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The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Chris Duncan

Two albums to listen to: The East-West rivalry in two double LPs

Chris Duncan October 20, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Deerhunter releases their most mainstream album yet

Chris Duncan October 19, 2015

For his band’s newest release, Deerhunter’s lead singer Bradford Cox created an interactive influence map, which included R.E.M. and Tom Petty. Fading Frontier, released Friday, is the band’s...

Corb Lund releases easily forgettable ninth effort

Chris Duncan October 14, 2015

With his busy touring schedule, country artist Corb Lund hasn’t released new material since 2012 — yet, he hasn’t lost the touch. His previous release, Counterfeit Blues, reinterpreted...

Deafheaven releases dynamic, dreamy third album

Chris Duncan October 7, 2015

In the world of black metal music, fans like their songs to roll past at mind-numbing speed. Yet subgenres such as blackgaze, which uses slower moments to juxtapose distorted guitars and shrieking singers,...

Two albums to listen to: A group of movie soundtracks

Chris Duncan October 6, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

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ACL Live Blog: Sunday, October 4, 2015

Update (12:32  a.m.): Right before the Strokes ended their set, lead singer Julian Casablancas turned to guitarist Nick Valensi and asked a question. “You got anything to say to the...

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ACL Live Blog: Saturday, October 3, 2015

Update (12:35): When Drake closed out Day Two, he made sure audience members knew that Texas is his second home. The Canadian-born rapper continuously told the audience it was the best he’d...

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ACL Live Blog: Friday, October 2, 2015

Update (12:20 p.m.):  The Foo Fighters concluded Day 1 of ACL’s first weekend with an invigorating set. The band’s two hour performance began with an energetic rendition of “Everlong,”...

Five alternatives to attending to ACL

Chris Duncan October 2, 2015

If you don’t want to sell the rights to your first-born child just to get tickets for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, there are dozens of suitable alternatives during both weekends of the...

Two albums to listen to: A couple of records to help you get over your hipster ex-girlfriend

Chris Duncan September 29, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

‘Dodge and Burn’ proves to be raw, meticulous Jack White effort

Chris Duncan September 29, 2015

Whether it’s his latest haircut or a band’s color scheme, custom instruments or music video effects, Jack White’s attention to detail is what spurs his fans’ dedication. With his...

Two albums to listen to: A couple of raw underground rap releases

Chris Duncan September 22, 2015

Black Bastards – KMD Before donning his famous mask and super-villain persona MF Doom, Daniel Dumile went by the name of Zev Love X. At first, rap was just a hobby for Dumile and his brother Dingilizwe,...

Mac Miller’s major label debut displays lyrical talent, newfound optimism

Chris Duncan September 22, 2015

Since his debut in 2007, Mac Miller’s name has been synonymous with mediocre party music. His massive catalogue focused far too much on quantity over quality, but his major label debut, GO:OD AM,...

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Column: Mainstream music drowns out indie alternatives

Chris Duncan September 21, 2015

After The Strokes and Arcade Fire sold millions of albums in the early 2000s, the indie genre’s fan base has become one of the largest and most dedicated in music. To capitalize, labels brought pop...

Two albums to listen to: A pair of Unplugged concerts

Chris Duncan September 15, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

The Libertines release first album in 11 years

Chris Duncan September 15, 2015

With Anthems for Doomed Youth, The Libertines have done what many bands from their era cannot — return after an 11-year-long hiatus as enigmatic as before. Ever since they formed the Libertines...

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Modern bands wrestle with new methods of promotion

Chris Duncan September 14, 2015

The devaluation of music has led to drastic shifts in the way artists release their content, making free albums the new trend. Instead of battling the changes, groups such as Donnie Trumpet & The Social...

Two albums to listen to: A couple of aggressive and thoughtful releases

Chris Duncan September 8, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

The Arcs fail to live up to lofty expectations on first album

Chris Duncan September 8, 2015

At 36, Dan Auerbach seems too old to be an up-and-coming rock star. Thanks to an explosion in popularity in 2011 with the platinum release of his album with The Black Keys, El Camino, Auerbach has been...

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Turning tables: How to start your own vinyl collection

Chris Duncan September 4, 2015

Artists such as Mac DeMarco, who sold 6,000 vinyl copies in the first week of his new mini-LP, Another One, are seeing a clear benefit from the resurgence of wax. Vinyl is a definite way to support your...

The Weeknd delivers thoughtful, creative R&B on new album

Chris Duncan September 2, 2015

Since Michael Jackson exploded onto the pop scene with his superhuman singing and dance skills, many artists have tried and failed to replicate what made him so special. Abel Tesfaye, known by his stage...

