Friends of Sound

Music from DJ Akalepse (our special New Day guest this month!)

2012-02-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

THE NEW DAY Saturday, February 18th

2012-02-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hey there! You like soul music? Well why don't come join us on the 18th for a fabulous night of rare and exciting soul 45s courtesy of coolhands, BSears, and our special guest this month: DJ Akalepse. Only at The Highball on Lamar just south of Riverside. The venue also has bowling, food, and karaoke so be prepared for a full night of fun.

THE NEW DAY Saturday, January 21st

2012-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Continuing the tradition of our amazing monthly soul night Friends of Sound proudly brings you The New Day with special guests Gordy G. and J. Malls! Not much beats wicked rare soul 45s on The Highball dancefloor.

THE NEW DAY THIS SATURDAY

2011-12-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

NEW DAY MIX FROM ROBERT WELLS

2011-12-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

New mix from Robert Wells to promote our upcoming soul night The New Day - Sophisticated Soul Party at The Highball Austin. Bang this in your jeeps all week and on this Saturday the 17th get down on the dance floor!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-12-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

Roy Ayers Ubiquity - Red, Black and Green

The words versatile and multi-talented seem to damn vibraphonist/bandleader Roy Ayers with faint praise, but summing up a musician of this quality without going over the moon is a tough task. Known to the hip-hop generation as Icon Man of acid jazz, Roy Ayers roots extend deep into bop. He started playing with West Coast jazz ensembles back in the early Sixties when he was 22 or so, working with the likes of Chico Hamilton, Gerald Wilson and Hampton Hawes, among others.

In 1966, he hooked up with jazz flutist Herbie Mann, and performed and recorded him for four years, most notably on Mann's Concerto Grosso In D Blues and Memphis Underground albums. By 1970, he was ready to move on, which he did with Mann's blessing and assistance. He formed the Roy Ayers Ubiquity, with an ever-changing cast that included saxman Sonny Fortune (who appears on this disc) and percussionists Billy Cobham and Alphonse Mouzon (who don't).

Red Black & Green came along in 1973, at about midpoint in Ayers' Polydor career. He manages to straddle the line between jazz and soul quite comfortably, but that was an era (think Grover Washington Jr. and George Benson's CTI-era recordings) when the borders were fluid. The disc went Top 5 on the Billboard jazz chart, though it contains versions of such soul classics as Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Ain't No Sunshine.

ALL JAZZ IS 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

NEW INTERVIEW WITH OWNER DAVID HAFFNER

2011-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

Covering all things record related. Be sure to check out the rare gems Dave is currently jamming. Read HERE.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-12-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

James Vincent - Culmination

Recorded in the winter of 1971 but not released until 1974. It is almost entirely instrumental, featuring many renowned musicians of the day, and it is appreciated by the more eclectic listeners of music.

ALL JAZZ IS 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

KANGAROO LOVE

2011-12-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Check out Rod McKuen giving this baby albino kangaroo the bedroom eyes. Not creepy at all.

BACKSPIN CLOSING FESTIVITIES (T.R.O.Y.)

2011-12-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

More info and lineup schedule here. Come out and help us send BackSpin off properly!

12/07 GROMMIT @ BARCELONA

2011-12-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Moon - S/T

The mysterious Moon, a bit of a Los Angeles pop supergroup, for all those Beach Boys fans who wonder what became of the 'lost' BB David Marks between stints in the group, here is a part of the story: The Moon were David Marks, garage punk legend Matthew Moore, David Jackson, late of Hearts & Flowers, and Larry Brown, who had drummed with Davie Allen, King of Fuzz, and played on every exploitation soundtrack out of the Mike Curb closet.

Signing to Hollywood's Imperial Records label, they were given Carte Blanche to do what the hell they wanted in the studio, and two excellent albums Without Earth and The Moon resulted--prime Psych fuelled soft pop with a weird edge. Imperial's slow collapse into the United Artists empire doomed them as it did many artists to a lack of promotion. Indeed, their one and only photoshoot was found in a skip by David Marks' mother (who worked at UA) along with promos of everyone from Eddie Cochran to Jackie De Shannon to Kim Fowley. When they cleared an office, they cleared an office!

The Moon recorded two albums in 1968-69 that were both heavily influenced by the British invasion sound of the Beatles. The Moon, while losing a lot of the Beatles' orchestrated psychedelic touches, did retain the more soulful side of the late 60s brand of Beatles' pop (think Paul McCartney and his piano led songwriting style coupled with his angsty lead vocals).

Sadly neither of the two albums by The Moon caused much of a stir at the time, mainly due to the lack of promotions on the part of their label, Imperial Records. After the second album fizzled, the various members of The Moon decided to call it quits and they all headed onto more lucrative pastures - leaving the Moon's recording output to languish in obscurity.

ALL PSYCH RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

DO IT TO IT THIS FRIDAY @ THE SAHARA

2011-11-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our own Spence plus special guest Jonny Whutnot on the turntables. More info here.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

Brian Eno - Here Come The Warm Jets

Here Come the Warm Jets is the debut solo album by Brian Eno. Produced by Eno, it was released on Island Records in 1974. The musical style of Here Come the Warm Jets is a hybrid of glam rock and art rock, similar to Eno's previous album work with Roxy Music but with songs that are more quirky and experimental. The album features various guest musicians, including Robert Fripp of King Crimson and members of Roxy Music, Hawkwind, Matching Mole, and The Pink Fairies. In developing the album's words and music, Eno used unusual methods such as dancing for his band members and having them play accordingly, and singing nonsense words to himself that would form the basis of subsequent lyrics.

