Brian McBride began Stars of the Lid here in Austin years ago, but his solo album, When the Detail Lost its Freedom, is one that gestated during a time of terrible strife (divorce, harrowing move to new city) in McBride's life. Recorded almost exclusively on an SR X keyboard sampler, Detail utilizes guitar, piano, vocals, harmonica, trumpet and strings, abandoning keyboards and synthesizers entirely. The result is a lovely, gentle and ultimately emotional album... more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›