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?

Gimmie Sympathy by Metric

SOUR '日々の音色 (Hibi no neiro)'

We Are Golden by Mika

Oh My God, Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem

Fireflies by Chris Garneau

Fitz and the Dizzyspells by Andrew Bird

French Navy by Camera Obscura

Vulture by Patrick Wolf

Change of Heart by El Perro Del Mar

Patrick Wolf – Vulture

Camera Obscura – You Told a Lie

Boy Least Likely To – Saddle Up

Bon Iver – Blood Bank

Bell X1 – The Great Defector

Andrew Bird – The Privateers

Handsome Furs – All We Want, Baby, Is Everything

The Swell Season – Low Rising

St. Vincent – The Neighbors

Regina Spektor – The Calculation

Mika – Rain

Miike Snow - Animal

The Lovely Feathers – Long Walks

Junior Boys – Parallel Lines

An Horse – Camp Out

Fun. – All The Pretty Girls

Passion Pit – Moth’s Wings

Fever Ray – When I Grow Up

Fanfarlo – Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time

Discovery – Orange Shirt

Death Cab for Cutie – My Mirror Speaks

11) Kings of Convenience – Declaration of Dependence

This was the most pleasant surprise of the year for me as I was/am a HUGE fan of two part male vocals and the Kings of Convenience are some of the BEST harmonizing vocalists around. I had originally thought they had broken up due to the formation of Oye’s other band, The Whitest Boy Alive (which also had a 2009 release). There is nothing crazy or out of the ordinary on this release. It is just straight acoustic tunes with some outstanding singing. It is a perfect lazy Sunday afternoon soundtrack.

10) Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

There has been a large amount of backlash with the latest Arctic Monkeys release as it is much, much darker than their previous two releases but I am in the camp that feels it is a big step forward in their development. It is not my favorite Arctic Monkeys disc by a long shot but it is still great for what it is, a brooding rock album. It is a disc that you have to really listen to 3 or 4 times before you really start to understand and appreciate the tunes. I recommend you give it that chance.

9) Royskopp - Junior

I loved Royskopp’s first release, Melody AM, but didn’t really care for their sophomore effort. Junior went back to what made Melody AM so good, very catchy melodies and danceable beats. You add in some great guest work from Lykke Li and Robyn and you have yourself one of the best overall releases of the year.

8) Fruit Bats – Ruminant Band

http://www.myspace.com/thefruitbats

Ruminant Band is an interesting release as it the first Fruit Bats disc without Gillian Lisee that I have heard (I never listened to their debut but I enjoyed Mouthfuls and Spelled in Bones). I didn’t have very high expectations for it but I was very pleasantly surprised as Eric Johnson’s songwriting ability has moved forward with this collection. I was also able to see these guys live this past year and that made me appreciate the band that much more as they put on a great show.

7) Sunbears! – Dream Happy Dreams

http://www.myspace.com/sunbears

I have to have at least one “off kilter” release on my best of list and this year it is the Sunbears! I saw this duo open for Mates of State and The Black Kids this past year and I honestly felt they were better than The Black Kids. They could be compared to a much more happy-go-lucky version of the Flaming Lips. Dream Happy Dreams only provides you with a glimpse of the joy that the Sunbears! bring to the table.

6) A Fine Frenzy – Bomb in a Birdcage

http://www.myspace.com/afinefrenzy

I enjoyed Alison Sudol’s/A Fine Frenzy’s initial release and it was one of those “unsung” diamonds in 2007. Bomb in a Birdcage builds on what Sudol did so well on her debut with a mixture of pop and ballads that are both accessible and fresh.

5) The Decemberists – Hazards of Love

Colin Meloy and company’s rock opera has been on a number of top 10 lists this year for one reason: It is awesome. Kyle already explained what makes this release so great. It is something that must be listened straight through a few times to really appreciate what it is and what is being done. I long for the day that I can see the Decemberists live and maybe I’ll luck out and see them perform this in full.

4) Islands – Vapours

Kyle has introduced me to a number of bands and funny enough 2 of them are in my top 5 this year (Islands and Andrew Bird). I was a very casual Islands fan up until Vapours came out but I loved it from the first day I streamed it on the Internet. I’m probably in the minority but I find this to be their best release yet as the songs are much crisper and not overly produced. Vapours has been a mainstay on my IPOD playlist since it has come out.

3) Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix

I started listening to Phoenix back when they were collaborating with Daft Punk and I thought they were writing some catchy melodies back then. However, Wolfgang Amaedus Phoenix is their apex and they are blowing up now. Rightly so as they are one of the top 3 best exports from France (Daft Punk and Air being the other two).

2) Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career

http://www.myspace.com/cameraobscuraband

I’m a sucker for happy music and sarcastic lyrics and no one does that better than Tracyanne Campbell and Camera Obscura. Cam Ob have been gradually improving with their releases and attained quite a good following in the USA after their 2006 disc, Lets Get Out of this Country (and they are one of those rare UK bands that are actually bigger in the USA than they are in the UK, or so I am told). My Maudlin Career is even better than the 2006 disc as it takes all of the things that were good on it and makes them even better. The strings and horns on select songs are tight and they do not take away from the solid lyrics of Campbell. I believe my taste in music has gotten a bit more “wussy” as I have aged but I’m perfectly okay to admit that if it means I get to listen to stuff as good as this.

1) Andrew Bird – Noble Beast

http://www.myspace.com/andrewbird

I don’t think this release should come as too much of a surprise to people. I believe that SPIN did a full write-up on Bird when Noble Beast came out saying this would be “the year of Bird.” Bird has always been an eclectic musical addition to the field as he really doesn’t fall into any category. He writes pop/rock/calypso/classical/jazz tunes that kind of mesh into his own genre. The fact that he can throw samples into songs along with violin, whistling and guitar just shows what kind of ability he brings to the table. Noble Beast is Bird’s most well-developed album as I had to listen to it 10 or 11 times before I really started to hear everything that is going on and I was able to peal the layers back of each tune. This is another release that is best when it is listened straight through the first few times. However, I love every song on here individually as each one is a little golden nugget for your ears.

Happy listening.

10. Glee Soundtrack Vol. 1 - Auto-Tuned like whoa, and maybe a bit overhyped, the Glee Soundtrack is still one of the most fun, put-it-on-in-the-background, sing-it-loud-in-a-gay-bar albums of the year. I can't stop going back to those Amber Riley songs. She's a star in the making.

