i went to see the long winters and the decemberists in austin at the parish the other day.  these are two bands. not the parish.  that was the venue. 

i was really looking forward to the decemberists, being a big fan.  well, not BIG.  i don’t have their names and pictures tatooed on my butt or anything–just initials–but i hadn’t ever heard anything by the long winters.  after hearing them, and hearing their cd, i can give you two pieces of advice:  buy their cds first, realizing that although they aren’t bad cds, the long winters are ten times better live.  two:  if you see them live, the cd might be sort of a letdown…so, to avoid this letdown, follow them as they tour around the country, around the continent, NEIGH, around the world.  they hang out at their merchandise tables, so poke them and sniff at them, and tell them you love their show.  the guitarist was very good, and great with the audience–he was hilarious, and he did wonderful acrobatics across the stage swinging his guitar about.

as for the decemberists, they were pretty much what i expected, in a good way.  i don’t know if a non fan would enjoy it very much…but i think this show was the funnest i’ve ever been to.

the long winters’ bassist, a long blonde haired hippy looking fellow that laura was drooling over [i was NOT drooling over him, cora was. -Laura], went out right after their set and got a tattoo down the street.  he’s hardcore. 

before that we went to waterloo and i bought the delgados’ peloton for a little mexican girl.  she pointed out that the band’s name sucked but the music was excellent.  so i took the cd back from her and broke it over my knee.  “whose name sucks now?” i screamed at her.  she rolled her eyes.  “give me that remaining shard,” she said.  “maybe it can cut my flesh.”