SxSW 2008 - Thursday.

Thursday was the day I was intent on from the get-go, because I so badly wanted to see the Old 97's, and I got to! They've got a new album coming out May 13th, and I simply cannot wait after picking up a free download of the single, "Dance With Me," at the New West Records party. Free tacos and beer were the perfect complement to the alt-country stylings of Tim Easton, Buddy Miller, and of course, the Old 97's. I tell you what, that single grabs you from the beginning of the song thanks to the intro guitar riff. Wow. They played mostly new stuff, but still let the crowd bask in tunes we all knew so well. Of course, they are my favorite band, so this was such a treat for me. Better than ice cream. And I really lurve ice cream. A lot.


Rhett Miller of the Old 97's

I caught some of Tim Easton, too, and I thought it was great, as well. He reminds me of Ryan Adams, so if you're into that, you'll probably like Easton. It's good rock'n'roll, and that's always a hard find where I'm concerned.


Tim Easton

I had just enough time to head to the Purevolume Ranch to check out the Cab, which was a big change from New West! The Cab...they're obviously pretty young, because after checking out their bubblegum fans, I felt like a dinosaur. But, I'm a lover of powerpop, and incidentally enough, of The Academy Is..., which is basically what the Cab is. I believe they're even signed to the same label. I noticed the crowd clear considerably when they covered "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, but the energy bounced right back as soon as they started back on originals.

When they finished, I took full advantage of the free vodka and vitaminwater, then went back inside for the Bridges. If you still have not gone to listen to them, what are you waiting for? And of course, they're nice to look at. It's really cute to see all the boys in the crowd literally sitting there with their tongues rolled out of their mouths. I laughed. They played lots of new stuff from their upcoming June release, and I can't wait for it.

I had to go back to the hotel for sleep after that. I'm lame. Austin stole my mojo.