Harold Sightings

I always say Austin is a big city that feels like small town, as long as you stay centrally in the city and run in certain circles. For indie-concert-going hipsters, that circle is rather small (in comparison to the general population of the city).

Seeing as I go to a lot of shows, I see the same people--complete strangers or vague acquaintances--over and over again. Such is the case with Harold.

But Harold is not your average hipster. Oh no. First of all, his name probably isn't Harold. I've never actually met him, so I have no idea what his name is. My friends Gloria and Charlene named him that after spotting him at several shows. They decided the name Harold suited him best.

He's unusual in that he's probably in his late 30s, possibly early 40s. He's Asian, wears chunky glasses and has a little goatee. I often see him wearing a vintage Carpenters t-shirt, although in the less-hot months, he wears a white denim jacket. He also tends to drink Lone Star but is never visibly drunk.

He's almost always alone, but I have noticed him talking to people. In fact, when I saw Neko Case back in March, I spotted him in a group. He stood in the same spot and talked to a couple of white guys before Neko took the stage. He has rather girly taste in music. I saw him at Lykke Li's free show at Waterloo Records and most recently at a Jenny Lewis show. That said, I also saw him during SXSW at a free show in Waterloo Park that featured a lot of punk bands. It was even more strange to spot him at the recent Black Moth Super Rainbow concert. BMSR is not quite in the same category as Jenny Lewis...

In writing this, I've also realized I've observed way too much about this guy, but at least I admit it. Plus, Gloria did most of the groundwork of observation. We've discussed introducing ourselves and finding out his story (and real name). But I like the mystery. It's better knowing him simply as Harold. Half the fun of going to shows is looking for him.

Current Financial Priorities

I'm in the trenches of unemployment. My only income for the last month has come from a small handful of published stories and restaurant reviews. Otherwise, I'm living on piddly savings and the kindness of friends who give me food.

But I know a job is just around the corner. I'm not using this as my personal pity-party venting mechanism. What I will whine about, however, is that there are several albums that I desperately want to buy but cannot afford at the moment. I decided after SXSW that I want to support the artists I love, so I'm going to purchase albums. For now, anyway.

Here's my wish list:

• Bishop Allen - Grrr (Dumb title but I love them and want to give this new album an unbiased shot.)
• M. Ward - Hold Time
• Neko Case - Middle Cyclone (This one can be streamed online at NPR.org, and I've listened to it a few times. It's so beautiful that I want to own it.)
• Balmorhea - All is Wild, All is Silent
• The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (They played the new album in its entirety at an official SXSW showcase, which was also streamed on NPR. I've listened to it, but this concept album demands more of my time.)
• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
• Emmy the Great - First Love
• Hey Marseilles - To Travels & Trunks

SXSW: RIP (Until Next Year)

Well, you'd had never known there was financial crisis going on, based on the annual insanity that is South by Southwest. Here are my highlights:

• Paste magazine's free showcases. Free beer (in the morning), more free stuff, and lots and lots of great, free music. I could be in love with a publication.

• Spotting Joseph Gordon Levitt at a party at the Mohawk. (Remember him? The kid from 3rd Rock from the Sun and 10 Things I Hate About You)

• Au Revoir Simone. They are cute and endearing and so very Willaimsburg-hipster. Anslee and I met them on the Sixth Street Thursday night. We told them we loved their set at the Paste show, and they introduced themselves and talked to us for a little while.

• Speaking of Williamsburg, if I had a dollar for everytime someone said, "I'm from Brooklyn but I'm thinking about moving here" I wouldn't be job searching right now.

• That said, I don't want any Willaimsburg hipsters moving here. Being invaded once a year for a week is enough. We have enough of you skinny-jeaned, pretentious, pasty New Yorkers. Stay where you are. (Clarification: The ones I met were lovely people. I'd just rather they stay in New York. Texas is too hot for them anyway.)

• The Round. Started in Seattle and transpanted in Austin courtesy of my friends at the Space12 community center, this gathering of artists was one the best events at SX this year.

Bands I saw (keep in mind I never paid a single cover):
The Wooden Birds
The Sad Accordians
Loney, Dear
M. Ward
Bishop Allen
The Wrens
The Avett Brothers
Girls
Little Boots
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Motel Motel
J. Tillman of Fleet Foxes
Laura Gibson
Loch Lomond
Hey Marsailles
King Kahn and the Shrines
Cursive
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
Vivian Girls
The Thermals
Explosions in the Sky
And I know there are more but I can't remember right now.

SXSW Film recap

Here's another attempt at being a film critic. All these films are typical of the festival's indie selections, although these have the distinction of being my favorites. I saw a few others, but they're not worth mentioning.

Otis - A campy horror movie that’s really a political statement, Otis tells the story of a lovable loser who tries to relive the past by abducting teenage girls and torturing them. That is, until one family decides to avenge their daughter and bypass the justice system. Sound funny? It’s hilarious.

Run, Fatboy, Run - This delightful, if predictable, British romantic comedy is already in theaters. It may not be worth full admission price, but if you can’t find a better Saturday night date movie, I’d recommend it. It’s cute in an understated British way and noteworthy as David Schwimmer’s directorial debut.

Medicine for Melancholy - A one-night stand becomes something a little more when two indie kids spend the day together exploring San Francisco. The catch is that they’re black and dealing with the complicated issues of urban life, with the issue of gentrification acting as a backdrop. This is a very pretty film, and San Francisco acts as more than a setting and becomes a third character.

In a Dream - Isaiah Zagar is a mosaic artist in Philadelphia, and his work is featured on buildings throughout the city, particularly on the famous South Street. A documentary directed by Zagar’s son, In a Dream creates an intimate portrait of the artist and his complicated family relationships with. His colorful work helps to make the film beautiful and ethereal. This was the winner of the SXSW Audience Award.

Dear Zachary - This film started as a personal project for filmmaker Kurt Kuenne after his best friend, Andrew Bagby, was murdered. He went around the country interviewing Andrew’s grieving friends and family. Until events took a shocking twist - Andrew’s murderer and ex-girlfriend was pregnant. Kurt then decided to make the film for Zachary, the baby, as a way for him to know his father. But more twists, including a custody battle between Zachary’s mother and grandparents, send the film into new directions. This film is incredibly moving - most people in the theater were weeping by the end, myself included.

Some Assembly Required - Yet another documentary, this one has a lighter subject. It follows teams of middle schoolers as they compete in the National Toy Competition. What’s most fascinating about this film is how the kids grow and become more self-confident throughout their journey to the national competition. Early adolescence is of course awkward, but it’s great to see a film that encourages their strengths - creativity, ingenuity, and belief in the impossible.

I also saw Jesus Camp last week, and hopefully I will have some reactions and comments on that film ready to post within the week. All I will say for now is that it was quite thought-provoking, although not as as "shocking" as the liberal made it out to be.