SXSW Days One and Two
3.18.2011
Normally, I would look to fill the spot with all of my insightful NCAA commentary, but I barely know what's happening after day 1 (but I'm still in 2nd place in the Haus' pool!).
SXSW has been about par for the course. Wednesday was more crowded than in my memory, but we still managed to catch most of our first choices: Tennis, Surfer Blood, and the Smith Westerns. In brief, Tennis was great, but they seem to have found a sound that they can do and I wouldn't expect much more out of them. Surfer Blood sounded just like their album. In a good way, but not mind blowing. The Smith Westerns were good, but I don't think that you act like that much of a rock star as an 18 year old.
Michael Cera is now in a band. Did you know that? I didn't until I saw him back stage a couple of times and texted Jake. The band is called Mister Heavenly. I suspect that they are making lots of money at all ages shows, but they are decidedly uninspired. Even their dueling guitars to close out the set just looked like people going through the motions.
Thursday was a much improved day. We were a little looser having crossed out some names from the band bingo that is SXSW, and so we just went with the flow. tUnEyArDs at the NPR showcase was eye-opening. Great sound and great beats to dance to. Even at 1 PM.
Next up was Rural Alberta Advantage. I'll have to go back and re-listen to the album, but I liked what I heard as well-executed indie rock. Then came Joy Formidable, who rocked their little hearts out. The lead singer was is a staring contest with the ENTIRE AUDIENCE. And I don't think that she lost. As a society, are we really okay with producing this many rock stars?
Next up was Ted Leo, solo. Always hit the sweet spots. Then the Strokes. Judgment free but we were beyond the fences in the grass, so no complaints.
This is ending abruptly and without and great stories (Torn down fences! Being the entourage of a drag queen!) but those will come in due time.
SXSW has been about par for the course. Wednesday was more crowded than in my memory, but we still managed to catch most of our first choices: Tennis, Surfer Blood, and the Smith Westerns. In brief, Tennis was great, but they seem to have found a sound that they can do and I wouldn't expect much more out of them. Surfer Blood sounded just like their album. In a good way, but not mind blowing. The Smith Westerns were good, but I don't think that you act like that much of a rock star as an 18 year old.
Michael Cera is now in a band. Did you know that? I didn't until I saw him back stage a couple of times and texted Jake. The band is called Mister Heavenly. I suspect that they are making lots of money at all ages shows, but they are decidedly uninspired. Even their dueling guitars to close out the set just looked like people going through the motions.
Thursday was a much improved day. We were a little looser having crossed out some names from the band bingo that is SXSW, and so we just went with the flow. tUnEyArDs at the NPR showcase was eye-opening. Great sound and great beats to dance to. Even at 1 PM.
Next up was Rural Alberta Advantage. I'll have to go back and re-listen to the album, but I liked what I heard as well-executed indie rock. Then came Joy Formidable, who rocked their little hearts out. The lead singer was is a staring contest with the ENTIRE AUDIENCE. And I don't think that she lost. As a society, are we really okay with producing this many rock stars?
Next up was Ted Leo, solo. Always hit the sweet spots. Then the Strokes. Judgment free but we were beyond the fences in the grass, so no complaints.
This is ending abruptly and without and great stories (Torn down fences! Being the entourage of a drag queen!) but those will come in due time.
