I've seen so many conversion vans driving around Austin this week, I'm starting to wonder if there's a child molester convention going on. Things are getting pretty hectic around here and it's seriously starting to take its toll on me and everyone else. Maybe it's the fact that I've not used a fork since Tuesday. There just has not been enough time for anyone to eat a decent meal; pizza by the slice is the official food of SXSW and I'd swear this week is sponsored by taco stands.
The wear and tear could be seen better than anywhere today at the Levi's/Fader Fort. The crowd was malnourished on a strict diet of Sparks by the time Spank Rock hit the stage. Day of the Living Dead Hipster seemed like it was finally ready to start filming. European guys were wearing the same set of clothing since Thursday, complete with variable stains. If they were zombies, they clearly were the Michael Jackson Thriller variety because they couldn't seem to stop dancing to Spank Rock's bass heavy beats.
Baltimore's finest MC represented to the fullest. He'd clearly gotten some sleep along the way unlike the rest of us. Early on in his set he played his dance floor classic “Rick Rubin” which was only outdone later when he brought on a couple very unique special guests, first doing a song alongside Santogold, which was probably the best match up of musicians I've seen in some time. Her dancehall influenced rap worked dreams next to Spank Rock's 808 drums. Soon thereafter, the nastiest female MC in the game, Amanda Blank, showed for a surprise song. After inviting as many girls onto the stage as possible to dance, she spit some of the foulest lyrics that would even make 2 Live Crew blush. Hipster zombies, Baltimore club music and plain dag nasty lyrics – yeah, it was a sight to behold. – Brett Koshkin