Stand Out Tracks: Don't Stop Believing, Bust Your Window, Hate On Me

9. Metric - Fantasies - These Canadian rockers return with maybe their best album yet (although they are all so good) and Emily makes good on the fact that she is the sexiest singer of our friends up North. From the first track to the last, this album is winner after winner.

Stand Out Tracks: Help I'm Alive, Gimmie Sympathy, Stadium Love

8. Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds & A Sound - Blind Pilot was a surprise highlight at the 2009 Lollapalooza festival and I consider them this year's "Wild Sweet Orange" in that regard. Highly listenable music from a singer with a smooth as silk voice and a band that includes upright bass, trumpet and more. This year they completed a Ditty Bopsesque bike tour and also joined fellow Portland natives, The Decemberists for some shows. Oh yeah, and they stole my heart!


Stand Out Tracks: Oviedo, 3 Rounds and a Sound, I Buried A Bone

7. Freelance Whales: Sure, a number of the Freelance Whales songs are downright derivative of Sufjan Stevens, but I prefer to think that these young, banjo-plucking, infectiously upbeat kids are fans who took Sufjan's lead as a base on which to build something uniquely theirs. They are one band you don't want to miss live - seeing this energetic group hopping from instrument to instrument throughout the night will leave an ear-to-ear smile on your face.

Stand out Tracks: Generator ^ First Floor, Broken Horse, Hannah, Kilojoules

6. Phosphorescent - To Wille I'll admit it - at first I didn't realize that all of the songs on Phosphorescent's 2009 album, To Willie, were Willie Nelson cover songs until my coworker pointed it out - a tribute to Willie in the vein of Willie's own 1977 cover album To Lefty from Willie. I wasn't familiar with Willie Nelson music, but Phosphorescent's versions of these songs are heartbreaking and beautiful. I'm a fan now - which may be the best compliment one can give a cover album!

Stand Out Tracks: Reasons to Quit, Can I Sleep In Your Arms, I Gotta Get Drunk

5. Islands - Vapours Canada's second entry to the top 10 is Quebec's Islands. While they have tied their 2008 ranking for "In Arm's Way" at number 5 and dropped 2 spots from 2006's Return To The Sea at number 3 - Vapours is just as good, if not better! I do miss the band members from Return to the Sea and Arm's Way, the more electronic vibe on Vapours is extremely fun and probably more quickly likable than their previous work.


Stand Out Tracks:Switched On, Tender Torture, Everything is Under Control, Heartbeat

4. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Phoenix managed to release an album so catchy and fun this year that it blew the band into the mainstream. Other than the fact that it has been a bit annoying hearing "have you heard this great new band, Phoenix" and the fact that this album means I get to hear far fewer songs live from my still favorite Phoenix album, Alphabetical, Phoenix deserves all the accolades they are receiving. It's great to see that they spent the last three years honing their craft and it has paid off!

Stand Out Tracks: Listomania, 1901, Rome

3. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love The Decemberists had a hard task in front of them, following up the astounding "The Crane Wife." One first listen, The Hazards of Love failed for me - an attitude of the album taken by a good number of reviewers. However, a day after the album was released online I was lucky enough to see the Decemberists play the Hazards of Love for the first time in its entirety at SXSW. Afterwards I saw the CD for what it is - an epic masterpiece. It is definitely an album that begs to be seen live, from cover to cover. The CD is a story, and listening to tracks individually is kind of like reading just a chapter in a book - once you know the book well that might be enjoyable, but you have to fall in love with the whole story first. I can't wait to see what they do next!

Stand Out Tracks: The Wanting Comes In Waves (Reprise), The Rake's Song, The Hazards of Love 4

2. Chris Garneau - El Radio 2007's #1 just barely misses out on the #1 spot for 2009. It was so close it was whatever the music equivalent of a photo finish is, because El Radio picks up where Chris Garneau left off, taking his music to whole new levels. While the CD has a number of more upbeat songs than his previous work, there are still quite enough tear-wrenching heartbreakers to keep me sad happy - with Cats and Kids appearing to be almost a sequel song to "Music For Tourists" song We Don't Try, about the death of a friend. I wouldn't kick a song off of this CD.

Stand Out Tracks: The Leaving Song, Hands On the Radio, No More Pirates, Cats and Kids

1. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin: Like Chris Garneau in 2007 whose CD I listed as #1 was actually first released in 2006, The Low Anthem's CD Oh My God, Charlie Darwin was first released in 2008 and rereleased in 2009. The album moves from song to song with a beauty and grace and sends chills down my spine - from the opening falsetto ballad Charlie, to Cage the Songbird, all the way to the final OMGCD, this folksy Americana album is almost a religious experience and the songs seem reverent and spiritual despite the inspiration of the world's most famous naturalist. The lead singer describes the experience of listening to the album as being akin to "taking shelter during a lightning storm among nostalgic remnants in a water-damaged church, who’s new tenants – rats, owls, stray dogs and snakes – comprise a burgeoning, cacophonous, dog-eat-dog ecosystem." The CD has a common thread although as you listen to it you'll be constantly surprised at the variety in the singer's voice, from the Josh Ritter like "Ticket Taker" to the more raucous "Horizon Is A Beltway" and even the instrumental "Music Box" The variety of instruments played on the album and at their live shows is staggering, and help to build an album that elevates and craddles the lyrics and comprise an album that I feel will be timeless.

Stand Out Tracks: (Don't) Tremble, Charlie Darwin, To Ohio, Ticket Taker

I have to admit that I am a little disappointed that the “Courtesy Wave (CW)” is dying off. There is really no better small act of “karma” than the CW. You can get a slight little nod from the karma gods by letting someone cross the street in front of you or maybe you got a CW because you held the door open for a lady. I am a firm believer in it. My theory is that the world would be a much better place to live if we all strived to achieve a few CW’s on a daily basis. I don’t think that is asking for too much, is it?

The new Avett Brothers disc I AND LOVE AND YOU feels like a CW to me. It is one of those musical varieties that lights up your day and puts a little bit of spring in your step. The two brothers (along with their upright bassist compadre) make up a band that has talent in abundance. They sound like a hodge-podge of so many different genres (bluegrass, rock, folk, country, pop). I would even use the faux-paus that they defy definition.

The defining instruments on the disc are guitar and banjo (along with the bass and a drum set) but the production is so dense that you get something out of each listen. Like a CW, it gives you hope that there are still bands that know how to make and structure songs that make you smile and just nod in acknowledgement.

