See the picture to the left? That's an actual photograph taken from my brain on the final day of SXSW--everything was turning into one big blur. It was another fun (yet busy) year in Austin, TX, and I was amazed by the amount of day-shows that all the bands were playing. I wouldn't be surprised if bands started playing SXSW morning matinees in the very near future. Nothing like watching your favorite indie group while eating scrambled eggs and bacon. Before I say goodbye to SXSW 2008, I'd like to hand out some awards for the best-and-worst of this year's festival...

MOST VERSATILE
Money Mark

Though Money Mark probably only played 25 minutes (after ironing out certain glitches with his gear), he did mange to display his many talents, playing everything from a keyboard to a tape recorder:

1. Money Mark on guitar.
2. Mark gettin' down on the theremin.
3. Mark playing a tape recorder into his guitar pick-ups.
4. Guitar and keyboard at the same time--damn!
5. Mark on keyboard--hence the name Keyboardist Money Mark.

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ODD PIECE OF SWAG THAT I CAN'T SEEM TO THROW AWAY
Sgt. Solo

This came in my SXSW goodie bag. It's a classic green army soldier, but he's rocking out on guitar! I believe this treat is from Armed Forces Entertainment. For some reason this has been more difficult to part with than the pack of Direct TV playing cards or the endless amount of sampler CD's that I'll probably never get around to listening to.

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BEST/WORST PIZZA
Roppolo's

This pizza is awful--however--during the week I found it strangely addictive. Its dense, doughy crust sits in your stomach and burns fuel for you like a coal oven. One piece will carb you up for a full night of music.

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BEST WAY TO GET SUNBURN
Waiting in line at a day-show.

I'm telling you, matinees are all the rage now at SXSW. This line for the Lou Reed Tribute Show was one of the longer ones I saw all week.

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WORST TIME OF THE YEAR TO REPAIR YOUR HOTEL
Hyatt

If you picked any week to do extensive work on your hotel, why would you decide to do it during the busiest, most crowded week of the year? Nothing like conducting an interview with a loud generator blaring in the background.

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WORST VENUE
Maggie Mae's Rooftop

Not only is the dance floor cut in half by a stairwell, but guess where the bathrooms are located? Backstage (I'm not kidding). During a live performance, it's perfectly acceptable for anyone to walk up on stage, pass the artist, and make their way to the bathroom. When leaving the stage, everyone also feels obliged to bang their head or pump a fist along to the music (especially drunk college girls).

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BEST BATHROOM
Room 710

Speaking of bathrooms, this one has to be the coolest. What can I say--I'm a sucker for band stickers. I think I freaked a guy out when I snapped this picture in the rest room (oh well).

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BEST BJORN BORG IMITATION
Jim Noir

Jim Noir looked so much like 80's tennis star, Bjorn Borg, I was waiting for John McEnroe and Jimmy Conners to challenge him to a couple of sets.

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BEST LEGEND TO FLY HOME WITH
Billy Bragg

Whenever I fly with a famous person or music icon, I feel at peace. I think to myself, "Well, if the plane's going down, at least I went out with _________." After the flight I quickly said hi to Mr. Bragg. I've learned through my many years in music never to say hi to a legend until after your flight has landed. A young Jim Shearer once bothered a very tired Grandmaster Flash.

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