This list is totally subjective. It's not based on sales... crowds at shows... how many shows they've played.. nothing but my personal preference.
Who am I? Well.. I DO own an entertainment magazine in Austin and have been a freelance entertainment writer for more than a decade. So.. I know a little about music... plus I love the local scene in Austin.
So... here goes. In no particular order. I'm also not going to explain. The music itself explains. You should visit all of these Websites (link from the name of the band) and purchase these RIGHT NOW.
Sean Claes' Top 10 Austin-based CDs of 2008
1. Drew Smith - Drew Smith's Lonely Choir
2. Alejandro Escovedo - Real Animal
3. Vallejo - Thicker Than Water
4. Driver F - Chase the White Whale
5. Reckless Kelly Bulletproof
6. Naked Empire Bottom Feeders
7. She Craves Static
8. Full Service - The Dig
9. Killer Crocs of Uganda - Almost Lost Tomorrow
10. Grupo Fantasma - Sonidos Gold
Don't like my list? Here are some other people's lists:
Ana Wolken of Austin Soundcheck and INsite Magazine- http://www.austinsoundcheck.com/best-austin-albums-of-2008/
Austin American-Statesman's XL - http://www.austin360.com/music/content/music/stories/xl/2008/12/1225xlcover.html
The Austinist - http://austinist.com/2008/12/23/our_year_in_listening_austinists_to.php
Austin Town Hall's Top 40 songs of the year - http://austintownhall.com/2008/12/17/top-40-songs-of-the-year/#more-2172
Happy New Year all.
December 29, 2008
December 24, 2008
The 2008 BoysenClaes Christmas CD - Liner Notes
Merry Christmas Everyone
The 2008 BoysenClaes Christmas liner notes are here!
For those who don't know, my wife and I have been putting together a Christmas CD for 10 years. The 2008 version is special for a few reasons. One, since in 2008 we bought INsite Magazine, BoysenClaes Productions, Inc. is an OFFICIAL name. Neat. Also, it's the 10th annual Christmas CD we've done.
Now.. this isn't an actual "marketable" CD, it's just a mix CD we have put together each year to give to friends and family as gifts, and to tip folks off to some of the really, really good music they may not have heard before. We only make about 40-60 copies.
You'll notice this CD is very Austin-heavy in the artists (all of our mixCDs are)...because we believe greatly in the local scene. I invite you to click the band names... visit their sites, and check out their stuff. You're only cheating yourself if you don't.
Hope you enjoy. If I know you and you'd like a copy of the CD, shoot me an e-mail - seanclaes@seanclaes.com.
1. Bad Sushi For Santa ............ The Biscuit Brothers
The Biscuit Brothers are a family favorite. Tiny Scarecrow (who sings this track) is awesome. A little fun to start out the CD. (biscuitbrothers.com)
2. Change The World .............................. Ben Harper
Two reasons this one made the CD. Number 1 – this has an amazing message. YOU can change the world with your own 2 hands. What are you doing to make it so? Number 2 – My youngest daughter’s name is Harper (1) and my oldest daughter, Marlee (4), once tripped Ben Harper at Austin City Limits Music Fest. (benharper.net)
3. Live for Today....................................Natalie Grant
Jodie (my wife)chose this one. I have to admit I hadn't heard it before, but it’s a very cool song… plus I believe she’s going to end up getting a tattoo in 2009 that says “Live For Today.” (nataliegrant.com)
4. Naked Fool.................................Michael Fracasso
“She’s got dancer’s feet and her mother’s smile.” I was honored to be able to see Michael Fracasso live in 2008. You should check him out too. (michaelfracasso.com)
5. Something So Much............................ Drew Smith
Drew Smith reminds me of a Wilson Pickett-style performer. So passionate and timeless. (drewsmithmusic.com)
6. Good Love......................................... Steve Liddell
In 2008 I helped put on a music festival outside of Tulsa Oklahoma called the Backwoods Bash with my childhood friend Trevor Lane and Matt Jostes. Steve Liddell was one of the performers who impressed the heck out of me. Oh, we’re doing a 2009 Backwoods Bash… FYI. (myspace.com/steveliddell)
7. I’m Yours.............................................. Jason Mraz
Mr. A-Z. This guy just has a way with words. He went on a Jack Johnson vibe on this one. (jasonmraz.com)
