Day one of the South by Southwest Music Festival
South by Southwest Music Festival has more than 1,300 bands playing in more than 50 locations in Austin, TX. And those are just the official exhibitions. Many bands also play games and unofficial presents several other times during the week. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 opened SXSW for his 20 years of great music. My day began with one of the unofficial parties to see Paris Motel. In one type of music that leaves the possibility of pretension wide open, was Amy May and her crew are anything but complacent. The band seven was extremely kind and down to earth. While they were playing, you can tell every single one of them had a good time. And what better way to start a music festival than watching a bunch of people really enjoying themselves? My first official show was Amos Lee. I must admit I was unfamiliar with his music, but a friend assured me that I would enjoy it. The room was packed and general admission was closed so only badges and bracelets were in. The club three levels and it was extremely difficult to even find standing room. But my friend was right, I definitely had Amos Lee's music and will go out to buy his CD as soon as I can. A little bit folk and soul, Amos Lee has kind of a Damien Rice mixed with Ray LaMontagne thing goes for him.While watch Amos Lee, I heard the buzz about the band after him so I decided to stay and see what World Party had to offer. And man oh man did this rock band from London to give the audience what they wanted. I was on the balcony on the third floor and could see a majority of the room sang along. All of the club made its own little concert watching dance and smile. I've been to SXSW for the past few years and have never once seen a place so crowded. I'm definitely adding World Party at my list of links to learn more about though.The Plimsouls was up next, in his first show in ten years. If you are familiar with the movie Valley Girl with Nicholas Cage, you will recognize which band the Plimsouls can see. It's always entertaining to watch an older bands play, especially one who does not play together anymore. A rock band with some punk aesthetics Plimsouls were good for a smile.Since Paris Motel are offered such a great way to open the first day of SXSW, I thought why not end the day with them too. Again, all around saying how much they liked the band. People seemed to appreciate the addition of fiddle, flute, bassoon and guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. Amy May voice creeps into your heart and makes you listen, and as she is about as adorable as they come, you really do not mind.Other no ties to note the first night should certainly include The Flaming Lips, who was rumored special guest at Exhibition causing quite a stir. From streamers and balloons to the people who ran on stage, the Flaming Lips remind everyone why they love music. The Scottish group Belle & Sebastian played also on the first day of the festival. They did a fantastic job of mixing new songs with classic favorites. Plus, singer Stuart Murdoch gave everyone permission to pinch the butt of the person next to you, they should be sweet. So it's a night down, four remain. And there will be four days full of great music, food, and most importantly beer.
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