My Morning Headache

Friday Afternoon

I got out of the shower at 11:25 to see a text message from Gus telling me that everyone is eating at Freebird's. After eating that delicious standing-around-watching-live-music-fuel of a burrito, we were off. Amanda and Mike headed to the ACL studios to see The Stooges while Gus and I headed downtown. We went to Emo's so we could catch Fujiya & Miyagi and Girl Talk who were both playing later in the afternoon.

We walked in to see Marnie Stern playing. It was one of the strangest things I have ever seen. She was playing backing tracks off an iPod attached to her belt while screaming into a mic and playing guitar. She used the two handed hammer on method to play every single song. It was like watching an automobile accent. We couldn't look away, no matter how annoying it got.


Next, we headed outside to see The Ponys. God they sucked. They were way too loud, which didn't help. It's just that they were really generic, loud rock.

By this time, it was so crowded that they weren't letting people move from outside stage to the inside stage. I decided that I better get in line if I'm going to have a chance to see Fujiya & Miyagi. In the middle of the Beach House set, I finally made it in. The band was OK, but really slow and boring. The crowd loved it though, and I realized that the room was crowded because of Beach House, not Fujiya & Miyagi.

Everyone left after Beach House and the room was suddenly empty. I texted Gus to let him know he should come in. By the time he showed up it was packed again. Apparently there was a huge line to get in from the outside stage. Why the hell did they put Fujiya & Miyagi on the outside stage? Don't they have a hugely popular album out now? Whatever.


The set they played was almost exactly the same as the set they played at the KEXP show. I actually think KEXP was a better show. But that doesn't mean that this wasn't worth the money, being free and all.

We were completely worn out and decided to sit in the stands by the outside stage. Menomena was on. I wasn't paying that much attention, but they sounded really good. I'll have to check them out for real sometime. Also, these are the awesomest bartenders anywhere. Just look at that facial hair! Only at Emo's.


The dude with the hat even gave me a free beer. May I just point out that Emo's is the best venue in Austin. Great bands, cheap beer, perfect location (hell, it's the cornerstone of the Red River hipster/punk clubs), and a great punk rock ambiance. Wait, did I say Austin? This may be the best venue in the world.

Up next, Girl Talk. I already mentioned his showcase in an earlier post. This day show was good, but no where near as awesome as the showcase. By the way, if you have the means, see this man perform.



Gus and Amanda wanted to go to see the Beirut KEXP show, so we left. We went to grab some grub first. I had my first Bestworst. I have no idea why I've never had one of these before. It was awesome. While I still prefer Hoek's pizza, bestworst is awesome. It must have a big reputation too since I saw Ace of Cakes himself, Duff Goldman, in line to grab a brat. I should have gotten a picture with him, but for some reason I was too embarrassed.

On the way to grab the bestworst, I actually noticed a sign for Maritime playing a free show at Pure. I decided to go there instead of Beirut. I never regretted that decision.

As you can see, it was only Davie and Erik playing. There was no drum set, there was no bass, just two guys with two guitars. I felt privileged to experience a show like this. How often do you get to stumble upon an acoustic set from one of your favorite bands? Pretty fucking sweet, right?

posted by Ruhmann @ 3/18/2007 08:06:00 PM