A courtesy wave can turn a bad day into a good one. It can provide you with hope for society when you feel like there is none left. It is the small gesture that supplies a needed spark to light a fire. The Avett Brothers will be your CW for today.

Try: January Wedding; I and Love and You

http://www.theavettbrothers.com/

A lot has been said about the Arctic Monkeys hard driving sound. Their first two studio releases have seen a constant rotation on my IPOD for when I work out or when I am generally angry at the world. Alex Turner’s accent and lyrics are perfect for that mood when you just are PO’d at everything around you and you need a release. I believe that is the reason that many people were completely shocked when they released their 3rd studio disc and it was much darker, slower and complex than their previous works.

It is obvious that the band wanted to go into a completely different direction with this effort. Per the band, they listened to a lot of Hendrix and Cream prior to laying down the tracks. The 3rd effort is anywhere near as immediately accessible as their first two discs. I had to listen to it 5 or 6 times before I really started to understand the different sound that the band was looking to create.

As the band completely recorded HUMBUG in the USA, it is only fitting that out of the 10 tracks, 7 of them were produced by Queens of the Stone Age member, Josh Homme. A lot of fans have been upset about the influence he had on their sound and that they now sound like another US alternative band. I disagree. The music on HUMBUG still blatantly has their touch. Alex Turner has made HUGE strides as a songwriter and lyricist and it shows on this effort.

Even though the Arctic Monkeys are no where near as big in the USA as they are in the UK, they deserve a listen. I would recommend starting with some of their previous work (notably their debut WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT’S WHAT I’M NOT). If you like what you hear, give HUMBUG a try and don’t discard it if you don’t enjoy it after 1 or 2 listens. As I stated, the disc is definitely a “grower” and you have to give it a few spins before it really hits home.

Try tracks: My Propeller; Fire and the Thud; Dance Little Liar

http://www.arcticmonkeys.com/

Lisztomania Phoenix
Help I'm Alive Metric
Damaris Patrick Wolf
The Neighbors St. Vincent
Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time Fanfarlo
The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned) The Decemberists
Long Walks The Lovely Feathers
My Mirror Speaks Death Cab for Cutie
Cats and Kids Chris Garneau
You Told A Lie Camera Obscura
Saddle Up Boy Least Likely To
Blood Bank Bon Iver
The Great Defector Bell X1
The Privateers Andrew Bird
(Don't) Tremble The Low Anthem

I have listened to Phoenix’s older efforts and they took some big steps forward on their 4th studio album. The production is nice and crisp and the songs are much more concise without any fluff to district you from their pop goodness. The first part of the album are dominated by some of the strongest tracks (Lisztomania, 1901 and my personal favorite, Fences). These set the mood flawlessly for what is to come on the latter parts of the disc.

I applaud Phoenix’s attempt to be more adventurous with their two part, mostly instrumental middle interlude of “Love like a Sunset.” It reminded me a lot of THE SOFT BULLETIN era Flaming Lips the first few times I heard it. However, it has morphed into something a bit more lighter now. Bands walk a fine line of pretentiousness and sentimentality when they place big, instrumental pieces in the middle of lyrically driven pop-rock. Luckily, Phoenix toe that line impeccably and I feel the tunes add to the overall mood.

The latter half of the disc has more deliciously accessible pop-rock. The band really is in line with a lot of the other French rock groups that have put France on the map for quality alternative/indie/electronica music (Air and Daft Punk being the others). Thomas Mars’ voice is not overpowering but it definitely is not blown away by the support of dual guitars and bass. Phoenix is a band just makes me smile when I hear them and I think they will do the same thing for you.

Try: Fences, Countdown, Lasso, Girlfriend

http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix

Camera Obscura are one of the more unsung bands that have come from across the pond in recent years. Their first efforts were treated with indifference by most of the musical community as a rehash of Belle and Sebastian. This probably factored into the fact that their first disc was produced by a member OF Belle and Sebastian but that is besides the point.

In their latest effort, the band takes another step forward with songwriting that is easily the best that they have produced thus far. On the last two discs, songwriting and lead vocals have been performed primarily by Tracyanne Campbell. This is a good thing as I felt her songs were always the strongest on all of the bands releases. Her vocal talent is terrific and it transcends a certain time period. That is one of the best pieces of the Camera Obscura puzzle. Their music can sound like it came out in 2009 or 1969.

The 4th effort, MY MAUDLIN CAREER, has Campbell in her typical song writing mood. Her lyrics are laced with lots of sarcasm but the music is very poppy and quite upbeat (this is probably where the Belle and Sebastian comparisons come into play; the ability to layer unusual or downer lyrics with happy, pop music definitely takes a particular talent). The songs on CAREER go through the usual topics of heartache, love, love lost and the like. Campbell and the group’s tight musical aptitude is what makes it better than another band’s contribution.

The production on the recording is coated with tons of strings and elaborates percussion. It definitely makes the songs more memorable. With that being said, I could easily picture this disc as the perfect background music for a dinner party. It is consistently up-tempo and it doesn’t drag except for maybe a couple of latter tracks.

Overall, this is undoubtedly my favorite Camera Obscura disc to date and they deserve a much wider audience. Try out the tracks SWANS, YOU TOLD A LIE, FRENCH NAVY, or HONEY IN THE SUN for a taste of how good these Scots really are today.

The show was a co-headline tour featuring Mates of State and The Black Kids. I have been a huge Mates of State fan since I was able to check them out at Lollapalooza last year. They put on one of the best live shows as they are consistently playing to the crowd’s wishes and they are tight after a number of years playing together (not to mention that they are married, which always helps matters). I was quite impressed with their set as they mixed a bunch of new material off their latest 2008 release (Re-Arranger) with lots of older stuff. I am not as familiar with their older catalog but that doesn’t take away from the catchiness of their hooks and melodies. You add in the fact that they tour with a couple of multi-instrumentalists that round out their sound and you have yourself one of the better sounding acts around.

The highlights of their set for me were GOODS, GET BETTER, MY ONLY OFFER, and my personal favorite live, LIKE U CRAZY.

The hidden gem of the evening was the opening act for the headliners, Sunbears! This is a duo from Florida that reminded me a lot of The Flaming Lips with their crazy onstage antics and the way they tried to tie in a great visual experience with their music. Throughout the course of their short but inspired 30 minute set they managed to have multiple showers of confetti, some crazy psychedelic videos on their movie screen and one giant shaped alien head that corresponded with their song DREAM HAPPY DREAMS. Since the band only has one EP under their belts (DREAM HAPPY DREAMS) they had a very small catalog to choose from for their set but it was still great.

