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SXSW 2008: Say What?

Friday, April 25, 2008 By Mayer Danzig

“More vocals? I’m glad you actually want to hear me. I wish my mother did.” ~ Elia of the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir


Drunk guy: “Do you guys know where the bridge party is?”
Non-drunk guys: “Well there’s a bridge but I don’t see a party.”
~ Overheard at 3am as I crossed the bridge back to my hotel.


“I performed Lionel Richie’s “3 Times a Lady” in the 6th grade talent contest. I came in third and went from social outcast to the most desirable boy on the playground.” ~ Paul Thorn


“It’s not the volume, it’s the sucking that’s the problem.” ~ Name withheld, referring to one of the worst bands that I’ve ever seen.


“Do that one I like.” ~ request from a guy in the crowd (not me) at a Langhorne Slim set.


“We’re only playing songs that we refused to rehearse this afternoon because, as my daddy used to say, it’s good enough for who it’s for.” ~ Syd Straw


“None of these people are actually from Texas, they’re all from New York.” ~ Billy Bragg, referring to the crowd at an afternoon gig.


“Closed, ran out of food” ~ sign on the door of a restaurant whose permanent sign proudly proclaimed “always open.”


“We have to do this interactive shit or the younger people get bored. Then they start texting and shit.” ~ Billy Bragg, commenting on the state of the music industry. I was taking notes on my blackberry at the time.


“Bring me the whole top shelf.” ~ Syd Straw


“We’re taking a vote. I’ll accept a 47 percent majority because this is America.” ~ Billy Bragg, asking the crowd to choose between a Dylan cover and a Shangri-La’s cover. He played both.


“I saw 5 guys [this afternoon] with their pants around their ankles with their belts tight. I couldn’t help it, I started laughing. I thought that they might beat me down but then I realized that you can’t kick someone if you’re moving like this.” ~ Paul Thorn, while trying to kick with his knees locked together.


“Any brits here? It’s a half price sale across America. It’ll teach you right for electing republicans, you bastards.” ~ Billy Bragg


“My band sounds like two dinosaurs fighting.” ~ Jon Dee Graham


“That was so exciting I think we’ll do 9 or 10 ballads.” ~ Syd Straw, after an enthusiastic introduction by uber-fan Beatle Bob.


“Do you know why they call it football? Because you play it with your feet. That game you play should be called running around and catching.” ~ Billy Bragg


“I especially like these 4 ladies right here. They’re shaking their money-makers and making it easier for me.” ~ Paul Thorn


Me, to the woman sitting next to me at the airport lounge while waiting for my flight home: “Are you down here for the conference?”
Woman: “Yea, the renal physician’s conference.”


“This is a song about the first band that I was in. It was called the Nuns. We sucked.” ~ Alejandro Escovedo.


“It’s great to be back at the Toronto film festival. I think it’s the best one yet.” ~ Chuck Prophet.


Me: “What kind of ales do you have?”
Bartender (after an extended blank look): “Well, we’ve got sam adams lager.”


“Stick around for whoever’s next.” ~ Andre Williams


“Jon Dee, you sure are a mother-fucker.” ~ the waitress who brought me my beer at the front of the stage as Jon Dee lit up a blistering solo.


“I love Twangville!” ~ first response from a Los Angeles publicist when we were introduced. Ah shucks.


About the author:  Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.


Filed Under: SXSW Tagged With: Alejandro Escovedo, Andre Williams, Austin, Billy Bragg, Chuck Prophet, Jon Dee Graham, Langhorne Slim, Lionel Richie, Paul Thorn, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, SXSW, Syd Straw

Friends of Twangville

Polls

What is your favorite new release for week of May 23?

  • Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ – Room On The Porch (50%, 9 Votes)
  • SteelDrivers – Outrun (17%, 3 Votes)
  • Silverado – Texas 42 (11%, 2 Votes)
  • Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane – Double Takes (6%, 1 Votes)
  • Andy Frasco & The UN – Growing Pains (6%, 1 Votes)
  • Ken Pomeroy – Cruel Joke (6%, 1 Votes)
  • Marc Ribot – Map of a Blue City (6%, 1 Votes)
  • Evan Bartels – To Make You Cry (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Jeffery Broussard & the Nighttime Syndicate – Bayou Moonlight (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Amble – Reverie (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Florry – Sounds Like… (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Jess Kerber – From Way Down Here (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 18

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