We're all still recovering from the madness of SXSW last week. I can recall the names of 40 bands I saw, and there are at least a handful more that are slipping my mind or whose name I never caught. Here's the first of my three part band wrap-up (in alphabetical order):

American Princes - Saw these guys at the LimeWire Store & YepRock party. I like it when they call Providence, RI "sunny" - what a sense of humor!

An Albatross - This was the last band I saw in Austin. The SXSW crew had to threaten to kick them off stage if they didn't stop breaking things. Basically a typical An Albatross show.

David Bazan - Saw the former Pedro the Lion mastermind at the Hot Freaks party. He had an impromptu Q&A in the middle of his set.

Best Friends Forever - The music was good, the silk-screened posters and book marks were better.

The Black Keys - I caught the Black Keys right after seeing Wizardzz (see part 3). Quite a contrast, but well worth it.

Billy Bragg - If you don't mind a little preaching with your music, Bragg was great. I wished he played more old stuff though...

Cassettes Won't Listen - I'd been looking forward to catching CWL. I was not disappointed, especially with his Pavement cover.

Chatham County Line - I came into their set a few minutes in, but I'm a sucker for the new old-timey.

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Cloud Cult - I wasn't blown away by their songs, but one member of the band just paints during the set, then they auction it off after the show. Fun.

Dead to Me - They played right before Lucero at Mess With Texas. Reminds me of high school, but at least the singer agrees that Jawbreaker's "Kiss the Bottle" is one of the greatest songs ever written.

Destroyer - I'm a twentysomething male and I blog, how could I NOT see Destroyer?

Tim Fite - Awesome use of video + catchy, amusing tunes = Tim Fite. Listen to "Away From The Snakes"

The Forms - Poppy rock, well done, from Brooklyn. Can't hurt.