I went out and bought their EP the next day (for bargain price of $6.99). All 7 songs are just like I remembered them from the show, from the danceable A LOVELY TUESDAY IN JUNE to bass heavy I’M ALIVE! The band does not have the lyrical ability of The Flaming Lips. I would even go as far as to say that their lyrics are something to be desired but I’m willing to overlook their shortcoming right now. They are having fun making some catchy tunes and they thoroughly entertained me that Saturday.

Royksopp's JUNIOR is one of the best electronica albums I have heard in quite some time. They are the masters of chill out and they do not disappoint with their latest contribution to the genre.

It is a fine line between "lounge" and other types of electronica music. I had putting labels on it because most of the stuff released today might be initially released as one genre but then remixed into the next big club anthem. The bottom-line though is to have some stellar melodies to overdub in the first place.

Royksopp's first disc MELODY AM was the perfect blend of catchy tunes with some upbeat tracks that ensured you didn't fall asleep unless you really wanted. I felt like their 2nd disc wasn't anywhere near as good as their first as the overall sound and theme of it just didn't mesh with what Royksopp typically bring to the table. They fall into the rankings of Kruder & Dorfmeister and Dzihan and Kamien. I would rank them as some of the best original artists releasing material today.

JUNIOR has plenty of vocal tunes to go hand in hand with the instrumental as well. The Royksopp boys enlisted some of the better female vocalists available (Robyn and Lykke Li) to assist on some of the stand out tracks (The Girl and the Robot and Miss it so Much respectively). They manage to balance the album perfectly by mixing up instrumental and vocal tracks on a pretty consistent alternating basis. A proper flow for an electronica disc is key and that is what makes JUNIOR work so nicely.

If you aren't a huge electronica fan, JUNIOR would probably be a great disc to introduce you to the genre. It is not too experimental but it brings plenty of excitement to the party.

Try tracks Royksopp Forever, the two tracks by Robyn and Lykke Li and Happy up Here for a nice sampler.

http://royksopp.com/

Angry vs the Bear - 5
I met up with Rachel, and we both were feeling the need to have a day where we meandered and didn't over think. So we decided to head over early to see a band I had heard one song from on the SXSW website. When we got to the venue - the rainbow cattle company - I saw that there was a bear flag flying on the wall (bears are big hairy gay men). So I turned to the older woman checking badges and I asked "is this a bear bar?" and in her thickest texan accent she responded "honey, we got bear, we got wine, we got vodka..." Amazing. After a couple of drinks and losing some money to their crappy video arcade game we were treated with seriously one of the most fun shows of the weekend. Angry vs the Bear. Check them out. SO fun. They get my "least buzz, biggest potential" award. Also, winners of the craziest hair award.

Camera Obscura - 5
One of the only real must sees of the day for me (along with voxtrot). We got there early and saw a bit of Amazing Baby (I believe). Anyway, glad to get to see Camera Obscura. They are great, and the new stuff sounded wonderful - sad to miss them at their metro show, but happy I saw them here.

Ed Harcourt - 4.5
Having missed out on Ed the day before, I decided to stop into his taping for Direct TV - a bit boring and a bit more of the country stuff, as it was being filmed on the country sound stage, but I still got to hear "Until Tomorrow Then."

Janelle Monae - 5
While seeing Ed Harcourt, Rachel and friends snuck into the Chop Shop party, so I decided to try my luck too. "I think I am on the list." *volunteer flips through papers a bit* "go on in." Score. I made it in time to see the end of Janelle Monae. Wow. Wow wow wow. This year's Amy Winehouse/Duffy/etc. iteration? Maybe. But way way way better. If I had to make a "next big thing" guess, this would be it. She's opening for No Doubt - just not in Chicago :(

Little Boots - 5
Way fun.

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - 5
After debating whether to try and find and get into the Perez party, we opted to head over and see Chicago's SYGC - who we've seen a number of times, but whatever, it was fun! We even stayed afterwards just to hang out with Chicago folks

The Love Me Nots - 3.5
An Horse - 5
One of my fave "stumbled upon" bands of the week. I need to hear more!

Voxtrot - 5
This show was a hot sweaty amazing mess. I loved every second of it. Voxtrot is so good, the singer is hot as heck, and the new stuff sounds unbelievably good. Is this the start of something good?

Various Comedians (Included Janeane Garofalo, Todd Barry, and more) - 5
Rachel suggested that instead of going to another band we check out the comedians. Wow, I had never gone to the comedians before. And it was really really fun. Lots of great bits, a nice seat in a not too crowded venue... who could ask for more. This day shaped up to be really great, just because starting the day I was kind of done with everything, and so I just let go and drifted. Love it!

The Spinto Band - 5
Rachel decided to go home, but I couldn't end my SXSW with comedians - I needed to squeeze in one more bad. I decided to end the festival this year by righting a wrong from last year... I had planned to go see Spinto Band close out SXSW 08 and just didn't have the energy for it... This year, because of my chill pace, I was ready to fix that. What a great way to end things - the Spinto's put on a damn good show, the new stuff is quality, and I still have the last song, The Black Flag, ringing in my ears months later!

Another close one, but I think that surprisingly 2009 wins for sheer enjoyment factor! Which means 2009 was the grand winner with 3 to 1 wins! Congrats 2009!

Jay Clifford +5 - Momo's
The singer of one of my former favorite bands, Jump, Little Children, was in town supporting his new solo album, so I had to make it out to see him at some point. I figured that there could be no better way to start my last day at the festival than by checking him out in small space of Momo's. There were only a handful of people there, which made the show really intimate. He played Know When To Walk Away and Waltzing Past the Grave from his new album, and then Mexico from the last full length Jump studio album. After that, he decided to come sit down at one of the tables and play Cathedrals. It was one of the best and most intimate moments of the weekend.

After that I headed to Beauty Bar to check out Rachael Ray's party and get some free food. However, the line stretched all the way down the street and around the block. No thanks! I decided to stop in Side Bar to check out Summerbirds in the Cellar, but they weren't on yet - so I checked out a band that was playing in the back. They were great - however I must have written down the wrong band name, because I thought it was Kings of Prussia - but it definitely wasn't after listening to their myspace page. Oh well, I decided to leave before Summerbirds came on and meet up with my dad at Maggie Mae's for some free food - I didn't get a chance to really listen to the music that was going on there, but I am pretty sure Chicago's The Nadas and Dick Prall were playing.

