Start of a Good Thing

What a great way to start of my sxsw week.

Judd Apatow, better known for Freaks & Geeks & 40 Year Old Virgin, decided to screen his film, Knocked Up here at Sxsw. It got very good reviews from all in my group. It stars Seth Rogan, Katherine Heigl, and Paul Rudd. Judd really has a way of sharing a growth experience without being pushy or preachy.

Terribly funny poster here.

Then we headed over to the Austin Chronicle Party being thrown for the movie. Free food, free drinks, and music from Loudon Wainwright III, What Made Milwaukee Famous, and Voxtrot.. Both bands just returned home from touring and seemed to be happy to be home.

Thanks to the Chronicle for showing the out of towners a good time with the local fare.

Radio Friends

Speaking of YACHT (and his kitty), he spent an hour playing some tunes on the radio in France. I'm looking forward to some variation of his fine taste in music to get the sxsw industry folks dancing. Download the 19 song mp3 here. See the track listing here.

Deerhoof's John Dieterich also picked out an hour of his favorite music for radio. You can download the hour here.

That's Me, Hot On Your Heels

I am SUPER psyched to hear that YACHT is going to be playing all over during sxsw this year. This includes a KVRX radio station visit on Saturday the 17th. Stream it from 12-2pm (CST). Jona Bechtolt (akaYACHT) is many things; photog, drummer, graphic/web designer, and 1/2 of the duo The Blow. Last year, I saw Khaela 3 times, so if I see Jona at least 3 times next week, I'll feel complete.

YACHT had a good reason to skip Texas last year. He just finished a remix cd called Our Friends in Hell. It includes remixes of The Blow, Architecture in Helsinki, Mirah, Tussle, Copy and a track from his forthcoming album I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real. If you are one of the first 100 to buy Our Friends in Hell at the States Rights website, you'll get a free poster and sticker. Do it now!

Bobby Birdman-And Then It Begins (YACHT remix)

The Blow-Hock It (YACHT remix)

ooh ooh ooh annnd check out his terribly cute kitty Whiskers Bechtolt on video at his myspace page.

Park It

The new Maximo Park album Our Earthly Pleasures will street April 2nd in the UK. You can buy the first single "Our Velocity" on five different formats (including 2 colored 7"s) for only 4 pounds here or hear it here. It is hot.

Here's another new song from the upcoming album.

"The Unshockable"

Super Friends

No surprise that Xiu Xiu is much beloved by us here. They're set to release a new 2 disc record aptly titled Remixed and Covered. Collaborations with Sunset Rubdown, Oxbow, Marissa Nadler, Why, Gold Chains, kid606, Her Space Holiday, as well as many others. Ever touring, you can see them starting March 25th making their way across the land. Below is the track from the new album with Devendra Banhart.

Support Our Troops (w/Devendra)