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SXSW 2013 Recap

PostPosted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 11:37 pm
by Frau_Blucher
I thought a great South-By for small bands. Bazillions bands as always. I think my tally was about 55, though friends tell me there were about 5 more that I just ignored and didn't document due to heinousness. Managed to miss Depeche Mode, Prince, Flaming Lips, Justin Timberlake too...ick. Thanks to Coop, Plag and others for a great time.

A+: Savages @ The Main – an A for them was always going to happen. The plus is for that instant fix of post-punk intensity that I’d been craving since first seeing them a few months back. I think their trick is that each member is incredibly committed and extraordinarily adept at their part of a brilliant cohesive whole.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-54X2Kf7/0/L/Savages%20Main-L.jpg">

A: The Ocean Blue @ Buffalo Billiards – like Savages, this was always going to be a favorite at this SX. The only worry was a new album and the possible threat of playing a bunch of songs that were out of sync with their classics or at the expense of said classics. Neither happened. The new tracks fit seamlessly with the old, and they pleased the super-appreciative audience with Drifting Falling, Between Something and Nothing, and Vanity Fair, which they said they hadn’t performed in a long time. Top musicians. Lovely sound. Great to have been there and chatting up a bunch of old KROQ new wave fans.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-nVLqFwW/0/M/Ocean%20Blue-M.jpg">

A: Parquet Courts @ Red 7 – as I’ve noted before, for many of their songs, they’re very New York garage, very Television, very Wire, etc. They brought the house down in a ferocious manner. A highlight of the fest and likely the top discovery. The only reason they don’t get a plus is that so many songs are so intensely hard-charging. They’re another band at their best when they throw in some more variation. Whatever, that’s a niggle. Stoned & Starving and Tears O Plenty are modern classics already to me. Kudos to them throwing everything they had into their music.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-fHSwv78/0/M/Parquet-M.jpg">

A: The Joy Formidable@ Lustre Pearl – shockingly, the only time I saw them at this SX. There was too much going on, and I simply didn’t like their album as much as others. They always put on a great show though. Of course I can say that having watched the gig from right under Ritzy’s mic and being fully enveloped in their sound. Even got to strum her guitar during the chaotic closer, Whirring. Not an A+ though – bit too much playing to the audience? Cloying? Scripted? Corporate? Yeah, maybe a hint.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-BbWvrnG/0/M/Joy1-M.jpg">
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-vJhxwZH/0/M/Joy-Matt-M.jpg">

A: Savages @ Easy Tiger Patio – you got the vibe that the onslaught that is SX was getting to them. Regardless, after some grousing before the start, each member of this very professional outfit poured every bit of themselves into the gig, somewhat limpid crowd or no. Love this band.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-tmchmn7/0/M/Savages%20Easy1-M.jpg">
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-KJfmcWp/0/M/Savages%20Easy5-M.jpg">
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-8TPcmPk/0/M/Savages%20Easy4-M.jpg"><img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-NHZ9VWG/0/M/Savages%20Easy2-M.jpg"><img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-QWp9gqv/0/M/Savages%20Easy3-M.jpg">

A: Shout Out Louds @ The Parish – this was the third of three times seeing them, though that wasn’t the intent. As a friend said, it was hard finding a slot when they weren’t playing. It was just opportune they were finishing an intensely busy Thursday at 1am and very near to my bed. It turned out to be their best gig of SX for me and a great reminder of what fine popmeisters they are.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-5M44hjN/0/M/Shout%20Out%20Parish-M.jpg">

A: The Thermals @ Peckerheads – a great big ball of frenetic energy and pop rock craft. Massive massive fun with easily the most amped-up crowd at the fest. The whole floor was shaking with their hit Pillar of Salt and other fine songs. Would love to see them again.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-N5W9j5q/0/M/Thermals-M.jpg">

A: Telekinesis @ Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop – I didn’t expect to like them as much as I did. Their 2011 album was a top 20 or so, but I didn’t think that would translate great live. It does however because they’re very tight and very enthusiastic. It also helped that it was for a radio/video show, so the whole gig was executed promptly and met with great crowd enthusiasm. The INXS Don’t Change cover didn’t hurt either. Big fun.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-rLnMFh2/0/M/Telekinesis-M.jpg">

A-: Shout Out Louds @ Flamingo Cantina – their first SX gig in 5 years and like seeing an old friend. They didn’t fully bring it this first of 3 times, but still showed they’re fine pop craftsmen.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-zzcDzXx/0/M/Shout%20Out%20Flamingo-M.jpg">

A-: Residual Kid @ Valhalla – fitting first gig of SX2013 for us, these young punksters ranging from 10-14 yrs revived our hope for humanity. Technically solid and actually pretty melodious under the noise, they only get a minus mark for perhaps exhibiting a bit too much rock posing at such a young age (oh, and for not playing their great Mongoloid cover). Graded for enjoyment, not necessarily talent or potential.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-wPFKrJ3/0/M/ResidualKid-M.jpg">

