I’d like to say that Escovedo is the elder statesman of SXSW, which he undoubtedly is, but it really doesn’t do him justice. He rocked SXSW as hard, arguably harder, than musicians a fraction of his age. I caught him three times through the week, each appearance unique. The stand-out was a small gathering to hear Escovedo talk about and preview tracks from his forthcoming album. He shared tremendous insight into his career and songs and certainly whet my appetite for the new release. Later that day he and his band brought the rock show to the parking lot of the San Jose Hotel. And as for the third…
The Shit Hits the Fans – The Replacements Tribute
Part of SXSW’s beauty is the number of artists that converge on Austin and the collaborations that result. Austin rock band English Teeth organized an incredible tribute to the ‘Mats and kicked it off in spectacular fashion with Tommy Stinson. What followed was a calvalcade of great performances by the likes of Chuck Prophet (“Can’t Hardly Wait” – with horns!), Kelly Willis (“Skyway”), Ian Moore (“Left of the Dial”), and Britt Daniel (“Alex Chilton” and “Sadly Beautiful”). Then Alejandro Escovedo closed the show with an incendiary version of “Bastards of Young”, which he introduced by saying “This is interesting because they’ve asked the oldest guy in the room to sing a song about youth.”
Tommy Stinson made an appearance at English Teeth’s tribute to The Replacements so it was only appropriate that they returned the favor, right? Sure ‘nuf, the group turned up at Stinson’s Sunday night set and, well, turned it up. What a treat to see Stinson and company rocking out to songs from his illustrious post-’Mats career.
This was an unexpected surprise – seeing Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws do a solo acoustic set at a small East Austin club. Acoustic versions of his intelligent power pop are always welcome and on this night he closed with an incredible one-two punch. First, the premiere of a new song planned for the next Nada Surf album (loved it) and the classic band anthem “Always Love”.
Nashville’s The Hawtthorns have just released a stellar new album and it was a real treat to hear them perform a few of the new ones on Friday afternoon. The warmth of singer KP Hawthorn’s voice and the tasteful playing of guitarist Johnny Hawthorn brought the songs to life in fine fashion.
I’m proud to say that the last set that I saw in Austin was Lucero’s Ben Nichols. True to form, the acoustic set was loose and freewheeling. Nichols took requests and did a special trilogy of songs that were featured in projects by his filmmaker brother, who was in attendance at the show.
Austin’s Restos have quickly become a favorite with their anthemic rock and roll. Caught ‘em twice during the week. First it was their official showcase at the Continental Club. Then, to close out the week, they performed at an outdoor stage behind C-Boys Heart & Soul where even the rain couldn’t damper their spirited performance.
One rule of SXSW is to close out the night with something loud or at least high energy. UK teen quartet Noah and Loners delivered on both counts. Their combination of angst-filled punk songs and a furious live show was the perfect way to close out Thursday’s festivities. Think a mix of the Sex Pistols and early Green Day.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.