8. Handlebars ................................................. Flobots
“Me and my friends saw a platapus.” I dig this song.. but it made the album because Marlee fell in love with the track. We went to Batfest in Austin this year and heard it live. Great live show too. (flobots.com)
9. Brother Lee........................................ Citizen Cope
So, I got this CD a few years ago and never played it. A few months ago I popped it in the CD player and got hooked on this song. Also,Jodie’s got a brother Lee and they have similar features. (citizencope.com)
10. A Very Good Way .......................... Naked Empire
Naked Empire is a new-ish band out of Austin. Great stuff. If you noticed this CD is getting more rocking as the songs go on. I think this one is the heaviest of the bunch… in a very good way. (nakedempiremusic.com)
11. Remember When That Train Wrecked Our Lifestyle ......................Driver F
Driver F is a band Sal Silva from CD Fuse turned me on to. Really glad he did. These guys should be much much more famous than they are. (driverf.com)
12. Live............................................................ Vallejo
Vallejo is one of my favorite Austin bands. They’ve been around for a long time.. this one has a little funky Santana-esque beat. Dig it. (vallejomusic.com)
13. Posey Road Stomp ......................... Terri Hendrix
This is off Terri’s newest, called Left Over-alls. It’s a look back at songs she didn’t include on other albums. Love the first line. (terrihendrix.com)
14. Blueglass Lake.................................. Full Service
You never know what you’ll get when you pop a Full Service CD in. Well.. all you know is it’s going to be good. This song has a 60s folk feel. (fullservicemusic.com)
15. Sam’s Place ................................... The Derailers
Time for some Pure Honky Tonk – off their Under The Influence of Buck. The Derailers are a family favorite, great folks and great musicians. (derailers.com)
16. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink ........................ Merle Haggard
Some classic Haggard. Seemed to fit right in after the Derailers song. Oh.. and it’s from the recently released Greatest Hits 2. (merlehaggard.com)
17. Everyman .................................. Southpaw Jones
Southpaw Jones has a way with words. You’ve got to listen closely to this one to get some great laughs. (southpawjones.net)
18. Rain Down................................................Autumn
This little ditty leaves a smile on my face every time I hear it. “Everything’s going to be all right.” (autumnonline.com)
19. The Last Waltz ...................................... Abi Tapia
This is another one of those singers that amazes me that she isn’t on every country station in the land. Really solid songs. (abitapia.com)
20. O Come, All Ye Faithful .................. George Strait
A classic song sung by a legend. Did you know his middle name is Harvey? (georgestrait.com)
21. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer...................... Adam Donmoyer/ David Love
Adam Donmoyer is a really interesting dude. He’s a friend, co-worker, and comes up with some of the oddest (in a good way) songs in the world. This is his cover of a Christmas Classic. David Love is his guitarist/producer and a cool dude in his own right. Heck, his studio is named Love Monkey Studios. You gotta love that. (myspace.com/adamdonmoyer)
The 2008 BoysenClaes Christmas liner notes are here!
For those who don't know, my wife and I have been putting together a Christmas CD for 10 years. The 2008 version is special for a few reasons. One, since in 2008 we bought INsite Magazine, BoysenClaes Productions, Inc. is an OFFICIAL name. Neat. Also, it's the 10th annual Christmas CD we've done.
Now.. this isn't an actual "marketable" CD, it's just a mix CD we have put together each year to give to friends and family as gifts, and to tip folks off to some of the really, really good music they may not have heard before. We only make about 40-60 copies.
You'll notice this CD is very Austin-heavy in the artists (all of our mixCDs are)...because we believe greatly in the local scene. I invite you to click the band names... visit their sites, and check out their stuff. You're only cheating yourself if you don't.
Hope you enjoy. If I know you and you'd like a copy of the CD, shoot me an e-mail - seanclaes@seanclaes.com.
