A few posts ago I told you about a SXSW music torrent that contained 1,038 songs. I listened to all those songs and these are the 59 tracks that I found worthy of a second listen.
I just saved you over a day of listening. You’re welcome. So what do you think? Do you like/hate any of these?
25% of the year is over so it’s time to check in on those goals again.
Finish My Feature Film – My editor finished a cut and it looked pretty good. Obviously, I had notes but we are definitely on the same page and it feels fucking awesome to move forward. Now I just need him to export a QuickTime so I can obsessively watch it at home in High-Def. You’re asking how I’m gonna author & burn a Blu-ray from my Mac, right? Wrong. I’m gonna export the HD Quicktime to play on my PS3. Stu, you’re a hero.
Write Another TV Spec – I am WAY behind on CHUCK and FRINGE but I’m still determined write for one of these shows. I think I’m gonna take a day off, hook up the computer to the TV and just plow through the second seasons of both.
Get Hired to Direct – No bites yet.
Get My Web Series Up & Running – So I had three formal pitches and about a dozen “tell me what you’re working on” while waiting for the elevator and the response has been overwhelming. Most people love it and the rest get a right hook to their prudish sensibilities. No, seriously, one woman yelled out “oh God!” in reaction to one of our randier jokes. Awesome! Also, I’ve cut together some character vlogs and need to do more but I’ve also been writing the first season. Christ, this is really happening. Also, you’ll see that I no longer use the “T” word because it resulted in my getting spammed by those interested in this “T” word.
Write A Feature Script – I started an outline but got sidetracked by the web series and, well…
As for other goals I still don’t have a sport, a class, an acoustic guitar, a way to defy death, a way to invest and I’m still trying to finish GLUE but I did go to SXSW and I had a fucking blast so that counts for something, right?
My final day at SXSW started late but thanks to my friend, the beautiful & always stylish Kelly, I was able to see Ben Gibbard play the Stereogum party.
Man, this man and his band will always have space on my music shelf.
I then ran across town to catch The Boxer Rebellion.
As you can see from that pic, these guys were rocking the hell out of their last show.
And what SXSW would be complete without a Frightened Rabbit sighting.
So damn good. I’m pretty sure the plane ride home will feature lots of their tunes only interrupted by…
This was my second time seeing them but now I’m completely in love with Rachel Flotard. Why? First, she saw me singing along and mentioned it. Second, the set was awesome and she even took an off-the-cuff request from the audience. Third, she referenced both Winger and “Pigs in Space“. Seriously, Rachel, when you’re in LA drop me a line and I’ll take you out for a dinner.
Next up was Minipop.
Why these guys? Because I like their song from the 1,038 MP3 SXSW music sampler I told you about. What an added bonus that the lead singer is such a cutie.
I then saw Best Coast because my friend Kate tole me to.
Since they’re a new band and the lead singer was whining about having played so many shows at the festival (who didn’t?) all I’ll say is that I should have checked out Surfer Blood instead.
And finally I braved the cold night to witness Death.
They were awesome and if you don’t know their story you should listen to this NPR story. And obviously they’re my pick-of-the-day.
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And with the I say adios to SXSW. I hope to come back soon. LA, here I come.
BTW, the next stop on the Tony Music Express is Coachella!
I’m ripping through crowds with the chainsaw. Beware of Red.
So the day started off with a very dry and boring panel. So much so that I stared nodding off and almost slammed my head on the chair in front of me but my fortunes turned when I scored a pass to the Spin party.
The first act I caught at the party was F*cked Up.
Who knew metal still lived? Not I… and I’m okay with that.
Next was Miike Snow.
Very pretty but not quite made for the large, outdoor BBQ vibe.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings were next and they ripped it up.
Seriously, if you haven’t yet, no matter what kind of music you like, you have to check her out.
And finally, the return of Hole.
You know, I was never a fan but I can appreciate Courtney being a rock star (but I’m still not a fan).
I should also mention that although I didn’t see Frightened Rabbit this day I did meet Scott (I’d run into him 4 time this day and hear the band playing from afar twice).
Christ, I love this band.
Okay, it’s time to return to the always fun Japan Nite and first up was JennyOops.
What is it with the Japanese and rocking power pop/punk trios of ladies?
I then wandered over to see Band of Skulls.
Holy! These guys are a cross between blues rock and awesome. You much check them out.
Back to Japan night for Okamoto’s.
God bless these kids for watching too many videos of The Rolling Stone on Ed Sullivan.
Next was The Boxer Rebellion in a very odd venue.
