SXSW Spotlight: Middle Distance Runner

In August of 2006 we saw Middle Distance Runner (henceforth known as MDR) headline a show at the Velvet Lounge. It was only the 7th show Rock Club had reviewed. We've since reviewed over 150 shows and looking back we didn't give them enough credit. All the mediocre indie rock bands we've seen have made me appreciate MDR a lot more.

Considering how much I listen to their first album it's surprising I never made it to another one of their shows. I plan to remedy that at SXSW. MDR (along with These United States) are playing the two parties I'm sure to attend: DC Does Texas and A Blog and A Band. Here are the details:

Wednesday, 3/18 at 2:50 PM: DC Does Texas (Friends Bar)
Saturday, 3/21 at 3:30 PM: A Blog and A Band (Club Primos)

If you're unfamiliar with MDR here are my five favorite songs off of their first album:



I should probably note that MDR's appearance at SXSW coincides with the release of their new 7" "The Unbeliever". Here's the video for the new song:

SXSW Day Party: A Blog and a Band

One of the SXSW parties I'm most excited about: A Blog and A Band day party. It's a two day party sponsored by our friends at Side One: Track One and the Austin band La Snacks. They're featuring 21 bands from all over the world. A bunch of Austin bands I really like (La Snacks, The Lovely Sparrows, Ume) are playing with two of DC's best: These United States and Middle Distance Runner.



Over the next week, I'll profile some of the bands I'll see at SXSW. There's no better band to start off with than La Snacks (pictured above). They have a raw, fuzzy, slacker sound that recalls the best indie rock of the '90s. Couple that sound with highly amusing lyrics and a great live show and you have a winning formula. Here's my favorite song by La Snacks, "Kristen Was A Meteorologist":