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Interview: Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater

Released June 3, Rook is Austin-based Shearwater‘s first proper release on Matador Records, following a reissue of Palo Santo, originally released on Misra Records in 2006. Rook continues the band’s sonic evolution from what resembled field recordings on its early releases to near-art rock topped with Meiburg’s alternately cooing and soaring vocals.

The album is the band’s second minus Will Sheff, who split singer-songwriter duties with Meiburg on four releases prior to Palo Santo while Meiburg’s keyboards and harmonies were a hallmark of Okkervil River, Sheff’s primary vehicle, through 2007. Now fully devoted to Shearwater and the band’s unrivaled creative force, Meiburg took some time on the eve of an Eastern U.S. tour to answer a few questions for Aural States. Shearwater performs at the Black Cat June 15.

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MP3: Shearwater – Rooks

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Roky Erickson + Okkervil River = Bliss in Austin at SXSW

I knew I should’ve gone to Austin. Psychedelic 60′s icon Roky Erickson pairs with Okkervil River for one of his signature tracks? Sign me the fuck up. Check the video here at spin.com.

And for those unfamiliar, here’s the full MP3 from a Roky anthology. Song should be familiar to those of you who love John Cusack’s High Fidelity.

“You’re Gonna Miss Me Baby” (MP3)

Another vid of merely Okkervil after the jump. And if you’re lucky, by the end of the weekend, I’ll compose and post a psych-influenced mix.
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Black Cab Sessions are genius…and Beach House "Heart of Chambers" video

So…fancy yourself a Daytrotter fan? Well they’ve got nothing on these guys. Welcome to Thunderdome. The gauntlet has been laid, my dear friends.

The gist is this: grab your favorite indie artists, including Spoon, Daniel Johnston, Okkervil River the National, and Elvis Perkins…stick them in the back of a cab and have them play. Whilst driving around. Genius.

In other news…Beach House’s record release went swimmingly last night at the G-Spot. Check out their latest video, just released, for track “Heart of Chambers” after the jump.
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