Is it possible to hear too much music? I think not. Here are some of the best from SXSW 2006.
Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s – Sounding like a more lively version and less pretentious version of Bright Eyes, this outfit offered up some moody rock songs and an energetic live performance. Its hard to break a bass guitar, but somehow the band’s bassist managed to split his in two. (Latest release: Dust of Retreat)
The Bottle Rockets – The Bottle Rockets have been plying their trade of country and rock for years, never quite achieving the commercial success that they deserve. Although I was disappointed with their last album (2003’s Blue Sky), the new tracks for previewed from the forthcoming Zoysia herald a welcome return to sound of 1994’s classic From the Brooklyn Side.
Jake Brennan and the Confidence Men – Boston’s Brennan and his band of Confidence have always impressed. Playing an early morning show behind the legendary Yard Dog Galleary, Brennan and his band of Confidence Men blasted away any sleep-related cobwebs. The band previewed a new song “Walking Away†a brawny rock track with a killer hook. (Latest release: Love and Bombs)
Sid ‘n’ Suzie, aka Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs– I’m still not quite sure what to make of this one. Ably backed by a band that included members of the power pop group Velvet Crush – the duo played tracks from their forthcoming album on 1960’s covers. Their take on the Beatles’ “And Your Bird Can Sing†had a nice sound, but their attempt at “The Kids are All Right†was a bit of a stretch. (Forthcoming Release: Under the Covers, Vol. 1)
Oppenheimer– I’m not sure what was more interesting, the band’s refreshing synthesized pop or their clear joy at being signed to a record deal and playing SXSW. The duo augmented their core guitar and drum instrumentation with a variety of looped percussion, bass and keyboard sounds. I’m really looking forward to the full-length release.
Willie Nile — Although saddled by a bad venue, Willie Nile lived up to his reputation as an engaging live performance. Joined by former Dictator and Del Lord Scott Kempner on guitar, Willie highlighted tracks from his outstanding new album, Streets of New York.
Rob Dickinson– Although he was playing solo and acoustic, Dickinson played with the intensity that was always a hallmark of Catherine Wheel, his previous musical outlet. The two women making out next to me at the bar were a distraction to me, but even they were impressed enough with Dickinson’s performance to stop for a minute to ask me who he was. (Latest Release: Fresh Wine for the Horses)
P.O.S.– Although I’ve never been a big fan of rap and hip-hop, I was quite excited by the previews that I heard prior to the conference. Alas, they all were a disappointment except for the one that wasn’t on my list. POS combined potent lyrics with some great backing tracks. Bringing up the Hold Steady’s Craig Finn for one track certainly brought him some additional credibility in my book… (Latest Release: Audition)
The Gourds – These guys are a rock band masquerading as a bluegrass and country outfit. Either way, it’s a great music and an even greater party. (Latest Release: Heavy Ornamentals)
Billy Bragg – Bragg is always an entertaining live performer and his afternoon Yard Dog set was true to form. Alternatively engaging with his politically-tinged stage banter and poignant with his song selection (an incredible cover of the Verve’s “Drugs Don’t Workâ€), Bragg kept the crowd enraptured. Check out his just released track “Bush War Blues.” (Latest Release: Volume One)
Jason Collett – Taking a break from his regular gig with Canada’s Broken Social Scene, Collett offered up a rousing set of acoustic-based rock. The cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Prove It All Night†was a special treat. (Latest Release: Idols of Exile)
Allen Toussaint– This was a must-see that didn’t disappoint. Its easy to overlook many of the legendary songs in Toussaint’s catalog and the chance to see him perform many of them live was extraordinary. (Recommended: The Allen Toussaint Collection)
The Elected– Nice psychedelic cowboy rock from this Los Angeles-based group; the band features Blake Sennett from Rilo Kiley. (Latest Release: Sun, Sun, Sun)
The Latebirds– I first saw this band from Finland at last year’s SXSW. They have a clean Americana sound and established their credentials with a song honoring the late Johnny Cash.
The Walls – This was a quintessential SXSW experience. Walking up Sixth Street in a late morning hung-over haze, a song caught my attention. Although the set was full set was somewhat uneven, “The Bright and Shining Sun†is a driving rock tune that stuck in my head for the rest of the afternoon. (Latest Release: New Dawn Breaking)
Steve Wynn– A SXSW tradition, Wynn burns up at least a handful of venues with his rock guitar onslaught. Plus I’ve always been a big fan of drummer Linda Pitmon. (Latest Release: …Tick…Tick…Tick)
Something For Rockets– Stumbled across this band playing behind a pizza parlor. Led by Rami Perlman, son of violinist Itzhak Perlman, the band played an enjoyable set of straight-forward rock punctuated by some electronic flourishes in the mix. To the guy who took the last piece of free pizza before the tray was passed to me: I hope you enjoyed it. (Latest Release: Something for Rockets)
Will Hoge – By now it should be no secret that I consider Hoge one of the best artists performing today. He has yet to disappoint. (Latest Release: The Man Who Killed Love)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.