Here Come the Warm Jets peaked at number 26 on the United Kingdom album charts and number 151 on the U.S. Billboard charts, receiving a number of positive reviews. It was re-issued on compact disc in 1990 on Island Records and in 2004 on Virgin Records, and continued to elicit praise. Critic Steve Huey of Allmusic stated that the album "still sounds exciting, forward-looking, and densely detailed, revealing more intricacies with every play."

THE BOOGIE @ THE VOLSTEAD THIS FRIDAY

2011-11-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Boogie Vol. II by austinboogiecrew

BUY IN BULK

2011-11-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

Check out this wall of bulk boxes for sale at BackSpin now. All genres represented--rock boxes, soul boxes--all including 100 records per box! Hurry because they won't last long!

LOCAL PRODUCER SOUNDFOUNDER'S NEW TAPE HERE AT FOS

2011-11-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

We are now carrying the newest release from Exploded Drawing's own Soundfounder ON TAPE!

Soundfounder gave a great performance at the last BackSpin in-store, and we wholeheartedly urge you to give his music a listen. Read a review of the record here and check his music out here.

Hopefully you've still got a tape deck in your whip!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-11-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

H. Aram Gulezyan and His Instrumental Group - Exotic Music For The Oud

Amazing oud solos, very mellow and meditative jamming. Aram works wonders with a sparse palette. We also have many other mellow international records available right now at the store!

ALL INTERNATIONAL RECORDS 20% OFF THIS WEEK!!!!!

BACKSPIN SALE

2011-11-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

FOS XMAS JAMS

2011-11-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

We've got a wide variety of Christmas records out on the floor for you to check out (real jams--see the Stevie Wonder record in front).

IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT BACKSPIN

2011-11-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

Well BackSpinners, we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is we are having a huge sale this week. The bad news is, it is a going out of business sale. It's not all bad though, it's been a good run from our first spot on Burnett road to our current home on Airport--just short of 6 years now which has gone by fast. It's been a pleasure to serve up the vinyl while we could, but the time has come to close up shop. We want to thank everyone who made it fun and supported us over the years.

We hope everyone has a little piece of Backspin both on their record shelves and in their hearts. And if not, it's not too late, because as I mentioned we are having a big sale to clear out stock. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday the 15th, all LPs, CDs, and 45s are 25% off. We have also put a lot of good records in to bulk boxes for $5-$20 so help us out and take one home soon! As the weeks progress, we will offer progressive discounts on remaining stock but come early for best selection!

Our other store, Friends of Sound on South Congress will remain open. BackSpin's web page and online store (eBay) will remain online as well for some time. So if you need to buy, sell or trade records or get a hold of any of us, be sure to check at Friends of Sound or online.

Also, we will be having at least one and possibly two more instore performances/parties to close out the year and send the store out on a fun, high note. Stay tuned for info on those.

Once again, thanks for your support and hope to see you in the bins soon!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-11-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

Keith Sweat - Make It Last Forever

Make It Last Forever is the debut album of American R&B recording artist Keith Sweat. Released on November 24, 1987, the album went to #1 on the Top R&B Albums chart for three weeks (and topped the Billboard Year-End R&B chart for 1988), and #5 on the Billboard 200. Make It Last Forever was one of the earliest R&B albums to showcase the up-and-coming New Jack Swing sound, as it was mostly produced by Sweat himself and music producer Teddy Riley.

The album's biggest hit was "I Want Her", a #5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first #1 R&B hit for Sweat. The title track, "Don't Stop Your Love" and "Something Just Ain't Right" were major Top Ten hits on the Billboard R&B charts. On April 6, 1994, Make It Last Forever was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, for shipments of three million copies in the United States.[4] The single "I Want Her" was certified gold by the RIAA on June 13, 1989, for shipments of 500,000 copies in the US.

FOS NEW ARRIVALS 11/13/11

2011-11-13T15:32:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-11-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

James Brown - Black Caesar OST

The pride of Georgia applied his scrappy funk to the urban squalor of classic blaxploitation flick Black Caesar and came up with winners. James Brown delivered some of his top grooves on "The Boss" and "Make It Good to Yourself," and the epic "Down and Out in New York City" captured the titular character's impoverished origins and hustler's drive. Meanwhile, backing band the JB's stretched out on excellent instrumentals like "Blind Man Can See It." Cuts like "Sportin' Life" and Lyn Collins' "Mama Feelgood" burst with ideas from a legend at the top of his game.

ALL SOUL RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

RIP HEAVY D

2011-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your many contributions to hip-hop.

THE NEW DAY @ THE HIGHBALL--SAT. NOVEMBER 19TH

2011-11-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to friend us and RSVP for our event on Facebook!

NATHAN RICH NEW DAY NOVEMBER 2011 PROMO MIX

2011-11-07T15:38:00.001-08:00

NRich (DFW) November New Day Promo Mix 2011 by thenewday

Come check out Nathan Rich spinning more great soul 45s November 19th at The Highball!