1. Bad Sushi For Santa ............ The Biscuit Brothers
The Biscuit Brothers are a family favorite. Tiny Scarecrow (who sings this track) is awesome. A little fun to start out the CD. (biscuitbrothers.com)
2. Change The World .............................. Ben Harper
Two reasons this one made the CD. Number 1 – this has an amazing message. YOU can change the world with your own 2 hands. What are you doing to make it so? Number 2 – My youngest daughter’s name is Harper (1) and my oldest daughter, Marlee (4), once tripped Ben Harper at Austin City Limits Music Fest. (benharper.net)
3. Live for Today....................................Natalie Grant
Jodie (my wife)chose this one. I have to admit I hadn't heard it before, but it’s a very cool song… plus I believe she’s going to end up getting a tattoo in 2009 that says “Live For Today.” (nataliegrant.com)
4. Naked Fool.................................Michael Fracasso
“She’s got dancer’s feet and her mother’s smile.” I was honored to be able to see Michael Fracasso live in 2008. You should check him out too. (michaelfracasso.com)
5. Something So Much............................ Drew Smith
Drew Smith reminds me of a Wilson Pickett-style performer. So passionate and timeless. (drewsmithmusic.com)
6. Good Love......................................... Steve Liddell
In 2008 I helped put on a music festival outside of Tulsa Oklahoma called the Backwoods Bash with my childhood friend Trevor Lane and Matt Jostes. Steve Liddell was one of the performers who impressed the heck out of me. Oh, we’re doing a 2009 Backwoods Bash… FYI. (myspace.com/steveliddell)
7. I’m Yours.............................................. Jason Mraz
Mr. A-Z. This guy just has a way with words. He went on a Jack Johnson vibe on this one. (jasonmraz.com)
8. Handlebars ................................................. Flobots
“Me and my friends saw a platapus.” I dig this song.. but it made the album because Marlee fell in love with the track. We went to Batfest in Austin this year and heard it live. Great live show too. (flobots.com)
9. Brother Lee........................................ Citizen Cope
So, I got this CD a few years ago and never played it. A few months ago I popped it in the CD player and got hooked on this song. Also,Jodie’s got a brother Lee and they have similar features. (citizencope.com)
10. A Very Good Way .......................... Naked Empire
Naked Empire is a new-ish band out of Austin. Great stuff. If you noticed this CD is getting more rocking as the songs go on. I think this one is the heaviest of the bunch… in a very good way. (nakedempiremusic.com)
11. Remember When That Train Wrecked Our Lifestyle ......................Driver F
Driver F is a band Sal Silva from CD Fuse turned me on to. Really glad he did. These guys should be much much more famous than they are. (driverf.com)
12. Live............................................................ Vallejo
Vallejo is one of my favorite Austin bands. They’ve been around for a long time.. this one has a little funky Santana-esque beat. Dig it. (vallejomusic.com)
13. Posey Road Stomp ......................... Terri Hendrix
This is off Terri’s newest, called Left Over-alls. It’s a look back at songs she didn’t include on other albums. Love the first line. (terrihendrix.com)
14. Blueglass Lake.................................. Full Service
You never know what you’ll get when you pop a Full Service CD in. Well.. all you know is it’s going to be good. This song has a 60s folk feel. (fullservicemusic.com)
15. Sam’s Place ................................... The Derailers
Time for some Pure Honky Tonk – off their Under The Influence of Buck. The Derailers are a family favorite, great folks and great musicians. (derailers.com)
16. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink ........................ Merle Haggard
Some classic Haggard. Seemed to fit right in after the Derailers song. Oh.. and it’s from the recently released Greatest Hits 2. (merlehaggard.com)
17. Everyman .................................. Southpaw Jones
Southpaw Jones has a way with words. You’ve got to listen closely to this one to get some great laughs. (southpawjones.net)
18. Rain Down................................................Autumn
This little ditty leaves a smile on my face every time I hear it. “Everything’s going to be all right.” (autumnonline.com)
19. The Last Waltz ...................................... Abi Tapia
This is another one of those singers that amazes me that she isn’t on every country station in the land. Really solid songs. (abitapia.com)
20. O Come, All Ye Faithful .................. George Strait
A classic song sung by a legend. Did you know his middle name is Harvey? (georgestrait.com)
21. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer...................... Adam Donmoyer/ David Love
Adam Donmoyer is a really interesting dude. He’s a friend, co-worker, and comes up with some of the oddest (in a good way) songs in the world. This is his cover of a Christmas Classic. David Love is his guitarist/producer and a cool dude in his own right. Heck, his studio is named Love Monkey Studios. You gotta love that. (myspace.com/adamdonmoyer)
December 11, 2008
Saturday 12/13 - Christmas Festival
All Invited to the KUMC Christmas Festival
Boasting A Live Nativity, Games, Choir Performance, and Wassail
There’s a wonderful tradition of family and fellowship that surrounds Christmas. It is in this spirit that the Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart St) invites all of our neighbors to our first ever Christmas Festival on December 13, 2008.
The Festival kicks off at 4:00p.m. and you’ll find refreshments like applesauce cake and wassail (a hot spiced punch). You can do some Christmas shopping as we’ll be selling hand-made items such as baby blankets, fancy Christmas bows, Jars of Joy (decorated ingredient jars for tasty soups, brownies, cookies, and beverages), and other unique gift items and baked goods. There will also be a “New To You” re-gifting booth of brand-new items that will be sold for a heavenly song.
Children of all ages will have plenty to do. We’ll have a booth for face painting and we’ll have games like “Frosty Toss,” “Pin The Nose of Rudolph,” and the “Christmas Card Toss.” We’ve also been in contact with Saint Nicholas, and he said he’d be there as well to say hello and listen to all of the children’s Christmas wishes.
The Children of the KUMC will entertain the crowds with a performance of “The Nativity.” This will include a live Nativity and narration from scripture. You’ll have a chance to sing along with the kiddos when they perform “Silent Night.” They will perform twice, at 5:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. If you’ve ever seen little ones perform…you know it’ll be fun.
