For a band as prolific as the Sour Notes (an EP, 7-inch, and now two full-lengths since 2008), the quartet has not only proven remarkably excellent in their quality of output, but also continue to impressively push themselves in new directions. Each release, beginning with the 2008 EP The Meat of the Fruit, has taken their instinctive pop-rock pulse and expanded their sound in arrangements and sensibilities. To some extent, It’s Not Gonna to Be Pretty is an appropriate title for the quartet’s sophomore LP - not because it’s not an excellent album, but rather because compared to their earlier pop leanings, the Sour Notes here seem to consciously be moving at times into more rock textures, unafraid to break up the melodies with more jagged edges. It’s the album’s balance of the quartet’s new harder inclinations with those more familiar pop elements that gives it a fully formed and rewardingly diverse feel, however. more ›

Is it too late to pick an album of the year for 2009? Or maybe is it too early to pick an album of the year for 2010? Logan, The Gary’s followup to their amazing debut EP Chub, was released digitally in late 2009, but on CD this month. Fortunately, the album is so good and so relentlessly compelling, it’ll be impossible to forget come well into next year. more ›

Frank Smith may not be a revolution to the established Austin alt. country scene, but they certainly remain a welcome addition. Their twangy, upbeat quality has the ability to dominate dancehalls, but the distinctive sound would perhaps be better undeterred by outbursts of their former style. more ›

ACL Previews Interview: Ghostland Observatory Previews: The Broken West, Big Sam’s Funky Nation & Rose Hill Drive Previews: Billy Joe Shaver and Fionn Regan Previews: Brandon Rhyder and Ocote Soul Sounds Interview: The Broken West Previews: Sylvia St. James, Jeffrey Steele, and Amy Cook Interview: Bloc Party ACL Fest Updates: Google Mashup, Contests, Eco-Chic Previews: Augustana, Amos Lee Interview: Peter, Bjorn, and John ACL Band Clash, Round 3: Wilco Vs My Morning Jacket Travis... more ›

Austin Sound, if you haven't checked it out already, is a great site featuring information about local music. This Saturday, they're pulling out all the stops to celebrate their one year anniversary, and throwing a mini-ACL that's much, much cheaper. With 13 bands playing, there's bound to be someone to rock your picky ass. Also: free food and FREE BEER for five bucks! We know, it doesn't make sense to us either, but it... more ›

It must be the week of a major holiday, because there won't be a lot of new beautiful stuff on the walls at Waterloo or End of an Ear this week. If you're anxious for Kelly Rowlands' latest (Ms. Kelly), you're breathing a big sigh of relief right now, but H-town is about as close to home as it gets July 3 (please correct us if we're wrong). The new Madlib effort, Yesterday's New... more ›

Austin Sound is teaming up with KVRX 91.7 to throw a joint fund raiser in support of local independent music here in Austin tonight at Emo's. The bill is full of some of our favorite locals, including Operator, The Channel and the undeniably dance-able Golden Bear. In addition, Car Stereo (Wars) will be spinning all night long to keep everyone's booty in motion. Would you like to go? Yes, we thought so: Congratulations John... more ›