Over the years of their career, Kings of Leon have gone from humble, highly original garage rock band to a fairly formulaic, MTV-acceptable group. We might not go so far as to say they’ve completely “sold out,” but let’s face it: their music has been trickling along a downward stream toward Shit Creek over the past few years. But when we think about it, who wouldn’t sell out for a lot of fame and money if given the opportunity? And how many amazing records can a group really make? Ignore The Beatles, Radiohead or anything like that. If a band that started out stellar gets far up the fame latter, they probably deserve it. Remember that KOL weren’t always just some rock run of the mill pop-rock group. They played authentic music to an ever-growing and loyal fan base. And perhaps that loyal fan base is what helped carry them to the top. Without the continued, trusted support from early fans, they wouldn’t have had the means and record sales necessary to get so high up. more ›

While tuning in to the KLRU-produced Austin City Limits is always a good idea, this week's episode holds an especially big place in our hearts. Saturday's show features a co-bill of The National and Band Of Horses, bands that have each grown from playing SXSW sets in the volleyball pit at Pok-E-Jo's (Band Of Horses, circa 2006) and matinees at Ruta Maya (The National, 2005) to deserving, full-bore festival headliners over the last half-decade.

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Band of Horses have come a long way in a very short amount of time, and the enthusiastic crowd that gathered in front of the Dell stage at 7:30 was a good indicator of just how far. The group played plenty of songs from their latest record as well as a few from 2006’s Everything All the Time, and it seemed as if every track they played was a favorite of someone in the crowd and they sang along loudly. more ›

Higgins, who apparently didn’t get the memo that nobody puts Lance in the corner, scoffed at the irate Armstrong, who then left to a series of under-breath cat calls and one patron labeling Armstrong as overrated (the cleanest of the insults softly launched his way.) more ›

Image from Myspace; Photo by Colin Smith The Ponys + Chin Up Chin UpWednesday November 14The Mohawk (912 Red River)Doors at 9pm, Free![info] [The Ponys MySpace] [Chin Up Chin Up MySpace]Chicago's The Ponys traffic in post-punk and dark overtones, and have been tirelessly touring the club circuit for years. The band have recently opened for both Spoon and Bloc Party, but are now headlining their own fall trek through the South. Their latest work Turn... more ›

Robert Wyatt Comicopera (Domino) Best known for his work with Britain's art-rock pioneers Soft Machine, Robert Wyatt has done little aside from create brilliant, truly different pop music since the '60s. Though his career is long, prolific and full of intriguing stories and tragedy, we've most recently been enamored with 2003's Cuckooland, which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. This year's Comicopera is a sort of hysterical (in the laughing and the sad way)... more ›

Alexis Jones’ powerful voice paces The Jones Family Singers’ uplifting message and equally inspirational music. However, it is Dr. Fred A. Jones, a pastor as well as band manager, who binds this gospel act together. The Jones Family Singers, as the name would imply, consists of Dr. Jones’ daughters, sons, grandson, and even a son-in-law. The band’s resume includes an appearance on BET as well as tours all over North America. The Jones Family Singers... more ›

It would be hard to go wrong by attending Sub Pop's SXSW showcase on March 14th. Seattle's little label that can has released some awfully wonderful records in their day: Nirvana, The Shins, The Postal Service, and Band Of Horses to name just a few. Don't you owe these guys the benefit of the doubt? This year's Sub Pop party at Emo's IV will feature Oxford Collapse, Kinski, and Tiny Vipers, a one-woman band... more ›

15. Mogwai - Mr. Beast (Matador) As ever, Mogwai manage to blend unadulterated post-rock weight to their shoegazer tendencies with tracks like "Glasgow Mega Snake" and "Folk Death 95," showcasing their ability to create anthems with no words. This is where Mr. Beast really shines, in between blistering chord progressions and gradual swings into corybantic climaxes. In some ways a throwback to earlier (and heavier) Mogwai material, Mr. Beast isn't merely a rock album.... more ›

Hot Chip destroyed the room that night not with their looks (they don't have them) or a huge production (the instruments broke repeatedly), but with simple, unsuppressable enthusiasm. They looked dorky, they dressed horribly, yet there they were, playing this crazy electronic-pop-soul-r&b hybrid that made the crowd explode in admiration and bouncy dancing. more ›

There's something for everyone this week in the Austinist concert update. Hip-hop and DJ culture from Cut Chemist and Jurassic 5, 80's college rock from The English Beat and The Church, and, well, 90's college rock from Rollins Band and Eels. There's also a healthy dose of sleaze with the Peaches and Eagles of Death Metal Bill, and some classic punk from X. On with the shows: Newly announced: 7/08 Cut Chemist @ Waterloo... more ›

You can throw a rock this month and hit a good touring show in Austin. After our usual post-SXSW doldrums, everyone seems to be scheduling Austin as an early summer stop. Check out new additions like Pete Yorn, M. Ward, Reverend Horton Heat, and indie-blogger favorite Human Television in the listings below: June: 6/02 The Roots + Blackalicious (Stubb’s) 6/03 Film School + Margot & The Nuclear So-And-Sos (Emo’s) 6/07 Arctic Monkeys + We... more ›

With new shows on sale from Sonic Youth, INXS, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Rancid, it seems to be college radio nostalgia week for the concert update. There are also a nice batch of new indie shows, including Tapes 'n' Tapes for Pitchfork fans, Dios Malos for the mellow types, The Futureheads for the edgy punky stuff, and even Tilly and the Wall for you tap dancers. On with the shows: May: 5/10 -... more ›

Last week, we posted a major concert update for May and June. If you missed it, just click the Expand-O-Tron for the recap. You're welcome. This week has already brought a flurry of updates including two new shows at The Backyard. Here they are (Austinist looks out): 5/28 - Eagles Of Death Metal @ The Parish Room 6/03 - Film School + Margot & The Nuclear So-And-Sos @ Emo's 6/10 - Radio 4 +... more ›

Summer is coming, and the post-SX lull appears to be ending for Austin gigs. Many SX bands are scheduling return appearances, and our outdoor venues are beginning to release May and June schedules. The following list offers some highlights (for comprehensive listings, check Pollstar or Showlist Austin): 4/15 - Calexico (free early show) @ Emo's 4/15 - Deathray Davies + The M's @ Emo's 4/24 - TV on the Radio + Celebration @ Emo's... more ›