A-: Palma Violets @ Red 7 – on right after Parquet Courts, this was an exercise in observing two equally intensely engaged bands with different styles. If the latter were imbued with some punk-Television, these guys appropriately had some the better parts of The Arctic Monkeys, which isn’t a compliment to everyone. It is here. Great show. Not quite Parquet Courts IMHO.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-WgRFRNP/0/M/Palma-M.jpg">

A-: Small Black @ Lustre Pearl – this high a grade simply because they were so fun and imbued with so much New Order. Yeah, I know, some would grade them so low because of the same…but not me! A blast.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-pg3NnFj/0/M/Small%20Black-M.jpg">

A-: Vinyl Williams @ Hotel Vegas Outside – John Williams’ grandson you say? He’s certainly got some musical chops. I hate to be clichéd and say there was plenty of cool MBV in them, but there really was. Combined with the perfect weather and free drinks, it was a fine way to spend a bit of time in the afternoon.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-tNMH9sw/0/M/Vinyl%20Williams-M.jpg">

B+: Shout Out Louds @ Stages on 6th – the second of three gigs, because we were simply in the neighborhood. Toward a lull in a long day of too much drink, so the slight ding may reflect me more than the band…or the nagging fact that the newer songs really aren’t as good.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-Rnj756v/0/M/Shout%20Out%20Stages-M.jpg">

B+: Diiv @ Flamingo Cantina – in isolation, each of their songs are catchy and well-executed. However, their set lulls at times because of a certain sameyness to their songs, live at least. A charismatic and talented lead for sure who I almost dare to say has some Cobain-ness to him. Two albums in, I’m not sure where they’re headed.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-tgHJMzn/0/M/Diiv%20Flamingo-M.jpg">

B+: Gold-Bears @ Iron Bear – solid album last year (or before?). Live, I would have loved to hear some more pace and variation. Still, some fine driving indie rock. Others liked them more.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-R3DMNH9/0/M/Gold-Bears-M.jpg">

B+: Fear of Men @ The Volstead – they benefitted from being at the ultra pleasant Hotel Vegas triplex of stages. We were in a good mood already, and the sight of lovely popster lasses didn’t dampen the mood at all. Not throwaway indie pop by any means but not too serious. Enough hints of The Cure or New Order here and there to grab the attention of this Old Waver.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-gbxrtsM/0/M/Fear%20of%20Men-M.jpg">

B+: Wampire @ Hotel Vegas – almost tempted to give them an A- for their fabulous cover of Kraftwerk’s The Model…in German no less. Alas, there was just enough of the poor man’s Arcade Fire about them to ding them just a bit. They could/should develop more.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-cx78kM2/0/M/Wampire-M.jpg">

B+: No Ceremony @ Lattitude 30 – fronted by this year’s most charming lead, I couldn’t help liking them. Not much meat here at all but fun enough late at night.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-JJtDbG4/0/M/No%20Ceremony-M.jpg">

B+: The Specials @ Hype Hotel – they played everything you’d want them to have played. The cold venue and Terry Hall’s dour visage sucked some life out but not enough to prevent a great time. Not really The Specials of course – don’t recall them looking so white.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-xfsxdKT/0/M/Specials-M.jpg">

B+: The Rocketboys @ Buffalo Billiards – only saw them because they opened for The Ocean Blue, but these Austinites had a really tight sound. Their high-chorded, shimmering strumming falls right into my wheelhouse of likes. Great voice too, and the TFF cover Head Over Heels was fun. They’re let down (for me) by some overly direct lyrics and a bit too Americana sound, which be right in the wheelhouse of some others. Good effort.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-S2W6LwP/0/M/Rocketboys-M.jpg">

B: Paws @ Thrasher Death Match – the venue is a bit of an east-side legend for metal heads. There’s always a sprinkling of genre-bending bands that play here too, drawing me and my distinctly un-death metal garb there. Paws are another driving punky band that I personally think are at their best when they slow it down just a bit, like on the excellent Sore Tummy single. The rest was too punk for me.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-d9JFKmn/0/M/Paws-M.jpg">

B: Mike Scott (of Waterboys) @ St. David’s Episcopal Church – a mix of reading from his autobiography and acoustic duet of both Waterboy’s classics and new songs. The reading was actually at least as entertaining as the music – very funny. I lost patience with the songs, but still very worthwhile.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-NVJ3D4k/0/M/MikeScott-M.jpg">

B: Ume @ Holy Mountain – they’ve drifted far from the original melodiousness they had. Still very solid but not really for me on a regular basis.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-kKrRbqd/0/L/Ume-L.jpg">

