I am in the home stretch. One more day. Survive this and I will have survived SXSW. Yes, Virginia, there is a wall and I’ve hit it. I’m finding myself forgetting what day it is. I’m sunburned to the point of pain. I very likely smell. I cannot remember my middle name.

But I shall push through, I will survive. Why? Because today is the big one. The mother of all shows. The mother of all mothers. Today is Rachel Ray. I’m doing it for her.

Friday started off at Emo’s Annex. I caught a few songs by Motel Motel [MySpace] who I honestly don’t remember much about outside of them being an indie rock band and that I enjoyed them.

Next were Brooklyn’s own The Antlers [MySpace]. Hospice is very likely one of the albums of the year so I was very excited to see how it would translate to the stage. The results were mixed. The album is gorgeous and noisy. It feels like the band is still trying to figure out how to bring an perform the songs from the album in a live setting. They’re not quite there yet. This is not to say they were disappointing; they were great. They just didn’t hit the same highs as the album.

Following the Antlers was another under the radar New York band, the Harlem Shakes [MySpace]. I’ve written about this band before and how I’ve come to love them. This show did much to further solidify my life. The Harlem Shakes are one of the few bands in the indie world today with a legitimate front man. These guys get more and more enjoyable each time I hear them.

After Emo’s Annex, I headed over to the Radio Room on 6th street and caught a few minutes of New Zealand’s Cut Off Your Hands [MySpace]. I’ve heard a lot of hype about this band and I was curious to see is it was warranted. I’m not sure I see it, to me it seemed like they were just kids with guitars and accents. “Kids With Guitars And Accents” does seem to be a recipe for hype, at least it is for the NME. Their bassist was also wearing a No Age shirt which likely means he really wants to be in Radiohead, or possibly he just enjoys No Age. I’m not quite sure which.

Ra Ra Riot [MySpace] was next. I’ve seen them live so many times now that they hold no surprises for me; still highly enjoyable but no longer eliciting the pure glee from me they once did. I can’t wait to hear some new material. A lot of girls like this band and this doesn’t surprise me one bit.

Finally, after Ra Ra Riot, came Austin’s native sons, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead [MySpace]. I just saw these guys three weeks ago at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. They were great then but they were even better here. Thank GOD I learned my lesson from last time and brought ear plugs with me because otherwise I would be needing a hearing aid at this point. Not only were they completely awesome but they played “A Perfect Teenhood”, which might have been the best live experience of my life. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how good that song is live. I love these guys.

And now I throw on the same jeans I’ve worn for the last three days (ew! But when in Rome, wear skinny jeans) and get in line early for Rachel Ray.

(Note: I actually cannot stand Rachel Ray and I completely believe her to be the anti-Christ. But she has a damn fine showcase coming up and I want her free food.)

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