At my first SXSW, ’round the turn of the century, before iphones, bit torrents, and blogs, my posse seemed stalked by Matt Suggs of Butterglory. Every year since there’s always one band that tends to follow me through my Austin adventure, at every day party, getting pizza at Hoek’s, in the hotel lobby at 3 AM. Last year it was Deerhunter, and while I’m still a big fan of the music, seeing their live shtick a handful of times, over four days, it got old. Looking over the schedule this year, I’m tempted to predict Bon Iver will become a constant. Difference is I’m welcoming Justin Vernon’s intimate crystal creeper folk. There’s rarely a moment on the majestic-as-fuck For Emma, Forever Ago that would ever elicit a yawn. Even if you eliminate his coveted slot at the Jagjaguwar/Secretly Canadian/Dead Oceans showcase Thursday night, you’re unlikely to miss him, since appears to be playing in every time slot — you can almost control the environment in which you get to see this. I’m hoping for dusk, outdoors.
Read a full review of For Emma, Forever Ago on World of Wumme.
I’ll second this…
do NOT come away from Austin without seeing Justin Vernon.
i’ve seen him now like a half dozen times since October and he and his band never fail to impress
he’s third on my list of must-sees. definitely going to see him once or twice.
also on my schedule a handful of times so I am sure not to miss him. Skinny Love is a spectacular song.
Poor Matt Suggs
good call. you won’t be disappointed. “the wolves” live with audience participation is unbelieveable.
i’ll be on the clock at the koss booth, playing vinyl through expensive headphones for passers-by. his is one of three records we’re bringing along.
this album is brilliant. i cannot wait to see him (several times) this year!
sorry to break it to you but hoek’s is no longer around. it was overtaken to build the new alamo drafthouse downtown. RIP.
hoek’s still exists within headhunter’s(a club on red river & 8th). they have set up shop on the back patio area.
Absolute must see for me. Hope I’ve spread it around enough…