SXSW - day 3

Friday we camped out at the Pitchfork party from beginning to end. A stellar line-up alternated between the inside and outside stages every half hour. The temps were in the 90s, but Emo's offered free hydration options and more importantly, lots of shade.

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High Places started off the day to a relatively sparse crowd at noon. Too bad because they were one of two great discoveries of the day. Think Animal Collective, with a more dancable beat.

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The other revelation of the day goes to Swedish pop singer Lykke Li. Her songs were a rush of pure sugary pop, delivered with a magnetic stage presence that had the audience swooning. She's a crossover success waiting to happen.

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Fuck Buttons will be blamed for any permanent hearing loss I may have suffered this week. I'm sure they would take that as a compliment and rightfully so. Their brand of Eno-inspired drone was hypnotic and driving.

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When the dust settles, I'm betting that Bon Iver's several performances this week will figure among the most talked-about of the entire festival. Justin Vernon's album is heartbreaking in its solitude, but here in a three-piece band, his songs brilliantly translate into something new altogther. They won over the crowd instantly...Vernon even had hipsters participating in an irony-free sing-along. It was my favorite set of the week.

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Love the album, but I wasn't sure what to expect out of Atlas Sound in a live setting. After seeing them twice this week, I can tell you that Bradford Cox sends out a assured and surprisingly jammy vibe that was a perfect remedy for the hot and the tired among us. And he's just such a jovial, witty fella. I don't understand any of the controversy around him.

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Another highlight of the week, Yeasayer played a thrilling set near the end of the day. Their drum-circle energy is contagious. And in case anyone cares, 2080 is still one of my favorite songs.