THE NEW DAY @ THE HIGHBALL NOV. 19TH

2011-11-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hosted by: DJs coolhands & BSears of Friends of Sound Records

WHO: Friends of Sound Records’ own DJs coolhands & BSears

WHEN: Saturday, November 19th 2011

WHERE: The Highball //1142 South Lamar Boulevard// Austin, TX 78704

WHAT: The New Day is Austin’s premier soul night, featuring special guest DJs from around the country every month. The New Day is not your average soul night; instead this is a party that showcases talent from some of the heaviest collectors in the soul & funk community nationwide. This month marks the seventh New Day and we’re going strong. This month, coolhands and BSears are proud to announce guests:

NRich (DFW) & Hobo D (Applied Pressure, Peligrosa)

Nathan Rich has been a record collecting force in Ft. Worth force over 20 years. Beyond holding two regular DJ residencies in the DFW area, he has also played guest spots around the country and was a mainstay of the Austin Soul Club during its heyday in 2006.

Focused on soul, R&B, garage and psychedelia records from Texas, Nathan has contributed for two books written on Texas/Southwest music history. His uptempo soul selections, coupled with his uncanny ability to move a crowd, should make for a fun night.

This month only: come early to catch a rare soul set from Austin’s own Hobo D. He will be dropping slow soul burners the first hour of the night, a change of pace from his steady parties - Applied Pressure and Peligrosa.

https://www.facebook.com/AppliedPressure
http://www.peligrosablog.com/

Expect to hear music to make you move.

Come out to The Highball on November 19th and witness the soulful sounds of, “The New Day” Austin, TX’s rare soul destination.

For more information, visit www.austinsoulparty.com or call 512.447.1000

CONTACT: David Haffner & Brian Sears // Friends of Sound // 512.447.1000
friendsofsoundrecords@gmail.com // www.austinsoulparty.com

NEW BSEARS MIX!

2011-11-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Resident New Day DJ throwing it down 45 styleeeee!

BSears - From Me To You by thenewday

FOS NEW ARRIVALS 11/07/11

2011-11-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Bob James - Two

Bob James Two is one of those LPs that falls under the category of "the classiscs are classics for a reason". Whether you approach the LP with a sampler/producers ear, or you are just a fan of skillfully arranged, produced and played 70s jazz, BJ2 has it all. My two favorite moments are the proto-Portishead sounds with Patti Austin on vocals of "I Feel A Song in My Heart" and the amazing sounds and time changes on "The Golden Apple" (including the sick Primo Group Home sample). Revisit an old favorite or get familiar if it's new to you!

Hard to choose just one jam off this record...so enjoy three! (The name of his next album, coincidentally). ALL JAZZ AT BACKSPIN IS 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-11-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Kool G Rap - 4,5,6

4,5,6 is the solo debut by hip hop artist Kool G Rap, released in September 1995 on Cold Chillin' Records. The release followed his break-up with DJ Polo in 1993. The album was mostly received neutrally among critics, but was warmly accepted by underground fans. Despite the album's dark, grimy street sound, it peaked at number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and also featured two crossover hits, with the title track "4,5,6", and "Fast Life". The album features guest appearances from B1, MF Grimm, and Nas (who also appeared on the front cover), as well as production from Dr. Butcher, Naughty Shorts, T-Ray, and Buckwild of D.I.T.C. It would also be Cold Chillin' Records' final release before it went defunct in 1997.

ALL HIP-HOP RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-11-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Iron Buttefly - Ball

Ball is the third studio album by the rock band Iron Butterfly, released in February 1969. After the enormous success of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", Iron Butterfly modified its acid-rock sound somewhat and experimented with more melodic compositions. The band's trademark heavy guitars, however, are still evident on such tracks as "In the Time of Our Lives" and "It Must Be Love". The album reached #3 in the charts, making Ball more immediately successful than In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. Ball was certified Gold in March 1969. It also spawned two minor hit singles: "Soul Experience", an uncharacteristically uplifting song for the group, went to #75 on the Billboard charts, and despite its nightmarish musical tones and morbid lyrics, "In the Time of Our Lives" managed to reach #96.

THE RETURN OF DO IT TO IT--THIS FRIDAY @ THE SAHARA

2011-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

LAZER SWORD @ BARCELONA--WED. NOVEMBER 2ND

2011-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Free Design - Heaven / Earth

1969's Heaven/Earth is the Free Design's third album. It carries on the tradition of excellence the group's first two albums had firmly established. It was also very much of a piece with the rest of their output -- no big changes. The record is overflowing with beauty and weirdness and lush arrangements with plenty of groovy touches that instantly date the record but also give it a hipness that is lacking in other MOR vocal group records.

However, the true genius of the band is the fresh clear voices of the Dedrick siblings and the way Chris Dedrick arranged them. Tunes like the swinging "Now Is the Time," the witty and alarmingly cynical "2002 - A Hit Song," and the quietly inventive version of "If I Was a Carpenter" have sublime and unusual vocal harmonies that soar and swoop like psychedelic eagles, always surprising and often breathtaking.

