SXSW
- Good for Kids:
- No
3 reviews for SXSW
I think that in reviewing SXSW, one need to separate all of the non-SXSW events that go along with it. If you couldn't get into this party or that bbq, it's often not the fault of the festival. While these things can add or take away from the experience, it is important to review the official functions that go along with any or all of the music, film, interactive portions of the festival. This may include events that are at the convention center, a crap bar used only for the week of the festival as a music venue, or a theatre like the Paramount or Alamo Ritz.
All of that being said, and this being my 14th. SXSW, I have to say I had a great time. The lines seemed a little shorter, the volunteers a bit cooler and the music acts well chosen. Sure there are venues that should never host live music (The Wave rooftop anyone?) But there are others you had a great time that you might not enter the other 51 weeks of the year such as Rusty Spur, that had a nice staff and provided a intimate venue to see Echo & The Bunnymen.
Well...only 50 weeks until SWSW 2010 begins...time to get ready.
SXSW, I visited a few times, only to be taunted while standing in ridiculously long lines by asshole SXSW staff because I couldn't afford overpriced badges.
If I'm lucky, I can see a good show, but in general, it's just the same crap shit year after year, because I can't pay $500+ for a badge.
Oh, a wristband you say? Hah! You get to stand in the line next to me while SXSW staffers laugh at you and tell you you're not getting in, while rich bastards with badges walk in and out as they please.
Going along with the SXSW 2008 review, here is my SXSW 2009 recap:
Monday:
Woke up at 7:45 am to go wait in line at Waterloo Records to snag tickets to the IFC/Crossroads Party at Pangaea featuring The Decemberists and Gomez. Arrive at 8:15 am to see a ridiculously long line snaking around the back of the store. Some bastards with badges kept on cutting in front of us so we verbally berated them for awhile. Luckily we were just under the 215 person mark and got tickets. =)
Tuesday:
Happy Hour at 219 West
IFC/Crossroads Party at Pangaea w/ The Decemberists and Gomez. Open Bar too! One of our friends fainted in line! No Joke!
Wednesday:
Caught Fol Chen, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, & Vivian Girls at Red Seven (Terrorbird Day Party)
Waited for two hours at the Central Presbyterian Church and didn't get in because the inept cuntwads organizing the event didn't let people in until TEN minutes before start time. By then every badge/wristband in town was in line for a 300 spot venue. (Note: During this two hour wait they reassured us about 20 times that everyone was getting in.)
So instead we walked over to Cedar St and had a blast with the Spazmatics. =)
Thursday:
Didn't get to 6th St until 3 PM and saw the murderous lines at the Radio Room and NPR day shows. Intimidated, we walked over to the Mohawk and made it in to the dayshow there for Glasvegas and Trail of the Dead. Open Bar too!
After chugging down as many free beers as possible, we had us some Mamboberry frozen yogurt. yum.
Waited in line for two hours at Stubb's to snag front row center spots for 3oh3, Gomez, Andrew Bird, and Ben Harper.. it was quite the religious experience.
This night was only made possible by 5 HR Energy Drink.
Friday:
As usual going on three hours of sleep, showed up at Emo's for their dayshow featuring Little Boots, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, School of Seven Bells, Dirty Projects, and A-Trak/Diplo.
Grabbed a bite at Jackalope (don't ever go here unless you want snot from the cook all over your burger and fries)
Headed over to Cedar St to catch White Lies and grab some free Onitsuka Tiger merch.
Was planning on waiting in line to catch the BlackBerry sponsored show of Peter Bjorn, Dinosaur Jr and Grizzly Bear but space was so limited it turned into a badge only event.
Went home to catch some zzz's.
Woke up at 11 pm, caught the bus back downtown just in time for the night show at Maggie Mae's featuring Esser and Au Revoir Simone.
Saturday:
Woke up to see an invite to the secretive Perez Hilton Party!
Danced a little jig around the apt.
Took a taxi to the abandoned Safeway off of I-35 and 12th housing the party. (the Playboy party was here on Thursday night)
Realizing we arrived too early, we snagged some drinks at Primizie Osteria for 30 mins.
Entrance into the party. Open Bar with Tito's Vodka.
Lineup for the party - Margaret Cho, Indigo Girls, Ladyhawke (wow), Thunderheist, Natalie Portmans Shaved Head (energetic), Solange (polished), Little Boots (amazing), Rye Rye
AND then Kid Cudi shows up and sings Day & Night with Little Boots. (!!)
AND then fuckin Kanye West shows up and does a 30 minute set. (!!!!)
At this point I could die happy but the show is finished off by Yelle, who was amazing.
The show lasted from 7 pm to 4 am. One of the most epic shows I've ever been to.
Somehow, some way, this SXSW managed to outdo 2008. Can't wait for ACL and then SXSW 2010! =)