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February 2010 Archives |
February 12, 2010
There are a ton of bands that I am excited to see at this year's SXSW. With just over a month to go, I'm getting into the planning phase. On first glance, here are the top ten shows I am excited to see from the artists announced for this year's festival.
10. Johnny Flynn
I saw this cute cute cute boy open for Laura Marling in 2008 and he made me swoon! Even though I'm not super into his most recent EP, hopefully it will be better live - plus this time around I'll be familiar with more than one track and I can truly appreciate the music instead of just staring into his eyes longingly!
9. Angry Vs. The Bear
I saw this band at a little gay club last year with a tiny crowd, and it was one of the most fun things that I saw. I really feel like this crazy group with their anachronistic hair and sound is one of the next big things.
8. The XX
The current flavor of the month band. I don't love them as much as all of society seems to, but they are good, minimalistic sexy time tunes and I do want to see how they translate to live performance. I am guessing that it will be an underwhelmingly unenergetic live performance, just considering the quality of the music, but if they play somewhere like the Parish or the Presbyterian church, it could be really special.
7. Slow Club
Move over Mates of State, Matt & Kim and all you other male/female duos - Slow Club has you beat as far as cuteness goes. Slow Club is the kind of sugary-sweet-clap-your-hands-move-your-feet acts that I need as a shot in the arm about half way through this festival. Note to Tilly and the Wall - PLEASE take them on tour with you SOON!
6. The Lovely Feathers
I haven't seen the Lovely Feathers for years :( The last time they came to town I had a splitting headache and ended up sleeping through their set. I can't wait to see how some of the new music sounds live.
5. Freelance Whales
Speaking of "make you feel happy" bands, I fell in love with the Freelance Whales after seeing them open for Fanfarlo (another band I'm excited for at this year's SXSW - it will be my 3rd year of seeing them there!) Not only did I get to meet the Freelance Whales the last time the were in town, but they also wore the buttons I gave them during their set! They are my boy crushes for this SXSW - everyone one of them is huggable!
4. The Low Anthem
My number one CD of 2009 (even though it came out in 2008) - Sure I am seeing them twice in Chicago before even going down to SXSW, but I don't care. Their performance at the church last year nearly moved me to tears.
3. Frightened Rabbit
I saw Frightened Rabbit at Pitchfork last summer, but it was hot and I was running around doing work errands, and people were trying to talk to me and BLAH! Their new CD is one of my most anticipated of the year, and I can't wait to dedicate a little more time to listening this time around.
2. The Magic Numbers
Speaking of bands I haven't seen in awhile - THE MAGIC NUMBERS. How many years has it been? Geez. My hands have been aching to clap along to "This Is a Song" "Love Me Like You" "Long Legs" and "Mornings Eleven" to name a few!
1. Kashmir
Not Only is Kashmir my number one band to see at SXSW - they are my number one band I want to see live but never have. I have loved them since 2003 and have been waiting patiently for them to tour - I have checked and rechecked SXSW schedules desperately for the past 4 years for their name. I've been hopelessly disappointed when Chicago's Led Zeppelin cover band of the same name has posted concerts in my area. But now, finally, on the back of a brand new CD (eeeeeeh!!!!!!) they'll be at SXSW 2010 - and I'll be front row! One of the reasons I love SXSW is its ability to let me see some of my long time favorite bands I've never had the chance to see before. Kashmir will be joining the ranks of Simple Kid and Bic Runga!
Honorable Mention - Matthew Good, The Antlers, Miike Snow, We Are Scientists, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Grand Archives. Actually, this list could go on and on! I can't wait. Who do you think I should see while I'm there?