B: Diiv @ Lustre Pearl – sandwiched between Small Black and The Joy Formidable, they were a bonus. This second gig suffered from having seen their material before, which already risked being too samey in places. They compounded that with too much slagging of the sponsors. Uh, don’t play for them??
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-pjGvDV3/0/M/Diiv%20Lustre-M.jpg">

B: Crooked Bangs @ Headhunters Lounge – girl-led punk sung in French. The natural thought of course would be that they’re French…but they’re from Austin?? I don’t get it, but female anger sounds cool in French.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-sj4ZMZc/0/L/Crooked%20Bangs-L.jpg">

B: Big Black Delta @ Flamingo Cantina – their lead played synths and looked like Neil Tennant’s son. Double drums were nifty. Some good doses of nice heavy synth pads but could use more presence.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-LLVM5RR/0/M/Big%20black%20delta-M.jpg">

B: Caveman @ The Main – fun enough synth and guitar band that tics off some of my favorite checkboxes but not all that well. Entertaining enough if you’re there.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-wWTGWmR/0/M/Caveman%20Main-M.jpg">

B: Cloud Nothings @ Easy Tiger Patio – couldn’t help but be a letdown after Savages. Funny playing of MacDonald’s “I’m lovin it” riff before the gig. Probably another allusion to the notably heightened corporate onslaught at this SX. They kinda mailed it in unfortunately, or maybe I’m just not that into them after an initially interesting album a couple of years ago.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-6VF7SFh/0/M/Cloud%20Nothings-M.jpg">

B: Fort Lean @ Hype Hotel – good big sound that I might slag off as being a bit over-righteous if they didn’t execute so well. Not something to seek out but good enough. Nice single in The Mall.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-p5DnrSW/0/M/Fort%20Lean-M.jpg">

B: Maserati @ The Main – as a mostly instrumental, fairly heavy rock band with essentially a drummer lead, I was prepared to immediately dislike them, but their do what they do very well.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-CCRDNkZ/0/M/Maserati-M.jpg">

B-: Skeleton Coast @ 512 Downstairs – a truly horrible venue did this band no favors. I thought from a few samples like fine single Sludge that they had the chance to be a better Whirr. Well that isn’t much of a challenge given how far the latter have fallen in my opinion (more later). It’s an interesting if not completely compelling mix of post-rock trip-out with (sorry) MBV shoegazing. I’d see them again to better judge, but execution was left a little wanting or maybe it was the venue.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-6zGmBng/0/M/Skeleton%20Coast-M.jpg">
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-ckRMtFM/0/L/Skeleton%20Coast%202-L.jpg">

B-: Toy @ Cedar St. Courtyard – I’ve rarely done as big an about-face as I have with this band. I thought I really liked last year’s album. It had all the pieces of stuff I usually like. Listening to it more and more, I liked the band less and less, feeling they just weren’t taking these songs to enough cool places. The gig was much the same. Very charismatic crew, but they just didn’t take me anywhere.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-ThjXRWk/0/M/Toy-M.jpg">

B-: Caveman @ Flamingo Cantina – the minus is only because I had to see a band twice that I wasn’t really up for while awaiting another.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-qJDm3kL/0/M/Caveman%20Flamingo-M.jpg">

B-: Beach Fossils @ Hype Hotel – they started with “Let’s hear it for the corporate sponsors! Who here loves cancer? Hell yeah Taco Bell!” Or something to that effect. It was a similar sentiment echoed by some other bands this year in higher frequency than I’d ever heard before. I think it was mostly because of a few obscene venues like this, Viceland, Pitchfork’s 1100 Warehouse and Justin Timberlake’s MySpace, um Space. Thing is, if you feel that way then don’t freaking play to those sponsors.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-mNgdB6H/0/M/Beach%20Fossils-M.jpg">

C+: Suburban Lives @ Esther’s Follies – it’s always risky going to a gig based on one sampled song. Yup. Just about every song started off like it was going to be a Love Will Tear Us Apart cover. They should have just done such covers since they borrowed so heavily from the JD/NO sound. Vocals were atrocious, leaving them as just a novelty with maybe a couple of interesting tracks.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-mXfQ95g/0/M/Suburban%20Living-M.jpg">

C+: Y Niwl @ Lattitude 30 – essentially a Brit surf band who were pleasant enough, but I’m not sure what new angles or lasting hooks are in them to have anyone take more than a passing note.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-cZJVnTz/0/M/Y%20Niwl-M.jpg">

C+: Bleached @ Easy Tiger Patio – girl surfy pop rock…ish…band. I guess? One day later, and I can’t remember much about their songs. A plus for being charming.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-hdv62Nz/0/M/Bleached-M.jpg">

C+: Trails and Ways @ Hype Hotel – very light indie pop with a sometimes tropical feel that you wouldn’t ever mind having a pina colada to on a sandy beach. But it’s SXSW and just doesn’t have any meat.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-xZmFwZz/0/M/Trails%20and%20Ways-M.jpg">

