This song is about my deep hatred of pop culture. It’s called “Life is Beautiful.” ~ Paul Doucette of the Break and Repair Method This is a song about having a hard time living with someone. It was written by an ex-roommate of ours. ~ Ben Knox Miller of the Low Anthem introducing the song […]
SXSW 2009: The Video Companion
For more Twangville SXSW coverage click here.
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 3)
The Damnwells The Damnwells burst right out of the gate with the rocking “55 Pictures†from their exceptional new release. The set was electric as the band veered from brawny rockers to moody ballads. Almost as entertaining was the young girl – I’m guessing 4 years-old – who jumped on stage to join the band. […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 2)
The Right Ons The quintet from Madrid, Spain is like a party in a box. They’re well-studied students of the classic Detroit garage rock sound, with bits of Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone thrown in as well. They paid tribute to Stone with their intense cover of Sly’s “I Want to Take […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 1)
Low Anthem The Central Presbyterian Church, one of the more interesting SXSW venues, was the perfect room for the majestic songs of the Low Anthem. The talented trio moved swiftly through a range of instruments during the course of their set. It was completely captivating, albeit a bit ironic to hear songs about Charles Darwin […]
SXSW 2009: The Scene
If the economy is sick, then no one told the folks and attendees at SXSW. I, on the other hand, have a different story to tell. There’s nothing like attending a music conference with an ear ailment. Talk about a cruel, cruel irony. Not that I’m complaining. Like they say about golf or fishing, a […]
John’s Mega-Superior SXSW ’09 Show of the Year: The Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra
I’ve mentioned previously that one of the reasons I’ve been going to SXSW for 10 straight years (which is to say, 11 South-bys) now is in search of those only-at-South-by moments of pure magic. Of the magical South-by moments that I’ve been privileged to witness over the years, more than a few have involved the […]
John’s SXSW ’09 Showcase Highlights: Totally Michael
Having just had my mind expanded by Jaguar Love on the outside stage at the I Heart Comix showcase on Thursday night, I headed back inside Beauty Bar to discover that the set by Totally Michael, the artist I had arrived at the venue actually intending to see was already in progress. As it turned […]
John’s SXSW ’09 Day Party Highlights: The Wrens
I’m already on record as thinking that the Hold Steady are among the best live bands in the world. Well, I’m prepared to double down on that statement for the Wrens, who are happily back to performing live shows. This was the first of three sets the band was to play in Austin while on […]
John’s SXSW Showcase Highlights: Jaguar Love
OK, so you might be thinking to yourself, “What was with those prefatory remarks you made threatening to blow our minds with your picks, John? We’re with you so far.†Well, strap yourselves in, friends. From here on in, things get weird, and in the immortal words of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, “when the going […]