DC ROCK CLUB
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Earlimart at Waterloo Records

In preparation for this in-store performance I went back and listened to Earlimart's last four albums. I'm glad I did. I'm partial to their earlier stuff, which reminds me of Grandaddy and Elliott Smith, but their last two albums are quite good as well. Their latest release is Hymn and Her. It might not grab you with the immediacy of the first two records but with each listen you find something new to like.

The performance at Waterloo was pretty stripped down. It was just Aaron Espinoza playing his guitar. The other performances I've seen at Waterloo, Shearwater and the Old '97s, used full bands. I found the simpler approach a better fit for the venue. I'm glad I caught them at Waterloo since I couldn't make the show at the Mohawk later in the evening. Mrs. Jumbo Slice and I decided we preferred to see Thao and The Get Down Stay Down at Emo's on Wednesday as our one night out (even in Texas babysitters aren't cheap). Besides, Earlimart was kind enough to perform this free show in the afternoon so the whole family could attend.


Jumbo Slice: This guy is awesome!
Mia: Check my diaper. I just ranked him a Type 6 on the Bristol Stool Chart.

One final note. I noticed a lot of familiar faces - people that attended the other shows at Waterloo. They're not indie rock fans and they could care less about who's playing. They're there for one thing: the free beer. It was more obvious this time than at the other shows. The beer line wrapped around the store before Earlimart even took the stage. I guess I can't blame them. Who doesn't love free beer?

7 comments:

Potsy said...

Free beer in the afternoon? I'm guessing Waterloo is targeting UT undergrads who didn't bother to get internships this summer, perfect market for indie rock. So who's actually showing up? Are these folks putting down their cardboard signs and taking a break from their favorite intersections?

Potsy said...

Oh, and nice use of the BSC, Mia.

Jimbromski said...

BSC is always funny, we've gotten a lot of mileage out of that.

Jumbo Slice said...

They probably are targeting college kids. However, the crowd is very mixed - young and old, those with houses and those without. Mia wasn't the only kid there either. Of course, that's typical of shows in Austin. I have no doubt that the Austin Kiddie Limits tent will be packed w/ kids.

Steve said...

Gotta admit, I'm jealous. One of my favorite bands at my favorite record store in America and free beer. Can't ask for much more, unless it's a Taco Xpress breakfast taco.

Jumbo Slice said...

Steve - I should've have given you credit in the post. Baby, You Got A Stew Goin! is my one stop shop for all my Earlimart news. I didn't realize they had a new album until I read it one your site.

Anonymous said...

Austin has a huge creative crowd who co-work, work from home, have flexible schedules, telecommute, or just don't have real jobs.

Mia looks bored. Looking off to the side like maybe she is wanting a Kelly Clarkson album...