So, you didn’t make it down to South by Southwest this year. Neither did I. Didn’t miss the long lines half as much as the warm weather, either. But if you’re looking for a taste of the music you missed, www.sxsw.com has graciously compiled downloads of most of the hundreds of artists who played. Here are a few tracks from artists I might have checked out if I’d gone.
Low Skies, “Sweet Young Girls”
Americana like Las Vegas Story Gun Club with just a hint of Nick Cave in the gothic gloom that pervades this mournful ode to, uh, one young girl who wasn’t so sweet to our tormented narrator. From the Chicago band’s new All the Love I Could Find (Flameshovel). Believe the hype.
Curt Kirkwood, “Beautiful Weapon”
Former Meat Puppet Curt Kirkwood never should have tried to get the band back together. It was a mistake. He makes up for it here. It’s one of his more beautifully hurt songs on Snow (Little Dog).
The Post Office Gals, “Good I’m Glad”
A crazed screamo pro-metal mess with as much organ as guitar and a sweet little mean streak. It’s too punk for punk and not metal enough for metal, but it does leave you wanting more. It’s also the shortest song title on the New Jersey band’s new The Post Office Gals (On the Rise).
The Reputation, “Face It”
It was a shame when Sarge called it quits. But singer-songwriter Elizabeth Elmore needed a more muscular, driving band to offset her gorgeous, wounded vocals. So if you haven’t discovered the punkishly pop (not pop-punk) Reputation yet, here’s your chance. Then get the album, To Force a Fate (Lookout!).
On the Web
South By Southwest: http://www.sxsw.com/
