Rugged Bleach

I love to give, so when I've been absent from this little slice of digital heaven for a while, I feel bad... not just for you, but for me; I don't get to enjoy the bobbing heads and satisfied grins of my friends. In short... this is a very selfish act.

It's funny how long spells of absence from my Shananigans are often brought to an end by stumbling on exceptional bands that simply have to be pushed out into the world. In this case, White Denim was no exception. An Austin-based four piece, this group of wickedly talented musicians has been honing their craft since 2006. Their cohesion and practice shines through and they manage to hit a rarity in popular music; musically and technically challenging and intricate song writing that still comes across as infectiously catchy and universally accessible. Chalk it up to frontman James Patralli's soothing, baritone voice or his embracing, blue-collar lyrics, or maybe the beautiful rhythmic flow between all players - whatever it is, it works.

Having just released their sixth LP in the fall, White Denim seems to be one of those bands who has hit a certain plateau in their careers. However, given the right alignment of the moon, one song making the right rounds or the right person at one of their gigs... these guys are ready to blow over the top. They've got all the ingredients, it's just a matter of mixing in the right order, at the right time.



-When you're bottled up and ready to go, won't you light my fuse and I'll blow

Austin's Son

While I'm always amazed by musicians that achieve success at a young age, I'm often quickly reminded by the fact that it wasn't any easier for them to get there - they just started earlier and worked harder. This mantra, I would call core to the career of Gary Clark Jr.

An Austin native, Clark wasn't born with a guitar in his hand, however, once he picked it up at the age of 12, I don't think he was ever willing to let go. Heralded by some as the future of the blues, his style combines elements of blues, jazz, country, R&B and hip hop. He's performed alongside some of the Gods of rock n roll and finally, after years of hard work, 3 LPs and 2 EPs, it is starting to feel like he may have made his break. He just released his latest full-length, Blak and Blu, on Warner Bros. and is starting to make splashes that I hope, and predict, will ripple out into tidal waves. He's smooth, he's stylish, his voice is like velvet and his fingers run like claws up and down a guitar neck.

He's the real deal. See for yourself:



-Deliver me in chains; stitch my heart to my sleeve but it just won't stay