Mixtape | SXSW 2012 Top Picks

South by Southwest, one of the biggest gatherings of musicians, bloggers, filmmakers and all-around creative people, has officially begun.

Find out more about SXSW.

Thousands of musicians fill bars, public and private parties, street corners and wherever they think someone will listen during this 10-day multi-media festival in Austin, Texas. As an observer, it can be difficult to know which way is up.

Although I will only be there in spirit this year, I’ve gathered together a list of my top picks for live music happenings this year so you can experience some SXSW tunes wherever you are.

See the full list of official acts at SXSW 2012.

Two musical acts that I have loved for quite some time are scheduled to hit the SXSW stages. These acts deserve some recognition.

Thomas Dolby

When perusing the lineup I could not be happier to see this underrated electronic musical genius among the throngs of barely drinking age musicians selected to play.

Not only does this bring back a sentimentality of my younger days, but it is also nice to see something unexpected at SXSW, that usually boasts a predictable electronica lineup of more new school acts as well as recent Grammy-winners.

Long known for his most popular song “She Blinded Me (With Science!!)”, Dolby has had a long and somewhat under-the-radar career since the mid-'80s.

Besides “Science” being sampled by many, Dolby also co-wrote the rap classic “Magic’s Wand” by Whodini, and produced several great albums for Prefab Sprout.

A measure for excellence in the budding world of electronica in the 80s, Dolby still amazes 30 years later.

Where: Friday, March 16, 2012 9 - 9:40 p.m. @ Cedar Street Courtyard

Thee Oh Sees

Tight, powerpop garage with a hint of psychedelia, this John Dwyer project, like many of his others – The Coachwhips, Swords and Sandals to name a few – does not fail to please.

With a hint of '60s Latin psych band Os Mutantes, the well-blended male and female harmonies traipse lightly over the steady train of drum and bass rhythms, creating a more trance-psych feel than most straightforward garage rock.

It’s hard not to be taken in by the well-honed machine-like aspect of Thee Oh Sees’ music, a definite high-energy band not to miss.

Where: Wednesday, March 14, 9– 9:40 p.m. @ Red 7 Patio and 1:10 a.m. @ Beauty Bar Backyard

Click to hear the entire mixtape over at Spotify.

Mixtape: Twinkle Twinkle: SXSW 2012

Track Listing:  

1. “The Dream” – Thee Oh Sees
2. “I Lie Awake” – Bare Wires
3. “If I Can't Hold You In My Arms” – The Golden Boys
4. “Hold On” – Alabama Shakes
5. “Is It Alright” – Mikal Cronin
6. “You Must Be Out Of Your Mind” – The Magnetic Fields
7. “Fun” – Dent May
8. “Eyeoneye” – Andrew Bird
9. “Disparate Youth” – Santogold
10. “Lose It” – Austra
11. “She Blinded Me With Science” – Thomas Dolby
12. “Dalliance” – The Wedding Present
13. “How Can You Luv Me” – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
14. “Castanets” – Alejandro Escovedo
15. “Get Found” – Bass Drum of Death
16. “Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down” – Sister Rosetta Tharpe
17. “Back To The Night” – Star & Micey
18. “Saturday” – Adam Faucett
19. “Go Outside” – Cults

 

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Twinkle VanWinkle ponders, creates and discovers cool stuff about music, movies, food, fashion and so forth. Her thoughtful writings and interactives give great advice about healthy food, cooking tips, DIY projects, fashion and more. She’ll teach you a thing or two about music as well. Along with producing dynamic entertainment content for LIN Media, she is a mother, musician and social media fanatic.