Two albums to listen to: Two short-lived post-punk groups

Chris Duncan September 1, 2015

Unknown Pleasures – Joy Division Behind any quality album is a dedicated producer who works with artists to make the sounds in their heads come to life. Some producers go above and beyond in their...

FKA twigs releases unannounced, expressive third EP

Chris Duncan August 27, 2015

Experimental R&B musician FKA twigs strives to make her work a multi-medium experience. Twigs’ background in directing music videos and choreographing dances allows her to captivate viewers through...

Musician Eliot Sumner discusses her influences and first North

Chris Duncan August 26, 2015

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity. Between working on her new album Early Reflections SMPLR, which comes out Friday, and embarking on her first tour of North...

Two albums to listen to: A career-defining record and a free release

Chris Duncan August 25, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Australian outfit Royal Headache releases sophomore album

Chris Duncan August 24, 2015

From the day Dee Dee Ramone shouted out “1, 2, 3, 4!” for the Ramones’ first performance in 1974, garage rock and punk haven’t paused to take a breather. Since then, finding lyrics...

Two albums to listen to: A pair of self-titled sophomore releases

Chris Duncan August 18, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Dr. Dre’s third album puts exclamation point on storied career

Chris Duncan August 10, 2015

Dr. Dre’s storied 31-year career is the stuff of dreams. His talents brought him from a high school graduate with bleak outlook to a successful and innovative producer, rapper, entrepreneur and mentor....

Sleaford Mods displays anti-societal views in newest release

Chris Duncan July 28, 2015

Since Sleaford Mods’ inception in 2007, the duo has caught the public’s eye with its vulgar use of language and no-hold-barred subject matter. Sleaford Mods’ hard-hitting post-punk...

Two albums to listen to: a classic broadway production and a debut for a rap trio

Chris Duncan July 28, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Two albums to listen to: A couple of third albums from experimental artists

Chris Duncan July 22, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

White Reaper’s first album provides non-stop fun

Chris Duncan July 21, 2015

With White Reaper’s latest album, the four-piece punk band has done it again. Before Friday’s release of White Reaper Does It Again, the Louisville, Kentucky-natives joined the new wave...

Eight essential albums of 2015 so far

Chris Duncan July 19, 2015

Some critics argue albums are dead and singles will prove supreme. But with these eight releases, this year’s musicians set out to prove critics wrong. No Cities to Love — Sleater-Kinney Genre:...

Two albums to listen to: A controversial legend and an ominous pop record

Chris Duncan July 15, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Two albums to listen to: an avant-garde double LP and a new perspective on death

Chris Duncan July 8, 2015

Trout Mask Replica - Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band In the 1960s, musical experimentation was at an all-time high. But no album epitomizes the spirit of the unknown as well as singer-songwriter...

Lil Wayne releases free album via Tidal

Chris Duncan July 7, 2015

Seven years after Lil Wayne’s last quality record, Tha Carter III,  the hip hop artist is attempting to get his career back on track with his latest release, Free Weezy Album. Released Saturday...

Neil Young preaches in latest release, but it’s hard to hear

Chris Duncan July 2, 2015

Neil Young doesn’t just get angry, he gets absolutely livid. Whether it’s his reaction to the Kent State massacre with “Ohio” or his critique of social policies in “Rockin’...

Two albums to listen to: The origins of a “god” and an album of rhyme and reason

Chris Duncan July 2, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Wolf Alice’s debut album invigorates listeners despite cautious sound

Chris Duncan June 25, 2015

Indie rock has hit a bit of a stand still, with innovation at an all-time low. Since 2010, the genre has stayed afloat with a formulaic approach and decent sales, but Wolf Alice is one of the few bands...

Two albums to listen to: A collection of lullaby music and a sung-through musical

Chris Duncan June 23, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Nate Ruess broadens his scope of influences in first solo album

Chris Duncan June 19, 2015

Ever since The Format held their first practice in 2001, Nate Ruess has fit the definition of the modern rock star. His work with The Format and fun. is explosive, perpetuating music's ability to influence...

Two albums to listen to: A combination of individual talents and a jazz classic

Chris Duncan June 16, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Two albums to listen to: A Detroit compilation album and an indie darling

Chris Duncan June 9, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Muse releases a disappointing concept album

Chris Duncan June 8, 2015

Muse has always been a band with larger than life messages, especially when lead singer Matt Bellamy's imagination runs wild. Monday’s release of the band’s seventh album Drones stays true...