C+: Hunters @ Cedar St. Courtyard – a great venue worth getting to early to enjoy its lounge, we were there for Toy and came upon a glorified pop bar band. However, the lead singer was very alluring and thus the passing grade with a plus even. I have no other excuse.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-BfvpP7k/0/M/Hunters-M.jpg">

C: Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun @ Blackheart – caught them while waiting for Frank Turner, who they’re somewhat similar to. I loved Turner the one time I caught him in Manchester. Lockey was just okay for me – fine musician but just doesn’t do it. I got too tired to even stick around for Turner afterwards – shame on me.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-DgK84rF/0/M/Jim%20Lockey-M.jpg">

C-: Dead Leaf Echo @ Buffalo Billiards – this was another band whose shimmering guitar work plus solid keyboard and bass lines should have ticked my checkboxes, but their godawful lead singer had me cringing. How could a band put that much effort into their sound and allow them to suffer from such bad singing? Shame.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-rzvwwNT/0/M/Dead%20Leaf%20Echo-M.jpg">

C-: Islet @ BD Riley’s – frankly a bit of a disaster for this small but ambitious Brit band. I’d really liked their challenging 2012 album. Their synth had blown up the day before, and they didn’t know how to use their new one (party foul). Without that core to build their stage shenanigans around, they left the crowd to wonder what these guys were on. It wasn’t pretty.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-z42WrQD/0/M/Islet-M.jpg">

C-: Widowspeak @ Red 7 – on the plus side, not bothersome in any way. On the down side, not bothersome in any way.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-3c5ghpg/0/M/Widowspeak-M.jpg">

C-: The Darcys @ Flamingo Cantina – I think I said a less-good Brit version of The National. Zzzzzzz….
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-8JxwZfX/0/M/Darcys-M.jpg">

C-: Diana @ Flamingo Cantina – I don’t have a remote recollection of what they sounded like, which means they can’t have been very good but weren’t so awful that they didn’t draw my ire. This is therefore probably the right grade.
<img src="http://blir.smugmug.com/Music/SXSW-2013-micro-reviews/i-C88csPh/0/M/Diana-M.jpg">

D: Whirr @ Velveeta Room – the biggest letdown of SX made even more crushing that it was also the very last gig of the fest for me at 1am Saturday. These guys have fallen dramatically in my estimation. They’ve seemingly gone from a hopefully solid shoegaze revival band to some sort of noise-core drek. They continue to bury their talented lead guitar in too much noise. They’ve parted with their original, very charming singer and gotten rid of her keyboard altogether. Her replacement has a voice that is no better, and her charisma is much worse. Get your act together kids!

D: Ivan and Alyousha @ Hype Hotel – that ever-annoying mainstreamy band with an over-proud sense of themselves. Could be worse but at least technically adept.

D: Pool @ 512 Downstairs – a German skinhead-looking pop rock band that seemed to have the worst of Justin Bieber and Eminem combined, they were really just in the way of another band I wanted to see. A slight plus for showmanship and attracting an avid crowd of gorgeous African-American girls. I have NO idea what that connection is. Friend Greg: “South by…confused.”

D: Emily Bell @ Holy Mountain – some sort of indie country cabaret. They avoid an F with a very alluring singer who knew exactly what her offerings were.

D: Io Echo @ Red 7 – I’d forgotten that I’d seen them last year. Boo to them for reminding me. They avoid an F for actually having improved by ditching their stupid and worthless acrylic synthesizer and doing a bit less dancing, though even less would have been appreciated.

D: Reverend and the Makers @ Peckerheads – super annoying lead singer demanding clapping and hopping even before he’d even played anything. Incredibly annoying. Charming keyboarding who was nice to Coop is the only thing that prevented these numbskulls from getting an F.

D-: Merchandise @ Viceland – pretty much the epitome of the sort of cloying mainstream pop rock that’s just bland and annoying enough to get some airplay. The cold and excessively commercial venue didn’t help. Everything that’s wrong with SX today.

F+: Moon King @ The Jr – when a band sucks the life out of you so much that you leave before another set that you’d tabbed (Parenthetical Girls), it’s a fail. The plus is for being slightly less offensive than…

F: Austra @ Viceland – I didn’t even see them, but I’m giving them the biggest fail of the festival. I’d seen them before and disliked them then. This time, they were sat on stage, sound-checking and running way late with zero urgency in the most detestable of venues. I got so angry at the whole scene that I left before The Joy Formidable. This was a combo effort of Viceland, Austra, and SXSW.

More to come on misses and links to new wavey stuff people here might like.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 11:55 pm
by schwenko
[quote]Originally posted by Frau_Blucher
[br]I thought a great South-By for small bands. Bazillions bands as always. I think my tally was about 55, though friends tell me there were about 5 more that I just ignored and didn't document due to heinousness. Managed to miss Depeche Mode, Prince, Flaming Lips, Justin Timberlake too...ick. Thanks to Coop, Plag and others for a great time.

