sxsw day 3 part one

I'm taking a bit of a break right now between the day shows and a couple of parties I'm going to tonight. My tally is up to 18 bands over the course of 19 sets (saw twilight sad twice) so far. Today I started out by seeing the Twilight Sad once again, this time it was inside at Emos Lounge and the sound was much better. Once again, good set, the singer seemed incredibly hungover which makes sense since it seems he's incredibly drunk most of the time. Next I caught RJD2 on the Emo's main stage. Wow, really really good. I'd be lying if i told you I listened to them a lot but they put on one of the best performances I had seen thus far. Their drummer is so great. I was nothing but impressed with them. After RJD2 I tried to go inside to see Beach House, but it was beyond packed so I just hung out near the main stage until the next band came on. Next up was Menomena. I've wanted to see them for quite some time and this was my first chance. I was completely amazed that there were only 3 guys in the band. On their albums there is just so much stuff going on I figured they would need 5 people or more to pull it off. Each band member played several instruments and they pulled off the album stuff really really well live. I was impressed. This was all at the Pitchfork party by the way, which is why the list of bands I saw today reads like a whos who of the Best New Music section. After Menomena I skipped out on Girl Talk (they're playing the Diesel party that I'm going to tonight), and went to the inside stage to get a good spot for Deerhunter. Before Deerhunter went on Simian Mobile Disco did a dj set. I'm not what you'd call a dancer unless I'm really really drunk, so I didn't do any dancing but a whole lot of other people did, so I stood in the back and watched people dance. Deerhunter gets the Silver medal in the "Loudest band at sxsw" category, coming in just a few decibels below The Twilight Sad's first show. They were just absolutely phenomenal. If they come anywhere near you go see them, it'll be worth it. A few notes. Their singer is the most emaciated looking person i've ever seen outside of save african orphans commercials. The guy couldnt have weighed more than 90 pounds, and he was of average height. One of the guitarists (i don't think you can really tag either of their guitarists as rhythm or lead, they both just make noise) looks like he is about 11. I wanted to check out Peter Bjorn and John on the main stage but they played at the same time as Deerhunter. meh. Maybe I'll see them tomorrow. Tonight I'm going to the Diesel party (it's vip and I am the most unvip person ever but my buddy is the store manager so i always get to go and look out of place). Girl Talk is headlining it and I don't know what to expect from that but it should be fun. David Vandervelde, Illinois, Matt and Kim, Tokyo Police Club, and the Epochs are also playing it. Then AFTER that I'm going to another party that some friends of mine are organizing for Nylon magazine and who the fuck knows whats going to happen at that. Seriously sxsw is so much fun and even without a wristband you can see so much good stuff for little or no money, you should all try to go at least once, it's a blast.