Devotchka @ ACL Moody Theater, SXSW, March 16, 2011

After seeing Devotchka at the Commodore, they quickly become one of my must-sees at SXSW.  Their set at the Commodore was very special so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a chance to see them again. They didn't disappoint me.  They had an additional musician with them for SXSW and for the Moody Theater show even had two aerial silk performers come on stage for a song which was pretty cool.

Yuck @ Stubb's BBQ, SXSW, March 16, 2011

One of the best things about SXSW is that there are so many bands playing.  Course the worst thing is that there are too many decisions to make, but really it's not a bad thing to be spoilt for choice.  Yuck weren't on my list of must-sees but I quite enjoyed their album and they're a band on my radar.  They're young and I wasn't overwhelmed by them but they had their moments and I'm happy to have got a chance to see them.

Sleepy Vikings @ Yard Dog, SXSW, March 16, 2011

Sleepy Vikings played NXNE in Toronto in June 2010.  Chromewaves blogged about them.  I read Chromewaves and checked them out ... they've been one of my favourite bands ever since.  I like them more each time I listen to them.  I almost made the trip to CMJ in New York in October specifically to see them but decided I'd rather spend my money on SXSW so was pretty ecstatic when they were announced to play.  They only played 2 songs that I knew during their set at Yard Dog but hearing Flashlight Tag played live (after about 300 plays according to my iTunes!) was one of my SXSW highlights.

Lanterns On The Lake @ French Legation, SXSW, March 16, 2011

 

 

The music part of SXSW officially started on the Wednesday so Tuesday night's shows were a wonderful bonus.  My first band of Wednesday were Lanterns On The Lake, a band I'd discovered at the end of January and was pretty excited to see.  The French Legation is a bit east of downtown and I got there early, not altogether sure if I was at the right place.  The band were about an hour delayed and played a shorter set as a result, but ... I was blown away.  Lungs Quicken was the song that drew me to the band but their set made me a fan.  They were wonderful.  Definitely a band to keep an eye out for.

Devotchka @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, March 4, 2011

Like most of their fans, I first discovered Devotchka because they were on the soundtrack to Little Miss Sunshine and in particular the song, 'How It Ends'.  I'd seen them once before, in May 2008, so was quite excited to get the chance to see them again and ... wow, they were outstanding.  There's only 4 people in the band but they all play at least 3 instruments.  And really, what's not to love about a band that includes a tuba, stand up bass, accordian, trumpet and violin.  All played by wonderful musicians who were clearly enjoying what they were doing.  And as for the crowd ... no smoking, no pushing or shoving, nobody got in my way or stepped on my toes or spilt beer and they were just generally basking in the glow of a group or artists on top of their game.  One of the best gigs I've been to.  Ever.

Say Hi @ Neumos, Seatttle, January 28, 2011

Oh Say Hi, I have no idea how you do it but I love everything that you do.  I've been a big fan since I first heard 'Northwestern Girls' on Woxy a few years ago and listening to the albums always puts a smile on my face.  I've seen Say Hi twice before but the show at Neumos (for the record release party) was the first time they were a threesome.  It's also the first time that I've seen Eric play the drums (and play guitar and sing) and wow, were they good.  Definitely worth the trip down to Seattle in January.

Peter Wolf Crier @ Media Club, Vancouver, January 16, 2011

And so a new year of gig going begins and what a way to start off the year ... Peter Wolf Crier at the Media Club was absolutely wonderful.  Their album 'Inter-Be' is terrific but there's an energy and emotion that they bring to their live show that gave me chills.  This is why I go to shows and why I like music.  There's just two of them - Brian on drums and Peter on guitar and vocals - but wow, what magic they make together.  A true gig going highlight.