Georgie James +5 - Emo's IV

I ran into Georgie James on the street at one point during the festival (it is common to see artists milling around during the festival) and I chatted with them and told them I was a huge fan of Cake Parade and told them I would check them out. They sounded great!

Blitzen Trapper +5
Afterwards I headed basically next door to the Paste/Stereogum stage, which smelled less stanky Saturday. I was IN love with the Blitzen Trapper song Sci-Fi Kid, but judging from what more I had heard of their studio stuff online, I wasn't a huge fan. However, they were great live, and really surprised me.

The Acorn and A Place to Bury Strangers - Mohawk +4

I heard bits and pieces of these two bands while waiting to see David Bazan, and was pretty happy with what I heard.

David Bazan +4.5 - Mohawk

I had never seen Pedro the Lion, so it was nice to see David Bazan, although he didn't play many Pedro songs, opting more for his solo stuff and some new tunes. Of course, he is the voice of Pedro the Lion, so it doesn't sound much different!

Peelander-z +2.5 - Mohawk Patio
I guess Japanese Action Comic Punk is just too weird for me. No thank you.

White Rabbits +5 - Club de Ville

Love them! If you like Vampire Weekend but want to try something that hasn't gotten as much press, you might want to check them out. The Plot is a killer song.

Islands +5 - Mohawk
Fantastic as always.

Yael Naim +5 - Brush Square
I'm sure you know this French-born Israeli singer from her Macbook Air commercial song "New Soul." I checked out her set at the Chop Shop party, and it all sounded just as good.

The Virgins +5 - Brush Square
Sarah, my friend from last year's SXSW hostel say, said I MUST check out the Virgins. I took the opportunity to check them out at the Chop Shop party and I agree - if they don't blow up I'll be shocked. They fit right in there with that Tapes N Tapes, Cold War Kids, Kooks kind of group. NYC boys with a Brit mindset.

Deer Tick +5 - Mohawk Patio
I had been trying to catch this twangy countryish band all week, and took this last chance to see them during the festival - they were a great twilight band, and were a great audio pallet cleaner - a little something different. I highly suggest "Art Isn't Real aka City of Sin."

Jim Noir +4 Maggie Mae's Roof
Jim sounded good, but I'll be honest by this time I was just about at the end of my concert going rope. Not much juice left to run the music car. I was only about 3/4ths there.

Nada Surf +4.5 - Maggie Mae's Roof

Nada Surf is one of my favorite bands and I really wanted to make sure I checked them out sometime during the festival, since they played so much. I took it down to the wire, checking them out at their last show. I was really excited to hear some of their new stuff, but the show itself was a bit of a letdown. They played an acoustic gig, which would have been awesome had their sound not been having technical problems. Add on to that the fact that some band from another roof or venue nearby was hardcore drowning them out (something I didn't think was as big of a problem this year as I found it was last year.) When all is said and done though, they are Nada Surf and they still kicked some tail.

Bound Stems +5 - BD Reily's

I stopped by BD Reily's to say hi to Chicago's Bound Stems. Even though there was no line to get in, I opted to sit outside on the ground and listen in through the windows for a few songs. It was nice to relax and get a nice breeze, watch the people walking by and enjoying the occasional dancing to the band's music that started spontaneously on the sidewalk

Hypernova +4 - The Wave
I ended the week by checking out a band that my dad was interested in seeing - a group of musical pioneers from Iran, and they were pretty decent. There were a lot of bands that I could have gone to see instead, and more that played after this set, but this was the breaking point for me - I was done. Stick a fork in me. It was a great year.

Kiernan McMullan - 3.5
Lisa Hannigan - 5
I had a great Irish breakfast at B.D. Reilly's and stuck around for a few songs from the lovely Lisa Hannigan (and got a photo with her!) I took off a little early to catch the last few songs of...

The Wrens - 4
Still didn't hear the songs I know, but it sounded good anyway. I reeeeally need to invest some time into listening to The Wrens more and getting into their whole catalog.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - 5
I had heard TRAA from one of my colleagues in Chicago, and had been anxious to hear them live. They have a sound like a more mainstream Neutral Milk Hotel, perhaps. Very nice.

Bishop Allen - 5
Bishop Allen is always a lot of fun - and definitely another person I really need to purchase more of so I can know more than a handful of songs.

Handsome Furs -5
Man, I had been anticipating seeing Handsome Furs big time! I was discouraged to see the HUGE line to get in (people already piling in for headliner the Hold Steady), but I got in without too much hassle, and had one of the most fun shows of my SXSW. Everyone dancing in the hot sun - just brilliant. Love every song. (also, I have to point out the hilarious promotion that Saucony was putting on with their game... pin the Crystal on the overused band name (and a picture of a bear, deer, and wolf).

Adam Stephens - 5
I was reeeeally looking forward to seeing Adam Stephens too. A singer from Two Gallants, I had downloaded a bunch of his solo stuff and LOVED it even more than Two Gallants - it was prettier stuff, with a bit of a Conor Oberst vibe. They were having some technical problems with the piano at the venue, Friends, and the sun was SCALDING my head, but it was worth it, just to see leaves showering down from the trees during favorite song "Lead In Our Lungs." Here is the video of that performance (check out the person's profile for the rest of the show too!) Too bad that later that day I insulted Adam's shoes... don't ask.

Ra Ra Riot - 5
I saw Ra Ra Riot a few years ago at SXSW and had really enjoyed them, but had only recently fallen head over heels for their most recent album. Upon arriving to the venue I was saddened to see the line stretching and stretching - but I waited anyway, and was rewarded by getting in near the beginning of their set. However it was INSANELY crowded and hot in the little tent, and I was at the very back. Still, a great performance where I heard basically every song I wanted to, capped off my one of my favorite songs - Dying is Fine.

Future of the left - 4
Fanfarlo - 5
Youth Group - 5
In a happy accident I wandered into a set by Youth Group at the Australian BBQ. I was amused at how the Australian and New Zealand BBQs were back to back - very Flight of the Conchords.

