The “Yeah, I’m Not in Austin” sulk club
Yes, I’ll just come right out and say it: Hello my name is Heather. I am a blogger, and I am not at SXSW this week.
If you are like me find yourself constrained by money, or work, or life (or a combination of the three) and are not partaking in the musical bacchanalia on the streets of Austin right now, let’s find something to salve our wounds, shall we?
The good people over at Austin Sound have put together a quality 21-song sampler of local Austin talent that will be playing shows in pubs and clubs and parking lots at SXSW. I’ve had an enjoyable afternoon listening to these tunes — here are a few that caught my ear:
Power To Change – The Black and White Years (MySpace)
They were invited by former Talking Head/Modern Lover Jerry Harrison to record their debut full length at his California studio. You can hear why.
Mary Jo – The Brazos (MySpace)
The Brazos just want to hold you in their arms and sing to you over jangly ethereal guitars in a lovely, warbly voice about how they came to you singing sad songs when the evening called. The Cure meets Explosions In The Sky?
Gunpowder – Black Joe Lewis (MySpace)
Where did this young guy come from?! Apparently he’s been hiding in a cryogenic tank in the Stax vaults since 1966, and has emerged to start work on an album with Spoon’s Jim Eno. Go figure.
Darksided Computer Mouth – White Denim (MySpace)
I missed these guys at NoisePop the night I got in, but this is frenetic and relentless from the get-go, and I feel disoriented. I like it.
Muzzleloading Evangelicals – The Archibalds
A modern fusion of the warmer, countrified Beck tunes and an expansive ’70s country rock feel. Breezy and plucky, and I’m sure would sound good with some BBQ in my hand.
DOWNLOAD: The entire Sound Advice Vol II: The Latest Toughs (An Austin Sound Compilation) or snag individual tracks over here.
And maybe I’ll see you in Austin next year.
Name: Heather Browne
I’ll definitely proclaim membership in this club, however sadly. Today, though, I found NPR’s SXSW coverage that makes not being in Austin a bit more bearable.
nctodc — March 14, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
I’m also a proud member of this club. I’m happier spending my festival fund on Bonnaroo this summer to see PJ, Robert Plant, and Two Gallants. Plus nothing beats a weekend camping with my dad, who will be joining me there.
brian s. — March 14, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
I wasn’t there either…
This, however, is entirely up your alley:
http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/reviews/sixword_reviews_of_763_sxsw_mp3s.php
6 word reviews of 763 SXSW MP3′s (and links)
SR — March 14, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
Not too sad about not being in Austin. I’m in Houston and saw Wilco last Friday, My Morning Jacket on Monday, and rounded it out with Flogging Molly on Tuesday. My head is still ringing.
J — March 14, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
And i thought i was the only one…it’s been a depressing week…
pete — March 14, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
Joining the bloggers not at SXSW club I’m not there either,
but it’s Beer Week here in Philly so I suppose that’s at least somewhere to seek solace.
-tom — March 15, 2008 @ 8:13 am
Sadly I’m part of this club as well despite telling myself last year that I wasn’t going to let this happen again….
Topher — March 15, 2008 @ 8:32 am
NPR’s coverage is great. I am enjoying the Weakerthans’ set right now. In yr face, Atlantic Ocean!
last year's girl — March 15, 2008 @ 8:58 am
Joining the club as well. Seems like work stuff, personal turmoil, financial turmoil, or as you said, a combination of the three, keeps me down each year around SXSW…and darn it, my aunt and uncle live in Austin…so there really is NO excuse for me not to be there! Maybe next year!
Matt Wardlaw — March 15, 2008 @ 9:23 am
i so agree w/you. luvin power to change by THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS!!! i actually saw their live show & it rocked! i have already bought their debut cd! every song is great! thanks for the info!
Anonymous — March 16, 2008 @ 10:48 am
it’s a disgrace…they should fly you down there
jesselun — March 17, 2008 @ 7:08 am
I am also in the I wish I were at SXSW. But, it is expensive. I did a little blog post about opportunity costs and music. You can read it here. http://dynamicmeter.blogspot.com/2008/03/opportunity-cost-curves-rock.html
Dynamic Meter — March 18, 2008 @ 11:26 am
I went Friday. It was awesome, but I didn’t get into the Rogue Wave Nada Surf show after standing in line for 2 hours.
Anonymous — March 20, 2008 @ 8:34 pm