Well, lookee here: Austin's own pop-influenced indie rockers, Golden Bear, are SPIN.com's Artist of the Day! Crediting lead singer Chris 'Grizzle' Gregory's "throaty, honest voice and unpretentious lyrics" and the band's "sheer energy," SPIN remarks that, while the "Galactic-Forest-Rock[ers]" often draw comparisons to the Arcade Fire, their new record offers an "affectionate intimacy with the listener."
For the full story and your chance to vote for Golden Bear, click on over here.



Why is it that suck-ass bands like Golden Bear get this great press, when there are so many more talented and deserving bands in Austin that should have it.
Sorry. GB sucks. I've seen them plenty of times -- I keep trying to give them a chance. Nothin' special, and not much talent, IMHO.
Why is it that suck-ass bands like Golden Bear get this great press, when there are so many more talented and deserving bands in Austin that should have it.
Sorry. GB sucks. I've seen them plenty of times -- I keep trying to give them a chance. Nothin' special, and not much talent, IMHO.
What bands do you think are more deserving?
I'm just curious, because if you think Band X is better than Golden Bear, you should want to give them some free press here and expose us to a more deserving band.
As for why GB gets the press? I'm sure there are a variety of reasons, but I've often noticed that the bands anonymous and pissed off people suggest are the bands that either:
1. play 7 shows a month, which dilutes their brand
2. can't promote worth squat (and coupled with #1 results in a Wednesday night show for 4 people)
3. don't have their shit together
Unless you're Nirvana, just "being there" doesn't equal anyone giving a fuck. You gotta work for it, and Golden Bear is working for it.
Anyway, I'd like to hear your suggestions on who to listen to. I think the GB albums are pretty fun, though not particularly ground breaking.
Maybe I just like pop music too much or something, but I think Golden Bear have put out some really good stuff on their two records. Some very inspirational and anthemic pop songs, just my humble opinion. And their live shows are a blast! Grizzle is a rock star!
I'm a fan so I was glad to see them get some recognition. Plus my glass is usually half full :)