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

Tomorrow marks the first day of the rest of our lives with the release of My Morning Jacket’s fifth full-length Evil Urges.

To celebrate the occasion I’ll be posting a special edition of Hey Mr. YouTube DJ with Jim James. How very exciting!

So far the reviews have been mostly positive…

Will Hermes at Rolling Stone said, “James seems well aware that any definition of “classic rock” that doesn’t include Prince, Radiohead and Wilco is pretty bereft. Now, with Evil Urges, he can add My Morning Jacket to that list.”

Spin’s Shannon Zimmerman adds, “Evil Urges is easily MMJ’s most accomplished and ambitious record, masterfully sifting through genres.”

Paste writer Brian Howe agrees, “It speaks of a band working hard at its craft, continually expanding its musical vocabulary while holding fast to roots that are increasingly hard to see from the elevation to which the band has risen—but those roots, undeniably, are still there.”

And Entertainment Weekly’s Whitney Pastorek gave it an “A.”

Of course, you can’t please all of the people all of the time and Pitchfork’s Eric Harvey was not pleased.

Happy Monday to you. Please feel free to email us at musicblog@sxsw.com.

Beat the heat, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: June 9th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Linda Park, 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

Here’s three articles that caught my eye on today’s Google reader (which is just chock full of awesome stuff, most of which I’m too lame to read, but I do try. Sincerely).

Reuters and Idolator are speculating about Duran Duran, and have they finally become cool?

Umm… Hello?!! Duran Duran have ALWAYS been cool. I have no idea what they’re talking about. If it weren’t for Duran Duran I wouldn’t be here today, hand to Gosh.

Brooklyn Vegan posted Gossip’s performance on Letterman. I think that chick is pretty fierce (and kind of in a Christian Siriano way, sure, but also kind of really, truly). What do you think?

And finally, Billboard reports that Kristy Lee Cook got the boot from American Idol. Next week Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Carly Smithson battle it out for the love of Simon. Good luck guys and gals (whoever you are).

And really finally, I just went to the mailbox and what arrived today, but the May issue of Spin along with its glorious cover featuring yours truly’s most excellent husband. Also, Phoebe from ATO just sent me this link: MMJ getting some kind of accolades in Rolling Stone, as well. Anyway… don’t forget to check out Spin next time you’re at the book store or newsstand or something. And don’t miss MMJ at Coachella next week if you’re not lame like me and are actually going. OH, and they’ll be on Saturday Night Live on May 10, but I’ll be for sure reminding you about that closer to le date.

Enough about me. How about you? Send us an email at musicblog@sxsw.com.

Subscribe to our feedie and all the aggravation will come to you instead of you having to go to it! Now isn’t that nice?!

Toodles, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: April 17th, 2008 under SXSW Aggravator, Linda Park, Latest News.
Comments: 1

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