I Break Horses

Swedish duo I Break Horses released their debut album last August.  It didn't register on my radar when it was released, but I'm enjoying their album now.  They are currently touring the U.S. with M83, which is an inevitable boon to their exposure.  Check out a few tracks from the album below.

- Joel

I Break Horses - "Pulse"

Source: Rollo & Grady

I Break Horses - "Winter Beats"

I Break Horses - "Load Your Eyes"

Source: Chromewaves

The Heads of State

© The Heads of State 

I love the work of The Heads of State, a graphic design and illustration shop out of Philadelphia.  Check out more here.

- Joel

© The Heads of State

Moonrise Kingdom

I'll be excited to see this movie when it makes its way to release in the Midwest next month.

- Joel

The Walkmen

On Tuesday, The Walkmen release their latest album Heaven.  I've been a fan of The Walkmen since I saw them play "Little House of Savages" on The O.C.  And no I'm not ashamed to admit I watched The O.C. religiously in college.  Check out a track from the new album below.  It sounds like The Walkmen are taking a more laid back approach this time around.

- Joel

Nick Waterhouse

I had a conversation on Friday about the Take Away Shows from La Blogotheque.  It's been awhile since I've seen what they recorded.  Lo and behold, they had a performance by Nick Waterhouse filmed in Austin.  Nick is a modern artist with a 50's sound.  The sax steals the show in this performance.

- Joel

Photographer of the Day

© Abby Thomason

My sister has been in Spain for the past week and has taken some wonderful photographs.  Judging by the photos, she has done little more than listen to guitar players on the street.

- Joel

© Abby Thomason

Beach House released their latest album, Bloom, last week.  It's not quite as good as its predecessor, Teen Dream, in my opinion but is still enjoyable.  The album-opener "Myth", which I posted awhile back, is still my favorite track.  The highlight for me is the guitar solo which kicks in around 3:27.  Take a listen.

- Joel

Beach House - "Myth"
Source: Violent Success

Andrew Cherry

© Andrew Cherry

I've made a new friend here in Austin recently.  Andrew Cherry is a ridiculously talented artist, illustrator, and designer, but it's not even what he wants to do full time.  If only I could be that could at my hobbies.

- Joel

 

© Andrew Cherry

The Tallest Man on Earth - "1904"

A lot of my favorite bands are dropping new albums in May and June.  One such band is The Tallest Man on Earth, whose album There's No Leaving Now releases June 12.  Check out a track from the album below.

- Joel

The Tallest Man on Earth - "1904"

source: Consequence of Sound

Jumpshot

My friend Jake recently completed a documentary on Kenny Sailors, the man who invented the jumpshot.  Check out a teaser below. I've been excited to see the finished product since I first heard about the project.

- Joel

Birthdays

It's summer.  School is over for three months, and I can think about blogging.  Not that anyone reads this thing anyway.

Ever wanted to know how common your birthday is?  Check out the graphic below.

- Joel

My friend Jake shot this music video for his friends, the band JohnnySwim.  Check it out below.  If you like the sound, you can go here to download their debut EP for free.

- Joel

 

Beck - "I Only Have Eyes For You (Cover)"

It's finals season at the law school, which means most of my time is taken reviewing pages and pages of notes. But I did come across this cover from Beck, his rendition of The Flamingos' 1960's hit "I Only Have Eyes For You." It was good enough that I was willing to make time to post it. I'm a sucker for the oldies.

- Joel

Beck - "I Only Have Eyes For You (Flamingos Cover)"

Caine's Arcade

I ran across this short film yesterday about a kid, Caine, who created a cardboard arcade. A filmmaker happened upon Caine when buying a new door handle for his car. Through the power of social media, the filmmaker organized an event to honor Caine and his ingenuity. You can watch it below.

- Joel

Photographer of the Day

© Trey Kazee

I just noticed my Dallas friend, Trey Kazee, has a new website. Photography isn't Trey's day-job, but you wouldn't know it from his skills. His daughters are lucky to have a dad who so creatively documents their childhood.

- Joel

© Trey Kazee

Happy Easter

© Matt Nager

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Hi shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:16

Happy Easter.

© Joel Thomason

I'm enjoying a few days of down time in Kansas City before the final push towards law school finals begins on Monday. Watching the Masters gives me a rare opportunity to check out new music. Listen to a few new tunes below. Thanks to my friend Jonathan for the heads up on the jj track.

- Joel

John Maus - "No Title (Molly)"

jj - "beautiful life"

Dive - "How Long Have You Known?"

Photographer of the Day

© Billy Knox

I made a new friend last weekend: Billy Knox. Billy is a world-traveler extraordinaire and excellent photographer. He has been running a handmade tie business but is closing up shop to join the Navy. I'm hoping to grab a few of his ties before they are all gone.

- Joel

© Billy Knox

© Billy Knox

Alabama Shakes

I heard a new band on the radio today. I'm digging their sound. Check out a track and a music video from Alabama Shakes below. Their debut album Boys & Girls drops tomorrow.

- Joel

Alabama Shakes - "Hold On"

Undefeated

I saw an incredible documentary this weekend. "Undefeated" is an inspiring story about an inner-city high school football team from Memphis and their extraordinary coach. It's had a limited theatrical release, but I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone.

- Joel