So, I saw nine bands this week. Apparently I can still do this, so bring it on, SXSW. I just need to be quicker in getting my photos and videos posted. Here are some from Tuesday at Mohawk with The English, Real Heroes and Sheboygan, three great local bands who share lots of the same players. Stay tuned for posts from Thursday, again at the Mohawk, with Quiet Company and Fastball, then Friday with a show at Antone's and then Stubbs with Future Clouds and Radar and others.
Let's just chalk this up to one of the craziest things I've ever done. Late last year, when Evan Dando and Juliana Hatfield started playing shows together, I would have given anything to see them. But it was a bad time, couldn't get away. When they announced new shows in January, I had to find a way to get to one. I decided on a one-night-only trip to NYC to catch their set at the Bell House in Brooklyn. They are really two of my favorite artists, been following since the early '90s. I've seen each a few times, but never together. A couple decades ago, they were the hot, indie couple, an alterna-version of Kurt (Cobain) and Courtney (Love). It was one of the most delightful things I've seen. The acoustic duo was relaxed and playful, but not corny. It was like watching a couple of friends playing guitar at their house. These two have known each other for decades, have been through a lot, and there's something really nice about seeing people who have managed to weather the storm and still end up friends. I hope this collaboration continues. I want to see them again.
Lady Lamb the Beekeeper opened. She was a good accompanying act, rockin' on the solo electric guitar.
It was totally worth the crazy, hectic, freezing cold, quick trip! My life is complete ;-) Enjoy the multitude of video I shot!
When my friend Greg said he was in town for the night, it was the perfect excuse to check out the scene on a Monday. Austin didn't disappoint, with multiple great acts to catch early in the week. Our first stop was Saxon Pub for Bob Schneider. He's been doing this gig on and off for more than a decade, always packed, always different, always fun. We ran into some of the gang from Texas Music, so it was a big time. Bob plays around Austin a lot, so be sure to check him out sometime.
Then later it was off to Momo's to catch the rest of Johnny Goudie's solo set. He was joined by some friends at times, making for a relaxed and sincere performance.
Ah, it's that time of year that all the hip kids look forward to, not Christmas or their birthday, but Free Week - light on the pocketbook, but big on fun. All the bars on Red River host tons of bands all for the price of $0. It's a great way to get out and hear some new music or catch up with your favorites. I made it out last night to two shows, one an official free week show, and an unofficial one at Hole in the Wall, who secretly scoffs at Free Week, because they have been hosting free music for years.
My pics at Quiet Company didn't turn out great, due to the stage lighting and my inability to improve my location due to the crowd. But I got some good video and it was a great time, a very high energy show.
A Nation of Two
The Biblical Sense of the Word - first time playing it live
On Modern Men
Sorry it got cut off; ran out of memory during the audience participation segment, but you get the picture. I've recorded this before, so check it out elsewhere on the site.
But earlier at Hole in the Wall, it was locals Sheboygan and The Dead Left (led by Neal Kassanoff). Check them out!
Perhaps you have stumbled upon this ole blog. New content can be found at the new site onthatnote.com. Please visit to find out more about the shows I see in and around Austin,
