Rundown: 11/2/10

of Montreal / Janelle Monae @ Granada

Lord I wish i was in town for this show, if you can, you must go.

Gwar / The Casualties / Infernaeon / Mobile Death Camp @ HoB

 

Live Review: Helmet at The Loft 10/31/10

Since Helmet’s popularity peaked when I was in junior high school–and because I’d basically forgotten about them for a long time after that–this was my first Helmet show. A friend and co-worker of mine, who sort of brought them back to my radar, was at the show as well. He’d seen them a few times and told me that Helmet were basically the reason he decided to be a rock drummer.

The show started at 8 and two bands (LA’s Intronaut and Dallas’ Descender) were up ahead of Helmet, so we decided to arrive fashionably late. We got there as the second band was finishing its set and had time to watch the Rangers lose (GRRR!) before Helmet’s crew (really just one guy) started sound-checking.

Giveaway: The Appleseed Cast @ The Loft

I don’t think The Appleseed Cast needs an introduction, so I’m going to get on with the giveaway. We’ll be seeing them at Fun Fun Fun Fest. But if you’re not able to make the trip to Austin, you can catch them at The Loft this Thursday, November 4. And we have a couple of tickets to get you there. Just send the name of the B-side on the “Tale of the Aftermath” seven-inch to giveaways@daybowbow.net by 11:59 tomorrow.

The Appleseed Cast plays The Loft on Thursday, November 4 with Analog Rebellion and The Rocketboys. Tickets are $12.

Fun Fun Fun Fest: Friday Picks

It’s almost time for us to hit the trenches once again and cover that gem of Austin music festivals: Fun Fun Fun Fest. But before we head off and take on the grueling task of watching hours of incredible live shows and interviewing scores of talented bands (or at least five, probably), we wanted to give you our picks for the fest.

Today, we’ll start with our top choices for Friday night.

Jesseca

Honestly, I’m pumped about everything on Friday night. And there are only six acts, so it’s not like I had to think real hard about this one.

The Apples in Stereo

I’m an E6 fan who has somehow never seen the Apples live. This is my top must-see. I may still have to catch some of Arc Attack: Live Tesla Coil Show because it’s a LIVE TESLA COIL SHOW.

Weird Al

Again, I’ve never seen Weird Al live. And it seems like something every good American nerd should do at least once.
Chris Hardwick

Speaking of nerds … I have had a crush on Chris Hardwick since he co-hosted the sleazy-but-funny MTV dating show Singled Out (before he was on the even sleazier and still funny dating show Shipmates). He’s an accomplished nerd and comedian and I’m thrilled to see him live

Jaime

(Jaime will be arriving in Austin about the time this piece is published. Look for his picks for Saturday and Sunday in the next couple of days.)

Nic

If you hadn’t noticed before, Nic is my brother. That’s made apparent via our shared last name, our similar phrasing and our choices for Friday.–Jess

The Apples in Stereo

I’m a sucker for well-crafted pop tunes, as I’ve said before.

Weird Al

UHF. That’s all I have to say.

Chris Hardwick

He’s funny and I miss staying up late and watching “Shipmates” with my mom. (Note: I was also there. How dare he forget that!–Jess)

Track of the Day: Kori Pop–Nowhere Near My Heart

As much as Americans make fun of Canada, we have a lot to envy–free healthcare, two official languages and great music (but let’s forget about that Justin Bieber kid). One example of the fine music Canada has to offer comes in the form of new kid Kori Pop–as she points out, that’s her real birth name.

I selected her song “Nowhere Near My Heart”, from her recent album From the Outskirts, partially for the fabulous video. She created several puppets and sets herself with scrapbook paper, magazine clippings and her drawings and then shot and edited it. The result is a low budget, DIY music video that is cute and interesting instead of cheap. And it fits well with the song (which I provided a download link to under the video).

Kori Pop–Nowhere Near My Heart

Verdict: Pop’s music is certainly, well, pop. But she stands apart from the average songstress. She has a strong, unique voice and a flair for penning solid, infectious songs with her own quirky touches. I can see her easily taking mainstream music by storm while still maintaining her own style.