Houston Vanguard

Brazilian Girls - New York City

I picked this album solely because it is titled after a city I was planning on going to today, New York City.  However, instead of making it to New York I somehow ended up in Tampico. And that same twist is exactly what happened with the Brazilian Girls soon to be released album (Aug 5) New York City.

I was expecting a good electronic/indie record from the title and cover art and at first they went along with my expectations with the pleasant “St. Petersburg” and then out of nowhere, in “Losing Myself”, Sabina Sciubba(who’s the only girl and not Brazilian) the singer breaks into french but this is more like a franglish song, they switch from english to french multiple times and the cool part is this is done on purpose, not for lack of fluency. If you want completely french songs, they have a beautiful story about a “L’Interprete”. If you want Spanish, They have the haunting “Ricardo”.  And of course the very English song “Good Times”.

The beauty of this album is not just its language switching but their ability to combine their very unique style with that of another country to create a truelly great “Internacional” record.

You can find more information about Brazilian Girls as well as information on their upcoming album at their website

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HoustonPress Music Awards 2008

Every Year the HoustonPress nominates some local bands for some awards and while I would disagree with some of the nominations, it is a good event because on Sunday(July 27, 2008) 60 bands will play at 10 clubs and a $10 wristband gives you access to all 60 shows. Now all bands except for the DJs play in a 45 min time slot between 4-10pm, So be sure to choose carefully which 6 you pick.

For the complete list of bands and clubs participating click the more Link.

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Recession Thursday, Tonight at Numbers

Tonight (7/24/08) at Numbers 5 bucks gets you in to see 4 good bands, Southern Backtone, Generation Landslide, Muzak John and The Sweaters. Drinks are only 1.5 and its open to All Ages. So if you’re in the mood for some good music without hurting your wallet get there when the doors open around 8ish in the P.M.

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Black Mountain - In The Future

In The Future is a beautifully constructed album by the indie-rock band Black Mountain.  This is what rock is supposed to sound like. They draw you in with the riffs of “Stormy High” and then you are trapped with “Angels” stuck at the edge of a terrifying yet glorious storm.  “Tryants” is just like a thunderstorm, long periods of calm and then explodes in heavenly noise. In “Queens Will Play” Amber Webber’s voice is frighteningly surreal. But the trip doesnt stop there “Evil Ways” and “Bright Lights” capture what few since the 60s have been able to capture, Psychadelia.

If you want to find out more about Black Mountain you can check out their website. Also In The Future has three seperate bonus tracks so if you’re going to give the album a go make sure you listen to those as well.

Queens Will Play

Angels

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Gina Chavez - Hanging Spoons

Occasionally I hear a certain type of music that could perfectly complement a nice sunny summer day with a cold glass of iced-lemonade and a slice of fresh watermelon sitting on a porch-swing looking out into the yard. Gina Chavez’s soulful voice and acoustic strummings is exactly that type of music, providing much needed refreshment in the form of Latin/Folk.

Recently, Gina performed at the local Montrose venue Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar in Houston. The Austin-native is no stranger to playing bars and small places, as she toured the many coffeeshops that adorn the Texas state capital’s streets. This experience has given Gina the ability to entertain live audiences with anything and everything, from laughable ballads to serious, eerie songs of reality.

On her album, entitled Hanging Spoons, Gina illustrates a diverse journey through her music, her voice guiding listeners among ranging songs and lyrics. Beginning with “You Might Say” Gina exhibits her finger style guitar, then transitions into more edgy, Latin songs, like “Hagios” and “Embrujo*,” which is sung entirely in Spanish and features Latin-style hand-claps. Gina then shifts to her unique blend of jazzy riffs and bluesy voice in “St. Anthony,” “Beautiful Feet*,” and “Mean as Blue*.” Her lyrics reveal a vulnerable yet joyful heart, poignant poetry that builds the album, as seen perfectly in “Brother Sun” and “Disarray.” In the end, Gina hands her listeners a silver spoon, so to speak, at the end of “Matter” with a hidden track.

However, with all of this in mind, Gina’s creative musicianship is not just to be listened on a CD or on your computer streamed from her MySpace in the privacy of your own home. Be sure to get yourself a ticket if you see her name in a line-up as her shows are always enjoyable and unique. Gina Chavez is definitely an Austin talent to be heard both live and on disc in the company of friends, heck, even on a porch-swing with a glass of lemonade, if you’d like.

For more information on Gina Chavez and her music, check out her website ginachavez.com.

- “Beautiful Feet”

- “Embrujo”

- “Mean As Blue”

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