My Disco - 2
Ceci Bastida - 3
Hey Negrita - 3.5
This evening I decided to scorn my expensive badge and stick to one place all evening - Central Presbyterian Church. Waiting outside I even got to chat with the former manager of My Lastest Novel and current manager of a lot of other cool Scottish bands. However, after a couple of songs from Hey Negrita, which was okay, I decided to flee momentarily to see if I could catch a little Ed Harcourt at another nearby venue. Upon getting there I found that the schedule had been shifted a bit, so after a couple of tracks of so so other bands, I returned.

Fanfarlo - 5
Fanfarlo Fanfarlo Fanfarlo. Last year I was SO excited to see them and was so sad when I A) didn't get downtown in time to catch most of their early set one morning and B) saw only a very small set later that day because of techincal issues. I saw a couple of songs of their set early this day, but was ready to see a full set in this intimate venue. Other than the fact that there was some percussion reverb in the church to be sorted out, it was basically perfect. The lead singer, in his cute little boytie, may have been my crush of the week - Adorable. And all of their songs were GREAT. They had a number of their new CD in the back which everyone snapped up quickly. Luckily I got one before they sold out. My love of them was recently endorsed by Sigur Ros who sent out and e-mail blast telling people to buy the album... and that the cover features Sigurrós and her cousin Disa on the front cover in a pic by Jónsi's other sis Lilja! I love it even more now!

The Low Anthem - 5
I had just been introduced to the Low Anthem a couple of weeks prior in Chicago when they opened for Lisa Hannigan, and I had fallen in love. Okay, so in all honesty, this show tied The Decemberists (or maybe was secretly even better) for my favorite show of the week. It made me wish that I had said screw it and just saw every performance by the group all weekend. It was haunting, beautiful, uplifting, soaring - just one of the most beautiful venues to see one of the most beautiful shows ever. From the chill inducing falsetto of "Charlie Darwin" to the soul wrenching upright bass of "This God Damn House" there was not a note out of place. If I ever thought that I could never have a religious experience in a church again, I was wrong. And, according to twitter search, a LOT of other people considered this the breakout performance of the festival. It's not often as a music lover that I get to experience something this special.

Lisa Hannigan - 5
Lisa Hannigan is just beautiful, and both strong and fragile. This venue was the perfect spot for her and she was spot on - she has truly risen up from second fiddle to Damien Rice and holds her own and more. Sadly, a gentleman sat in front of me during this performance who was clearly pulled there by his friend and he DIDN'T want to be there - he was shifting and sighing, and shaking his fat fucking head with disdain right in my line of vision for the whole performance. Definitely the most aggravated I have ever been at a SXSW.

Laura Marling - 4.5
I have to be honest, maybe it was because she had to follow up a few of the best performance I have seen, but this performance from Laura didn't live up to my love of her album or even the other times I have seen her live. A bit boring and just a little off - but still loved favorites "Ghosts" and "Alas I cannot swim"

Jason Lytle -3.5
I stayed for a few songs from Grandaddy's Jason Lytle, and then headed off to see what else I could find. I stopped in to see Au Reviour Simone, but they were having some pretty serious techincal problems so I decided to leave... as I was walking out they started their set. Oh well. So I headed to see Cursive and was let into the venue before being shuffled off to some other room - apparently the Cursive room was filled to capacity. Well, thanks for telling me before I entered. So, just let me out? No... I couldn't even exit through the front entrance because they wouldn't let me back into the sold out room to leave. So I had to go through this back room, through another room where an AWFUL band was playing, and then down some sketchy back alley. There were other bands playing that I was considering checking out, but figured it was best just to turn in for the evening.

Keep reading to compare to 2008

Oh, it is close. Clooooooose. Each year had some awesome moments and some disappointments. I'm going to give the edge to 2009, just because of the Low Anthem and the free Irish Breakfast.

Friday

Fanfarlo +5 - Emo's Annex
Fanfarlo was probably the band I was most excited to see at SXSW. Unfortunately, due to getting a late start and having the cab I called taken by someone else, I didn't get to the venue until right at the end of the Fanfarlo set at the Soundcheck magazine party.. What I heard sounded great though, including my favorite track "You Are One of the Few Outsiders Who Really Understands Us."

Anathallo +5 - Emo's Annex
I love Anathallo, and am so glad they have moved from MI to Chicago. I'm pumped to hear their new stuff, and from the sounds of it live, it is going to be right on par with the best of the rest of their music. Definitely worth sticking around the venue for after Fanfarlo.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin +4.5 - Volume Night Club

I had a track or two from SSLYBY but it wasn't until I was looking through the SXSW line up and decided to check out their myspace that I got really excited about the chance to see them live at the Paste/Stereogum concert. Unfortunately the venue smelled strongly of BO (it was the hottest day of the fest, reaching 96 degrees). Also the four piece was a three piece today, as one of the members had had a hand broken (by another band member). Regardless, they still sounded very good.

I took a break at this point in order to check out the trade show and Flatstock. It was tough taking a break when so many great shows were going on - but I wanted to check these two things out at some point.

British Sea Power +4.5 - Mohawk's Pation
I've heard a lot of great things about British Sea Power, so I had to go and check them out. I actually figured they'd be more mellow and weird - instead they rocked. I got a seat up in the balcony area and listened to them - I might have rested my eyes a little too. I wish I had had the energy to enjoy them like they were meant to be enjoyed.

Bear in Heaven +3 - Antone's

I saw this band while I was waiting around for Basia Bulat to start. I don't really remember much about them though. They didn't do much for me.

Basia Bulat +4
When I saw Basia Bulat at Schubas a few weeks before SXSW I was only familiar with a handful of her songs. Since then I bought her CD, so I wanted to see her again after having given it some good listens. Unfortunately this performance was super plagued with sound difficulties (and annoying people talking). Still, love the songs and her feisty voice.

Phantom Planet - La Zona Rosa +5
I am a big fan of Phantom Planet and had never seen them before. I really figured I wouldn't get a chance to see them during SXSW - La Zona Rosa is pretty far off the beaten path and I figured I'd have to wait in line for forever to get in. As it worked out, the band before and after Phantom Planet that I wanted to see were in the same neighborhood, and there wasn't a line to get in at all. The show rocked - I felt like such a teenager, but I was pumped that they played a good mix of their old stuff and their new album, which sounds good to me (a mix of their past two albums maybe?)

The Sumbarines +5 - Momo's
I was really pumped to see the Submarines - a group I hadn't seen before. The theme of SXSW is shaping up to be bands with both male and female vocals Rock (Headlights, The Submarines, Georgie James). I was a little sad that they only played one or two songs from their last album and stuck with new stuff, but I LOVED the new stuff, so it's not much of a complaint.

