NonAlignment Pact: Music in Seven Days from Seven Writers

Saturday, March 15, 2008

SXSW hangover - Now with with Day 4 update

Hey guys. I'm really hungover and I need a bath so here are lks to my free press blogs on SXSW. I'll have some commentary here when I have a chance but until then...

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4 (added Sunday 03/16)

18 Comments:

John Cramer said...: Glad you had a good time. I expect a full LP4 report, which I assume is forthcoming, no? That's pretty lame that the Houston Press has to put bands in a crappy location, but they aren't bringing big money, so what the fuck does SXSW care? Did those malcontents in your bad help you flyer?; March 15, 2008 9:14:00 PM EDT
The Sparrows of Happiness said...: No, we didn't help him at all. But at least I paid $30 in parking, burned a tank of gas and blew two days of vacation to play for 30 minutes for the bartender.

But despite my bitching, we actually did have fun. After going through all that crap, I was basically like, well we're here, we might as well play and by our standards, it was a pretty good set. Still, Ramon will have to employ physical violence against me to coerce me to play SXSW again.; March 16, 2008 1:23:00 AM EDT
John Cramer said...: Ah yes, the joys of rock.; March 16, 2008 3:41:00 AM EDT
Wednesday said...: Sounds like a typical SXSW showcase. I've always had fun at SXSW, but one does have to set expectations really low and stay flexible to enjoy it.; March 16, 2008 11:22:00 AM EDT
Ramon Medina - LP4 said...: Oh behave Clinton! You had a blast don't lie. That was a hard workin', hard drinkin', hard rockin', and seriously fun 4 days. If we get accepted next year I am so dragging you kicking and screaming old man. :P; March 17, 2008 12:46:00 AM EDT
The Sparrows of Happiness said...: I confess that after we got set up and started playing, my experience got better. But overall it wasn't worth it to me, from a money & time spent perspective. If I had a badge so that I actually could have gotten into shows instead of standing outside with the wristbanded, unwashed masses, and had a passle of hot girls to hang out with while my bandmates were hauling all of my shit back to Houston, and if I actually gave half a shit about any of the bands that played there, it might have been a different story. But, alas, my interest in music ends around 1975 and that's just the way I am. I would have liked to have seen those Black Mountain guys, though, that sounded like it was up my alley.

And also I thought the ton-tons (who shared our showcase) were good, with the caveats that you brought up. It's nice to see a guy actually play the fucking guitar once in a while.

Either way, I am glad you did have a good time and made the most out of it. The rest of us are, as you said, a bunch of grumpy old men so there's really no hope for us...; March 17, 2008 10:41:00 AM EDT
Ramon Medina - LP4 said...: Oh man, really? I'd never have thought you guys were having a bad time. Y'all seemed in good spirits throughout (see my other NAP post on SXSW).

But the badge really didn't matter, I stood with my wristbanded friends (well except that one time y'all told me to go ahead) no matter how long the wait. Joe Mathlete and I stood for a good 10 minutes and he was even about to give up and we ended up getting in not 5 minutes after and had a blast.

There was also enough stuff you would have liked like say Motorhead and Blue Cheer. Thanks for hauling my equipment by the way I would have taken it up to Austin but the whole starter thing made it impossible on Wednesday.

I'll tell my friends you thought they were "Hot", I trust that includes Joe Mathlete right?

:)

Power to the grumpy old men, who else is gonna keep the kids off the lawn? ;); March 17, 2008 11:15:00 AM EDT
The Sparrows of Happiness said...: I think you know who I was talking about, and no, it wasn't Joe Mathlete (no offense, Joe, but you ain't exactly "thowed"). I'm glad you had a good time, you deserve a few relatively carefree days.

Still, for my own part, I hope that this time next year I am standing in my driveway in my Dickies , spraying the neighborhood kids with the water hose when they get too close...; March 17, 2008 1:19:00 PM EDT
Ramon Medina - LP4 said...: You are impossible.

But that's why we love you. :); March 17, 2008 1:29:00 PM EDT
Ramon Medina - LP4 said...: Why you guys haven't fired me from the LP4 and replaced me with John Cramer yet, I'll never know.; March 17, 2008 1:48:00 PM EDT
The Sparrows of Happiness said...: Wow I could see that lineup being billed as "Houston's Grumpiest Band"

But only if we kicked out Steve and replaced him with Scott Grimm; March 17, 2008 6:07:00 PM EDT
Justin said...: Wow I could see that lineup being billed as "Houston's Grumpiest Band"

I don't see how you could possibly be Houston's grumpiest if I'm not playing.; March 17, 2008 6:23:00 PM EDT
Ramon Medina - LP4 said...: Sorry, Justin you are a total poser.; March 17, 2008 7:50:00 PM EDT
John Cramer said...: Linus without Ramon is the same as having no actual discernable band at all. In other words, Ramon, kicking you out would be the same as breaking up.

Not a criticism, by the way, because god knows I can relate.

Houston's grumpiest band, hmm...; March 17, 2008 9:39:00 PM EDT
The Sparrows of Happiness said...: Justin I thought you lived in Austin these days...am I wrong?

Because Houston's Grumpiest Band certainly would need a theremin player.

PS you have to be over 40, although in your case we might make an exception.; March 17, 2008 11:09:00 PM EDT
Justin said...: I don't live in Austin, but don't tell Wednesday.; March 19, 2008 8:23:00 AM EDT
Wednesday said...: I definitely think LP4, John and Justin should collaborate and not only because that way I can stalk Justin back to his house.

Actually Justin - how do you know that wasn't me crawling around in your place? Dreamer.; March 19, 2008 11:07:00 AM EDT
Anonymous said...: If I have an excellent song idea for LP4, and I dish out the money to produce that particular track the next time LP4 go to the studio, would LP4 agree to such a venture? That is saying if you like what you hear.

Anonymous for now; March 21, 2008 10:45:00 AM EDT