The Cost in Austin...

Well, we are back and paying for it...

No sleep. Exposure to the brutal sun. Enough screeching sound to make your ears bleed...

And then there's the things you do to yourself. A limited, stomach-testing diet consisting solely of meat and beans. The only thing green to be found are the limes in your beer---the first of which comes at Noon.

Ahh, Austin in March. SXSW. It feels so good to go. And so rough to come back... With only three or so hours of sleep, we made our way back to Chicago after four solid days of the baccanalia that has marked my spring in recent years. The trudge home made difficult by an aching stomach, ears, and head. But its all so worth it. Where else could all these elements come together but this indie-rock dreamland?

So, you probably know the drill. The festival has grown leaps and bounds over the year with the roster of corporations and, oh yeah, bands scratching and clawing for the hipsters' attention (Pete, Tim, Steve, Kyle, Jeff, Ashley, and I were there too...). This year, over 1400 bands performed over a few days. We tried our best with brutal Noon to 2:00 a.m. listening schedules, but still only managed to see a tiny fraction of the glorious spectacle. So, here's a rundown of our little slice of heaven in central Texas. Lots to report. Lots to share. Plenty of thoughts. So some tonight; some tomorrow night. I stole Jo-Elle's digital camera, so even a gaggle of photos! Postings today and tomorrow.