Bonnaroo ended Sunday and I’ve heard amazing things from coworkers who had a blast seeing some of the most talented artists around. While I didn’t get to go, I have the internet, which allows me to experience the event without dealing with getting dirty, dehydrated, or sunburned. It’s almost the same as being Bonnaroo…but with more showering.

Anyway - here’s what the internet is saying about Bonnaroo 2008:

According to Spin Magagzine’s Dane Smith, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings played a great set that had everyone moving.

Wes Orshoski of Billboard wrote about Robert Plant and Alison Krauss bringing Bonnaroo back to its roots, among other things.

Linda covered MMJ’s set over on the Courier-Journal Velocity Blog.

The New York Times’ Jon Pareles did a good overall review. You can find it here.

That’s all I have for now, you kids have a fabulous Thursday. Tell us what shows you’re looking forward to this summer or new albums we should check out. E-mail musicblog@sxsw.com.

Be excellent to each other,

Melissa

Original post by melissa

Posted: June 19th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Melissa Dennis.
Comments: none

Big congratulations to Chris Scofield and his wife on their new daughter, Ursula Sterling Scofield, who was born May 4th in Portland, Oregon. Chris is the label manager of the Portland-based indie music distributor, NAIL Distribution , a long time friend and supporter SXSW and indie music.

Original post by melissa

Posted: May 29th, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Latest News.
Comments: none

Billy Bragg’s newest album, Mr. Love & Justice was released in the U.S. this week. I’m sure I’m not his only fan, because Bragg played to a packed house at the Cedar Street Courtyard during SXSW 2008. Here’s what the critics are saying:

Joshua Klein of Pitchfork calls Bragg “…the missing link between Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer, and anyone who’s seen him perform in recent years knows he retains the power to move and inspire.” Click here to read the review.

Billboard’s Mark Sutherland found “plenty to enjoy.”

Tim Sheridan from Paste Magazine calls Mr. Love & Justice “…a leap forward in maturity, depth and nuance.”

This review and interview by Uncut’s Alistair McKay and Michael Bonner is pretty awesome, too.

You can check out Mr. Love & Justice on Billy Bragg’s official website. That’s all I have for now. Let us know what you’re listening to! E-mail musicblog@sxsw.com.

Until we meet again,

Melissa

Original post by melissa

Posted: April 24th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Melissa Dennis, Music Festival.
Comments: none

So without Linda here cracking the whip, I’ve discovered that I’m a blogging slacker. I’m really sorry. I just don’t know how to function without her.

I’ve searched the intrawebs for today’s edition of SXSW AGGRAVATOR because I still love you, darling readers. I love you without anyone reminding me that I love you. And who doesn’t need a little love from time to time? You’re lying to yourself. You need love.

We’re covering the festival as a whole this week because it’s a big event and can be a little overwhelming…even for me. So here’s your bird’s-eye review of the SXSW 2008 Music Festival:

The staff at SPIN Magazine listed best and worst SXSW 2008 experiences.

Pitchfork’s Paul Thompson covers a few Saturday night showcases including Ice Cube, Constantines and more.

Jon Pareles of the New York Times writes about the growth of the SXSW Music Festival and it’s successes despite uncertainty in the music business. You can read it here.

I’m too depressed about Jose Gonzales not coming to Texas (again) to stay focused or keep writing. You kids take care of yourselves and come visit again soon.

I guess you don’t have to visit. We could visit you. Just subscribe to our feed.

Loving Jose from afar,

Melissa

Original post by melissa

Posted: April 17th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Melissa Dennis, Music Festival.
Comments: none

I love getting my face rocked off as much as the next girl, but I thought I would bring you some panel coverage. Not just any panel, mind you…Lou Reed’s Keynote.

Angela Watercutter of Wired.com did a great job of recapping the panel.

The Riff Blog’s Gary Moskowitz covered Reed’s mood and opinion of MP3s.

Spence D. of IGN wrote a great review and recap.

Also, you can watch a clip of the Keynote in the SXSW Music Coverage section.

Want something Aggravated? E-mail us at musicblog@sxsw.com.

Hugs and kisses, Melissa

Original post by melissa

Posted: April 7th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Melissa Dennis, Conference.
Comments: 1

Dolly Parton has cancelled her appearance at SXSW due to health reasons. She really wanted to come and play for the SXSW attendees and the people of Austin, but her doctor says that she needs to stay home and rest for a few weeks. We wish Dolly a speedy recovery.

Original post by melissa

Posted: March 5th, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

…if you were waiting for the Showcase schedule and My SXSW Calendar to launch.

Sorry for the delay, Lovelies, but it takes a while to slot 1750 (number subject to change) bands.

Now that the schedule is squared away (it’ll still change, so pay attention,) you can plan your attack on the SXSW Music Festival. You can also use the My SXSW Calendar link on the band/panel/film pages to keep yourself organized. It’s a cleaner, easier than my current “system” of writing reminders on my arms/hands/jeans (it washes out most of the time.) You should try it. Click the link and it’ll add the event to your calendar program of choice.

So get going and start planning! There’s only 20 days left and you have a whole lot of MP3s to listen to.

Also, if you find My SXSW Calendar handy, you might want to check out SXSW Tools for all of the fun gadets, programs and social networking things we’ve got to offer.

Original post by melissa

Posted: February 21st, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

Legendary songwriter, vocalist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Van Morrison will play SXSW on Mar 12 at La Zona Rosa. Since his early days with blues rockers Them to his illustrious career as an international recording star, Morrison has never shied away from pouring his blood, sweat and tears into every note of music. On Mar 11, he will release his new album “Keep It Simple” on Lost Highway Records.

Original post by melissa

Posted: February 18th, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

X will headline Emo’s Main Room on Saturday, Mar 15 as part of the Time Out NY showcase. The show will feature all original members of the legendary LA punk band: DJ Bonebrake, Exene Cervenka, John Doe and Billy Zoom.

“We certainly haven’t lost much, and it’s really inspiring to see an enthusiastic young audience. It has to do with being a part of something that’s real and not virtual. We feel like the last gunslingers” says bassist Doe. X will be taking their “13×31″ show on the road for a Spring tour.

The Time Out NY showcase will also feature The Donnas, The Raveonettes, Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong and Oppenheimer.

Original post by melissa

Posted: February 16th, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

X will headline Emo’s Main Room on Saturday, Mar 15 as part of the Time Out NY showcase. The show will feature all original members of the legendary LA punk band: DJ Bonebrake, Exene Cervenka, John Doe and Billy Zoom.

“We certainly haven’t lost much, and it’s really inspiring to see an enthusiastic young audience. It has to do with being a part of something that’s real and not virtual. We feel like the last gunslingers” says bassist Doe. X will be taking their “13×31″ show on the road for a Spring tour.

The Time Out NY showcase will also feature The Donnas, The Raveonettes, Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong and Oppenheimer.

Original post by melissa

Posted: February 16th, 2008 under Melissa Dennis, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none