sxsw ketchup

Here’s a quick-hit recap of my last two days in Austin, including a case for why you need to see Ponytail right now. Oh, and again, lots of pictures here.

FRIDAY

High Places @ Pitchfork: We know that I am a mega-fan already, so suffice it say that I thought they were out-of-control rad. And non-album track “Oceanus” is absolutely going to be their broader breakthrough — could be such a hit! Also of interest: I saw a number of big industry “names” there checking ‘em out, which is awesome because they deserve to be rich!

Lykke Li @ Pitchfork: Was just okay. She had her moments, but I wasn’t feeling the stripped sound (lineup was keys, Lykke, drummer, acoustic guitar). Just wasn’t hitting me at that moment, but the next day was much better.

No Age @ Pitchfork: I’ve actively avoided seeing No Age for the past year; I just don’t find them all that special. They were fine. Totally in my wheelhouse, but I like other bands in the same genre better. Note: “Neck Escaper” is still a phenomenal song, though.

Interview with Matt Pinfield for Direct TV: I still can only half-remember this, except Pinfield was extraordinarily kind/thoughtful/smart. I talked about Dizzee Rascal and eMusic Selects for about two or three minutes, and I don’t think I made too much a fool of myself (I still haven’t seen it).

Day for Night NPR Session: This happened concurrently with my Direct TV thing, but there’s a very cool video posted online today that I wanted to share. The song they’re playing is a stripped version of a new tune called “Settle Up.”

Day for Night at the Austin Convention Center from Peter Babb on Vimeo.

Santogold @ Stubb’s: This was #1 on my list of shows to see, and while I wasn’t blown away, I wasn’t disappointed either. Santogold is a wonderful live performer — her Public Enemy-inspired backup dancers were great, and the Diplo-as-her-DJ star power thing totally worked, too — and she’s also a great songwriter (she worked with Lily Allen, Res, others), and those two things came together wonderfully. There’s so much potential in her that it’s sick.

Plants and Animals @ Maggie Mae’s: Such a great show. Kinda jammy, super powerful, just really outstanding through and through. I love this band. I talked to them for a while afterwards, and they were incredibly sweet and patient, even with my thousands of questions about the poncho. Kudos for that!

Kid Sister @ Emo’s: The night ended at the Kid Sister/Clipse show at Emo’s, which I was too exhausted to enjoy. However, it was here that Kali spotted Ice Cube in the crowd, and busted through his bodyguards to talk to him. She asked if he would pose for a picture with her, and he repeatedly refused. Not taking no for an answer, she finally convinced him to let her take a picture of just him. Below is the amazing result.

SATURDAY

Answering Machine @ Lucky Lounge: Alex and I got up early (like 11 am!!!) to check out the Answering Machine at some blogger party. They were… okay. My deep and undying love is well documented, and I just wasn’t knocked out. In person they are extremely cute and loveable, but the show felt a bit by the numbers. On the other hand, it was extremely early and everyone was sober. As I saw later in the day, a different context made a world of difference.

Lykke Li @ Club Deville: Much better than the day before. The crowd here was way into her, and I could sense she had more invested this go around as well, since it was the last of her NINE SHOWS IN TWO DAYS (WTF?). I’m a fan again.

Darondo @ Club Deville: Joe covered this already, but it was just okay.

Ponytail @ Mohawk: They are now one of my favorite bands. This show was even better than the earlier, Todd P one, and it ranks among the most liberating music experiences I have ever had. The music was just as tight, and Molly, the singer, was just as genuine/honest/free/out there as can be. It was amazing. We have an album on-site (that I like a lot), but seeing them live is definitely the way to go.

Answering Machine @ British Music Embassy: And finally SXSW closed with my second time seeing Answering Machine in one day. This show was much looser, with a friendlier (if overly douchey) crowd making a big difference. The new songs are strong, but still it’s “Lightbulbs” and “Silent Hotels” that lead the pack. Let’s hope for big things for these kids!