStevie Ray Vaughn, Steve Earle and Jerry Jeff Walker in the 70s and 80s. In reality, the psych rock movement led byRoky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators came first and was nationally prominent both in Central Texas and the West Coast. This is why Austin psychedelic rock revivalists, The Black Angels' invitation to record an Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) episode was... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Dawes Austin City Limits TV taping

Examiner has seen Los Angeles quartet Dawes perform live three times and the band has grown in stature with each performance. The most recent was an Austin City Limits Television (ACL TV) taping at the Moody Theater Sunday evening. Our first encounter with Dawes was a ...Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Kurt Vile sold out The Mohawk Austin Tuesday

The last time Examiner covered a Kurt Vile related event it was a "secret show" with his former band, The War on Drugs at Mercury Hall. Vile left the band in 2008. Tuesday's show at The Mohawk was anything but a secret. The show sold out a few hours before the doors opened at the Red River venue. Since the release of his new album, "Walkin on a Pretty Daze" (Matador Records), Vile has been... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: My Bloody Valentine drops noise bomb on Austin Music Hall

Friday evening UK shoegaze pioneers My Bloody Valentine took the stage at Austin Music Hall in support of their first studio effort in 25 years. Solo act, New Fumes opened the show. As expected, Kevin Shields and his band played one of the loudest shows in Austin since UK band, Mogwai played Stubb's a few years ago. The band, in effect, dropped a... Continue reading at Examiner.com

5 Austin music festivals we love and why they kick ass

Due to the extreme heat each summer, music festival season in Austin arrives late in the year. Better late than never. Local music festival afficianados annually pray the weather in Austin will cool off before heading out to catch national and local bands as the summer wanes. In this week's list we tell you about our favorite five Austin music festivals and tell you why...continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: White Denim thrills at Blues on the Green ACL Fest preview

On one of the hottest days of the summer, the final KGSRBlues on the Green (BOTG) at Zilker Park featured a preview of local bands invited to Austin City Limits Festival (ACL Fest) this year. White Denim, My Jerusalem and The Preservation performed in front of an estimated 8,500 music fans at the last Blues on the Greenthis year in what amounted to a mini... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Son Volt lights up Belly Up Tavern in San Diego

The last time we got to witness Uncle Tupelo founder, Jay Farrar and his talented band that are Son Volt, the band was playing a sundowner set at Old Settler's Festival outside Austin last April that we had to leave early to cover another performance. That is why it was such a pleasrure to see the group headline San Diego's famous Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach Friday. The high-ceilings, exposed wooden support beams and relatively small room give the venue a decidedly homey feel. As far as Austin clubs go, the space feels like an expanded, upscale version of the old Antone's Nightclub in downtown Austin down to details like the VIP balcony next to the stage. Son Volt did an excellent... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Son Volt - "Drown"

Weekend music preview: Living Color, The Sword, Quesoff III, Good Music Club Utopia Fest Special

The dog days of summer are here as indicated by the weeklong 100 degree temperatures. The local music calendar is even hotter with several highly recommended shows on tap. While Ozzy Osborne is in town with Black Sabbath, Austin has its own amazing metal act, The Sword slated to appear at Red 7. Another band that owes a debt to metal, critically acclaimed 80's rockers,Living Color are in town tonight at Emo's with Austin's Hard Proof. Daytime events Saturday include Quesoff III at The Mohawk and the Moonage Daydream Festival next door at Club de Ville. Saturday night music maven, Laurie Gallardo and... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Blitzen Trapper merge alt-country and '70s jam-band style

AUSTIN – The similarities between Austin and Portland, Ore., were not lost on Blitzen Trapper lead singer Eric Earley, who commented, “Austin is a lot like Portland, isn’t it?” The scruffy, bearded Earley, who lives in Oregon, then apologized for bringing PDX’s rainy weather with them. Apologies were hardly necessary as the seasoned alt-country veterans ran through a delightful 90-minute set at the Parish that covered material from most of.... Continue reading at MSN Music