Some of the other tracks here worth mention are the sweet samba of "My Very Own Angel, Girls Alone," which features Sandy and Ellen harmonizing over a full big-band arrangement, and the moody and quite amazing "Dorian Benediction," which manages to sound like the Electric Prunes with Miles Davis sitting in and the hippest monks on earth chanting along. Heaven/Earth is worth a listen by anyone who likes vocal harmony and the sweet, innocent sounds of sunshine pop.

ALL PSYCH RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-10-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Vangelis - Blade Runner Soundtrack

The Blade Runner soundtrack was composed by Vangelis for Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner. It is mostly a dark, melodic combination of classical composition and synthesizers which mirrors the futuristic film noir envisioned by Scott. Several different albums have been made, some including tracks omitted from the final cut, or new tracks in the same style.

An orchestral rendition of part of the soundtrack was released in 1982 by the New American Orchestra. However, the original soundtrack album (1994) features vocal contributions from Demis Roussos and the sax solo by Dick Morrissey on "Love Theme". The track "Memories of Green" from Vangelis' 1980 album See You Later was also included. A new release made in 2007 includes a disc of new music inspired by the film.

The film also features "Ogi No Mato" ("The Folding Fan as a Target" on Traditional Vocal and Instrumental Music from Nonesuch Records) by the Japanese group Ensemble Nipponia, and harpist Gail Laughton's "Pompeii 76 A.D." (from Harps of the Ancient Temples).

The original soundtrack release was delayed for over a decade, until 1994, despite the music being well-received by fans and critically acclaimed—nominated in 1983 for a BAFTA and Golden Globe as best original score. Also, there was the promise of a soundtrack album from Polydor Records in the film's end titles. The 1989 compilation Themes included some tracks from the film, but it was not until two years after the 1992 Director's Cut of the film that the score saw an official release.

ALL SOUNDTRACKS AT BACKSPIN ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

THANK YOU!

2011-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

We'd just like to thank all the people from across the globe who came to check out Friends of Sound and BackSpin during the Austin Record Convention this past weekend! We hope you found some gems. It was a blast for us and we look forward to the next one in April 2012.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-10-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Bennie Maupin - The Jewel In The Lotus

Recorded in March 1974, this album comes about six months after Priester's album, and in a few tracks resembles a minimalist version of some the textures explored there. Don't be looking out for the funk here - this is a more spiritual, atmospheric affair, with cascades of chord clusters from various instruments, and sparse percussion - "beds" of heavily structured sound over which the players minimally improvise. It's not "free jazz" - even on the raw soundscape of "Excursion", there's still an impeccable structure to control the dynamic flow. It's the perfect setting for Bennie Maupin to get into the subtle ranges of his high register reeds.

Whereas other "Bitches Brew" veterans tended to either emulate Miles Davis or run screaming into a more controlled jazz-funk, Maupin's lesson, compositionally, seems to have been to extract some order from the chaos, perhaps somewhat like Teo Macero ...

Maupin was the only player from Hancock's Mwandishi band to continue on to the Headhunters, and here he utilises players from both bands. A year after the phenomenally successful, electrified "Head Hunters" album, Herbie Hancock's tweaking the inbuilt delays on his fender rhodes to add to Maupin's soundscapes on the title track. Some of the textures in Maupin's songs are so subtle that the white machine noise coming out from the rhodes' phaser itself becomes a texture. Hancock also seems to be enjoying the opportunity to explore percussive dynamics once again on his acoustic piano - listen to his playing around Maupin's multitracked winds in "Past Is Past".

Bill Summers - the man who blew into beer bottles at the start of "Watermelon Man" on "Head Hunters" - is very at home as he mixes bells, cymbals and even garbage cans with Maupin's glockenspiel and Frederick Watts' marimba. Drummer Billy Hart and bassist Buster Williams return from the Mwandishi band, and guest Charles Sullivan supplies gentle muted trumpet to "Mappo" and some crazy squeals to the general chaos of "Excursion".

This is an album that gets better with repeated listens - I listened through a few times today when ripping and converting, not having heard it for several years, and once again I'm really taken with the colours that this group of people create together.

COME CHECK OUT ALL OUR NEW STOCK AND DEALS LEADING UP TO THIS WEEKEND'S RECORD SHOW!!!!!!

THE BOOGIE @ HOTEL VEGAS--THIS SAT.

2011-10-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

THE NEW DAY NOVEMBER PROMO VID

2011-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

BSEARS & JOSH LARUE @ THE VOLSTEAD TONIGHT

2011-10-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT: Friends of Sound Records own BSears DJs alongside Joshua LaRue (Breakaway Records) at The Volstead (1500 E 6th St). 10PM-2AM. Good records, good people, and good vibes. Come out and dance.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-10-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Freddie Robinson - At The Drive In

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Freddie Robinson was raised in Arkansas and moved to Chicago in 1956. Inspired as a guitarist by Joe Willie Wilkins, he first recorded that year. In 1958, he began touring with Little Walter, and after seeing a jazz band perform was inspired to learn music formally at the Chicago School of Music. He also began working with Howlin' Wolf, recording with him such notable blues classics as "Spoonful", "Back Door Man" and "Wang Dang Doodle".

In the mid-1960s, he played with R&B singers Jerry Butler and Syl Johnson, before joining Ray Charles' band in Los Angeles. In the early 1970s, he worked with English blues bandleader John Mayall, playing on the album Jazz Blues Fusion. He also recorded two albums in his own name - At The Drive In and Off The Cuff for Stax Records.

