Observations on my ratings

1. It is pretty obvious that rap is not one of my favorite genres, they seem to fall to the bottom of the ratings ( 1 out of 5 ). Unless the language is Spanish, then I guess the anger gets defused
2. I love Latin Rock many of the songs highly rated are from World Music, there are a couple of Israeli bands also that I gave high ratings
3. At first I was amazed that SXSW revealed so many bands early. Now I am not sure, I think there are a sprinkling of known/hot bands in the early list, but not enough to start making plans around.
4. Here is my list of can't misses:

• the Coal Porters - I dug out there late 90s release and fell back in love with them. For years the leader of this band lived in London. He has written a very hard to find biography of Graham Parsons and is releasing a book in April about the Dylan Rolling Thunder Review. He was also a founding member of the Long Ryders.
• Ozomatli - I have seen them 3 times and each time they were rocking, combing latin rhythms with Rap. Probably will play one of the larger venues
• The dolomites - featuring one of the members from Gogol Bordello, the song sampled on the website sounds much like Gogol Bordello.
• The Brought Low - good american rock and roll, a song posted on the SXSW site a few years ago was so good that I bought the CD, it did not disappoint. I am hoping they appear as an Americana rock and roll showcase.
• Dengue Fever - Cambodian Rock and roll out of Los Angles USA, very interesting stage show, I saw them a few years ago at SXSW
• Gordon Gano and the Ryan Brothers - Gordon was the front man from Violent Femmes, might be worth checking him out based on history
• Hyperpotomus - Saw this guy last year in the convention center, he has a one man a capella act using loops. It was pretty neat. I would not plan an evening around him, but if shows up at some afternoon show, check him out.
• Magic Numbers - I loved both of their releases, would love to see them in small venue
• Peelander Z - missed these guys last year, because we left Mohawk Patio for another bar, then could not get back in. Their live performances are amusing and always make the bes of lists after the festival they are all over youtube:
• Those Darlins - were a highlight for my 2009 SXSW experience
• The XX - lots of press coming out from the UK