Once 7:00p.m. comes, it’s time to head inside the sanctuary for an hour-long performance by the KUMC Choir, led by Choir Director Jenny Sandoval. The title of the performance is “An Old Fashioned Christmas” - The story of a man wishing for the simpler times in which to celebrate Christmas and is told through the diary of a young girl written in the late 1800's.
The KUMC Christmas Festival is free to attend. All the proceeds raised through the Festival will go towards furnishing the children's nursery or to children's playground equipment for the New Life Center being built at KUMC. The entire community is invited to attend. Additional information may be obtained by calling the church office (512-268-2331) or e-maling (KyleUMC@Verizon.net).
Who: Kyle United Methodist Church
What: KUMC’s First Ever Christmas Festival
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Where: Kyle United Methodist Church, 408 W. Lockhart Street, Kyle, Texas 78640
Why: Meet our neighbors and celebrate Christmas
Cost: Free to the public.
Boasting A Live Nativity, Games, Choir Performance, and Wassail
There’s a wonderful tradition of family and fellowship that surrounds Christmas. It is in this spirit that the Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart St) invites all of our neighbors to our first ever Christmas Festival on December 13, 2008.
The Festival kicks off at 4:00p.m. and you’ll find refreshments like applesauce cake and wassail (a hot spiced punch). You can do some Christmas shopping as we’ll be selling hand-made items such as baby blankets, fancy Christmas bows, Jars of Joy (decorated ingredient jars for tasty soups, brownies, cookies, and beverages), and other unique gift items and baked goods. There will also be a “New To You” re-gifting booth of brand-new items that will be sold for a heavenly song.
Children of all ages will have plenty to do. We’ll have a booth for face painting and we’ll have games like “Frosty Toss,” “Pin The Nose of Rudolph,” and the “Christmas Card Toss.” We’ve also been in contact with Saint Nicholas, and he said he’d be there as well to say hello and listen to all of the children’s Christmas wishes.
The Children of the KUMC will entertain the crowds with a performance of “The Nativity.” This will include a live Nativity and narration from scripture. You’ll have a chance to sing along with the kiddos when they perform “Silent Night.” They will perform twice, at 5:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. If you’ve ever seen little ones perform…you know it’ll be fun.
Once 7:00p.m. comes, it’s time to head inside the sanctuary for an hour-long performance by the KUMC Choir, led by Choir Director Jenny Sandoval. The title of the performance is “An Old Fashioned Christmas” - The story of a man wishing for the simpler times in which to celebrate Christmas and is told through the diary of a young girl written in the late 1800's.
The KUMC Christmas Festival is free to attend. All the proceeds raised through the Festival will go towards furnishing the children's nursery or to children's playground equipment for the New Life Center being built at KUMC. The entire community is invited to attend. Additional information may be obtained by calling the church office (512-268-2331) or e-maling (KyleUMC@Verizon.net).
Who: Kyle United Methodist Church
What: KUMC’s First Ever Christmas Festival
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Where: Kyle United Methodist Church, 408 W. Lockhart Street, Kyle, Texas 78640
Why: Meet our neighbors and celebrate Christmas
Cost: Free to the public.
December 5, 2008
December 2, 2008
A Biscuit Brother's Holiday Show!
The Biscuit Brothers are hosting a Merry Musical Christmas at Symphony Barn!
All the Biscuit folks will be there... Tiny Scarecrow, Buford, Dusty, and Buttermilk. The tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for kids, and $3 for kids under 1.
We've been going to see the Biscuits for the last few years. Really dig these folks. They've got an Emmy Award Winning show on PBS and because they live in Austin.... they perform live around these parts a lot.
But.. for the next 2 weeks their going to be a Symphony Barn on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Saturday, December 6 & 13 and Sunday, December 7 & 14 at 7 pm
Join the Biscuits in a celebration of the holiday season and sing along as they perform their versions of your favorite Christmas tunes!
The Follow this link to purchase tickets
To find out more about the Biscuit Brothers, visit their Website - http://www.biscuitbrothers.com/.
December 1, 2008
December INsite Night - Friday the 12th
December 12 is the last INsite Night of the year. We'll have some cool freebies for you.... and don't forget an AWESOME night of music.
ALL AGES SHOW
$5 for adults.
$8 minors.
Where: Red Eyed Fly:
715 Red River
Austin, Tx 78701
WhenDecember 12, 2008
Who's Playing
12:30-Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers
11:30-Oak Is Keeping
10:30-Distant Lights
9:30-Little Triggers
8:30-Mansfield
ALL AGES SHOW
$5 for adults.
$8 minors.
Where: Red Eyed Fly:
715 Red River
Austin, Tx 78701
WhenDecember 12, 2008
Who's Playing
12:30-Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers
11:30-Oak Is Keeping
10:30-Distant Lights
9:30-Little Triggers
8:30-Mansfield
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