ALL BLUES RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-10-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - One EP

The Brian Jonestown Massacre is an American eclectic musical group led by Anton Newcombe, whose music spans multiple genres including psychedelia, electronica, folk music, blues and experimental music. The name "Brian Jonestown Massacre" is a portmanteau of The Rolling Stones' founder and guitarist Brian Jones and the infamous mass cult suicide in Jonestown, Guyana.

Newcombe defines the term 'psychedelic' as "mind-expanding," and BJM's output is generally referred to as such because of the revivalist nature of the music. Elements of Middle Eastern and Brazilian music are also apparent, along with influences by 1960s classic rock artists.

ALL INDIE RECORDS AT BACKSPIN ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-10-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Morganmasondowns - S/T

Great American hippie folk-rock with certain pop and psych inflections, released on Roulette label 1970; reminiscent of Pearls before Swine / Tom Rapp.

ALL FOLK RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-10-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Da Bush Babees - Gravity

Da Bush Babees is a group of underground hip-hop artists loosely affiliated with the Native Tongues. The three grew up in Jamaica and Trinidad, and hence reggae strongly influenced their style, but it was in 1992 in Brooklyn, NY that the group formed. After their early concert dates attracted major-label interest, the trio performed live office auditions and signed with Reprise three months after launching the group.

Their second album, Gravity (1996), was the group's first underground and commercial success. Its lead single, "The Love Song", was produced by Posdnous of De La Soul; that single also featured a then-unknown Mos Def singing the chorus.

ALL HIP-HOP RECORDS AT BACKSPIN ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

PHOTOS - EXPLODED DRAWING IN-STORE @ BACKSPIN 9-23-11

2011-10-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

BOOGIE FOR THE WEEKEND

2011-10-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Boogie Vol. II by austinboogiecrew

A quality mix of boogie and modern soul tunes from local Austin Boogie Crew DJs Spence and Danbone.

BACKSPIN CUSTOMER OF THE WEEK

2011-10-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-09-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Zombies - S/T (Featuring She's Not There / Tell Her No)

Aside from The Beatles and perhaps The Beach Boys, no mid-'60s rock group wrote melodies as gorgeous as those of The Zombies. Dominated by Colin Blunstone's breathy vocals, choral backup harmonies, and Rod Argent's shining jazz- and classical-influenced organ and piano, the band sounded utterly unique for their era. Indeed, their material, with unexpected shifts from major to minor keys, was perhaps too adventurous for the singles market.

To this day, they're known primarily for their three big hit singles, "She's Not There" (1964), "Tell Her No" (1965), and "Time of the Season" (1969). Most listeners remain unaware that the group maintained a remarkably high quality of work for several years. Much more influential than their commercial success would indicate, echoes of the Zombies' innovations can be heard in the Doors, the Byrds, the Left Banke, the Kinks, and many others.

The Zombies is the American debut LP by The Zombies, released in January 1965. After the double-sided hit single "She's Not There" b/w "You Make Me Feel Good" topped the U.S. charts in the fall of 1964, Parrot Records quickly released this LP in 1965. The dozen tracks were taken from material the Zombies cut for their 1964 UK debut album, Begin Here. Also included are "It's Alright With Me" and "Sometimes" from their self-titled EP.

ALL ROCK RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!!!

BACKSPIN NEW ARRIVALS 09-26-11

2011-09-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

BACKSPIN CUSTOMER OF THE WEEK

2011-09-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Jackie picks up a Neil Young classic at BackSpin!

TONIGHT--EXPLODED DRAWING SOUNDFOUNDER RELEASE PARTY @ BACKSPIN

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on this amazing show at BackSpin this evening. Exploded Drawing is gaining momentum and this tape release is a big one!

The low-down:

ED will have the cassettes (limited to 100) for sale ahead of the digital release on Sept, 27, 2011. These will not be re-pressed ever.

This is the 1st release in the ED series of 5 full-length albums coming out on cassette/digital on (iN)Sect Records

To help celebrate the full ED crew to throw down their original music as well as play some of their favorite records.

Drinks provided...plus vinyl to look though for days!

FOS NEW ARRIVALS 09/22/11

2011-09-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Paul Jones - Crucifix In a Horseshow

Paul Jones was a certified pop star in the UK in the mid 60's as lead singer with Manfred Mann and then briefly as a solo artist following his role as Steven Shorter in the great youth culture film Privilege in 1966. After a his initial solo success his career began a slow and steady decline to where at a point in the late 60's some of his records were released only in Sweden. However, Jones' had talent to burn, possessing a superb voice that sounded at times like both David Bowie and Peter Hammill. Interestingly, Jones was once asked to be lead singer for The Rolling Stones prior to Mick Jagger joining.

ALL SINGER/SONGWRITER LPS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK AT FRIENDS OF SOUND!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-09-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

McDonald & Giles - McDonald & Giles

McDonald and Giles is an album of music released by British musicians Ian McDonald and Michael Giles in 1971. McDonald and Giles were members of the original King Crimson lineup, and were featured performers on the band's debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King. Both left the group at the end of its first North American tour in 1969. Although McDonald and Giles remains popular among King Crimson fans, its commercial success was limited. The duo did not record a second album.

