SXSW in OKC

Once more, I am unable to take off of life to attend SXSW, but really wish I was there. There are, as always, some amazing shows to be had. However, the benefits of staying behind are the incredible number of good shows that come through OKC, Norman and Tulsa on their way to Austin. I thought I would highlight some of these shows and, while I can't make them all, maybe you can and help support Oklahoma getting better bands to come through here and more often. I would have posted last night's show by Xiu Xiu, but haven't had time at the blog till now. So, unfortunately, that one got missed, but the festivities continue. Check this out.

Friday, March 12th

David Bazan (formerly Pedro the Lion)
Headlights
@ The Opolis, Norman

David Bazan used to one of the two part project called Pedro the Lion. He's from Washington and very acoustic. He's a very talented songwriter, even with the Christian overtones.
Headlights are from Champaign, Illinois. I have loved every LP they have put out. This is their third tour through OKC, and I finally get to see them on this tour. I liken them to Canadian rockers Stars. They just released this new video for 'Secrets'





MP3: David Bazan: God Bless This Mess Not Available
MP3: Headlights: Get Going

There is also a Penny Hill CD release party at Speakeasy. I saw Penny Hill a couple weeks ago open for Breathe Owl Breathe. While I will not be able to attend this, I look forward to getting their new CD. I love the direction this band is going.

Saturday, March 13th

Ali Harter CD release at the Conservatory with Samantha Crain there as well....this should be a great show.

Ali Harter is a local girl with a beautiful voice and she always has an incredibly raw performance. I love watching her live.
Samantha Crain is also a local girl who has received some moderate national success. I have a couple CD's from both and can tell you that this is a show worth attending.

MP3: Ali Harter: What Do Ya Do
MP3: Samantha Crain: The River

Sunday, March 14th

Jaguar Love, Gentle Ghost and Depth and Current at the Opolis

Don't know much about these bands...Last.fm says Jaguar Love is an experimental, post-core, art-rock band w/ no electronica influences, but I beg to differ. I find a newwave punk/electronica bent and I like it. The other two bands are from Norman and supposed to be really good, but I have yet to hear them play. They will both be at Norman Music Fesitval

MP3: Jaguar Love: Polaroids and Red Wine Not Available


Monday, March 15th

Vivian Girls, Abe Vigoda, Male Bonding, Lovvers, Shitty/Awesome @Opolis...this show will start earlier because of all the bands.

Vivian Girls are part of the Brooklyn music scene and have a strong indie following.
Abe Vigoda was here about six months ago, and are an experimental, tropicali punk rock band from LA.
Lovvers are a band that escape pigeonholing, so I'm looking forward to seeing them live.
I'm not sure about the other two.

MP3: Vivian Girls: Wild Eyes Not Available
MP3: Abe Vigoda: Animal Ghosts Not Available
MP3: Lovvers: Society Jam Not Available

Sunday, March 21st

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with Pretty Black Chains and Band of Skulls at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa
Pretty Black Chains are a local band that consider BRMC as one of their major influences and have had a lot of local success. They put on a great show and consider it an honor to open for their idols. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is originally from San Francisco and now reside in LA. They have gone through some minor lineup changes since their inception in 1998, but still put out classic rock, blues, gospel, garage rock goodness. I've never seen them live before, so I am amped up to see this show, I have heard great things about it.

Love Burns not available

Monday, March 22nd

The Cave Singers @ Opolis

The Cave Singers are a modern folk band from Seattle and while the press considers them to be American folk, I find a lot of British influence in their music. I love the dark melodies of this band and am looking forward to seeing them live as well.


MP3: Beach House