Live music preview: Oh Snap Festival 4 stuffs lineup with Austin bands

This weekend we are abandoning our usual show preview modus operandi of listing multiple events in favor of a single festival review. Why? Our reasoning is simple. Oh Snap Festival might be the best thing that happened to Austin bands next to Free Week because they stuff the lineup with great local acts. In its fourth year, the benefit show that raises money for the Sergio Machado Memorial Scholarship at Southwestern University in Georgetown has chosen well. Headliners What Made Milwaukee Famous (WMMF) is joined by the likes of ...Continue reading at Examiner.com

Willie Nelson: Back in Austin’s Backyard

The Texas icon teams up with his Family band, Ray Benson, Leon Russell and others to celebrate the Hill Country venue’s anniversary

AUSTIN, Texas -- Legendary outlaw-country pioneer Willie Nelson was invited to headline The Backyard to mark the 20th anniversary of the venerable Austin Hill Country live music destination on Sunday. The languid, bucolic concert venue shares a long history with Nelson, who chose to host a recent benefit show for the disaster-stricken town of West, Texas, at the location. Nelson helped open the venue in 1993. Like a true outlaw, Nelson brings a formidable posse along with him to perform. Guests Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel), Folk Uke, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer... Continue reading at MSN Music

4th of July weekend music preview: Holy Wave, The Calm Blue Sea, Octopus Project, Folk of July Fest

The coming 4th of July holiday weekend music calendar is stuffed with goodness. From the Austin Symphony to Octopus Projects' record release, there is something for every music fan to like. Best of all, some of these events are free like the first Music Under the Star series show at the Bob Bullock Friday. Also on tap is The Calm Blue Sea (TCBS), the first Folk of July Fest featuring Whiskey Shivers, Jazz Mills and more and psych-rockers...Continue reading at Examiner.com

Top 5 shows this weekend: Red White & Blue Ball, Adi Fest, Hard Proof, Quiet Company

Local music reigns this weekend in our first preview of the summer. Besides the fun and relaxed Red, White and Blue Ball Saturday featuring a ton of great bands there are a few good shows Friday to consider. Veteran Austin music writer, pr guy, promoter and all around nice guy Adi Anand celebrates his birthday with a rare show by All My Friends, an LCD Soundsystem tribute band. Hard Proof returns to Hotel Vegas for a night of funky Afrobeat and Quiet Company headline an all-star local lineup at the ND that includes Examiner favorite... continue reading at Examiner.com

Weekend music preview: 5 Austin shows you should know about...and see live

Even though summer does not officially begin until June 20, considering the temperatures and plethora of hot shows coming up we are going to go ahead and call it summer in Austin now. See our list to learn about five live music performances you should know about this weekend. Ok, so the shows actually start tonight (Wednesday) but there is a little something for everyone; Jamaicanmusic, Alt-country, Latin and electronic sounds are all represented in our preview. We even got the scoop on a special guest at Friday's Austin Music Volume 12 CD release... continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: A sublime Michael Kiwanuka Austin City Limits TV taping

Monday evening at ACL Live at The Moody Theater Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona appeared more excited about introducing the artist than he usually is. The performer, Michael Kiwanuka made a splash at SXSW last March for good reason. The Ugandan born Englishman is a natural singer-songwriter who has an incredible voice. He is also skilled at guitar, as his performance Monday evening proved. Lickona admitted to recently... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Los Amigos Invisibles bring Venezuelan Latin electro-dance-acid-jazz fusion to Austin

Jose Luis Pardo (aka DJ Afro) after Los Amigos Invisibles set at The Belmont

When Los Amigos Invisibles’ Jose Luis Pardo (aka DJ Afro) talks about visiting Austin he claims it is one of the few spots in the country where music fans are open to hearing new sounds.  Venezuela’s Grammy-winning act certainly qualifies as far as unique sounds go. 

The band was given a boost by....  Continue reading at MSN Music