The music on McDonald and Giles contains many of the pastoral and musically complex elements of King Crimson, while generally avoiding that band's darker tendencies. The album contains a guest appearance by Steve Winwood, playing organ and piano on "Turnham Green."

Michael Giles' drum solo in "Tomorrow's People - The Children of Today" has been sampled by a number of hip-hop artists, most notably the Beastie Boys, on the track Body Movin' from the album Hello Nasty.

ALL PROG & PSYCH RECORDS AT BACKSPIN ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

FOS CUSTOMER OF THE WEEK

2011-09-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Griffin gives us hope for the next generation of record collectors!

NIGHT FEVER XVI ACL EDITION THIS SAT. 9/17

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our own Spence throws down a boogie-funk filled set with fellow ABC (Austin Boogie Crew) member Danbone at the ACL edition of Night Fever this Saturday night! Afrolicious will headline. One hell of an ACL after party on the horizon--be sure to drop by Hotel Vegas as a part of your downtown venture this Saturday.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-09-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Beatnuts - Stone Crazy

One of the most underrated hip hop LPs of all time and an absolute must for any hip hop collector. Stone Crazy is a clever combination of jazz-inflected rhythms and hardcore rhyming, highlighted by dense, provocative production. The album also features one of the first on-record performances by Big Pun.

ALL HIP HOP RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK AT FRIENDS OF SOUND!

BACKSPIN RECORD OF THE WEEK

2011-09-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Grim Reaper - Rock You to Hell

Led by the inspired guitar work of Nick Bowcott and the powerful lungs of Steve Grimmett, Grim Reaper's tough, raw, but melodically charged music embodied British heavy metal's most popular devices (and clichés) throughout the mid-'80s. The band was formed in 1979 in Droitwich, England. They were discovered after winning a Battle of the Bands featuring over 100 bands and eventually signed to Darryl Johnston's Ebony Records, releasing their first two LPs through RCA Records.

Legal battles with Ebony Records delayed the release of the band's third album Rock You to Hell by almost two years. The album was released directly through RCA Records in 1987. However, by this time Grim Reaper's melodic heavy metal sound had fallen out of favor as much of the metal market moved toward heavier fare like thrash metal and speed metal. Even the major label distribution and popular video for the title track could not save the band. With the production of their fourth studio album (reportedly to be called Nothing Whatsoever to Do with Hell) about to start, another round of legal action from Ebony Records effectively dealt the death blow to Grim Reaper, subsequently disbanding in 1988.

ALL METAL RECORDS AT BACKSPIN ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BACKSPIN CUSTOMER OF THE WEEK

2011-09-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Ray head home with some Beatles and Marley!

OPIUM DEN SOUNDCLASH THIS SAT. 9/10

2011-09-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

Doris Duke - I'm a Loser

She was born as Doris Curry in Sandersville, Georgia, and started singing with gospel groups including the Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker and Caravans. By 1963 she was working in New York City on sessions and as a backing singer at the Apollo Theatre. Under her then married name of Doris Willingham, she recorded her first single, "Running Away from Loneliness" in 1966. This release on Jay Boy Records was not a success, so she continued working as a session singer, mainly in Philadelphia. She also sang back-up on Nina Simone's live album, A Very Rare Evening, recorded in Germany.

In 1969, former Atlantic Records producer Jerry 'Swamp Dogg' Williams Jr. signed her as a solo artist, renaming her Doris Duke and recording the album I'm A Loser at the Capricorn studio in Macon, Georgia. The album was eventually issued on Canyon Records, and over the years became regarded, by Dave Godin and others, as one of the finest deep soul records of all time. The first single, "To the Other Woman", reached the R&B top ten, but success was cut short when the record company collapsed.

ALL SOUL RECORDS ARE 20% THIS WEEK!

8-26-11 BACKSPIN @ ELYSIUM FOR ATX-ANTICS

2011-08-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we were a vendor at ATX-Antics, a local music and arts festival at Elysium!

THE NEW DAY TONIGHT AT THE HIGHBALL

2011-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

We've reached the big day! The New Day pops off tonight at The Highball with guests Wilson & High-C. No cover, awesome venue, visuals by VJ 4th Wall and great sounds from your Friends of Sound. A soul party that's not to be missed! See you out there.

FOS NEW ARRIVALS 8-25-2011

2011-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

EXPLODED DRAWING VII TOM. NIGHT, SPONSORED BY FOS & BSR

2011-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Exploded Drawing VII is tomorrow night at Baby Blue Studio! Our shops are sponsoring by providing the refreshments. Come check out some great local producers.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-08-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

The Mummies - Never Been Caught

Originally hailing from San Mateo, California, the band was formed by Trent Ruane (organ, vocals), Maz Kattuah (bass), Larry Winther (guitar) and Russell Quan (drums).They became a key part of San Francisco's burgeoning garage punk scene, along with The Phantom Surfers. With influences of surf rock, 1950s and 1960s garage rock bands such as The Sonics and more contemporary garage punk bands like Thee Mighty Caesars the Mummies eschewed the contemporary rock music of their time.

