SXSW 2008 - Day 4

Day Shows

The final day of SXSW started with a trip to see the Flatstock show at the Austin Convention Center. There were a number of exhibitors with stylish and artful posters and prints on display and for sale. After checking out the art work, it was time to walk to the day party so it was off to the French Legation Museum for The Garden Party sponsored by Harp Magazine and Press Here. This was a nice outdoor show with a solid line-up and $1 PBR. The downside was the long lines for the bar and bathrooms. I think they mis-judged the number of people that would attend.

Lightspeed Champion (2:20pm) - This band led by Devonte Hynes also features vocalist Emmy the Great and mixes a variety of genres. They made for fine background music while I read my free Harp Magazine.

Sons & Daughters (3:00pm) - It was good to see the Glasgow band (pictured) again. Adele Bethel's strong vocals and Scott Paterson's guitar were impressive. The tracks off their new CD sound really solid live, and it was a treat to her them play the song Johnny Cash off their debut, Love the Cup.

J. Mascis (3:50pm) - Best known for his work with alt-rock pioneer, Dinosaur, Jr. It was nice to get to hear the legend play a solo show. His singing my not be as dynamic as it once was, but he still plays a mean guitar.

Thurston Moore (4:30pm) - Another solo show from an alt-rock legend. Moore is best known for his work with Sonic Youth.

She & Him (5:15pm) - This was a third offering of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel at SXSW 2008. I really enjoy their collaboration. Deschanel has written some fine songs and fits perfectly with M. Ward's lo-fi approach. I've since purchased the debut CD, Volume One, and recommend it.

Okkervil River (6:05pm) - I've yet to see a full set from this Austin band even though I'm a big fan. I saw them open for The Decemberists a few years ago and only caught the final two songs. The shows at The Garden Party day show had been running behind so G and I listened to a few songs before heading to get food and get in line for the first of the night shows. What I heard was great and maybe I'll be able to check their Dallas show in early April. Last year's CD, The Stage Names was one of my favorite releases of 2007.


Night Shows

Jacob Golden (St. David's Church, 8:00pm) - G and I were only in attendance so we could guarantee seats for the next 2 shows. The slow acoustic indie-folk almost put me to sleep.

M. Ward (St. David's Church, 9:00pm) - Since we arrived early, we were able to get seats in the front row right by where M. Ward was setup. This show was simply incredible. One highlight was Poison Cup from Ward's last CD, Post-War. Towards the end of the set, Jim James joined Ward. They played Ward songs and some My Morning Jacket songs. Video of Ward's Chinese Translation and My Morning Jacket's Golden courtesy of G.

Jim James (St. David's Church, 10:00pm) - Frontman for the indie rock group, My Morning Jacket continued after Ward departed. He even played some songs from the band's upcoming summer release.

Laura Gibson (The Thirsty Nickel, 11:00pm) - This Portland, OR indie-folk artist had the unfortunate luck of being stuck in this inappropriate venue. The stage was right near the street so street and bar noise drowned out some of her lovely songs. As the set continued I was able to get closer and really enjoyed what I heard. I picked up her latest release.

Kid Dakota (The Thirsty Nickel, 12:00am) - This guitar & drum duo from Minneapolis, MN played louder than Laura Gibson so they were able to overcome any extra noise problems. Their songs are pretty simplistic and have some odd phrasing, but I still found the music catchy so I picked up their latest CD.

British Sea Power (Maggie Mae's Rooftop, 1:00am) - For the final show of the festival, we walked down a few places to Maggie Mae's to take in the British indie rock band. I had not heard any of the band's new release, but was familiar with their previous work. It was enjoyable enough, but from where I was standing I was unable to even see the band.

And so ended another SXSW. It was a wonderful 4 days of music, both new and old. I look forward to next year's festival. More photos can be found here.

Best of the Day: M. Ward & Jim James

Best New Find of the Day: Laura Gibson