Friday at SXSW kicked off in style with a great day party hosted by Insound at Club De Ville. Obits opened the day with an impressively scorching set, followed by one of my favorite bands, The Handsome Furs, who’s energy and chemistry did not disappoint. I had yet to see them live so was thrilled to get up close and personal with them at such a great venue. (Loved Alexei Perry’s leopard print jumpsuit too.) American Analog Set followed but they were a bit too quiet to be appreciated with a crowd in the full throws of an all you can drink PBR pint party, so off I headed to the Spin private event at Stubbs.
At the Spin party, which was a blast, I caught The Black Lips – who lived up to their infamous stage performance reputation — Glasvegas and the seminal band of the 80s Echo and The Bunnymen. Ian McCulloch’s voice was amazing and the band’s performance was one of my highlights of the festival for me. Between sets we were entertained by the likes of The Crystal Method and NASA. A great show all around! Thanks Spin!
Without missing a beat, we headed to the TopSpin party to see White Denim crush it. If you don’t know this band already, you are missing out. Exposion is my favorite album of 2008 and they are absolutely incredible live. Whew, okay. I’m a good nine bands in and we haven’t even gotten to the official SXSW schedule yet!
The evening kicked off with Alberta Cross. Man, these guys are good. Really, really good. One of the SXSW sleepers, in my opinion. Loney Dear was up next with a lackluster performance, but all was redeemed when we made it to Emo’s Jr. for King Kahn & The Shrines. Holy crap! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like them. Absolutely and completely crazy live performers. People were hanging from the rafters, taking off their pants, moshing and giving puja to the holy Hindu, King Kahn. I didn’t think the night could get any better until we ended up at the mother of all after parties to see Starf**ker. My new favorite band. I loooovve them!
Listen to Handsome Furs “I’m Confused”
Listen to The Black Lips, “O Katrina”
Listen to Echo & The Bunnymen, “Killing Moon”
Listen to Glasvegas, “Geraldine”
Listen to White Denim, “Shake Shake Shake”
Listen to Alberta Cross, “The Thief and The Heartbreaker”
Listen to King Khan & The Shrines, “No Regrets”
Listen to Starf**ker, “Iaadeedaa”
- The Handsome Furs at Club De Ville
Glasvegas at Stubbs
The Black Lips at Stubbs
At the Spin party. Music, hipsters and free beer - oh my!
Echo & The Bunnymen at Stubbs
Alberta Cross at Rusty Spurs
The Legendary King Kahn enjoying a well deserved drink after his performance at Emos Jr.
Starf**ker Rules!
Hanging with The Black Lips frontman.
the OCMD 