The Lumineers @ Media Club, Vancouver, April 1, 2012

One of the best shows I've ever been to.

Yellow Ostrich @ Media Club, Vancouver, March 27, 2012

Yellow Ostrich started out as a guy on his own making music in his bedroom (the Fake Empire cover is a favourite) and I'm always impressed at their progression s a band whenever I see them now.   They're starting to get a bit of recognition and it's great to see.

Sharon Van Etten @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, March 24, 2012

This was my second time seeing Sharon Van Etten but both times I've seen her I regret the chances I've missed.  I like her albums but live, she is so magnetic that I find it wonderfully hypnotising.  It's hard to put it into words, but I will not miss the next chance I get to see her.  She's too good and I have learnt my lesson.

The War on Drugs @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, March 24, 2012

It seems like it took me ages to finally get to see The War on Drugs.  They'd played Vancouver once before but it was during SXSW last year.  I prefer their first album but it's their second album that's doing better for them so I'm happy that they're finally getting some deserved recognition.  They played my favourite song, Taking The Farm, so I was happy.

Rosie and Me @ Red Eyed Fly, SXSW, March 18, 2012

For the most part, SXSW finishes up on the Saturday night.  There are a few bands that play on the Sunday and last year I didn't end up going to any shows.  I goofed on my flights but fortunately Rosie and Me scheduled a Sunday show which made me glad I wasn't flying out until the Monday.  Their set was a bit longer and it was a great way to end what was, again, a rather spectacular week of music.

Sleepy Vikings @ Skinny's Ballroom, SXSW, March 17, 2012

The last band of the night were my old favourites Sleepy Vikings.  Another chance to see songs from my favourite album of 2011 performed live.  The band gets better each time I see them and White Wolves and Flashlight Tag, in particular sound absolutely superb live.

The Lumineers @ St David's Sanctuary, SXSW, March 17, 2012

The main appeal of staying at St David's was to see the Lumineers.  I wasn't too disappointed that they previously hadn't fit into my schedule as they were playing Vancouver at the beginning of April but it was a nice opportunity to avoid Sixth Street and see a band I was looking forward to see and ... they were absolutely superb.  There's a wonderful charm and energy to their sets and they don't have a bad song.  I came away a bigger fan.