Fanfarlo +4.5 - Wave Rooftop
I headed back to see Fanfarlo for a second time, since I had missed most of their morning set. Sadly, due to severe technical difficulties, they didn't start until they only had about 10 minutes of their set left! A bunch of sad fans (including Sound Opinion's Derogatis, who I saw at the show) stuck around to see. To apologize for having to wait and getting a truncated and still technically impaired set, they gave out some free CDs. I gave the show a 4.5 at no fault of the bands - they overcome their obstacles as well as they could. Afterwards I bumped into Sarah, who I had friended at the hostel I stayed at for SXSW 07, and also chatted with one of the Fanfarlo guys, who said he was going to head over to see Tilly and the Wall.

Headlights +5 - Habana Calle 6 Patio
I hadn't intended to see Headlights again, but I figured I'd have need to show up early to make sure to get into Tilly & The Wall. I'm glad I did, because their shows was 10x better than their Emo's show earlier on (which was already rated a 5.) It was great - I just wished they had played January, one of my fave of their new tracks. It is such a chilly song though, that it probably would have been out of place.

Tilly & The Wall +5

This time slot had a lot of stiff competition, but I had to chose Tilly (even though I was scheduled to see them when I got back to Chicago). I just needed to fun happy energy that Tilly brings - and they brought it. This was the only night of the festival that I wasn't totally exhausted during the last set - that is the energy Tilly brings. I don't know how sold I am on their new stuff - I'll have to wait till it comes out so I can really get a good listen, but regardless, Tilly was a great ending for the day.

Slow Club - +5
The band I really wanted to see was Slow Club (who have opened for another of my faves - Tilly and the Wall, and have a similar disposition). I have been a fan since last year (and really had wanted them to play last year's SXSW!) I had seen the Because We Are Dead music video and was expecting a "We're From Barcelona" sized crowd to perform, but they were just a two-person group. After seeing them, I have to say, they are probably my favorite two person group (sorry Mates of State, Matt & Kim, Dresden Dolls, etc.) They also get an award for one of the cutest groups I saw! I felt bad for Charles, though, who was apparently "salsa drunk."

School of Seven Bells - +5 - Mohawk
I took the bus into town, and it let me off near Mohawk, so I decided to check in and see if I could get into the RSVP Rhapsody party and see Glasvegas, as all their other performances were conflicts for me. I got it, and was thrilled to see that I'd have a chance to see another band that I hadn't heard of, but were apparently playing every party this week. I was so happy I did, too, as they were one of my absolute favorite groups of the day.

Glasvegas - +4.5 - Mohawk
Glasvegas played a set pretty true to the sound of their album. It was enjoyable! I love a good accent

Trail of dead - +3 - Mohawk
I was already around for it, so I thought I might as well stick around and check out a couple of songs from ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead. It was okay, but the continue to just not do much for me.

Passion Pit - +4 - Radio Room
I had been told to check out Passion Pit, so I made my way to day to of the Paste party. After waiting in line I made my way to a very crowded performance. After standing for a couple of songs, I decided to sit down against the wall. Passion Pit gets the honor of this year's "good performance that I drifted off to" - an honor bestowed last year on British Sea Power. Regardless, they were good and unique.

Airborne Toxic Event - +4.5 - Bat Bar
Every year I find a couple of bands to see in the air conditioned, professionally light sound stages used to tape performances for Direct TV. The first year I saw a great performance of Peter, Bjorn and John there. I would say that Airborne Toxic Event reminds me a bit of this years Peter, Bjorn and John (or Vampire Weekend)....but I didn't like them nearly as much as those two groups. They were fun though, and if you see the Direct TV recordings, you'll see me in the front row bobbing my head like a total moron. Interesting fact - they played SXSW 2008 too. Guess that worked out pretty well for them :)

Guggenheim Grotto - +4.5 - The Rio
I stopped in to see a few songs from The Guggenheim Grotto at the Irish showcase - I do love them. Despite the fact that it was a chatty crowd, and the fact that the played some songs that I was so so about, the fact they played Philosophia made up for it!

Phosphorescent - +4.5 - Mohawk
I love Phosphorescent, and even though the crowd here was extremely obnoxious and blah blah blahed the whole time, and despite the fact that I only heard four songs, I still love love love them.

Ohbijou - +5 - The Ranch
There were so many great bands playing at this time, and I didn't know what I was going to do until the last minute. I really didn't think I was going to head down to this show, as it was crazy far away from the main strip, but I decided to hoof it out there, for some reason. It was a good choice. I really dug this seven piece Canadian group, plus the crowds were thinner in this part of town and everyone was much more respectful

My Latest Novel - +5 - The Ranch

As much as I liked Glasvegas, this Scottish band edged them out. Despite some technical problems, I enjoyed the sound of the new music they have on the horizon (although sad they didn't play my favorites from Wolves)

At this point I left before The Low Anthem played in order to try and catch a few other bands - this was probably a sad mistake

+/- - Prague - Only saw half a song, can't rate it, but it sounded good.

The Wrens - +4 - Prague
The layout of Prague left a lot to be desired, and standing in the basement behind a mass of people after a long day wasn't my idea of a good time. I left after a couple of good sounding songs (neither of which were the two Wrens songs I know really well).

I made my way to Radio Room to check out Handsome Furs and upon getting there was told "sorry dude, we're done" by the person at the door. So, Handsome Furs, the headliner, either started early or only played a half hour set. Very very sad.

Datarock - +4.5 - Emo's Annex
I started heading to Emo's to see Peter Bjorn and John were still playing, and as I passed Emo's Annex I heard the familiar strains for Fa-Fa-Fa, the Datarock single. There was no line, so I went in and enjoy the song (which is really catchy) and a couple of other songs before heading home. It was a pretty great end to the night, outside with a little bit of air blowing through and some fun music! Thanks Datarock!

Compare to Thursday 2008 below the break

The Lost Brothers +5
Wednesday morning I was walking and a couple of guys I passed by asked if it looked like they had just woken up - I told them it didn't. They asked where I was playing (?!?) and I said I was just a spectator. I asked if they were a band and where they were playing. They said they were The Lost Brothers and were playing B.D. Reiley's Thursday morning. Since that is an Irish bar, I asked if they were from Ireland and when I found out they were we had a discussion utilizing my limited Irish Gaelic.