[/quote]

Nice review - but what about the other 25 bands you saw??? [^]

Sugoi !!!

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:13 am
by plagiarism
How in the world did you get this posted so fast? I don't think my review will be up until Wednesday, though I saw 70+ bands.

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:53 am
by Frau_Blucher
[quote][i]Originally posted by plagiarism[/i]
<br>How in the world did you get this posted so fast? I don't think my review will be up until Wednesday, though I saw 70+ bands.
[/quote]
Just scrolling through my pics and making little notes on the plane. And just what are you counting as a 'band'? Those transvetites on the last night for example - surely not a 'gig'. [;)]

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:29 am
by plagiarism
[quote][i]Originally posted by Frau_Blucher[/i]

Just scrolling through my pics and making little notes on the plane. And just what are you counting as a 'band'? Those transvetites on the last night for example - surely not a 'gig'. [;)]
[/quote]

They were women! And yes, train wrecks count as gigs.

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:50 am
by schwenko
[quote][i]Originally posted by plagiarism[/i]
<br>How in the world did you get this posted so fast? I don't think my review will be up until Wednesday, though I saw 70+ bands.
[/quote]

kind of a blir...errr blur[;)]

Sugoi !!!

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:36 am
by djcraig
Thanks, Frau. Always enjoy the pics and write ups you post.

And for those that want more:
SPIN's 60-Track Mixtape of SXSW 2013's Hottest Acts
http://www.spin.com/articles/sxsw-south ... ign=031113

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:48 am
by Frau_Blucher
There's actually lots on that Spin list that I had targeted and couldn't get to - Dog Bite, Soft Moon, Unknown Mortal, Wavves, Weekend, Youth Lagoon...

PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:48 am
by Frau_Blucher
Some links to bands that I both caught and missed that I think are pretty new wavey

Ash - Girl From Mars: http://snd.sc/YkmLhW
Boy + Kite - Think In Stereo: http://snd.sc/ZNM1Km
Dog Bite - Prettiest Pills: http://snd.sc/YknCiz
Dream Affair - From Now On: http://snd.sc/ZNMNHs
Eagulls - Moulting: http://snd.sc/ZNN1y7
Manic Sheep - La La La: http://snd.sc/ZNNwZd
Mood Rings - Promise Me Eternity: http://snd.sc/ZNNFeZ
Parenthetical Girls - Curtains: http://snd.sc/YkqADV
Parquet Courts - Stoned and Starving: http://snd.sc/WDGE2t
Paws - Sore Tummy: http://snd.sc/ZNOCEi
Savages - Flying to Berlin: http://snd.sc/ZNOLr9
Skeleton Coast - Sludge: http://bit.ly/147CAwG
The Soft Moon - Insides: http://snd.sc/Ykpfg6
Suburban Living - I Don't Fit In: http://snd.sc/YN1UmA
Telekinesis - Car Crash: http://snd.sc/ZnYGGg
The Thermals - I Don't Believe You: http://snd.sc/ZNQj4y
The Tontons - Golden: http://bit.ly/147DadA
Wavves - Linus Spacehead: http://snd.sc/ZNQHjv

PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:35 am
by djcraig
And then there's this:

Polyvinyl Sxsw 2013 Sampler
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQB ... =163856011

PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:33 am
by Frau_Blucher
We saw these protesters but not this counter-protester. Epic.

<img src="http://www.spin.com/sites/all/files/styles/style620_413/public/130318-Jesus-SXSW.jpg">

PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:40 am
by Frau_Blucher
And best breakout artist (Spin)...Savages:

http://www.spin.com/articles/sxsw-south ... s?slide=27

PostPosted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 1:38 am
by plagiarism
SXSW officially starts on Tuesday, and by Saturday night, it's a death march. I managed to lose 3 or 4 pounds this year with all the walking and dancing in place. (It also helps that I don't drink much.) It felt like this year's event was just a little bit less than last year, with all the hipsters occupying good spots at the big venues, but not paying attention to the music. Thanks to Coop and Frau for coming, and for them letting me rest my weary bones at the great apartment they rented. Also thanks to those who spin with me on turntable.fm.

My cell phone camera sucks, so I don't take many pictures.

