Round up of Old 97's New Songs

As most of you know, the Old 97's are readying a new album, which is now planned to come out in not one, but two volumes. The first is scheduled for October 12. The 97's have been out on the road, touring behind their great covers CD Mimeograph, but have been playing some of the new songs. Through the magic of the Internet and widely available video technology, I thought I'd put together a round up of videos of the new songs.

And, if you haven't already watched, check out my interview with Rhett. He tells stories behind the songs and plays a few previews. It's fun to watch as these songs develop before the CDs are released.

If you know of any other videos of news songs that I haven't listed here, let me know and I'll add!




Let the Whiskey Take the Reins


The Dance Class


Every Night Is Friday Night Without You


The Magician


State of Texas (first time played in Texas by band)


Champaign, IL


Rhett plays Grand Theatre solo


Rhett plays State of Texas (for real the first time in TX, just solo)

Shearwater at ACL Studios, then The Steps at Parish, July 16, 2010

KUT has been hosting music Live at ACL Studios as fundraising events for the past year or so. On Friday night, it was Shearwater, and there's no better way to see this group. The sound was perfect and it was a great way to really focus on the performance, which included guitars and drums, of course, but also standup bass, violin, keyboards, xylophone, various percussion instruments and some sort of an electronic plank. It's really hard to categorize, a moody introspective sound with lots of hope. Lead singer Jonathan Meiburg said it best in that it's a "go to sleep, wake up, go to sleep again" delivery. Formed with former members of Okkervil River, Shearwater reminds me a little of Midlake, but with different intensity. You really have to see them to appreciate it.












Then it was on to the Parish for the Steps, for their EP release, Flight Path. They were in rockin' form. Another great night in Austin.

Old 97's, Taste of Dallas, July 10, 2010

With Dallas being just a short Amtrak trip away, I couldn't resist taking my last weekend before summer school begins to take in an Old 97's show. They played at Taste of Dallas, amongst all the finest foods of the city, to an enthusiastic and sweaty crowd - the band got rather soggy, too. They're on the road touring their recent release of Mimeograph, a covers EP. Great time, met up with lots of fans, both old and new friends.


























Oppenheimer


Champaign, Illinois

Spoon, ACL Taping, July 7, 2010

Here are a few pics from last night's Austin City Limits taping with Spoon. One of the great things about living in Austin (and there are many) is being able to attend an ACL taping. So, with some assistance from Texas Music, Leslie Nichols and Austin's Pizza, some tickets came through for me at the 11th hour! I was ecstatic. The show was great. The band sounded awesome, and looked cool, as you can tell from these photos. Charlie Sexton dropped in to join them on one song, too. What a night! The show will air on KLRU in October. Can't wait to see it.








Afterward, went over to Hole in the Wall, and saw one of my favorite local artists, Pink Nasty. She's great. Great billing - all female-fronted bands, including White Dress and Disappearing Twins. They rocked. Enjoy the photos and vids.

White Dress

Pink Nasty



Disappearing Twins

Quiet Company/Bob Schneider, Nutty Brown Cafe, 4th of July, 2010

Another great billing for this holiday show - local darlings Quiet Company opening for the talented and versatile Bob Schneider. And, my first trip to Nutty Brown, believe it or not. It was quite a lovely place, nice stage and good space with tables and open areas for standing or chairs. A delightful way to spend the 4th, fireworks and all!

And, if you missed it, check out my interview with Taylor Muse, lead singer of Quiet Company.














Quiet Company - How Do You Do It


Quiet Company - On Modern Men


Bob Schneider - Country Club


Bob Schneider - Tarantula

Johnny Goudie & the Little Champions/Ron Flynt, Saxon Pub, June 29, 2010

Talented local musicians on the same bill - just another awesome night in Austin. Ron Flynt's been on the scene for decades, and has just released a new album. I arrived just in time to catch the end of his set. Then Johnny Goudie & the Little Champions, another local favorite (perhaps you saw my interview with Johnny last year). Johnny and crew are sounding great, playing songs off the most recent El Payaso, as well as older selections, like one of my faves, Julia from Peep Show (see below).







Ron Flynt, The Kids are Alright


Johnny Goudie & the Little Champions, Can't Pretend Forever


Johnny Goudie & the Little Champions, Bad Man


Johnny Goudie & the Little Champions, Julia