SXSW 2014: Post-mortem

I didn't write this but he hit the nail on the head re: "journalists" and the all the whining about SXSW:

"In 2014 there seems to be a consistent theme as I move from site to site, piece to piece.  For every excited review of a life-affirming new discovery, there are tales of self-imposed misery from journalists and music industry heads overwhelmed by the whole SXSW experience.  For the latter, I have a few words to share.  In short – you are failing us."

The whole thing is worth a read.

Get in Line Ahead of Me – A SXSW Editorial

SXSW 2014: Wrapup

Best in Show (non-Willie category): Lucius.  Mesmerizing. Must-see again.

Much better live than expected: Ages and Ages

Most likely to succeed: Jamestown Revival

Overenders Award: Lukas Nelson

Underenders Award: Clear Plastic Masks

Most provocative outfit: Nikki Lane

Best tribute to SXSW victims: Sons of Fathers

The rundown:

(p)=part of the set

Wednesday

@Lambert's
Spanish Gold

@Gingerman
Future Monarchs

@Mellow Johnny's
Hurray for the Riff Raff

@Brew Exchange
The Griswalds
Black Taxi

@Mellow Johnny's
Yellow Ostrich

@Austin Ale House
Della Mae

@Dogwood
Ian Moore (p)
Billy Joe Shaver

@Haven
Glass Animals
Kins
Jamestown Revival

Thursday

@Heartbreaker Banquet
Insects vs. Robots (Jam in the Van)
Sons of Fathers
Elle King
Wild Feathers
Nikki Lane
Clear Plastic Masks
Felice Brothers
Lucius
J. Roddy Walston
Shovels and Rope
Lukas Nelson
Willie Nelson & Family

Friday

@Home Slice
Gossling

@Frontgate
St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Syd Arthur

@Home Slice
Little Hurricane
sivu (p)

@San Jose
Hooray for the Riff Raff (p)

@Yard Dog
Lydia Loveless (p)

@St. Vincent de Paul
John Fullbright
The Mastersons
My Jerusalem
Washed Out (p from Town Lake)

Saturday

@Home Slice
Snapping Chowsky

@San Jose
The Districts

(T.Hardy Morris playing Home Slice but we were outside talking)

@Snack Bar
San Saba County

@San Jose
San Fermin

@St. Vincent de Paul
Roxy Roca
Sarah Borges
Drivin' and Cryin'

@Home Slice
Ages and Ages
The Octopus Project

SXSW 2014: Wednesday

Here's what I'm thinking for tomorrow's shows:  mainly stay around the West side: Lamberts, Mellow Johnny's, Dogwood, Gingerman, Waterloo during the day.  Parish/Haven/Tap Room at night.

If I get motivated I may head to the Four Seasons for the KUTX shows: Typhoon at 9 and Rodney Crowell at 10.

At noon is the C3 day party at Lambert's but they don't have the set times listed so I'm not sure which band will start.  We may have to walk over to see the list.  San Fermin is listed first.

Here is my day schedule.  I have the shows at Weather Up listed but I doubt I'll get over there.

As for the night shows, I'd say there are three options depending on what you think.  Here's the link to the bands by venue

One option is the Parish which is mostly electronic indie pop:  Claire,  Parade of Lights, the Kooks, Lemaitre.

Another option if we can get in is the KCRW show at Haven.  Glass Animals, Kins, Jamestown Revival, Sam Smith

The third option is the Americana/alt-country/folk showcase by Single Lock Records: Dan Dyer, Donnie Fritts, the Bear, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, etc.  It's at the Tap Room.

SXSW 2014: San Fermin

Also playing at San Jose Saturday is this orchestral pop band started by a Yale graduate.  Here's the whole story.    In that article/interview he mentions comparisons to Sufjan Stevens, The National, Dirty Projectors, as well as Paul Simon and the Beatles "Abbey Road".  Quite a mix.  Could be interesting.

Sonsick

SXSW 2014: Cody ChestnuTT

Also on Saturday is SxSanJose, which always has good bands.  Syd Arthur, The Districts, and this soul singer from Atlanta.  He's compared to Al Green but this song reminds me of Marvin Gaye.  He also has a song out featuring Gary Clark, Jr.  Maybe he'll be there.

That's Still Mama