SXSW 2008: Right around the corner

I've been doing endless research and planning for the looming sxsw weekend. It's overwhelming - listening to bands on myspace, reading blogs, following pathways to find those secret parties and free shows. whew.
Like with most things, in the end, you just have to leave all the researching and scheduling aside, trust that you know what you're doing and go with the flow.

Even with all that research, until today I hadn't gotten super excited about anything. I stumbled onto a Carbon/Silicon track and I was like, whoa who are these guys?! Yeah, duh. I was hoping to have discovered some new kids. But no, big surprise - I like the Mick Jones' and Tony James' collaboration. It's funny, it's just it sounded like it was recorded on GarageBand or something, so I didn't assume big things. More research needs to be done - but I wonder if they'll record something more polished.

Another one that's not a big surprise as far as what I'm typically drawn to, but at least not already (or ever will be) a "rock legend" is Jeffery Lewis. Not for everyone. Probably not for most. He designed the cover for the Moldy Peaches, and he sounds like Adam Green. Sometimes Daniel Johnston without mental illness comes across as superficial and pretentious, but I think I might like him. He just released "12 Crass Songs" which I thought was maybe just lewd songs, but it's covers of Crass songs. I'm curious.

And then there's my guilty pleasure. MGMT. I can't help it - they're so ridiculously ablaze in watered down Vice magazine hipness and youth. Plus the singer is daarrreamy and is so often found without his shirt. yeow!

For reference, here are some sxsw blogs, tools, etc.:
Schedule
Gorillia vs. Bear Day Party
The Austinist
Detour Magazine
Austin Showlist
Done Waiting

Oh and holy fuck, please don't forget about Rachel Ray's Showcase. I'm planning on being there. The Ettes are playing. Pleaaase let there be cleverly named snacks. Puhleeeez.

What do I get?

I happened upon them at the right place at the right time. I needed someone to sing to me that it was okay to want to wanna be in love. And to complain about not getting it. And to do so (want/complain) in a loud and fast, unyielding, penetrating, upfront way.

They're melodic, but biting and snide. Energetic, but not angry. Funny but still anguished. Intense but easy to listen to. -In my opinion, the Buzzcocks are one of the best punk bands ever. Unfortunately I wonder if they might be one of the most influential too.

I work with this precious dweeby-indie eighteen year old and he was complaining that he hated Pearl Jam because they influenced all these other bands that he really hates. Yeah, maybe without the Buzzcocks maybe there wouldn't be obnoxious San Diego brats whining about not getting laid with droopy drawers and their ball caps cocked to the side. (don't get me started) But there probably wouldn't be the Smoking Popes, Red Kross or (haha) Magazine either.

I was lucky enough to see the Buzzcocks play on Friday (thanks Mac!), and they absolutely tore it up. Smiling sweaty loud fun fun fun! I have to admit I was a little worried it might be a little on the depressing side. But they were sooo great One thing about every reunion show I've been to -bands wouldn't still be doing it if they didn't enjoy it, and they have little to prove, other than that they still enjoy it.