<h3>SXSW-Defining Shows</h3>
[i]Sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka[/i]

<ul>
<li>Parquet Courts A+ (Red 7) Best show of SXSW. Hold on tight, because you certainly don't want to let go. The hype is well-deserved.</li>
<li>Savages A+ (The Main and Easy Tiger) - I'm finally sold. They're an outstanding live band. Go see them.</li>
<li>Nightmare Air A+ (Brew Exchange and Brass Bar) - My discovery of SXSW. Mind blown. </li>
<li>DIIV A+ (Flamingo Cantina) - DIIV had my favorite album of 2012, and I was determined to see them. Their Tuesday show was canceled at the last minute. I got to see them on Thursday, but I had to suffer through The Darcys.</li>
<li>Thee Oh Sees A+ (Beerland Patio) - Walking toward my car Saturday night, and SXSW was over for me, or so I thought. I came across a crowd, with people climbing up trees and a shed to watch. The music is killer. I ask someone who it is. "Thee Oh Sees". Finally!!! I get to "see" them. I couldn't ask for a better close to SXSW.</li>
<li>The Ocean Blue A+ (Buffalo Billiards) - Just perfect. The one group I wish had a double set.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130316_221534.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130316_221534.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130316_221534.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>The Joy Formidible A+ (Lustre Pearl) I remember seeing them at the bike shop a couple of years ago. I was impressed, but not wowed. That's changed now.</li>
<li>Shiny Darkly A (Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar) - 11AM show, and for a while, I was the only spectator there. This very young Danish band mines their post-punk sources well.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130315_112929.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130315_112929.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130315_112929.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Specials A (Stubb's) - I didn't know I wanted to see them, especially after seeing The English Beat a couple of months ago. But there I was, dancing at 1:30 AM, despite an achy body. The show was better than The English Beat's. Even if Terry Hall isn't cut out for SXSW.</li>
<li>DIIV A (Lustre Pearl) - The lesser of the two shows for me, simply because I was jammed behind the speaker with no view of the band. Doesn't matter, still love the music.</li>
<li>Bleached A (Scoot Inn) - The love child of the Buzzcocks and the Go-Gos. The first time I saw them, they were wonderful.</li>
<li>Mike Scott A (St David's Church) - This was like an episode of Storytellers, with Mike reading passages from his book. I wish he had read one less passage, and played one more song. He performed a rousing rendition of "The Pan "Within", but not "The Whole of the Moon" </li>
<li>Parquet Courts A- (1100 E 5th) The first gig I tried to go to was held at the Pitchfork, so it was packed, because, you know, Pitchfork is the shit. Hundreds of people were in line before me, so I gave up hope of getting in, and I watched about half the show through a fence. The music was great.</li>
<li>No Ceremony A- (Latitude 30) - I couldn't get in the first time I tried to see this band, and this was a must-see. The songs I had heard previously were coldwave/electronica, but they have more range than that. I was worried that the show would be a major bust, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130314_235226.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130314_235226.jpg" border="0" alt="No Ceremony/// photo IMG_20130314_235226.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Thermals A- (Peckerheads) Their recorded music never made much of an impression on me, A great, high energy band live, and I heard another performance was perhaps even better.</li>
<li>Ash A- (Buffalo Billiards) - It's funny watching the bass player going through all the guitar god postures. They still have it.</li>
<li>Manic Sheep A- (Brass Bar) A Taiwanese dreampop group. Yeah, I guess I go out of my way to be different. "La La La" is so pretty.</li>
<li>Willy Moon A- (Latitude 30) - This is maybe over-rating them, due to the competition Tuesday night, but Willy is an entertaining showman.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Good Show, Guys</h3>
[i]Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink[/i]
<ul>
<li>Toy B++ (Cedar Court) - The only thing holding back this gig is that the songs tended to be on the long side. Or, that's how they seemed.</li>
<li>Dream Affair B+ (Soho Lounge) - A problem with venues that don't regularly host live music is that the sound guy may not know what he's doing. This was the case here. Although this is a goth band and probably prone to scowling, I'm pretty sure they were not happy.</li>
<li>Residual Kids B+ (Valhalla) - Three kids, the oldest of which is about 14. They shred. Doubt they will last too long, as they all want to be the lead guitarist.</li>
<li>Palma Violets B+ (Red 7) Had the misfortune of following Parquet Courts, and might be ranked higher if they hadn't. Still, the Courts are more my style.</li>
<li>Telekinesis B+ (Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop) - I got there early to find them doing a sound check that's more extensive that what you normally see. That's because they would be playing live on KEXP, and they've got to be ready to go right off the bat. So, it was like I got more than a standard gig. They should have had a better ranking, but the middle of their show sagged.</li>
<li>Something Fierce B+ (The Jr) - Tuesday's DIIV show got canceled at the last minute, leaving me scrambling to find somewhere to go. You gotta hope the observation that the female bass player is the girlfriend of someone in the band isn't true. She probably weighs more than me. Anyways, I like this sort of punk/pop, and they did it well.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130313_001801.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130313_001801.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130313_001801.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Heaven B+ (Brew Exchange) - Following in JAMC's and Raveonettes' footsteps. A little more consistency, and they'd be perfect.</li>
<li>Vinyl Williams B+ (Latitude 30) I went here on Frau's recommendation. I wasn't disappointed. A fun combination of psych rock and dream pop.</li>

