While Chaos in Tejas draws in crowds looking for trouble, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will be slinging songs about heartbreak for those trying to keep themselves out of it. The singer/songwriter’s sensibilities are rooted in Americana and laced with dark, dismal lyrics that cut to the core. Jason Isbell’s blues-drenched, alt-country spins stories of whiskey nights, dive bars, desperation and doomed love affairs. Songs like “Cigarettes and Wine" outline anecdotes filled with regret and misery, wherein lies a bittersweet comfort - the haunting awareness of the human condition that brings the down-and-out together with songs of sorrow. more ›

FRIDAY: Mohawk: Cracker / Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Club Deville: Robbers on High Street, Great Northern - FREE! Sponsored by The Onion/Sweet Leaf Tea Beauty Bar: DJ Tim Sweeney (DFA records), Learning Secrets, Farah SATURDAY: Red 7: The Paper Chase, Stinking Lizaveta, Death Is Not A Joyride Club Deville: Mates of State, Small Sins, Immaculate Machine Mohawk: Murder City Devils, Those Peabodys Beauty Bar: Bus Driver, Daedelus, Antimc (DJs Mel and Klassen)... more ›

Nearly a year after the release of Drive-By Truckers’ magnificent A Blessing And A Curse, Jason Isbell departed (in friendly fashion) from the band in April of this year. In July, he emerged with his first solo effort, Sirens Of The Ditch on New West Records. Recorded at the Fame Studios (graced in the past by the likes of Little Richard and Aretha Franklin) in Alabama, the album is chock-full of bluesy alt-country balanced... more ›

*The views expressed in The Laurie Show are those of the author and do not represent Austinist as a whole.* -ed. note My apologies for my absenteeism, kids! It's been awhile since I've set my babblings online at the Austinist. I've either been taking nights of from The Laurie Show on KUT or sitting in for Jeff McCord on Left of the Dial, which is on earlier than my show. It'll feel great to... more ›

Justice † (Vice) You might have familiarized yourself with French dance duo Justice courtesy the remix of Simian's "Never Be Alone", and such an introduction wouldn't be a false start, though the album is a bit different. Justice, who have received (mostly justified) comparisons to Basement Jaxx and Daft Punk, seem to shine when given someone else's work to toy with, but seem less dynamic when working from their own toolbox. This album claims... more ›