Two albums to listen to: A career revival and an intriguing duo

Chris Duncan June 2, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc. Graceland — Paul Simon In...

The Social Experiment releases complex and emotional record

Chris Duncan June 2, 2015

Ever since Chance the Rapper broke out in 2013 with his free mixtape Acid Rap, the 22-year-old has slowed down, doing everything on his own terms. Chance and his friends from The Social Experiment took...

“Montage of Heck” humanizes Kurt Cobain through never-before-seen footage

Charles Liu and Chris Duncan May 7, 2015

Twenty-one years after his death, Kurt Cobain’s music still resonates with audiences. On Monday, HBO premiered “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” the only documentary about Kurt Cobain made...

Two albums to listen to: an album that defined a genre and a satirical musical

Chris Duncan May 4, 2015

​Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc. Spiderland — Slint Slint...

Musician Benjamin Booker mixes garage rock and blues to create raw sound

Chris Duncan May 2, 2015

When musician Benjamin Booker recorded his first EP, Waiting Ones, in 2012 in his parents’ bathroom, he intended its release to be a private affair. Instead, he almost immediately found himself gaining...

Zac Brown Band incorporates a variety of influences in new album

Chris Duncan April 29, 2015

Since 2008, the Zac Brown Band has dominated country music with its Southern style and powerful songs. Its music is some of the best in the genre, capturing even the attention of non-country fans. The...

Two albums to listen to: A debut album and an emotional roller coaster

Chris Duncan April 28, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

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Record Store Day has evolved, despite growing pains

Chris Duncan April 24, 2015

Record Store Day was last Saturday — but some stores still have stacks of unsold records. A group of store owners first launched Record Store Day in 2007 to promote local record stores. Record...

Alabama Shakes’ sophomore effort delivers reinvigorated sound

Chris Duncan April 21, 2015

Alabama Shakes’ first tour proved they have the charisma of some of the liveliest bands in music today. But their first album, Boys & Girls, failed to capture that performance style, leaving...

Two albums to listen to: One much-needed refresh and one concept album

Chris Duncan April 20, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums you should listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in...

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Column: Has rock and roll been played out?

Chris Duncan April 17, 2015

Late last year, former KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons said what everyone was thinking. In an interview with Esquire, Simmons declared rock to be dead. “The death of rock was not a natural...

Tyler, The Creator moves toward independence with third studio album

Chris Duncan April 14, 2015

For all the flak Tyler, The Creator takes from critics claiming he is turning the nation’s youth into hellacious demons, his albums have made millions. Cherry Bomb, released Monday, portrays a slightly...

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Column: Should cell phones be banned at concerts?

Chris Duncan April 8, 2015

A weekend at Austin City Limits Music Festival costs $250, but it only takes a $20 piece of equipment to ruin the experience. A selfie stick is a monopod used for taking self-portraits, or selfies,...

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Artists blurring line between influence and plagiarism leads to musical overlap

Chris Duncan April 7, 2015

What do Sam Smith, Michael Bolton, Johnny Cash and Vanilla Ice all have in common? They’ve all been sued for copyright infringement. Plagiarism accusations occur every day in the music industry,...

Brian Wilson throws it back with new album

Chris Duncan April 7, 2015

After the Beach Boys cut their reunion tour short in 2012, band member Brian Wilson resumed his solo career. Wilson has proved his dedication to his sound over his past 10 albums, and the 11th supports...

Two Albums To Listen To: A collaborative album, live double LP

Chris Duncan April 6, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring column, music writer Chris Duncan suggests two albums to listen to this week. Have a suggestion? Send a tweet to @chr_dunc, and your pick might appear in next week’s...

Earl Sweatshirt releases dark and depressing second studio album

Chris Duncan April 1, 2015

Earl Sweatshirt, the previously missing member of Odd Future, a Los Angeles-based hip-hop collective, released his newest album, I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album by Earl Sweatshirt,...

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Four must-see live performances at RoundUp 2015

Chris Duncan March 27, 2015

For eight decades and counting, RoundUp has been the highlight of UT’s spring social scene — and this year is no exception. The weekend has gone through many evolutions through the years, but...

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Column: Are surprise releases where the music industry is headed?

Chris Duncan March 25, 2015

The time between an album’s announcement to the tour’s final show used to be fairly standard: advertise the album, release a few singles, drop the record and promote the album with videos and a...

