What was the best band at SXSW?

I'm such an idiot for not giving this enough thought as the week progressed, because it's the first thing everybody asks. No matter how little or how much they know about music, it's the first question out of everybody's mouth. And, even still, after documenting every taco I ate for the last week, I don't have anywhere close to a definitive answer. Maybe I was most impressed by MSTRKRFT (er...SPCLGST) at that random nightclub Friday night because it completely changed my opinion of those guys and got me to dance and enjoy myself when I was just about ready to drop for the night. Amy Winehouse was sensational, tho the set was way too short. Pipettes were cute and fun and I enjoyed pretend stalking them at the Fader tent all week, but I couldn't call them the best by any stretch. Polyphonic Spree were a total trip even if the sound didn't punch through like when I saw them play their own show. Same feeling with Mew. The Federation might have singlehandedly changed my opinion of what live hip hop could achieve, but I was so hyphy off those giant Monster energy cocktails I really had no fucking clue what was going on.

The one thing I am sure of is the best band I never heard of before last week. And while I did mostly stick to what I was already familiar with, (the biggest downside of not having a badge is you end up playing it much safer) my favorite discovery was Hot Club de Paris. Their stuff on myspace is unfortunately kind of a bore, but these videos are excellent.

Two more after the jump. Highly recommended.

Comments

[Peg Leg Greg]

Turbonegro!!!!

[chris]

"I was so hyphy off those giant Monster energy cocktails I really had no fucking clue what was going on"

hilarious, and totally true. but the federation were pretty awesome. best band I saw at SXSW: white denim

[Mm]

Black Tie Revue! (Gearhead records)

[sharon0610]

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