Australia has always been a place of mystery to me. The gargantuan island/country seems almost fictional at times. Warm Christmases on the beach, a kangaroo population of 58.6 million, an accent reminiscent of the Brits yet at the same time wholly unique, and tribal roots that rival those of the Native Americans in antiquity. These indigenous roots are the backbone and inspiration of John Butler Trio. Around since '95, John Butler Trio is (obviously) headed by the dreadlocked, super chill, dashingly handsome guitar hero John Butler. Still maintaining bluegrass voice and lyrics, Butler brings a sense of funk to the folk genre. With definite rhythmic grooves underlying an often spunky guitar, this music is feel-good therapy. John's guitar solos are on another level though. His instrumental compositions are breathtaking (watch the posted video to get what I'm saying). My favorite song, though, is "What You Want," a rock gem that actually has no hint of folk in it at all. An anthem in its own right, I have no reservations in saying that it is one of my favorite songs of all time.
John Butler Trio is on tour now and their fourth album, Grand National, is on sale now. Check out the songs, and please, please watch the video. It'll blow your mind.
mp3 Better Than
mp3 Hello
[John Butler Trio's Official site][John Butler Trio's Myspace]
If you're an avid reader of Both Sides, you know we like to spread a bit of lovin' every now and again. Being barely able to fathom the depth of this wide, wide internet, we can't just head over to your place and give you a hug, but we can, however, give you stuff. That's right guys, it's time for another contest here on Both Sides. Carrying quite a bit of affinity to my fair state, Ethan Hawke's novel-to-film movie, The Hottest State, will be hosting it's premiere here at Austin's own Paramount Theater on September 19, courtesy of THINKFilm and the Austin Film Festival. Though we can't get you into that, we can give you the film's accompanying soundtrack. The soundtrack features sixteen tracks written by Jesse Harris all recorded by an artist list boasting, among others, the likes of Willy Nelson, Cat Power, Norah Jones, Feist, and The Black Keys. In the words of Ron Popeil, that's not all! Not only do you get a Jesse Harris signed copy of the soundtrack, you'll also get an Ethan Hawke autographed copy of the book the film is based on. Geez we're awfully nice to you sometimes. Still interested in going to that film premiere? The Austinist has your scoop on getting into the premiere and is even raffling off two passes to the premiere!
"Now all your love is wasted? Then who the hell was I?"A man retreats into the woods of Winconsin, attempting to escape his heartache and troubles. Three months later, he emerges, having completed a nine-song album, For Emma, Forever Ago, a medium through which he communicates his pain and feeling. This is the two sentence bio of Bon Iver (pronounced bohn eevair, French for "good winter"), the musical mouthpiece of Justin Vernon. As can be inferred from its background, For Emma is intensely heartfelt, ripping at the seams with emotion. Although no other instruments were used other than an old acoustic guitar and bass drum, the album's complexity is astounding. Vernon's voice is poignant and layered, echoing throughout his songs almost as a nostalgic afterthought. One of the greatest things to happen in 2007, Bon Iver is beautiful, poignant, and heartbreakingly poetic.
Ugh, I sound so fucking flowery.
m4a Skinny Love (favorite)m4a Creature Fear
Now that I take a gander at my ACL frame, I realize that someone up there ought to be replaced. If you've been keeping up with your ACL news in anticipation for this weekend, festival-goers, I'm sure you've already come across this notice. In what is now the third strike-through to go across a name on this year's roster, The White Stripes have pulled out of their ACL appearances. Following the cancellations of Amy Winehouse and Rodrigo Y Gabriela, The White Stripes have cited "medical reasons" for their lack of appearance. So what happens to the line-up? Rumors about U2 picking up that empty slot can surely die down. It's been noted by festival promoters that a domino effect will take place on the AT&T stage with acts moving forward, meaning Muse will take to stage during their slot.
Of course, the Stripes' Stubbs appearance has also been cancelled and replaced by a concert from Ghostland Observatory and Cold War Kids. Now this is important, if you had tickets for the Stripes, that DOES NOT mean you can use it as a voucher for the new show slated to take place that night. If you're keen on still hitting up that venue that night for a bit of music, you'll have to re-purchase tickets at $25 a pop.
Get curious with more ACL info a their official site.
Otherwheres - More cancellations?! Kaiser Chiefs have cut the majority of dates off their North American tour, but have kept their ACL appearance open along with their event in New York City.
Otherwheres - The Austinist is down with all your ACL going-ons with interviews, band clash debates and a slurry of other things...
Otherwheres - For anyone that did SXSW, Hot Freaks is a name that should ring at least a tiny bell. The blogs are back with Hot Freaks 2 and are appropriately hosting a two day, two venue event this weekend...
"I can't know what I should say to soothe your headaches and make your day reasonable."Dappled Cities - some of Sydney's favorite sons if not all of Australia's. Whether they be Dappled Cities Fly or just simply Dappled Cities (I'm still not sure), this quirky quintet made their debut on US shores with their second full-length Granddance back in early June. Judging by their post frequency 'round then, not only am I late on my introduction but it also seems the boys made quite a splash. And why not? Although I do adore applying alliteration again and again, when I said "quirky quintet," I really did mean it. Dappled Cities come at ya with a refreshing take on pop. I wouldn't be so bold as to say they're unique, but they certainly trample the less traveled path. Vocals are probably the first thing you'll note when it comes to this group. Remember as a kid when a storybook was read to you and sometimes that one person reading did the voices of like 6 characters? It's kind of like that but not as schizophrenic. Whatever it is, the vocals are good enough to place this group in high esteem, and then once you get past that wonder, you start to notice the further intricacies and eccentricities of the entire Dappled Cities package. These kids are just good fun, and that really shouldn't be surprising knowing where they're from. Australia's second largest export is, after all, condensed euphoria, and Dappled Cities is just another way that product is delivered.
From Granddance (all songs are right click - save as):
Check up on more info at their site.
Be their friend!
Otherwheres - Holy wow, did you festival-goers realize you'll be sprinkling into my city next week? Covert Curiosity has your scoop and weather report....
Otherwheres - Hoping to get more information? Austinist is your stop for band interviews and band clash resolutions...
Otherwheres - Woah! Where the hell have I been? I've been getting back into the practice of waking my ass up for classes again, and that's no fun...