Modest Mouse returns from eight-year hiatus

Chris Duncan March 24, 2015

Modest Mouse is the band that should have never been. Although the cards were stacked against it, the group prevailed for almost two decades. Strangers to Ourselves’ release on March 13 ended...

Kendrick Lamar pulls an about-face on his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly

Chris Duncan March 17, 2015

Waiting another week for Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly would have been torture. Whether Interscope Records accidentally released the album early on iTunes, or the album was somehow leaked...

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Four free must-attend multiday SXSW shows

Chris Duncan March 13, 2015

South By Southwest is all about being at the right place at the right time.  Decide to venture out and check out a new venue? Good call — you might find yourself listening to the next big...

Q&A: Julia MacFarlane of Twerps talks about new album, inspirations and SXSW

Chris Duncan March 13, 2015

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity. Melbourne, Australia-based Twerps released their second full-length album Range Anxiety in January and will perform at the...

Q&A: The Zombies will bring tired SXSW attendees back to life

Chris Duncan March 13, 2015

Colin Blunstone is the lead singer of The Zombies. Known for their psychedelic sound. The Zombies were the second U.K. band — the first being The Beatles — to have a No. 1 hit in the United...

Ten Austin bands to see at SXSW

Chris Duncan March 13, 2015

Some of the best acts of past South By Southwest festivals weren’t the big names; they were the local bands who were just happy to perform. Check out some of the best musicians Austin has to offer...

Will Butler shows potential in debut album

Chris Duncan March 10, 2015

Arcade Fire has sold millions of records, won a couple of Grammys and toured around the world. Their fame is undeniable, yet Will Butler, the band’s jack-of-all-trades who rotates from keyboard to...

Kelly Clarkson releases ‘Piece by Piece’ album, demonstrates vocal talent and consistency

Chris Duncan March 3, 2015

Kelly Clarkson has outlasted most American Idols — probably because she was one of the first.  Clarkson, the Texas-born winner of the first season of "American Idol," succeeded...

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Celebrate Texas Independence Day with seven distinctly Texan musicians

Chris Duncan March 2, 2015

The Republic of Texas only lasted for 10 years, but Texas’ spirit of independence will live on in its musicians forever. Texas, a long-time bastion for music, is the birthplace of thousands of famous...

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Four African-American artists who influenced the evolution of music

Chris Duncan February 27, 2015

As Black History Month comes to a close, music fans across all genres should take time to recognize four African-American artists that changed music for generations. Robert Johnson’s recordings...

Big Sean falls flat with third album

Chris Duncan February 24, 2015

Big Sean has had a rough couple of years. If it weren’t for his support from big name rap artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West, Big Sean wouldn’t even be releasing a third album like Dark Sky...

Q&A: Casual Strangers discuses their sources of inspiration, first album, and songwriting process

Chris Duncan February 18, 2015

UT alumna Katey Gunn and Paul Waclawsky, the lead singer and guitarist, respectively, for local band Casual Strangers, released their self-titled debut album last July. Casual Strangers will perform at...

Father John Misty comes through big time in his second album

Chris Duncan February 17, 2015

Last November on “Letterman,” a bearded man in a pressed suit sat at a grand piano and proceeded to sing his new song “Bored in the USA.” Halfway through the performance, he stood...

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Imagine Dragons falls short on their sophomore effort

Chris Duncan February 17, 2015

Target paid $8 million for a four-minute advertisement that aired during the 2015 Grammy Awards and featured Imagine Dragons performing their new single “Shots” in its entirety. This effort...

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Drake releases unannounced mixtape, teases upcoming album

Chris Duncan February 16, 2015

With his fourth album, Views from The 6, coming down the pipeline, Drake has a great year ahead of him. On top of the album, he went and pulled a Beyoncé, releasing an unannounced mixtape titled,...

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Nine songs to avoid during your Valentine’s Day serenade

Chris Duncan February 13, 2015

As every store, advertisement and radio song is reminding you, Valentine’s Day is upon us — but if you haven’t found the perfect gift, don’t fret. There’s a painless and cost-effective...

Joey Bada$$ demonstrates raw skill on his commercial debut B4.DA.$$

Chris Duncan February 3, 2015

There’s no arguing it: Hip-hop is the most exciting genre of music right now. And 2015 looks as if it will be equal in magnitude, if not greater, than 2014 for hip-hop fans. Joey Bada$$ contributes...

Berkman, Pujols pace Cardinals in win

Chris Duncan September 30, 2011

HOUSTON — Soaked with beer and champagne, Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman embraced in the St. Louis Cardinals plastic-wrapped clubhouse, basking in a celebration no one thought possible less than...

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