It’s not summer yet, but it feels like summer in San Francisco today. Not like a San Francisco summer (which is not like most summers (see Mark Twain)), but a real summer, with, like, sunshine and, like warmth. You should still take a jacket if you you’re going out in SF tonight, though.
I stumbled upon Grand Ole Party at last year’s SxSW music festival. They were playing at an afternoon party sponsored by Filter Magazine. I’d gone for the free tacos and margaritas, but was totally blown away when these guys took the stage. Grand Ole party is led by Kristin, who both plays drums and sings. Oh, and dresses like a 20’s-era flapper. I’m not sure why that’s significant, but, you know. Anyway, she does both tasks so well that its captivating. Her voice is strong and expressive and her drumming is solid and forceful. The guitar and bass lines are good, though Kristin still steals the show. Just watch some video of them.
In the middle of that set last year, they casually mentioned that they had some (self-burned) demo CDs. You should have seen the crowd rush the stage. Since then, they’ve gotten signed and toured. I think they’ll only get more popular.
Chromeo - Call Me Up
Chromeo was on my must-see list for this year’s SxSW festival. I’d been listening to them like crazy for months, never tiring of their upbeat, catchy syth-pop. They proved to be just as fun live.
Tilly and the Wall - Nights of the Living Dead
I’ve followed Tilly and the Wall for the last few years, watching them evolve from a quirky band with a small, but dedicated following into a quirky band with a large and dedicated following. Anyone who’s seen them live can attest to the fact that their shows have so much enthusiasm and energy that its hard to not become a fan.
Of all their songs, this one best illustrates who Tilly and the Wall is- it includes Jamie Preston’s tap dancing, its lyrics are deeply emotional and intense, and during their shows you can’t help but sing and dance along. Because you feel so alive. Or, at least, you feel.
Parkas - Lenin & McCarthy
I heard about the Parkas from fellow Attacked by Jackets writer, Aubrey, who’d been fawning over this band for awhile. I have to thank her now- it was one of the best surprises of the week, despite the fact that there were only 12 people at the show, including 5 of use from AxJ and 4 people who were with the band. The band was having fun, the songs are catchy and the lead singer’s voice is well suited to the musical style (rootsy rock).
The WOMBATS - Moving to New York
My friend Ted from Bagel Radio was the first to tell me about the WOMBATS. He says he went to see them at SxSW last year, based on having only heard this song, Moving to New York. It became his, and many others’ favorite album of the year. Good choice Ted. Listen, you’ll like it.
