SXSW Music: Thursday Report

Started off the day with Chuy's mexican food on the way out to Barton Springs, and then walked around the botanical gardens, which were nicer than expected. Then it was on to 6th Street.

First up were the Living Things, a rock quartet from our very own St. Louis. They brought the full-on rock show, wearing leather in the hot afternoon, all in black, and were extremely entertaining. The singer's moves were very reminiscent of a young, fully charged Mick Jagger, and I can think of worst performers to crib from. Complaining about taxes and bail-outs, he lit a dollar bill right in front of me, burning it down to a little nub.
After what seemed like 20 hours waiting in line at Elysium for the Peter Murphy show we did indeed get in and saw a good set from this somewhat legendary ex-Bauhaus singer. He played mostly newer stuff and was definitely comfortable in his skin. A little too dramatic for the close quarters, he was like a goth Neil Diamond. Of course, Neil is pretty goth, if you think about it...
Worried that we would not get into the Tori Amos show, we started heading that way, stopping in to see part of the Jimmy Vaughn tribute to Doug Sahm set. Good stuff, and in keeping with my goal to see more local music on this trip.
Surprisingly, we got in easily to the Tori Amos set. She played to a rapt crowd. She's good, she's is good to watch, and I'm glad I saw her, but she is not perhaps my cup of tea. Sorry Tori.
More my speed was the wonderful set by Amanda Palmer at the Central Presbyterian Church. What a beautiful venue to listen to music. This audience was also held silent by and artist that is obviously adored by her fans. Amanda came out and sang a capella, filling the church with her strong voice and then sat down and accompanied herself on the piano. I would say that I like her new solo work better in this more unadorned approach. Sorry Ben Folds, I think you either over-produced "Who Killed Amanda Palmer", or did not produce it to my liking.
Dinosaur Jr. sounded fine instrumentally, J's voice was weak, which it admittedly is also recorded, but it seems to work better in that setting. And it was late. So we left.

And thus ended another SXSW day. For me, at least.

Queen + Amanda Palmer

Think about it. The potential that pairing would have.

OK, I admit it. The whole Paul Rogers thing, how much I don't like it. It sticks in my craw. So much potential, ruined by the whole... pedestrian-ness of his lyrics and melodies. Can Amanda sing like, or as good as, Freddie? Don't think so, don't care. She'd bring the personality, the feeling that Queen has leaped into the unknown, that they are playing without a net, and with another very strong personality. Did I mention personality? I submit Amanda's new video as my closing argument:

Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer Tours, Forgets STL Exists, Will Hopefully Remember For A Second Leg Of Tour (If There Is One)

Amanda's eyebrows are causing her brain to short-circuit and forget that STL loves her. If we all send good thoughts her way tonight at 10:52 PM CST, perhaps she will pick up on our telepathic signals and grace us with her presence. Perhaps. It's all up to you, don't let us down by falling asleep early this evening! Send your thought signals out, across the void! Do IT!

Nov 12 2008 / Mercy Lounge / Nashville, TN

Nov 14 2008 / The Orange Peel / Asheville, NC

Nov 15 2008 / Lincoln Theatre / Raleigh, NC

Nov 16 2008 / Variety Playhouse / Atlanta, GA

Nov 18 2008 / 9:30 Club / Washington, DC (EARLY SHOW)

Nov 19 2008 / New Haven, CT / Toad's Place

Nov 21 2008 / Webster Hall / New York, NY

Nov 22 2008 / Theatre Of Living Arts / Philadelphia, PA

Nov 24 2008 / Paradise Rock Club / Boston, MA (NIGHT 1 of 2)

Nov 25 2008 / Paradise Rock Club / Boston, MA (NIGHT 2 of 2)

Nov 29 2008 / Mr. Small's Theatre / Pittsburgh, PA

Nov 30 2008 / Mod Club Theatre / Toronto, ONT

Dec 2 2008 / Magic Bag / Detroit, MI

Dec 3 2008 / Cabaret Metro / Chicago, IL

Dec 5 2008 / First Ave Nightclub / Minneapolis, MN

Dec 6 2008 / Bluebird Theatre / Denver, CO

Dec 8 2008 / Murray Theatre / Salt Lake City, UT

Dec 10 2008 / VENUE TBA / Vancouver, BC

Dec 11 2008 / Showbox Theatre / Seattle, WA

Dec 12 2008 / Wonder Ballroom / Portland, OR

Dec 13 2008 / Harlow's / Sacramento, CA

Dec 15 2008 / Bimbo's 365 Club / San Francisco, CA

Dec 16 2008 / Henry Fonda Theatre / Los Angeles, CA

Amanda Palmer from Dresden Dolls- New Video/Song

Here is a welcome treat. A new song called "The Point Of It All" from a solo Amanda. Check out those eyebrows-- I think she's extremely attractive, but those things are kinda freaking me out, I keep picturing her like that when she's 60, and the image is more crazy bag lady than edgy cool. To each his/her own, though: