As the dust settles...

Like the recent rumblings of St. Helens to the Northwest, the crowds, spotlight, and of course MUSIC of SXSW have shaken the earth under Austin for almost a week... But now the crowds are thinning, and the wristband wearing, badge waving, industry scavengers are going home to nurse a mean Texas sized hangover with a valium and a Fiji water. We could go on and on about how SXSW has become corporate, and has lost sight of the point - and we'd be right - but Austinist would rather take this opportunity to celebrate what is still cool about the festival: Mainly... Austin.

For one week a year, the country and the world focus their attention (and revenue!) on this great little town. Everyone has a great time, and even if local and indie bands don't get the attention they used to (and should!) it's still a good thing for Austin... For a few days, anyone with four square feet of floor space suddenly has a stage, and people are listening at all of them! And on the other side, visitors get to soak in the hospitality and vibe of a true music town... And perhaps see how, in many ways, things SHOULD be. And then, fortunately, they leave. No offense or anything... but as cool as this town is, we couldn't take it year round.