Cotton Mather, Antone's, July 6, 2012

I got to see Cotton Mather during SXSW, showcasing the re-release of their celebrated Kontiki CD. But in the midst of all the SX mayhem, I didn't feel I got the chance to truly enjoy their sets. So, I was thrilled when I heard they were playing another gig at Antone's. My review of the Kontiki re-release never made it into Texas Music, so I am publishing it here. It gives you a sense of the history and meaning of the record. The show was great. They sounded like no time had passed. I'll be interested to know what's next for them.

Kontiki
Cotton Mather
Once upon a time, there was a band called Cotton Mather. In 1997, they released an album called Kontiki that was loved the world over, showering the band with success and international adoration. But like many Austin stories, only some of that turned out to be true. Led by Robert Harrison (Future Clouds and Radar), Cotton Mather's second outing barely made a mark in the U.S. market, but the disc somehow caught the attention of Oasis's Noel Gallagher and the U.K. media. Suddenly, Cotton Mather seemed destined for international pop stardom. But, things happen, and the band was over before it really began. Personal problems and personnel changes derailed the push for Kontiki, and the record ultimately fell out of print. Sadly, Cotton Mather was relegated to a footnote on the Austin music scene - the band that almost made it. But not before it had garnered a small, but avid, cult following - including songstress Nicole Atkins and Spoon's Britt Daniel - who longed for more of their Beatlesque, guitar-driven, hook-laden pop songs.

Fast forward to 2012, and Harrison has regrouped, with the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, for the long anticipated re-release of Kontiki, along with a second disc of rare demos and acoustic performances. While it's hard not to make the Beatles comparison, from the catchy lyrics to experimental instrumentation, there's also the remnants of '80s and '90s indie favorites XTC, Matthew Sweet, Squeeze and Big Star juxtaposed against the originality of Harrison's vocals and powerful guitar melodies. The catchier tracks include "My Before and After," She's Only Cool" and "Vegetable Row," but there's also the dreamy "Spin My Wheels" and the '60s psychedelic and cleverly titled "Aurora Bori Alice."

To the delight of longtime fans, a slate of SXSW gigs reuniting former members of Cotton Mather accompanied the release. One spin of Kontiki, and you'll understand why it's been lauded as perhaps one of the best records to come out of Austin. It has weathered well over the years and deserves this triumphant return.

She's Only Cool

   

Spin My Wheels

Austin bands What Made Milwaukee Famous and the Sour Notes opened.

What Made Milwaukee Famous

   

The Sour Notes

Ben Kweller, Blues on the Green, June 27, 2012

It was another great night at Zilker, with Ben Kweller headlining Blues on the Green. Ben's an Austin resident, lives right in the Zilker neighborhood, so it had to be nice to come down the hill to see thousands of adoring fans. Beautiful night and a great set. He played selections from throughout his 15+ year career (the dude's only 31), including his newest Go Fly a Kite. Kweller's still got that puppy-dog charm and playfulness that he had as a teen, sporting a new green hairdo. But there's no denying this guy's talent is serious. Excellent musicianship and prolific songwriting.

Thanks to KGSR for sponsoring these great evenings!

Wasted and Ready

Run

Jealous Girl

Rhett Miller, Waterloo and Blues on the Green

Well, now that it's July 1st, I thought I should update with the shows I went to in June. Sorry for the delay. Rhett Miller might as well just apply for his TX driver's license, since he's such a frequent visitor to the state. He played a show at Waterloo Records, just before the release of his new solo CD The Dreamer. And, then a short two weeks later, he was back with a full band for a Blues on the Green show at Zilker. And, he'll be back in October with the 97's for ACL Fest.

The new CD is great. Give it a listen. I have a review of it in the forthcoming Texas Music, which should be on shelves soon. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and videos.

And, I'll try to get my Ben Kweller photos up from Blues on the Green last week as soon as possible!

Singular Girl 
Wreck of the Old 97 
Rollerskate Skinny 
Sweet Dreams 
Out of Love

Spoon, Red 7, April 11, 2012

Not quite a month since SXSW, and I am normally still in recovery mode. And a busy day at school. But that didn't stop me from getting out to see Spoon at Red 7. This was a benefit for Chris Gray, former columnist for the Austin Chronicle, now music editor at Houston Press. Gray had a heart attack a few months ago, and many bands and organizations have been pitching in to help him with expenses. Gray seemed to be doing well at the show, and everyone is glad that this passionate music lover is back in the saddle.

Spoon was fantastic. It was a hit parade. They played just about everything you could have wanted to hear (with the exception of Fitted Shirt, which I saw on their Dallas set list for the next night). I Summon You, Small Stakes, Black Like Me, You Got Yr Cherry Bomb, The Underdog, I Turn My Camera On, Jonathan Fisk... you name it. They sounded great and looked like they were having fun, which is just what you need when hometown darlings make their way back. I hope they are working on a new CD and will hit the road again soon, because it has been much too long!

I did not have my regular camera, so apologies that these weren't better photos and video.

Small Stakes
 
Rhythm and Soul