Thank goodness they rocked it because this roof top bar turned stage was not conducive to rock magic.
Once again into the Japan Nite, this time for Omodaka.
A cross between dance music and performance art, this person rocked it with his portable gaming systems. BTW, Japan Nite is coming to LA (and a few other cities). You really should catch the show if you can.
Next on the same stage was Chatmonchy.
Another girl rock trio from Japan, they seems a bit jet-lagged, as if they just got off the plane (someone told me they had).
I then ran up the street to see Ra Ra Riot.
They went on late and were plagued by technical difficulties but how can I hold that against a band with two such cuties on strings?
Man, I’d love to be the meat in that love sandwich.
Finally, I ended the night with Les Savy Fav and they had even worse technical difficulties.
Bummer.
So, pick of the day has gotta be Omodaka.
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Until tomorrow.
Right now I feel like a zombie, tonight I’ll feel like the dude on the car rockin’ the shotgun & chainsaw.
I don’t know about you but for me there might not be a better way to start a music festival then by hearing Frightened Rabbit in the morning.
It was also good to hear that they changed up their set but a pity that a Seattle DJ fucked up one of their best songs off the new album.
Walking around, I dropped in to check out Sweet Baboo.
Yeah… moving on.
I then wandered away from downtown to check out a carnival and Cymbals Eat Guitars.
I didn’t know anything about them before but now I’m a wee bit curios. Plus it was fun hearing them while I rode the tilt-a-whirl (video coming soon).
Feeling the urge to walk even further (man, did my feet regret that by the evening’s end), I drifted to the Levi’s Fader Fort (a well done pop-up venue) and caught Local Natives.
I’d give them another album before checking them out again. They might not be my thing but maybe they’re still maturing too.
While there I also caught my country folk Bomba Estereo.
It’s easy to tell why everyone loves these perky, poppy Colombian dance-rockers (and she has a smile that’ll light up a room).
After dinner I drifted into Stubb’s to see The Soft Pack.
I really like their album but don’t think I need to see them live again.
Racing across downtown I dove into a tiny venue to see VV Brown.
Holy! When she played “Shark in the Water” I got goose bumps.
Riddle me this: if Meiko is just her and a back up guy why did she go on 20 minutes late?
I’ve seen her before at SXSW and she’s good but this time she played some new stuff and it’s obvious she still loves guys that are bad for her.
I caught the GZA because I wanted to see the act after him. Um, he lacked enthusiasm. So much so that he check his Blackberry twice while on stage. Just sayin’.
Finally, The xx.
They sounded great while actually playing slower and softer than on their album.
And that was my day so it’s obviously time for my pick. How could I choose anyone other then my peeps from the home country. Soak in some Bomba Estereo.
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Until mañana.
Representing an awesome podcast you’re not listening to…yet.
Welcome to day one of my SXSW experience. Only minutes after I landed was I scooped up by a hippie-looking bus and treated to an advance of the upcoming album by The New Pornographers.
BTW, it sounded great.
After grabbing my badge and a quick bite at Stubb’s it was time to check out Visqueen.
Rachel Flotard sure can rock and man does she have a great set of pipes… and the rest of her ain’t bad neither. Rachel, if you’re ever in LA I’d be more than happy to treat ya to dinner and drinks.
Next up was The Walkmen.
Having seen them before, I knew they’d sound great but probably still feel as if they’re… I dunno, I’m not a fan of their stage presence.
I quickly ran up the block to see Here We Go Magic.
It wasn’t magic for me.
Two blocks down (gotta love these short sprints) I saw Power Solo at someone’s insistence.
It was different.
As I raced across 6th Street for my next show I stumbled across an awesome, mesmerizing voice and beat. Turned out to be The Asteroids Galaxy Tour.
.
Must check them out, give them a proper listen.
The room was packed for We Were Promised Jetpacks and it’s clear why.
These youngins from Scotland rocked it.
Finally I caught one of my favorite acts, Frightened Rabbit, and while I’m still warming up to the new album (it didn’t knock me out instantly like the last album did) their stage presence and musicianship is only that much better.
Fuck, they were awesome.
I tried to end the night with Surfer Blood but the room was so packed I was never gonna get in. I decided to stumble home but instead wandered in to see a bit of Spoon. They sounded great but I’ve seen them a few times and the siren song of a full night’s sleep was just too powerful.
That wraps my first day. That means it’s time for my pick-of-the-day. Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to fall in love with We Were Promised Jetpacks.
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Until next time.
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