<li>Paws B (Scoot Inn) - I pretty much agree with Frau here. They're close, but not quite my thing, at least live.</li>
<li>Robyn Hitchcock B (Mellow Johnny's) - He didn't play any of the songs I wanted to hear, and I wish he had brought along some Egyptians, but it was still a good performance.</li>
<li>Shout Out Louds B (The Parish and The Stage) - By all rights, I should love this group. I can't find any trace of darkness or fuzz or whatever it is I'm looking for. See also Two Hours Traffic. The show at The Parish was the better of the two.</li>
<li>DRGN King B (Brew Exchange) - The stoner elements of this band get old, but the dance elements carry well. </li>
<li>The Weeks B (Red 7) - A total disconnect between the band's image and what they play. They look like they could break out into "Sweet Home Alabama" at any moment, but their sound is more blues-tinged pop.</li>
<li>IO Echo B (Red 7) - Some good shoegaze fronted by a tall blonde wannabe geisha fruit loop.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130312_174838.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130312_174838.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130312_174838.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Thee Attacks B (Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar) - Another Danish band that is touring with Shiny Darkly, but they're more influenced by late 60s/early 70s rock.</li>
<li>Pinz B (unknown metal/rock outdoor venue) I came for the food, stayed for the pretty good Green Day imitation. I tried to get a free CD, but they ran out. I'll go sit in the corner for admitting that.</li>
<li>Caveman B (The Main and Flamingo Cantina) - I'm subscribed to their mailing list, and saw the 2nd half of their shows twice, and yet their music says "forget me". I did enjoy listening to them at the time, though.</li>
<li>Delorean B (The Main) - Frau lost his driver's license, so I went back to the venue to look for it. Is it so wrong to like this bouncy dance music while my friend is having a really rough time? </li>

<li>Gold-Bears B- (Iron Bear) - All of the elements are there for me to really like this band, but the whole is less than the sum of its parts.</li>
<li>Two Hours Traffic B- (Friends) - Dear power pop, you were my first love, and perfect little gems like "Jezebel" still tug at my heart. It's not you, it's me. Best, Plag. </li>
<li>Tropics B- (Brew Exchange)- Part dance/part chillwave. A pleasant surprise. If they ever become big, I'll get to say I was there for their first North American performance. Less than 20 others will be able to say the same.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130313_122337.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130313_122337.jpg" border="0" alt="Tropics photo IMG_20130313_122337.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Orwells B- (Scoot Inn) - A really young band that plays garage/punk. A bit too much posturing from the singer.</li>
<li>Hunters B- (Cedar Court) - Throbbing garage with boy/girl singing. I'm intrigued.</li>
<li>Colourmusic B- (Brew Exchange) - Wait. Why is a band from OK putting a "u" in "color"? Just a tad too heavy and plodding for me at times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>They Had Their Moments</h3>
[i]Sponsored by Doritos and Taco Bell[/i]
<ul>
<li>Kids on a Crime Spree C+ (Iron Bear) - Love their album, but they're not as good live. The singer sings in a fey voice, and it seems that usually doesn't work out too well at a concert.</li>
<li>Bleached C+ (Easy Tiger) - The second time I saw them was on Saturday afternoon, the vocals were just flat and meh. Were they just as tired as I was?</li>
<li>Sour Notes C+ (Side Bar) - A male singer/lead guitarist with an all-female band. On their best song, he took over on drums, and he's better at that too. He really should surrounded himself with better musicians.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130315_151658.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130315_151658.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130315_151658.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Dune Rats C (Valhalla) - If the video for "Red Light Green Light" is any clue, then call them a stoner punk/pop band, with the emphasis on stoner. They really didn't distinguish themselves in any way.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130312_133710.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130312_133710.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130312_133710.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Dead Leaf Echo C (Buffalo Billiards) - I was contemplating buying their CD before the show. The dude cannot sing, and the girl isn't much better. How did they get a recording contract? Needless to say, I didn't buy the CD.</li>
<li>The Blank Tapes C (Valhalla) - I kid you not. This could have been the Will Ferrell "more cowbell" skit, only with maracas.</li>
<li>Merchandise C (Red 7) - Another band I should like. I don't hate the vocals, I'm completely indifferent.</li>
<li>Fort Lean C (Hype Hotel) - They played their signature song, "Sunsick" right off the bat. After the song, I should have gone off to the corner and ate delicious Doritos tacos from Taco Bell until I puked.</li>
<li>Tall Ships C (Brew Exchange) - I watched 5 consecutive shows at the Brew Exchange, and this was probably the main draw. Disappointed.</li>
<li>White Lung C- (Scoot Inn) - There's some good punk here, but I don't like how the singer yelps the lyrics. Her delivery is different than on the songs I sampled.</li>
<li>Whirr C- (Velveeta Room) - My biggest disappointment. They're still a wall of sound, but that's all now. </li>
<li>The Casket Girls C- (Velveeta Room) - The biggest WTF moment of SXSW. Two women in big blonde wigs and big dark sunglasses. Despite the band's name, no imagery or lyrics of death, except for a white coffin prop. A bit grating, but not as "heinous" as Frau thinks.
<p><a href="http://s70.photobucket.com/user/plagiarismcc/media/IMG_20130317_003929.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/plagiarismcc/IMG_20130317_003929.jpg" border="0" alt="The Casket Girls photo IMG_20130317_003929.jpg"/></a></li>
<li>Half Moon Run C- (Red 7) - Oh God, not another Canadian epic folk band. This was headed straight for an F grade, but they actually were engaging toward the end.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Not for Me</h3>
[i]Sponsored by Lonestar Beer[/i]
<ul>
<li>Heliotropes D+ (Scoot Inn) - All-girl stoner/psych rock, and I couldn't keep my eyes off... my watch.</li>
<li>Eagulls D+ (Friends) - Attention singer: You can get away with a sneering attitude toward your audience if you're Johnny Rotten. But you're no Johnny Rotten. The backing band is good, though.</li>
<li>Young Dreams D+ (Karma) - A Norwegian pop band with an inexplicable number of people (6). Makes me wonder if they added a couple of members for the trip to lower the cost per person.</li>
<li>Swim Deep D (Latitude 30) - I was tempted to see a Venezuelan punk group. I convinced myself I was overthinking it, and "King City" was one of my favorite songs of 2012. I was stunned that these British sk8r bois just want to play mid-tempo nothingness. I didn't even stay for my song. </li>
<li>Suburban Living D (Esther's Follies) - I knew I was in trouble when one of the band members was wearing tube socks. I would have left after 2 songs, but it was 11PM Saturday, and I was sitting down.</li>
<li>Reverend & the Makers D (Peckerheads) - An over-enthusiastic bar band. I'll go watch The Thermals set up, thanks.</li>
<li>Wild Cub D (Brew Exchang) Overprocessed dance crap.</li>