Luckily, B.D. Reily's has windows that open from the stage onto the sidewalk, so I got to see and hear a good number of their songs while camped out in line waiting to get into the Parish's NPR show. And they sounded great! Beautiful and mellow. Probably the first band of the week to really tap into that vibe for me. What a great way to start the day.

Shout Out Louds +5 - The Parish

Because of the humongous line, I didn't get inside the Parish to see Sweden's The Shout Out Louds until they only had a couple of songs left - luckily one of them was my super jam "Tonight I Have to Leave it All Behind." They sounded AMAZING, crisp and tight. A sweet, lighter, modern Robert Smith sound.

Jens Lekman +5 - The Parish
The number one artist of last year of a good number of my friends, Sweden's Jens Lekman took a while to grow on me - he's kind of got that Rufus orchestral vibe to him. Very quirky sound and often times lyrics, but with an undercurrent of heart it is hard not to get swept away by. A very good set by Jens Lekman.

AA Bondy +5 - The Parish
The only artist of the morning I hadn't heard of, and was least excited about. Despite this, and his sometimes random banter, he still rates +5 - that shows how great this NPR did putting this lineup together. AA Bondy is bound to be the next Ray LaMontagne/Amos Lee (or Joe Purdy/Alexi Murdoch, if only they had been the next Amos/Ray's themselves) , with his beautiful, raspy/folksy voice.

Yeasayer +5 - The Parish
For some reason I always think of Yeasayer in the same thought as MGMT and Destroyer. I've not really listened to any of them and am sure they are really different and all pretty great. All three were at SXSW, but sadly I only got to see Yeasayer, so I can't compare the 3. Luckily for me I can't imagine the other two being anywhere as good as Yeasayer (I look forward to being proven wrong though.) They came at a perfect time in the set as well - just different enough to keep things interesting.

Bon Iver +5 - The Parish
Bon Iver - probably my favorite set of this string of +5 bands. There music is, frankly, what I imagine you hear as you ascend to heaven. Angels open their mouths and this music radiates forth. Sure, I wreck my "too much falsetto for me" argument from above, but the abundance of falsetto from Bon Iver is heart breaking, cold and warm at the same time, and dripping with solitude.

Vampire Weekend +5 - The Parish
Vampire Weekend was probably the most hyped buzzed band of SXSW - this year's Peter, Bjorn and John. I have to say, they were very impressive - believe the hype. They were a well oiled machine, churning out catchy song after catchy song laced with New England charm. Not too challenging music as to shut out the mainstream listeners, but still really interesting - there upcoming run of sold out shows indicated that people agree.

Sia +5 - Bat Bar
Last year I spent a lot (too much) time at the free DirectTV sound stages to see bands filming for DirectTV performances. The stage is cool, it is fun seeing the filming and the sound system is top notch, but it just is a little too polished - I prefer being crammed into a lot of interesting venues. This year, Australia's Sia was the only artist who I took the opportunity to see at the Bar. Her Six Feet Under ending "Breathe Me" may be one of my favorite songs ever, but for some reason I always thought I would be into the rest of her music. In fact, she was great with a host of beautiful songs and a fun and quirky stage presence.

Islands +5 - Cedar Street Courtyard
Islands became the only band that I saw 3 times at SXSW. At this show they only played one song from their first album, which was sad. But not that sad. Because the songs from their upcoming album are unbelievably good. They stepped it up and the maturity and scope of their new work is breathtaking. They have now been bumped up to my "most anticipated release of the year" spot - which has some stiff competition, to be sure.

Phosphorescent +5 - Mohawk Patio

Phosphorescent is another band I stumbled upon. I hadn't heard of them, but caught the end of their set while waiting for Bodies of Water. Within one song I was scrambling to find out who they were and why I hadn't already fallen in love with them.

Bodies of Water +3.5 - Mohawk Patio
I was really excited to see Bodies of Water, as I enjoyed their track "Doves circle the sky" - which they didn't play. The set just fell kind of flat for me. Sad day.

Mona De Bo +2 - B.D. Reilys
Yeah, I really didn't like this band. I had stopped in to get an early spot for Black Before Red (after not being able to find where Anathallo was playing after tons of searching - as far as I could figure, they weren't where they were supposed to be). I listened to a couple of songs and then left because I just couldn't stand it - I went and got something to drink and then came back and disliked the last part of their set too. I talked to a photographer from a Latvian publication, who informed me they were from Latvia and were popular there. So, more power to them for coming from Latvia. Hopefully their US fans appreciated it.

Black Before Red +3.5 - B.D. Reily's

I was so excited to find out that Black Before Red had been added to the schedule at the last minute, but in the end was a bit disappointed. I just don't think the venue was well suited, and the fact that the schedule wasn't even advertised - they just didn't have a great crowd. It was mostly people who wandered in off the street out of curiosity and a small table of the band's college friends. The band itself didn't match what I figured it was going to be - it was a little older... I had assumed it was going to be a young hip energetic band. Regardless, it just didn't thrill me... I'll stick with their recorded songs, like Matagorda.

Islands +5 - Emo's
So, I was going to go check out commercial hit makers Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson at the Hotel Cafe showcase at The Parish (of which I attended in full last year) but I just couldn't stay away from Islands - I had to see them again. I'm glad I did... it produced one of the most Rock and Roll moments of the week. They apparently were given a late start due to a band before them. When they reached the end of their alloted time, they said that they were going to keep playing, because they deserved the full 40 minutes they were promised. They proceed to play their epicly long song, Swans, and just kept playing and playing and playing it, until finally a worker from the venue cut into the audio and said "that's it" but still they kept playing. Then someone came out on stage and made the signal to cut the speakers, which the venue did, but they kept playing anyway, to the cheers of their fans, until finally the power to their amps were cut and workers started pulling their equipment from the stage. Somehow the singer got them to turn his mic back on for a second where he proclaimed "fuck Emo's and fuck SXSW - we hope to never play this festival again" which got a huge applause. Of course, they played more day parties the next day :) It was a great time.

Boyz Noize - Beauty Bar and Black Mountain - Mohawk Patio +3.5

At this point in the evening, there wasn't really anything on my plate, so I just wandered around with Spencer, a buddy I met in line for the NPR show, and hit up a couple of venues. Nothing was good enough or interesting enough (to me) for me to really absorb it, or to break through the exhaustion that was creeping in.