Spoon

Once in a blue moon (or about every 6-8 years) Austin produces a rock band that achieves national/international fame. The current cycle of famedom includes bands such as Ghostland Observatory and Spoon. Ghostland has a propensity for the dramatic on stage with lights, costumes and action. While Spoon's laidback sound seems to blend in more with the laidback nature of this town.

Groovy, funky, bluesy; call it what you will. However you characterize them, they are solid. "Don't You Evah" is a extremely melodic (borderline methodical) track with a very indie feel to it. It's good stuff. Diplo's mix puts a much darker edge to this somewhat drowsy track. The bassline added to the track gives it more of a dubstep feel if it weren't for the very club-sounding bass drum. Listen to both if you get a chance.

Spoon - Don't You Evah
Spoon - Don't You Evah (Diplo Mix)

Le Tigre

Not exactly a new artist, but a good band nonetheless. If you like the Grrl Rock or Dance-Punk genre or the Chicks on Speed record label, you'll love this band. I can't get enough. Best known for their somewhat smash Deceptacon, they have been remixed by the likes of DFA, Diplo and Hot Chip.

If you only listen to one of the following tracks, listen to Diplo's smoothed out mix of After Dark. DFA gives a funkedafied rehash of Deceptacon and I also added their original version of Deceptacon. Enjoy yourselves.

Le Tigre - After Dark (Diplo Mix)
Le Tigre - Deceptacon (DFA Mix)

Best of 2008

Yah...I know that 2009 is officially 3 months in the making. However, it wouldn't be my blog if I wasn't late to the party. Here are a couple tracks and musicians that stood out to me during the last year. I gave them categories just make it fun.

Best Song - Kid Cudi - Day n Nite (Crookers Mix)
Best Album - Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Best Rap Song - Lil Wayne - Lollipop Remix feat. Kayne West
Best Rock Band - Kings of Leon
Best Rock Song - Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
Best Chillout Song - Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)
Best Song that used to be Underground before people found out about it = Kid Cudi - Day n Nite (Crookers Mix)
Best Remix (and the Grammys agreed) = MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Mix)
Best DJ - Diplo
Best New DJ - Treasure Fingers
Best Guilty Pleasure - M.I.A. - Paper Planes

Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)
MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Mix)
Kid Cudi - Day n' Nite (Crookers Mix)

The Week Ahead: SXSW

I have been waiting with a good deal of anticipation for this year’s SXSW. I have to confess, even after 11 years living in Austin, I have not been the biggest fan of live music. SXSW is usually one of the weeks I aim to avoid downtown as much as possible. However, this year is different. With my newfound appreciation for genres such as Electro, Indie Rock and Baltimore Club and the discovery of nightlife away from the far too touristy 6th Street, I have found myself strangely optimistic this year. It also helps that I actually know some of the acts that are coming into town this year and there is a good number of reputable DJs on this year’s bill. Some of the more interesting acts include (Kid Cudi, Blaqstarr, Don Rimini and Tittsworth). Must sees for me include New York/Atlanta DJ Treasure Fingers and Brazilian DJ/Producer duo The Twelves at Beauty Bar on Friday, March 20th. Also, Grammy nominated DJ/Producer Diplo plays a huge party on Saturday, March 21st at the Abandoned Salvation Army.

This along with the NCAA tournament should make for an interesting week. Or maybe not.