SXSW Update
So, I have a blog, I’m at SXSW, so what to do but blog about sxsw? First, let me me just say, this has to be one of the world’s greatest parties. This is my second time here, and if anything it’s gotten better. It seems like every bar–and there are hundreds–is hosting some new it-band from Finland or Denton or LA or Louisianna. It’s hard to see a bad show. The hardest part is choosing.
So far, I’ve seen:
Blind Pilot (Club DeVille)–The main guy has a lovely voice, and the songs are catchy, but it’s a little too vanilla for my taste.
Langhorne Slim (Club DeVille)–Fun Shit. The songs are of a predictable structre and the lyrics are pretty much phoned in, but the enthusiasm makes up for a lot.
Woods (Emo’s)–Led by a nerdish castrata, these guys put off some pretty good basic pop noise.
Wavves (Emo’s)–One of the best shows yet. Simple adolescend garagy punk pop. Prolly gonna have to get their album.
King Khan and the Shrines (Emo’s)–A really impressive show. “Khan” has a voice like Screamin Jay Hawkins, and the show puts a spell on you indeed, with the semi-voodoo theme and the dancing blonde. Like Stax resurrected.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Emo’s)–Good, sorta britpop sounding. Pure at heart doesn’t even begin to say it. These guys just left the chess club. Really strong songs.
Crystal Stilts (Emo’s)–I think these guys sorta let themselves down. The crowd didn’t help, but the show fell flat. Lead singer is like Ian Curtis if he were a Brady. To quote Ana “they had the goods, but they just didn’t bring it.”
Time to go…music to hear…