SXSW 2007: Recap

Despite being extremely busy and slightly stressed out for a good part of the week, this was by far the most enjoyable SXSW we've ever experienced. Being tied to our own parties all day had its rewards, and while I'm sure I missed a ton of great bands, I was able to meet and hang out with some of the coolest people ever and witness some of the best performances I've ever seen. Here are the highlights of one of the most exhausting and fulfilling weeks we've had in a long time, in no particular order:


White Denim

White Denim at Hot Freaks
I think I speak for everyone that was packed into the Mohawk's tiny inside room when I say that this performance was nothing short of mind-blowing. The band was impossibly tight and loose at the same time, and the energy in the tight space was pretty incredible. Everyone in the room had a huge smile on their face the entire time, and I heard about 20 post-set "Who the fuck were those guys?" comments.


Tim (and Julie) of the Polyphonic Spree

The Polyphonic Spree at Hot Freaks
By the time the Polyphonic Spree took the stage for their headlining slot at Hot Freaks, Club Deville was filled to capacity and there was a line down the block. The anticipation was pretty intense, and the Spree didn't disappoint. It's no secret that I love these guys, and the band's chill-inducing new material reminds me of the first time I saw Tripping Daisy, which means everything (to me, anyway). Oh, and drummer Brian Teasley is officially insane. (read Pitchfork's review of the show)


Spank Rock + Marina of Bonde Do Role

Spank Rock/Bonde Do Role at NASA
My only complaint (which was shared with 100% of attendees, as well as the artists) is that these sets were far too short. But the performances were electric, and we didn't stop dancing the entire time.


Kelly + Ivan of the Rosebuds

The Rosebuds at Hot Freaks
See Mr. Chromewaves' review of this show, which he described perfectly as "overflowing buckets of fun." The band's new stuff sounded amazing, and the older material prompted a mass sing-along, which was one of the best things we heard all week. About midway through the Rosebuds' set, it dawned on me that these guys are the most underrated band in America.



Ola Podrida at gorilla vs. booze
We've been dying to see David Wingo and crew for a long time, and they met and exceeded our expectations. I can't wait for people to hear their outstanding self-titled debut, which comes out this spring on Plug Research.

Ola Podrida Cindy mp3



Alela Diane at Big Orange (Daytrotter Session)
Oh my. All I can really say about this one is this: wait until you hear the recording. I have no idea when the incredibly awesome Daytrotter guys are going to post mp3s of the session, but aside from Big Orange's resident rooster crowing every few minutes, the session was flawless.


St. Vincent at Hot Freaks

Other great sets we caught included St. Vincent, the Rapture, the Shivers, Menomena (more on their Dallas show later), the Dirty Projectors, Flosstradamus and A-Trak, the Pipettes at the Pitchfork party, Peter and the Wolf (twice), Sparrow House, Apostle of Hustle, Simian Mobile Disco, Architecture in Helsinki, Imperial Teen, Prototypes, Dana Falconberry, Shout Out Out Out Out, Walter Meego, Shearwater, and more that we're too tired to recall right now. The only disappointment of the fest was that the IHEARTCOMIX Blowout (which we invited about 20 friends to) got busted by the cops a little prematurely, but even that was kind of fun.

We also ran into each of the following bloggers at some point during our stay in Austin (seriously), and they were all extremely nice and not even remotely nerdy, so make sure to check these fine establishments for their takes on the week:

Brooklyn Vegan, Central Village, My Old Kentucky Blog, Out the Other, You Ain't No Picasso, Cause=Time, Aquarium Drunkard, Muzzle of Bees, Chromewaves, Dd, Scenestars, Rock Insider, Music for Robots, Largehearted Boy, Underrated, I Rock I Roll, Kathryn Yu, Stereogum, Spinner, KEXP, Idolator, Pitchfork

Click the read more link for more photos and an abundance of mp3s from a few of the notable bands we can wholeheartedly recommend thanks to their SXSW performances...


The Polyphonic Spree at Hot Freaks


White Denim at Hot Freaks


Apostle of Hustle at Hot Freaks


DJ $elect at Hot Freaks


Fatlip


Brian Teasley of the Polyphonic Spree


Prototypes at Hot Freaks


White Denim at Hot Freaks


Sober at Hot Freaks

mp3s:
Alela Diane Pieces of String
Prototypes Je Ne Te Connais Pas
The Shivers Beauty
Shout Out Out Out Out Dude You Feel Electrical
The Rosebuds Get Up Get Out
Walter Meego Romantic
Bishop Allen Corazon