Watching a spectacle like SXSW from the sidelines always feels frustrating. Of course, I’d love to be there! But until my money gets right, I’ll have to settle for watching from afar through the telescope of YouTube...
...and NPR, which got the scoop on this impromptu parking lot performance by Third Man recording artists Jack White and Seasick Steve.
White opened for “rookie” Third Man signee Seasick Steve. The former performed two songs, a cover of Buddy Holly’s classic “Not Fade Away” (which he introduced as a “Texas song”) and the White Stripes’ “Dead Leaves and Dirty Ground.” The latter jumped out immediately after to give an unintentional half-electric, half-acoustic performance. Oh, the spontaneity of SXSW!
In other news, turns out Jack White’s Third Man Records shortbus is not just a rolling record store, but doubles as a green room.
Seasick Steve is a brilliant musician for all of you who don't know of him. I first heard him two years ago and he lights my soul with his lyrics and gives me hope that there are good musicians out there.
Jeremy