I get tired just thinking about all that Aaron and Bryce do.  Seriously… curating Dark Was The Night, herding cats for DWTN Live, collabos and numerous side projects and on and on.

Keeping up with the brothers Dessner is not an easy task.  But this little contribution of Aaron’s to the 200th birthday celebration of Abe Lincoln is worth noting because it’s some new music from the camp.  Here’s what he says about his song Long Summer:

This piece is inspired by Lincoln’s eloquent first inaugural address.  He closes with a remarkably musical line, referring to the ‘mystic chords of memory’.  There is an idealism in this statement, maybe even a naivete that had yet to be clouded by the strain of war, but also a bold sense of purpose and courage.  I decided to have a shot at my version of these chords.  There is the sweet hopeful tone of pure triads in the opening, that will eventually become more complex and layered, creating a virtual mirror as we look inward.

Download the MP3 here.  And Aaron is gonna be in Philly on April 2 to perform the piece.

http://www.21stcenturyabe.org/2009/03/03/long-summer/

Elvis Perkins In Dearland had a very special guest show up to soundcheck yesterday – NY1’s George Whipple!!  Though we were mildly disappointed he didn’t bring fellow NY1 celeb Pat Kiernan George was really all we needed to make it a party.    He interviewed Elvis and Nick (the others were busy with soundcheck) and really was a true gentleman.    The segment will air tomorrow – check the Beggars news page tomorrow for exact times!

Does this sum up SXSW?   The remaining 360 days of the year as well?   I plan on playing this at every upcoming party I have : my mothers birthday, my daughters 2 year old birthday, going away parties, weddings – whatever comes my way!

the 2nd half of the Titus Andronicus night (3:30am set time) was the VICE party. I know a lot of folks that either currently work at VICE or have done so in the past. Some of them are really close friends but damn do their parties make me feel old and worthless. Titus Andronicus set was loud and to the point. Not that anyone noticed. I think every A-hole at SXSW showed up to this party. I was definitely glad to call it a SXSW when Titus finished up.

To end on a positive note though, I was with Claire, Heather, Kevin and Dean so it wasn’t the worse party I’ve ever been to.

Saturday night was made up of two sides of a Titus Andronicus coin. The first side, the early side (1am set time), was watching kids lose it as they danced, pumped arms and generally had a rowdy but fun time. The Viva Radio guys made it a point to “bring it back to ‘92″ as well as make sure everyone knew we’d always remember Spring Break ‘08. I’m not sure exactly what that means but I do know Titus’ set was one of those timeless SXSW sets. Just a bunch of kids having fun listening to some music.

Camera Obscura played their final SXSW set at the Hot Freaks party on Saturday. It was perhaps their best. The Mohawk was packed on each patio level, the sound was great and the beers, the beers were only $1. Sort of the perfect way to end the last afternoon at SXSW. New York City here they come!

Todd threw a pool party in honor of Titus Andronicus.  I didn’t get any pictures of them in their speedos but I did capture some others:

When hanging with Future of the Left you’re with a group of humble, intelligent and mellow dudes. That is when you’re having a Markers and Coke with them at the bar. Then they get on stage and they’re possessed. Jack is perhaps the most mellow of the bunch but on his drum kit he’s an absolute beast. You can feel the floor shaking. Kelson, on bass, is the obvious showman of the group. When he stretches out both arms and begins to clap along to the music the crowd is usually not far behind. And then there is Andy. Not so much singing as he is barking out his philosophy and thoughts about the world in which he lives in and the misfits that occupy it.

Their official SXSW showcase last night, put on by the NME at Ace’s Lounge, was a great set. The venue was a little strange as they played behind the bar but the sound was great and the crowd was large. One notable person in attendance was Mr Austin himself, Trace Crutchfield. Kelson made sure the crowd knew that.

Here are some photos. It got crazy toward the end. Kelson has a chipped tooth to prove it.

Another day at SXSW, another Titus Andronicus show. It’s really something I wouldn’t mind making a permanent part of my life’s daily routine. Everytime the 5 of them collectively yell “Fuck You” and kick into the Fear & Loathing in Mahwah, NJ, it’s like an instant lifestyle affirmation or reevaluation depending on how your life measures up against their lyrics.

Anyhow here are some photos from what was yet another loud, energetic and honest set out of the guys of Titus Andronicus. At the AAM day party (1:30pm, Friday).

when I showed up to see Endless Boogie last night it was like being shoved into a small, sweaty closet with 50 bourbon drunks. However that only added to the intensity of the swampy, psychedelic drone that the Boogie were pumping out of their amps. I could feel it in my chest. An unruly and fun show!