SXSW Picks and Sleepers
Picks & Sleepers
Fri., March 14, 2003
Sunday Sleepers
All showcase times subject to change. Please check official SXSW schedule.AUSTIN ECLECTIC: Fast becoming an annual SXSW tradition on par with Alejandro Escovedo's unofficial closing ceremonies at the Continental Club, the pairing of Austin's Dung Beatles -- Spinal Tap goes scatological -- and beloved the Diamond Smugglers -- Neil Diamond goes Spinal Tap -- break like the wind once again. Adding to the evening's unhinged phlying circus is the Golden Arm Trio, Austin's avant-classical-jazz ekleticos, best known around town for their scoring of silent-film classics. A golden surprise will no doubt slide down one of their sleeves. Whatever happens, you'll likely be laughing all the way back home Monday mourning. (Emo's Main, 9pm-midnight) -- Raoul Hernandez
FUZZ CLUB FEATURING DJ SUE: Austin's Fuzz Club is a combination record hop and rock show hosted by the estimable DJ Sue Davis. DJ Sue spins a tasty mix of Sixties trash rock, garage punk, bubblegum, and R&B rarities that'll keep yer toes a-tappin'. Last year's SXSW installment of Fuzz Club featured a slam-bang set from Netherlands garage rockers the Waistcoats. (Beerland, 9pm) -- Greg Beets
PUNKAROOS: Bummed about missing the Big Boys/Dicks era of Austin punk? The Punkaroos are the next best thing. Led by hellion Dotty Farrell, the slop-n-sneer quintet also features former Dicks bassist Buxf Parrot and drummer Pat Deason. As a result, the Punkaroos pull off Dicks classics like "Rich Daddy" and "Pigs," both of which are included on the group's 2002 self-released debut. (Emo's Jr., 11pm) -- Greg Beets
DOWNBEAT 5: Led by DMX/Odds/Queers guitarist J.J. Rassler and his vocalist wife, Jen (aka Ronny) Rassler, Boston's Downbeat 5 combine slash-and-burn punk rock with allusions to the Sixties girl-group era to create a sound that's both cathartic and fun. Their debut CD, Ism, was released last month on Sympathy for the Record Industry. (Beerland, 11:30pm) -- Greg Beets