SXSW 2017: Pick Me Ups

Usually I do not go and see a live gig after SXSW for months but this year the great acts coming through Portland have been just about the best ever.

First up.

Strand of Oaks at Dante’s.

Perhaps my favorite rocker of the moment, Timothy Showalter is just spectacular. Great tunes, riffs and vocals. Go buy Hard Love.

Then a few days later.

Wire also at Dante’s

Dante’s is a burlesque/strip bar that also puts on shows. It holds about 300 I believe. To see my equal favorite band of all time (they the with Magazine) up close and personal, still, after 40 years from Pink Flag’s release, was just exciting. Their newest album is special too, Silver/Lead

I then had a ticket to see a band I like on record but who I saw recently at SXSW and was not impressed. But it was a Sunday night so I went to see The New Pornographers. This time they were much better - no photos taken though for that one.

The next night the bar went up.

Michigan Rattlers at Lola’s Room

The first band I saw at SXSW this year came to Portland I had to go see them again. Great folk/americana with brilliant musicianship. Great night.

So good in fact that one week later they came to our house and did a show for around fifty of my friends. Very special evening. The band stayed overnight at our home and all in, it was one of the best music nights I have had.

Michigan Rattlers in our own House Show

Here is a link to then playing in our living room.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx6uzhFXBlw&feature=youtu.be

This was closely followed by an evening with Stephin Merritt playing songs 1-25 from his latest 50 Song album. Old school vaudeville at its very best.

The Magnetic Fields at Revolution Hall

To cap a memorable couple of weeks, it was over to Will Sheff who was doing a mini tour of the West coast with only two of his band and playing a request night. Spectacular

Okkervil River at Mississippi Studios

Next up for me will be Foxygen. Just got tix for a great double bill too, Jason Isbell supported by Frank Turner.