My Morning Headache

Wednesday Showcases

Did someone say something about "more vocal in the monitor"?!? That's right, it's that time of the year. Terrible PAs mixed with picky vocalists always seems to be the formula for SXSW. The first showcase I saw at SXSW, The Comas, included two singers complaining about the lack of their vocals in their monitor. Good times.
After that, Gus and I went to check out Best Fwends. Gus really inspired me with this quote: "They're like a live youtube video!". Well, I posted it here. That's right, we saw it live, you can see it on youtube. Also, check out the pic (they actually had three "fwends" holding up that backdrop).

After that, we headed to Emo's because Gus wanted to check out Beirut and Blond Redhead. LINES! EVERYWHERE! Gus was not getting in. Unfortunately, it took Amanda and I a while to realize this. The lines were so bad that when I left, the bouncer grabbed me to warn me that the line was too long and I wouldn't be getting back in (despite my badge). I still continued so that I could grab Gus and go to Mugshots. The best bar downtown did a great job at replenishing my energy. Eventually we all left the bar. Amanda was tired and went home, but Gus and I went to Stubb's.

Holy fuck.

And I'm not talking about that band.

Around 11pm, there was a line for Stubb's that went to the end of the block, and it was all badges. I've never seen that. And this was on a Wednesday. About 20% of the badge holders aren't even n town yet!

When I reminded Gus that Rob Crow was playing at Mohawk, we headed there immediately.


The guitarist looked completely stoned, the basist played the whole set whith his eyes closed, the keyboardist looked like he didn't give a shit, and some drunk idiot kept requesting Pinback songs, but the show was still great. I really expected a lot from Rob, and I think he delivered. It's rare that I hype a show for myself and it delivers (like this one did). Congrats Rob, welcome to solo-ville!

After that, I went to see MxPx by myself. It was fun hearing some of the songs that I grew up on. I also learned that Spiro's needs to learn how to handle pop/punk bands if they want to continue to be a part of SXSW. A lot of young fans got unfairly booted from the venue for their moshing antics. While I don't know exactly what these youngsters did to deserve this manhadling by the Spiro's bouncers, to me it seemed like some folks may have been treated unfairly. But to be honest, I still had a good time... with zero direct run-ins with bouncers.

posted by Ruhmann @ 3/15/2007 04:02:00 AM