Their first show was at the Chi Chi Club in San Francisco in December 1988. The Mummies are especially known for their matching, tattered mummy costumes they wore on stage and their impertinent and insulting attitude that they brought with them. They created and promoted the concept of 'Budget Rock', which rejected professionalism and star status in favor of a simplified do-it-yourself (DIY) aesthetic. As part of this concept they performed and recorded only on outdated and often damaged equipment. For a tour vehicle they used a garishly painted 1963 Pontiac ambulance. As part of their lo-fi manifesto, they released their music only on vinyl for many years, allowing 'official' CD format releases only in the 2000s. Billy Childish would later say that The Mummies were the only garage group he really loved.

ALL GARAGE RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

WEEKEND JAMS COURTESY OF DJ HIGH-C, PERFORMING AT THE NEW DAY ON AUG. 27

2011-08-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

Click the photo and take a listen to "Soul and Sunshine," a mix of upbeat soul 45s by DJ High-C of Rehash Recordings. High-C & Wilson will be playing alongside hosts coolhands and BSears at this month's The New Day, Austin's sophisticated soul party. August 27th at The Highball! We'll see you next week.

DO IT TO IT TONIGHT @ THE SAHARA

2011-08-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight special guest DJ Danbone will be joining Spence behind the decks for a night of raw funk, soul and boogie records! The Sahara Lounge is on 1413 Webberville--three miles east of I35 down 12th St. Don't miss out on a night with the ABC (Austin Boogie Collective)!

AUGUST 27: THE NEW DAY W/ SPECIAL GUESTS WILSON & HIGH-C

2011-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

www.austinsoulparty.com
http://www.thehighball.com/
http://friendsofsoundrecords.blogspot.com/
promo mix: http://snd.sc/id7Hen

WHEN: Saturday August 27th

WHERE: The High Ball // 1142 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

WHO: Friends of Sound Records’ own DJs coolhands & BSears

WHAT: The New Day is Austin’s premier soul night, featuring a new top level DJ flown in from around the country every month. The New Day is not your average soul night; instead this is a party that showcases talent from the heaviest collectors in the soul & funk community nationwide. This month marks the sixth New Day and we’re going strong. This is the third time we have had the pleasure to partner with The Highball and we are hoping to make it the party’s permanent home. This month, coolhands and BSears are proud to announce guest DJs: Wilson and High-C (Dallas / Rehash).

Rehash is the production/DJ duo consisting of High-C and Wilson from Dallas, Texas. They're the two like-minded vinyl nerds who brought you the critically acclaimed "Last Part" b/w "Mind Under Matter" 45 in January of 2001. This effort constituted the first release on their privately owned and operated label RM-Sound which has since seen 3 more 7"s, two 12" EPs, as well as a 70 minute mix CD. Outside of RM-Sound, Rehash has been featured on a number of singles, compilations and DJ mixes over the years.

http://www.rehashrecordings.com/site/excavation.asp

ALSO FEATURING VISUALS BY VJ 4th Wall aka Chris Jackson

This is serious business. Expect to hear music to make you move.

Come out to The Highball on August 27th and witness the soulful sounds of, “The New Day” Austin, TX’s soul destination.

For more information, visit www.austinsoulparty.com or call 512.447.1000

CONTACT: David Haffner & Brian Sears // Friends of Sound // 512.447.1000 friendsofsoundrecords@gmail.com //www.austinsoulparty.com
http://friendsofsoundrecords.blogspot.com/

BACKSPIN NEW ARRIVALS 08-17-11

2011-08-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-08-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg - Je T'aime

"Je t'aime... moi non plus" (French for "I love you... me neither") is a French duet written by Serge Gainsbourg. It was written for and sung with Brigitte Bardot in 1967, but that version was not released until 1986. In 1969, Gainsbourg recorded a version with his lover, Jane Birkin. It reached number one in the UK, but was banned in several countries due to its sexual content. The song has been covered by many different artists.

In winter 1967. Bardot asked Serge Gainsbourg to write the most beautiful love song he could imagine and that night he wrote "Je t'aime" and "Bonnie and Clyde". They recorded an arrangement of "Je t'aime" by Michel Colombier at a Paris studio in a two-hour session in a small glass booth; the engineer William Flageollet said there was "heavy petting". However, news of the recording reached the press and Bardot's husband, German businessman Gunter Sachs, was angry and called for the single to be withdrawn. Bardot pleaded with Gainsbourg not to release it, and although he protested that "The music is very pure. For the first time in my life, I write a love song and it's taken badly", he complied.

In 1968, Gainsbourg fell in love with English actress Jane Birkin on the set of their film Slogan. After filming, he asked her to record the song with him. Birkin had heard the Bardot version and thought it "so hot." She said: "I only sang it because I didn't want anybody else to sing it," jealous at the thought of his sharing a recording studio with someone else. Gainsbourg asked her to sing an octave higher than Bardot, "so you'll sound like a little boy." It was recorded in an arrangement by Arthur Greenslade in a studio at Marble Arch. Birkin said she "got a bit carried away with the heavy breathing -- so much so, in fact, that I was told to calm down, which meant that at one point I stopped breathing altogether. If you listen to the record now, you can still hear that little gap. "There was media speculation, as with the Bardot version, that they had recorded live sex, to which Gainsbourg told Birkin, "Thank goodness it wasn't, otherwise I hope it would have been a long-playing record." It was released in February 1969. The single had a plain cover, with the words "Interdit aux moins de 21 ans" (forbidden to those under 21), and the record company changed the label from Philips to Fontana.

