ThaBombShelter SXSW Report

Well, as you know by now, I was unable to make it to Austin again this year. However, thanks to the miracles of technology and ThaBombShelter's own Man In The Field, THE Dave Hanson, we're able to bring the following report:

Phosphorescent: Brooklyn-based folk beardies.
Come on Gang: three piece pop from Scotland with female drummer/singer. She could bring it pretty well.
The Upsidedown: Portland rock. Lead singer with poncho; could not bring it.
Blitzen Trapper: Good stuff, but your correspondent was distracted by crowd chatter and oddly lame sound system.
mp3: "Sleepytime in the Western World" Blitzen Trapper
Winter Gloves: All female trio from Montreal. They have heard the Pretenders.
Dinosaur Jr. : Easily your correspondent's favorite show thus far. "Feel the Pain" indeed. Sweet Jesus.
mp3: "Feel the Pain" Dinosaur Jr.
The Seedy Seeds: Cincy pop. Catchy songs about trees and plants.
Choo Choo: Swiss dance-pop. Sunglasses, scarves, train sounds, Harmless.
Ume: Austin's attempt at Sonic Youth.
River City Tanlines: Cool name...
The She Creatures: Racy Spice Girls. Blue Wigs, blue makeup, blue micro-shorts. Many an Uncle Rico in attendance.
Shapes have Fangs: Speedy Kinks-like youngsters from Austin.
Strange Boys: Really young Austin rocker dudes.
Say Hi: Played their new album, of which your correspondent was not aware. Snap judgment is that earlier songs about spiders and vampires better than what appear to be current crop of girlfriend-based stuff. Note: it was very warm and beer was all that was available.
The Rural Alberta Advantage: Trio from the north. Not happy about heat in Texas, but were able to rock.
The Republic Tigers: Kansas City Cure-influenced stuff with more of an upbeat.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: Big sound Southern rock band that aspires to be next big thing. Possibly a bit too much.
Peter Bjorn and John: Despite sharing your correspondent's ethnicity, not as impressive as hoped. Could stand to rock a bit more.
Grizzly Bear: Good stuff. See these hard-to-classify Brooklyn guys.
Bedouin Soundclash: Ska/reggae troupe from Toronto. Pretty catchy. Good if you like that style. If your correspondent could dance, he would have been tempted.

Stay tuned for Part Two tomorrow!