Free Press Summer Fest 2010

For us poor Houston folk who can't shell out the 500 for SXSW or make the trek to a festival like Bonneroo, Houston is having it's annual Free Press Summer Fest this June 5-6th. The lineup this year is pretty sweet and I am psyched to attend both days. Last year had about 2-3 acts I had wanted to see, but this year promises more bands that remain on several of my playlists.

You can purchase advance tickets and I am definitely going to go for the fancy pants passes, because summer in Houston is no joke. Access to shorter drink lines and cool off tents will be worth the money.

Check out a sample of the line-up:

Flaming Lips; Girl Talk; Slim Thug;Stars; Mix Master Mike; Medeski Martin and Wood; Municipal Waste; Ra Ra Riot; Saviours; Givers; Kid Sister; Lymbyc Systym; Uh Huh Her; Detroit Cobras; Cro-Mags; Sugar and Gold; Lucero; Dead Prez

Also there are some local bands performing like Wild Moccasins, Spain Colored Orange and The Watermarks. I enjoyed seeing The Wild Moccasins a couple of years ago for their intro indie pop sounds. Should be a great festival.

Here is the full lineup.

New Music Friday?

I dunno, Monday would be better for the alliteration, but whatever.

So you say you like ambient rock? Mellow voices and tunes to serenade you to sleep? Well my friends, The Album Leaf sounds like your cup of tea. The melodic tones of "Falling from the Sun" gives a interesting background to Jimmy LaValle's vocals. I am a sucker for Sub-Pop Artists and they do not fail.

Check it out for yourself:
The Album Leaf - Falling From The Sun (MP3)

and some tracks from their previous albums

New Pornographers new stuff

Due to the fact I discovered New Pornographers when they were on one of their hiatuses (separate project phases), I was pleased to hear about a new single and a new album coming in May. Luckily, if you are a fan of New Pornographers, you have been justifiably satisfied with the solo projects of Neko Case and A.C. Newman.

This new single is back to it's roots. pop-rocky sounds of Neko and A.C.'s true to form beats. I am happy with it and look forward to the entire album and ::fingers-crossed:: tour.