I’m a big fan of Austin, TX. Austin is the capital of the greatest state in the Union, the tech capital of middle America and the live music capital of the world. I’ve lived, worked and gone to school in Austin and I visit five to ten times a year depending on Texas Football. I’m also a huge fan of the John Cusack movie High Fidelity, and as I am heading to Austin this week for the South by Southwest Interactive Conference I thought I’d have a little Austin themed fun. So without further ado, I want to bring you the top 5 bands from Austin, TX.
5. Spoon
Spoon is a true Indie success story that began in 1994 between Britt Daniels (vocals/guitar) and Jim Eno (drums). Their earlier sound was very indie-punk, much like Sonic Youth or the Pixies, but their later music has the feel of The Clash meet the Beatles, with a little Elvis Costello thrown in for good measure. Out of all of the bands on this list Spoon is probably the most commercially acclaimed with their last two albums being top 10 debuts.
To date, Spoon has produced seven albums, including: Girls Can Tell (2001), Kill the Moonlight (2002), Gimme Fiction (2005), Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007), Transference (2010).
4. The Black Angels
The Black Angels are a psychedelic rock act straight out of the 60’s. They deliver haunting lyrics with even more haunting sounds and guitar riffs. Their lyrics also deliver a deep punch much like the rock from the 60’s, even going as far as singing about war, with “Charlies everywhere.” Upon first listen you’ll find your head bobbing and rocking just like any old school rock song. They’ll be playing three shows during the SXSW Music Festival, so catch them if you can.
To date, The Black Angels have produced two studio albums: Passover (2006) and Directions to See a Ghost (2008).
3. Ghostland Observatory
Ghostland (as their fans call them) is the duo of Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner that produces a unique electro-funk sound. Their sound is a Daft Punk meets Prince, which is easily as fun as it sounds. I saw these guys live at Coachella 2009, and absolutely loved it. Check out this great video of their hit The Band Marches On; yes, they played with a marching band long before Radiohead. HOOK ‘EM!
To date, Ghostland has produced three studio albums: delete.delete.i.eat.meat (2005), Paparazzi Lightning (2006) and Robotique Majestique (2008).
2. Explosions in the Sky
Explosions in the Sky are much different then the other acts on this list, because they an an instrumental group and thus don’t have any lyrics to accompany their fantastic music. The composition of their music is similar to bands like Radiohead, Sigur Rós and Mogwai and is very moving and emotional even without lyrics. Each guitar-heavy track seems to take you on a journey, and it is great music to for personal thought and reflection; it is fantastic music to drive to. My favorite track of theirs is “Your Hand in Mine” from Friday Night Lights.
To date, Explosions in the Sky have produced five studio albums: How Strange, Innocence (2000), Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever (2001), The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (2003), The Rescue (2005) and All of a Sudden I miss Everyone (2007).
1. The 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators started the Austin psychedelic rock music scene in the mid 1960’s, a movement that is still alive and going strong today (see above). In their short four years of existence, the 13th Floor Elevators helped transform Austin’s music scene and have since influenced bands the world over with their psychedelic rock sound, including Led Zeppelin. It’s just too bad they weren’t around longer. Fittingly enough, their song “You’re Gonna Miss Me” was used in the opening scene of High Fidelity.
The 13th Floor Elevators produced four studio albums: The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators (1966), Easter Everywhere (1967), Live (1968), Bull of the Woods (1968).
"Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable, or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?" You decide.
One Response
[...] upon the SXSW theme I wrote about yesterday with the Top 5 bands from Austin, I’m bringing you the Top 5 movies filmed in Austin, TX. The landscape of Austin is [...]