----- Day Shows ------
Air Traffic - Apple Bar
I'm not sure the band were old enough (collectively) to get into the bar they were playing at this day show. I didn't find all that much to write home about but I'd still bet that the NME will be singing their praises within 6 months and not just cos they look like a modern day menswe@r sans suits.
Maritime - Emo's Jr
I was never much of a Promise Ring fan but anyone that makes catchy powerpop is alright in my book. I wish we'd gotten here perhaps twenty minutes earlier to catch Amy Millan instead though.
Tokyo Police Club - Emo's Main
Alright well they're young, Canadian and a bundle of energy but I don't exactly understand the hype on this one. Perhaps I'm more confused by their appearance on Memphis Industries than the hype in general.
----- Evening Shows ------
Stax 50th Anniversary Revue - Antone's
The second I heard about this showcase, I knew I'd have to do whatever it took to get in the door and within a sight line of Booker T and the MGs. Luckily that was only an hour and a half in line and some patience.
There will probably be someone in the audience who will write a thesis on this gig alone, so whatever I say here will not do it justice. Regardless, it was absolutely magical to be in the presence of such greatness. Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn alone could bring a tear out of a granite statue, but combined with Eddie Floyd, William Bell and Isaac Hayes... my knees were weak. The MGs warmed up the set with all their old favorites and the crowd was dancin' in the palm of their hands within minutes. By the time William Bell took the stage, they had gone through all the MG classics "Jelly Bread, "Mo' Onions", "Home Grown" and of course, "Green Onions". I'm guessing that was about an hour (time did seem to stand still).
I wish I remembered what William Bell started off with but I'm sure an actual journalist will beat me to a setlist. The highlight of William's set was far and away "Private Number" (originally sung with Judy Clay but he sang both parts tonight as Judy died in the 70s.) A class act all the way in his pinstripe suit and two tone patten leather shoes, he was the embodiment of the soul ballader.
After only a few short songs though, William left the stage and Eddie Floyd took his place... kicking it all off again with an AMAZING rendition of Sam & Dave's classic "Soul Man". I've got to pause here and note that absolute respect was paid to every Stax artist who has passed on over the years and all the greats that the group had a chance to work with over the years. Eddie took on another cover after "Soul Man", this time the Wilson Pickett classic (that he had Steve had originally written) "634-5789"... that was about twice the tempo and energy level as the original recordings. No more covers tho as the MG's started into "Knock On Wood" and Eddie was quickly winkin' and smilin' at every girl in the building.
There may have been one or two more songs before the crescendo... Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" with vocals by Steve Cropper, Isaac Hayes, Eddie and William trading off, obviously dedicated to Otis. I think the crowd would have accepted that as the end but the MGs would never leave the stage without a high note so Eddie Floyd hung out to send us off with the great Otis Redding classic "I Can't Turn You Loose" before leaving the stage to raucous applause and tears in the eyes of the people who experienced this magic for the first time and those that finally had an opportunity to hear it all again.
Even now, 12 hours later it brings a tear to my eye. No matter what else happens this week, year, decade... I doubt I could ever experience a show as magical again. For almost an hour after this show I walked around the streets of Austin unable to regain my wits because my brain just couldn't process everything I had just witnessed. The absolute, hands-down, highlight of the festival, month, and YEAR.
Foals - The Rio
I couldn't keep wandering around like an idiot so I eventually happened into the BBC6 showcase at The Rio. Thirty seconds of Foals later and I was back out the door. Good lord, my ears are probably still ringing from the unnecessary screechiness. At least they woke me up from the dream I had been in before I walked in the door.
Small Sins - Antone's
This was MUCH MORE like it. I was not really familiar with Toronto's Small Sins before but they were fantastic tonight and much more up my alley than Foals. Absolutely tight despite a small time screw up that had them finish, start to take down their gear and then have to set it back up again quickly. I definitely need to hear some more Small Sins, I see them having fantastic potential here in the US.
Sondre Lerche - Antone's
A-Dorable. Absolutely A-Dorable. I didn't stay long since I'll have the pleasure of Sondre's company again in a few weeks but he was too cute for words. Despite the crowd being more into the older material I thought the new songs from 'Phantom Punch' came off like a charm, especially "Airport Taxi Reception". I have my theories on Sondre but more on that later...
Moi Caprice - Uncle Flirty's Loft
I really warmed to Moi Caprice on record over the past few weeks during my SxSW warmup. While their songs were spot on to the recordings, something was a little lacking here. The band were a little over-eager perhaps? I know this is a nerve-wracking experience for anyone trying to get their foot in the door, but I don't know that the eyeliner and Interpol costumes were helping. I'd much rather see a band relax on stage and completely be themselves. Wow me with the music not the kitsch. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad at all but I was left wanting a bit more. I did LOVE "I Hate the Place I Go, But I Go There To See You" though...
Land of Talk - Maggie Mae's
After wandering here and there in an attempt to get into anything at the 11/11:30 time slot we settled on the last few songs from Land of Talk at the Montreal night at Maggie Mae's. Perfectly acceptable indierock but nothing that blew me away. I am still trying to put my finger on who the female lead singer's voice reminds me of.
Mando Diao - Dirty Dog Bar
Bo-ring. We stayed for almost the entire set anyway cos we were too tired of chugging drinks and running between venues. But still totally Bo-ring.
The Bird and the Bee - Opal Divine's
I've been listening to the debut record from The Bird and the Bee quite a bit over the past few weeks... but the live show just sold me. This show could have gone two different ways... totally manufactured and sterile OR sincerely kitsch and charming. Just in case the two backing singers didn't sell us, I'm so glad to say that Inara George is absolutely f#cking charming, as was the entirety of The Bird and the Bee. Think Lily Banquette (ala Combustible Edison) mashed up with lounge tinted electronica. Keep a lookout for them as they head out of Austin today to go on tour with Lily Allen.