<li>Bastille D- (Latitude 30) - I should have run at the mention of them having "the number one album in England this week." Kid tested, mom approved, and just as empty as Kix.</li>
<li>The Chevin D- (Buffalo Billiards) - Pretty much the same as Bastille. They've got that sound that could make them very popular. The sound that made me stop listening to commercial adult contemporary radio. I even like "The Champion".</li>
<li>Y Niwl D- (Latitude 30) - Dudes, you're a Welsh instrumental surf band that won't talk to the crowd? You need to reconsider your business plan.</li>
<li>Flume D- (Red 7) - Runner up in the Worst Show category. So bad, I ran across the street to see someone, anyone else. (Turned out to be The Sour Notes.) I almost didn't get back in to Parquet Courts and Palma Violets.</li>

<li>Darcys F (Flamingo Cantina) - I hate The Darcys, and their cover of Steely Dan's "Peg" is brutal. Oh the bands you put up with just to guarantee you'll see who you want.</li>
<li>Alpine F (Red 7) - Winner of the Worst Show award. Lame dance beats combined with absolutely insipid patter.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Incomplete</h3>
[i]Sponsored by freecreditscore.com[/i]
<ul>
<li>Widowspeak (Red 7) - I just saw a song and a half. They didn't make an impression at all. </li>
<li>Haerts (Red 7) - The singer can really belt them out, but she oversang on one of the two songs I caught.</li>
<li>Chvrches (Red 7) - What do you do when everyone else in your party goes off to dinner and doesn't tell you? Leave the gig and run around like in Family Circus comic strips.</li>
<li>Cloud Nothings (Easy Tiger) - I should have stayed a bit longer, but the prospect of relaxing in the condo was just too appealing.</li>
</ul>

Wanted to see, but missed out on (in no particular order):
Divine Fits
Surfer Blood
Frightened Rabbit
Guards
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Billy Bragg
Iggy and the Stooges
Holy Esque
Allah-Las
Wax Idols
Ghxst
Big Black Delta
Parenthetical Girls
Brothers in Law
New Ivory
Fidlar
!!!
The Soft Moon
Citizens
Shoes
Eagles of Death Metal
Elephant Stone

PostPosted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 2:04 am
by Frau_Blucher
Awesome. Very entertaining review! Quote of this SX..."tall blonde wannabe geisha fruit loop." Yup.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 3:04 am
by coop41
Awesome review, with sponsors and all! Hope to have mine done sometime before next SXSW. Was flipping through pictures on my phone and have a handful from after the 4 free 22 ounce Sapporos that I do not recall. Not of The Hangover quality but nonetheless...