ALL SOUNDTRACKS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-08-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

Howlin Wolf - This Is Howlin Wolf's New Album

Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976), better known as Howlin' Wolf, was an influential American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player.

With a booming voice and looming physical presence, Burnett is commonly ranked among the leading performers in electric blues; musician and critic Cub Koda declared, "no one could match Howlin' Wolf for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits." A number of songs written or popularized by Burnett—such as "Smokestack Lightnin'", "Back Door Man", "Killing Floor" and "Spoonful"—have become blues and blues rock standards.

At 6 feet, 6 inches (198 cm) and close to 300 pounds (136 kg), he was an imposing presence with one of the loudest and most memorable voices of all the "classic" 1950s Chicago blues singers. This rough-edged, slightly fearsome musical style is often contrasted with the less crude but still powerful presentation of his contemporary and professional rival, Muddy Waters. Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller), Little Walter Jacobs, and Muddy Waters are usually regarded in retrospect as the greatest blues artists who recorded for Chess in Chicago. Sam Phillips once remarked, "When I heard Howlin' Wolf, I said, 'This is for me. This is where the soul of man never dies.'" In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #51 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

ALL BLUES RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

DO IT TO IT @ THE SAHARA DEBUTS TONIGHT

2011-08-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

After a brief hiatus, TC's, East Austin's best kept secret, has reopened as The Sahara Lounge. The spot is still as dive-y and charming as ever! The blues and funk are still in effect.

Our own Spence (The Boogie/FOS/BSR) will be hosting "Do It To It," a sister funk ladies night every Friday night at Sahara. Raw funk, smooth soul and slick boogie jams on all vinyl. Of course the first drink for the ladies is free before 11!

Get your dance on and do it to it every damn Friday!

OPIUM DEN SOUNDCLASH TONIGHT!

2011-08-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 10 PM at the Loft 718 (718 Congress above Silhouette Sushi): Opium Den Soundclash. It's a Psychedelic Beats and Rhymes edition featuring special guest DJ Robert Gabriel who will be doing a special syrup-ed out Screwstoun set or two. Resident Bigg D (FOS/BSR) will be throwing down some spacey beats and psychedelic sample fodder. Should be a fun time as always. Hope you can make it out!

FOS NEW ARRIVALS 08-05-11

2011-08-05T09:22:00.001-07:00

LIVE SET FROM THE NEW DAY 7-23-11

2011-08-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

The New Day Austin TX July 23 2011 by thenewday

Take a listen to this exclusive--a soul set courtesy of coolhands, BSears and special guest DJ Nitekrawler recorded live at The Highball for The New Day.

EVERY THURSDAY: SOUL VIBRATIONS @ BARBERELLA

2011-08-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Soul Vibrations
w/ DJ BSears and special guests

Soul Vibrations is a new extension of Grits and Gravy every Thursday at Barbarella. With DJ BSears (Friends of Sound / New Day) and also special guests from the Austin area and beyond. Playing the best in original soul & funk 45s spanning the 1960s-80s...all to make you move.

AUGUST 10: OPIUM DEN SOUNDCLASH

2011-08-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECORD

2011-08-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

As Musicas de Baden Powel e Paulo Cesar Pinheiro - Os Cantores Da Lapinha

Baden Powell de Aquino (August 6, 1937 - September 26, 2000) usually known simply as Baden Powell, was one of the greatest Brazilian guitarists. He explored the instrument to its utmost limits, playing it in a distinctive, unique manner, incorporating virtuoso classical techniques together with popular harmony and swing.

He performed in many styles, including Bossa nova, Samba, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz and Música Popular Brasileira. He often performed on stage during most of his lifetime, and recorded an extensive discography comprised by LP and CD albums produced in Brazil and Europe, particularly in France and Germany.

Baden Powell also composed many fine pieces for guitar, such as Xangô, Simplesmente, Braziliense, Horizon, Abração em Madrid, Tristeza e solidão, Consolação, Samba, Casa Velha, Lotus, Imagem, and Canto de Ossanha.

ALL INTERNATIONAL RECORDS ARE 20% OFF THIS WEEK!

BOOGIE SYRUP TONIGHT @ LOFT 718

2011-07-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the in-store at BackSpin last night and special thanks to all the performers. Hobo D uploaded his set from last night to SoundCloud, available for listening here. There's still leftover beer, so feel free to come by the shop and have a cold one while you do some record shoppin.

This evening at Loft 718 our own Spence puts it down with Danbone and host Boya. Boogie, modern soul and cosmic records all night! Big stack of pancakes with some BOOGIE SYRUP on top. Come get a helpin!

THE NEW DAY

2011-07-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

A promo video for one of our monthly nights: The New Day--a sophisticated soul party hosted by our own coolhands and BSears featuring guests from around the country. Past guest DJs include Chairman Mao, David Griffiths, Shaun Pauling, Andrew Brearly, L Dula & DJ Nitekrawler.

The New Day has since moved to The Highball. The next installment will be on August 27!

BACKSPIN IN-STORE: TONIGHT JULY 29

2011-07-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Leaping feet-first into the blogosphere, we would like to invite you to party with us this evening up north at BackSpin. Fresh local DJs and MCs, free beer and of course plenty of records to browse through.