As my liver and eardrums recover from SXSW last week, I've been trying to piece together how many bands I'd seen while out there. According to my preliminary estimate, I saw a total of 43 bands (wow!) last week. Here's how a few of them rate (Part 1 of 4).

State Radio (7/10) - Dispatch alum/Seth Rogen look-alike Charlie Stokes has one of the better reggae rock voices. Hips were gyrating during this one.

Kimya Dawson (6/10) - I just don't understand the hype. Yeah, some of her songs are charming, nostalgic and heartwarming -- but half of her live show is immature, and seems experimental for the sake of being different.

Lights Resolve (8/10) - An ethnically diverse Fall Out Boy, with a bit more substance. The crowd enjoyed the engaging set, and turned the dive bar into a dance floor.

The Golden Dogs (9/10) - Every high expectation I had for these Canadian pop rockers were exceeded. I hate using the word 'adorable,' but check out the keyboardist.

November (7/10) - Highlight of this set were the two drunks rocking heavy air guitar. The band's music sounded pretty good, but the room was just too loud to enjoy it.

Scissors For Lefty (7/10) - An exciting set, as band members hopped on and off stage, fully engrossed in their fun, upbeat sound. A little cheesy though.

The Kills (7/10) - You know those big glasses for the visually impaired? For some reason, the guitarist was wearing a pair. Is that supposed to be ironic? Great set, but I wasn't a fan of their eye-wear.

Ravens and Chimes (8/10) - They were a lot nerdier than I expected, but still put on a fantastic show, playing all of my favorite tunes. Super humble for such a talented group of people.

Jeremy Fisher (9/10) - Although Fisher was a bit sick (the SXSW plague), he flawlessly brought his impeccable songwriting to life. The guy was surprisingly funny between songs. I smell a John Mayer replacement.

CunninLynguists (6/10) - The tongue in cheek band name correlates with their irreverent stage presence. Although I'm not a big hip-hop fan, this show was extremely entertaining.