Laura Hamlett | Managing Editor

SCENE STEALERS/AMAZING SHOWS

Bluebottle Kiss | Unfortunately, this Aussie quartet was plagued by technical problems at nearly all of its shows. Before the kick drum went out at the Twangfest day party, though, they held the early afternoon crowd fully enthralled with their thoughtful lyrics, intelligent arrangements, and musical prowess.

Aberdeen City | Our sushi order took too long so we missed much of this Boston band’s set. Still, what we did see—four math geeks transformed into rock ’n’ roll gods—was most impressive.

Art Brut | Frontman Eddie Argos—he of the tongue-in-cheek lyrics delivered sotto voce—looks like a used car salesman…a bad one. Yet he fronts this throw-down British rock band wonderfully. Argos continually referred to a set list he kept folded in his too-tight Dickies front pocket and addressed his band—“Ready, Art Brut?”—after each song’s introduction. The kids were eating it up, that’s for sure.

The Subways | Watching bassist Charlotte Martin scoot across the big stage at Stubbs in her short shorts and cowboy boots was nearly enough to catapult them into this category; the English trio’s musicianship and Billy Lund’s shy boy delivery sealed the deal.

BREAKOUT/BUZZ BANDS

Tapes ’n’ Tapes were everywhere; you couldn’t take part in a party, day showcase, or conversation without their name coming up.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s | See above.

The Like | We’d seen this fun California pop-rock band before, but this year the stars seem to be in alignment for their upward trajectory. At first glance, you can’t help but expect geek rock; what you get

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT/WASTE OF TIME

The SXSW unwelcome showed for British supergroup Dirty Pretty Things | “Special guest” the Flaming Lips went over their set time by 40 minutes, causing a greatly delayed start (not to mention a long line outside the venue) for former Libertine Carl Barat’s new band. Five songs in, festival organizers pulled the plug on the band—literally—despite the fact that the show was being taped for broadcast by sponsor BBC2.

Calla, the Ponys (tie) | Though their most recent albums are more indie rock than drone, each band’s set soon devolved into the latter. Beer + standing on one’s feet all day + drone does not a happy music reviewer make.

I Heart Comix day party at the Beauty Bar | Long line, unfriendly hipsters crossing your name off lists (or searching and not finding your name), and absolutely no freebies worth the trek across town.

BEST CROWD RECEPTION

OK Go | Though I’ve seen the band many times before, they really fired on all cylinders tonight. The extra alcohol lead singer Damian Kulash imbibed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day (and continued to imbibe, sending a member of the audience on not one but two shot runs during their set) made for a highly entertaining and energetic show.

The Cribs | Apparently, the venue expected a riot, positioning two burly bouncers between crowd and band at the tiny Exodus club. Midset, the trio’s beers were removed. Aside from some general standing on the drum kit and kicking things over, the only slaughter was in the brothers’ pronunciation. Forget about understanding the between-song chatter and just enjoy the music.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Hanging onto Morrissey’s every word at his official SXSW interview by Rolling Stone’s David Fricke—many spat at Fricke’s expense. The King of Mope no more, he’s still got a barbed wire wit and a fabulous new album of material to prove he’s still more than relevant.

Attending four invite-only brunches in a row on Saturday, each with free food and drinks. We were in a happy mood for the Saturday evening showcases, that’s for sure.