it's not really a party until you throw up at sxsw

how can i possibly describe the antics of last week at sxsw? 2007 brought some unexpected fun times -- and you know i love me some pleasant surprises. on thursday i went to the filter party to set up and started feeling ill almost right away. by ill, i mean i was throwing up multiple times. i think it was food poisoning because i didn't drink the night before or that morning - perhaps that jalepeno pizza i had the night before didn't agree with me afterall. next year i am staying away from food. thank goodness, dtl brought me over the tlc package.

anyhoo, my coworkers sent me back to my hotel room to recuperate, but before i left i saw a solid set from san diego band grand ole party, whose lead singer and drummer reminded me of karen o, except, you know stuck behind a drum kit instead of romping around on stage. i could tell she could sing the shit out of anything -- it was amazing and fun. i like drummers who wear cute ruffled bloomers. who needs pants, anyways, right?

the next day i was back at work, taking photos and saw the uk invasion day at cedar street courtyard. sure there were a lot of great overseas acts playing that day but the highlight for me was the secret surprise guest, thurston moore. everyone left after the fratellis so i stood up front and rocked out during thurston's set. he played solo stuff with steve shelley and a violinist, and i loved every minute of it. i wrote up a separate little gushy blog post for that.

in the meantime, here are all the imports that played before him:

the fratellis were aiite


the fratellis were ok. i still only really like their ipod single (in small doses) but they could grow into a strong contender next year.

meowing over mew


what can i say? mew was effing hot. i think mando diao is a hard band to follow because they are so dynamic, but mew not only followed them but they blew me away with their alien-like vocals.

which mando diao do you love?


hmmm, it's hard to pick a favorite. they are all cute and loud! they totally blew me away with their pure rockness.

the pipettes should pipe down


the pipettes were the most untalented band on the bill. but they were pretty. pretty and screechy with an even sadder looking band. they look like a lamer version of bling kong or something. see below.



kate havnevik from royksopp


kate havnevik is totally mesmerizing in a grey's anatomy/adult contemporary sort of way.

mohair, mo'rawk?


the guy from mohair definitely had mo' hair than anyone else on stage. he sort of reminded me of carrot top, except you know, talented. he had a great personality and he totally stuck his tongue out like gene simmons, except you know, not as long.

MORE SXSW FLICKR PHOTOS HERE!