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!
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.
Do you want a free song by this chanteuse?
I have two Starbucks cards for a free Neko Case download I’ll never use (I already own the album). As they expire in seven days and I’d rather spread the good word of Neko than throw them away, drop me a line and I’ll give you one. In return, all that I ask is that you post your thoughts about song on my blog. Also, I have one free song by The Airborne Toxic Event and one by The Boxer Rebellion for the first person that asks.
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