Year of the Brand and Pete Townshend
by Craig S. Hyman
The British Party presented the superb Amy Winehouse unplugged. Accompanied only by an acoustic guitarist, she delivered riveting sex-laced songs to a packed tent of over 200 people. Winehouse was absolutely one of the top three performances I saw at SXSW this year. She is a star—from her look to her voice, songs and performance.
Always one of the most attractive parties is the New West party at Club de Ville. I particularly enjoyed an excellent country/garage-rock set by the Dramas.
The crown jewel at this year's SXSW was clearly Attic Jam, an almost three-hour show at La Zona Rosa presented by Pete Townshend and his girlfriend, artist Rachel Fuller. Opening with an acoustic "Drowned," Townshend kicked off a series of stellar "musical chairs" of some of the best new artists in the U.S. and U.K. All played short sets and sat in with Townshend and/or Fuller, as well as with other artists on the bill. Willy Mason mocked himself in amazement, thanking Townshend for allowing him to play this showcase. An incredibly gifted songwriter and vocalist, one wonders how someone of his age (22) can write, play and sing with this seasoned a quality. A+ for Mason and band.
MIKA is one of those artists that transcends physical reality, a spirit born to sing and perform. You are aware that he is a superstar the moment he sits down at the piano. Think Freddie Mercury meets Rufus Wainwright meets Elton John. He shared a special moment with Townshend, playing Harry Nilson's "Everybody's Talkin' At Me." Rachel Fuller then played Joni Mitchell's "Blue" at the piano, accompanied by E of the Eels. Joe Purdy's Boxcar Willy style of playing—and look to match—moved the show along at an appropriate pace when Townshend joined him for a slower than recorded arrangement of "Let My Love Open the Door," an awesome three minutes. One of the most underrated talents of our time is Martha Wainwright. This queen of a pop singer/songwriter is of angelic proportions, with a strong musical backbone. She is very gifted. Her set was the best of the showcase—especially her duo with Townshend—and one of the best three of the entire conference. Alexi Murdoch is another young artist with songs of depth that typically an older man embodies. At the end of his set, all artists and accompanying musicians joined onstage to play a remarkable rendition of "Morning Sky." Lastly, Townshend, solo and acoustic, was very comical, mocking the audience's request for him to play a Who song, saying "In the ether, it's a Who song." To end a most perfect showcase, he played "I Can't Reach You," smiled, bowed, thanked the crowd and the players, and walked offstage. It was the highlight of SXSW 2007.
Mr. Austin, Alejandro Escovedo, and his band, must be seen at least once during every SXSW. This incredible musician/songwriter is one of the most talented and versatile artists today. Following Escovedo at the Austin Convention Center was Poi Dog Pondering, and they did not disappoint. Another of my favorite sets this year, they were just brilliant and joyful with their eclectic blend of large band musicianship with Abra Moore (now a solo artist) on background vocals. High energy, life-inducing and uplifting is all I can say about this band—another that should have much more success than it does.
BMI's Acoustic Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel is always one of the most enjoyable industry events each year, and this year was no exception. The Spin party at Stubbs hosted a great lineup, where Townshend showed up for a version of "The Seeker" to close out the Fratellis' set. The Paste Party at Maggie Mae's was a special place to be, as always, where the Cold War Kids played. No Depression magazine's party was a great group of people to be with, especially when Chris Stamey played, as did the up-and-coming Jessie Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter. Across the street at the Yep Roc party, amongst the likes of film director Jim Jarmusch, John Doe, backed by L.A.'s Dead Rock West, closed a solid set with a cover of "Money."
Daniel Johnston, whose genius is overlooked, gave an unforgettable performance on the Day Stage. In the seven years that I have attended SXSW I have never seen a crowd this big at the Day Stage and this riveted to a performer. He writes pop songs about "Lucifer" and plays covers like "Band On The Run." In good spirits, his arms shook at his sides as he sang with conviction these incredible compositions.
Every year, I hope to find a new artist that feels like I discovered gold. I found it in Thomas Dybdahl, from Norway, who opened KCRW's annual showcase at the beautiful and serene Central Presbyterian Church. This refreshing artist is somewhere between Jeff Buckley and Minnie Ripperton, playing songs like the folky "Stay Home." He is definitely someone to watch.
Another highlight was Sharon Smith and the Dap Kings, a must see. Think James Brown's band crossed with Ike and Tina Turner's Musical Revue. This funky bunch from Staten Island, fronted by diva Sharon Smith, captured the hearts and dance stride of Austin locals, jam band kids and industry alike.
Bruce Smith (think young Joe Ely) played an unsanctioned showcase at Eddie V's. This charismatic Austin singer/songwriter is a face and talent to watch, a very gifted songsmith and voice.
Lee "Scratch" Perry was true to his reggae roots during the Direct-TV broadcast. The Buzzcocks blasted through a vibrant set at Emo's Main Room. Paolo Nutini (U.K.) was like watching the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel in a 19-year-old body. On the same bill, Spoon played a set that showcased what brilliant and unique songwriters they are, and fine musicians.
Iggy Pop and the Stooges were one of the highlights of this year's SXSW. They played a great rock and roll set—exactly as you would expect them to—at Stubbs to close the venue's SXSW 2007 season.
The annual Bloodshot Records showcase closed with Waco Brothers at Red Eyed Fly, with what can be described only as rip-snorting, fun-loving rock and roll.
I closed this year's SXSW with a set by Austin son David Garza at Spiros. Garza is an Austin institution since the late 1980s, at the time with his band Twang Twang Shock-A-Boom. He brings his heartfelt songs and electric version of Austin pop to great emotional heights in a house-party jam atmosphere hugely embraced by the Austin scene.
The one sad note of this year's SXSW is that, to my knowledge, mascot Beatle Bob was not seen at all, and was dearly missed.
Once again, SXSW presented a record-breaking conference that is nothing short of a musical phenomenon. I will see you in Austin next year.
