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03/23/2005 Entry: "Richard Swift"

I've enjoyed reading the reviews of this year's SXSW. I saw Jim DeRogatis from the Chicago Sun Times taking notes at Saturday's Ariel Pink show and was pleased to see him mention the artist in his wrap up. Of the three bands I saw Friday at Stubbs' SPIN party - Louis XIV, The Futureheads, and & Bloc Party - the latter was my favorite. The Futureheads look good on paper but just don't do it for me. I did try and keep up in a conversation with two previous CMJ editors who were comparing notes on old Flock of Seagulls 12-inchers and the Martha & the Muffins catalog. Unfortunately, I couldn't add anything to the conversation except, "Is that the album with 'Echo Beach' on it?" My favorite artist that I saw was Richard Swift. Parasol colleague Roy suggested that I go see him and I was blown away by his assembled band. I purchased Swift's double CD on the wasy out the door and like the live show best. Excellent songs that are best rendered loud, in person. That said, the CD is still worth a purchase. I'm hoping he'll make his way through Illinois sometime this year.