Tag: Austin TX
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Seeing Billy Bragg is always an event. You get songs – and, oh, so much more. Bragg is not one to mumble “The name of this next one is…..” before each song. Saturday during the Utne Reader day party at The Thirsty Nickel, we got lots of chat – commentary on everything from American football (“What WE have is football because you use your *feet* – YOUR football should be called *running, throwing, and standing around for 20 minutes during the adverts.*”) to the insidiousness of cynicism. The remarks about cynicism prefaced the song, I Keep Faith, from Bragg’s soon-to-be released CD, Mr. Love and Justice (it’s already available in the UK.) He told the audience that he wrote this song because - while singer-songwriters can’t change the world, they do have a platform to publicize issues - it’s the audience that can cause substantive change and he has faith in the listeners to do just that. He also played a few more songs from the new album – Farm Boy (about a young American soldier in Iraq), Sing Their Souls Back Home, and O Freedom (about Guantanamo Bay.) Bragg also discussed something he’s been passionate about during the last few years – artists’ rights. He’s been a part of successfully managing to get many of the social networking sites to rewrite their contracts with prospective musicians so that artists maintain control over their work. This discourse preceded rousing versions of Bragg’s 1986 song, There Is Power In A Union and 2002’s NPWA (No Power Without Accountability.) There were so many special moments during this gig. Bragg performed an a cappella version of I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night, Woody Guthrie’s I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore, and Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right. He was joined by the young, British singer-songwriter, Kate Nash (the two began performing together recently when they were both part of Australia’s Big Day Out festival) for the Shangri-Las’ hit, Give Him A Great Big Kiss. Bragg played many times during the festival, including the Body of War showcase at Stubb’s along with Ben Harper, Serj Tankian, Tom Morello and others. He also made stops at the SESAC Day Stage Café and radio station The Current’s live broadcasting stage, in addition to his official showcase at Cedar Street. Bragg will be touring the US in June, promoting the new album and, as he did during his gig Saturday afternoon, I’m sure he’ll spend some time during those shows earnestly appealing to his audiences to make sure they vote in November! Bragg may have been sharing his message of ‘emotional, sexual love and social justice’ for some 25 years now but that message is as relevant as ever. See him if you get the chance; he’ll inspire you to go out and do some good!
Hot in the city
Due to a late night I got a late start. I was in such rare form that I had to catch a cab downtown. My list of bands to see was pretty sparse today. I went to the Parish to check out this songbird named Duffy who was part of the Mercury showcase. People categorized her as a sweeter, blonder Amy Winehouse (minus the obvious addictions). The free drink of the day….open bar! As I found a place to sit I listened to all the buzz that was Duffy. From what I heard this was Duffy’s first US appearance, so that made this performance even more special. The crowd was much different from some of the other showcases I had been to, more “mature”. So mature that Carson Daly was there. After her first song I absolutely adored her! She was amazing. Her voice was sweet and soulful with this type of siren like innocence. When she pleaded it was heartbreaking, when she was lovelorn so were you. I really enjoyed her movement on the stage. The past couple of days I’ve seen a lot of acts that had this stage presence like they didn’t want to be there. Not this beauty, she relished every moment of it. She was the complete package, love her. Her album comes out in May, I just might have to pick it up.
Humming my way down the street I thought I would go check out the Sansa Playground Party to try and check out The Rascals again. What can I say, I’m hooked. On the way to the shuttles my friend and I were in behind these two girls who were carrying these awesome Le Sport Sac bags. Being a huge fan of the bags we asked where they got them. Turns out they were reps. We gushed and drooled over the new line. Obviously being a fan worked out because my friend and I scored a free Le Sport Sac bag! Thanks ladies! Fabulous bag in hand we made our way to the now not-so-secret location of the Dim Mak. Timing is everything and I missed The Rascals…next time I will be prompt. But we were in time for the party’s secret guest Hanson. Yeah, so with best friend in tow we made the trek back downtown to check out the I Heart Comix/Nylon Lounge party.
Once in we grabbed a couple of glasses of wine and checked out Cut Copy. The electro clash/80’s new wave Australians created an instant dance party. As cute as they are fun, good times were to be had by all. Frankie Chan, being the social butterfly he is, was running about megaphone in hand. He always throws the best parties and this years was no exception.
Food and rest was required for any chance of us attending the Blender party. Kind a far away from the scene the Blender party had ample drinks and ample guest. I had missed Cool Kids maybe five times in the last three days, but tonight I was going to get my chance. They were an instant favorite at the party. The bass was booming and the crowd was moving. Chad Hugo from N.E.R.D and Swedish singer Robyn had made their way to the gala. I do believe there were a couple of Cobrasnakes lurking around, camera in hand. There were probably more stars in the crowd but with all the Sparks and Miller Hi-Life you can drink, can you blame me for missing them. Around 4 a.m. the party shut down, and on my way out I had caught a glimpse of The Rascals. Guess all that stalking paid off. Turns out they’ll be playing at the British Embassy headquarters (Latitude 30), tomorrow at 4p.m. That gives me at least 10 hours of sleep. So I’m gonna do just that.
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