Killer tape label (and killer friends) Patient Sounds are stacking up their cassettes and offering a limited time only special to get not one, BUT FOUR of these things for only 25 bucks.  Including cuts from M. Pyres, Cochise, Lush Cola, and Littoral Drift.  These are all limited to 100 copies only, EVER!  So don’t be that sad kid that’s all jealous cos his friends got the last of em.  Order here.

The world of music lost a bright mind today, p4k has confirmed that the incredibly prolific musician Jay Reatard has died in his sleep. Jay came up in the Memphis punk scene in the mid-90s and continued until present day, growing considerably through his last solo effort Watch Me Fall. Its a grim day for us over at WTD as we had the honor of presenting Jays most recent Dallas show and enjoyed his most unique set. We’ve scrounged together a few songs from the deep catalogue Jay Reatard compiled over his career, consider it our small tribute to a truly one-of-a-kind musician and individual.

Jay Reatard – Fluorescent Grey (Deerhunter Cover)
Jay Reatard – My Shadow
Lost Sounds – I Get Nervous
The Reatards – Human Race

Today we at Weekly Tape Deck will be straddling the long road to Austin, TX in search of fun, booze and of course music; all signs lead to Funfunfunfest. FFFfest has become the intermediary between SXSW and the lineup this year proves to be their best so far. You can bet we will be taking plenty of pictures and getting all the info your brains can handle. If you would like to keep up with us in real time the WTD dudes’ twitters are here and here.  Furthermore, if you happen to be heading down there, or if you would just like to jam a few bands that are playing– WTD has put together a few songs from some of the artists we will be watching. Enjoy.

Les Savy Fav – Patty Lee
The Strange Boys – This Girls Taught Me a Dance
No Age – Losing Feeling
Harlem – I’m On Drugs
Atlas Sound – Criminals
Times New Viking – Call & Respond
Mika Miko – Bastard In Love
Fuck Buttons – Rough Steez
Crystal Antlers – Owl
GZA – Shadowboxin’ (feat. Method Man)
Neon Indian – Terminally Chill

Not only have The Specials reunited for a short 2009 reunion tour, but The Sunday Times (UK paper) has offered a complimentary CD of live recordings from their recent show at the Brixton Academy. Their first, self titled, LP sits on my shelf as one of my favorite albums of all time and are still considered as one of the heavyweights from the late 70’s punk movement. Although not available for proper purchase, I’ve seen this live edition on ebay for cheap. If this is your first time to become acquainted with these guys, their vinyl is still available for purchase and is a must have for, well, anyone.

The Specials – Friday Night, Saturday Morning
The Specials – (Dawning Of A) New Era
The Specials – Monkey Man

Real Estate, is led by former Titus Andronicus member Martin Courtney and current Ducktails guitarist Matt Mondanile. Their breezy pop music heard on “Beach Comber,” signals an altogether different vibe from past/present endeavors. The New Jersey based band is now recording a debut LP for Woodsist and based off music available now from Underwater Peoples will be one to look for in the future. I did not hear about these guys from our friends over @pitchfork, (see our June 5th mixtape) but they have an interview up from last week worthy of a read if interested.

Real Estate – Beach Comber

I love the Dodos.  I really do.  That’s why I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for their most recent dive into mainstream commercialism.  Bands “sell out” all the time, it really doesn’t bother me all THAT much.  But Miller Chill?!  It’s almost like using Radiohead’s Karma Police as the theme tune for Fox News d-bag Sean Hannity.  I’ll just pretend like they were duped into believing that “Fools” was going to start the latest green movement like everyone else.  At least its for a good cause, rather than some piss tasting alcoholic beve.  Ok, ok that’s enough, I’ll get over it.  Did I mention that they have a new album coming out?  Not only a new album is en route, but their forces have increased + 1.  New addition, Keaton Snyder, will be the trio’s vibraphone player.  That’s right, vibraphone.  Their new album, Time to Die, should hit the racks on September 15th via Frenchkiss Records.  Matt and Kim you’re safe…..for now.  Tracklisting below…

1) Small Deaths
2) Longform
3) Fables
4) The Strums
5) This is Business
6) Two Medecines
7) Troll Nacht
8)Acorn Factory
9) Time to Die

Toronto locals, Little Girls, serve up a rather groovy release on Mexican Summer with Thrills. Post punk, minimalism (self-described) at it’s finest with “Tambourine,” and others on this 12″ release. It’s already sold out though for those of you who want one. Maybe they’ll make it on a full tour soon, but could be relegated to the Northeast for the time being. Really good shit.

Little Girls – Tambourine

Corto Maltese performs a cool cover of Television’s “See No Evil” on their Daytrotter session. We wrote about these guys not too long ago here.  Really looking forward to seeing these guys live whenever that moment happens.

Corto Maltese – See No Evil

Spirit Spine – Enchanted Island

Hot off the press, Denton’s own Western Giants have been cool enough to give me a sneak preview of thier upcoming, self-titled, EP.  Better suited for a cold, damp day than the heat of summer time, their album cover art is actually a perfect harbinger for what to expect out of their tunes.  A favorite track of mine, “River Cry Bayou”, opens with a codeine wail of slide guitar that is nicely paired with frontman, Kennon Talley’s soft and almost effortless vocals.  Being consumed in sadness is one thing, realizing that it takes something beautiful to draw that emotion is completely different.  What is so wrong with an overcast sky?  The Western Giants help us realize, nothing is. Their EP will officially release Thursday, May 28th.  Don’t forget to see them live on the SAME DAY at the Lounge on Elm Street.  Get yr tickets!

Western Giants – River Cry Bayou