Six-word reviews of SXSW bands helps both everyone and no one
About a month ago, SXSW organizers released a torrent containing a single mp3 from roughly half the bands appearing at the festival. This number was in the OMG range of digits: 763 free singles. I Spotlit it on my show three weeks ago, and since then I’ve been trying to make my way through the exhaustive list, picking and choosing my way to a solid mix tape of bands I plan to pay attention to in the future. Because I don’t do this music thing for a living, three weeks of casual listening has landed me in the mid-C’s. I have seven and a half forever’s to go.
But just because I’m not a marathon champion doesn’t mean other people aren’t. Paul Ford of the Morning News recently posted a grid containing six-word reviews and a 1-5 rating of every song. The offering is appreciated by many, I’m sure. By a process of elimination, he’s given 5-star reviews to 72 songs, eliminating 90 percent of the trudge if you just want to get to the good shit. I’ve no doubt many will find this map illuminating and an incredible time saver.
But one should remember that as fantastic a job Ford has done with climbing the mountain, the SXSW torrent is still a mountain that can be climbed by others. Just because he found a particular route doesn’t mean you have to take it. Assuming you delete the 600 or so bands he decides weren’t 5 star worthy? You’re left with 72 bands of which you have to judge yourself. Bands that you might not like, because your taste may differ from Ford’s.
I know, I know. “Do it yourself” is a tired argument. Some people need a railing up the steps, and Ford does that wonderfully. I don’t necessarily disagree with his comments about anyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will. Music is and has always been about being cool and going with the crowd AND being yourself and going against the crowd. It’s no surprise both options easily present themselves in regards to SXSW.
