The whirlwind that is SXSW has come and gone. Weeks and weeks of preparation and planning were funneled into an overflowing, often overwhelmed city of Austin for just a few magical days and nights. Now as the sense of normalcy returns, we’re left with wonderful memories, cramping legs, and a hoarse voice. In anticipation of being greeted with a plethora of “Who did you like best?” queries, here’s a shortlist of great events, thrilling performances, and moments that took our breath away.

• White Denim @ PureVolume Ranch (3/8) -- Much has been written and said about White Denim lately. To those in the know already at Austinist’s Local Music is Sexy V, the frenetic performance turned in by the local act was a chance to affirm their fondness for the act; for the unsuspecting masses it was an initiation to the incredible talent and energy that the trio relay in their live shows. The oft-cheesy smoke machine actually added to the allure of it all, bringing back images of “classic shows” you might only have seen in documentaries, and singer James Petralli’s vocal chops won over even the softest of rock fans. It felt like something special was afoot. Gazing around and seeing a number of “what the f*ck?” looks on the people's faces as the band mesmerized the attendees made us realize the madness of SXSW was finally underway.
  


• My Morning Jacket & Yo La Tengo @ The Parish (3/11) -- A chance to see two incredible acts in the venue that arguably houses the best sound in town could not be passed up. The bands did not disappoint while the perfectly maintained crowd count in the audience made for a relaxed environment we did not expect. The legendary New Jersey trio Yo La Tengo furnished The Parish with their usual noisy (and impressive) set, putting the I in IFC’s Crossroads Party. My Morning Jacket has often been acclaimed as a contemporary band that will last the test of time (ala YLT) and their crunching set of finely crafted Americana this evening could indeed be classified as timeless.
  


• A Place to Bury Strangers, Shearwater, & Shout Out Louds @ The Mohawk (3/12) -- Austinist’s Gonna Gonna Get Down III gave our readers a chance to witness the various acts we rave on about year long. Deafening shoegaze from A Place to Bury Strangers was the most riveting performance we witnessed all day on the inside stage while Shearwater’s softer soundscapes was perfect for mid-afternoon intoxication outside. Our oh-so-sweet Swedish headliners Shout Out Louds stole the show though with a fine medley of pop ditties to end a hot but amazing day. Their love is something I cannot remember.
  


• The Raveonettes @ various venues (3/13, 3/14, 3/15) -- Danish act The Raveonettes seemed omnipresent this SXSW (definitely a good thing!) and we took full advantage. Touring on the heels of their impressive Lust Lust Lust release, Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo were assisted by a third member, percussionist Leah Shapiro throughout their performances. The Thursday morning 11 a.m. gig at The Current’s Free Yr Radio Broadcast Corner (on 7th and Red River St.) was a bit lackluster but the band more than made up for it with raucous sets of feedback drenched, harmony fueled gems at the Little Radio / Noisepop show at Red Eyed Fly and at the Friday afternoon SPIN shindig at Stubb’s. Enjoying their set at Rachael Ray’s Feedback event (at Beauty Bar on Saturday morning) to some mighty tasty ribs and sliders will remain a lasting memory.
  


• Chromeo @ Stubb’s (3/15) -- Vice and Scion brought metal legends Motörhead to Stubb’s on Thursday but the never ending line caused us to stay away. On Saturday, electro was the genre of choice and after a throbbing (although somewhat redundant) set by Digitalism, Canadian duo Chromeo transformed the 3 p.m. event into a 3 a.m. dance party with a multitude of catchy beats, '80s synth, and Prince like funk. The set included material from both She’s in Control and Fancy Footwork with “Needy Girl” and “Tenderoni” sending the crowd into a frenzy, of course. Good times.
  

Honorable mentions:

• Nada Surf’s intimate acoustic set (3.13, Volume Night Club) at the Paste / Stereogum / Dell Lounge event.


• British Sea Power’s powerful, anthemic compositions (3.13 and 3.14, The Mohawk) at Rhapsody Rocks Austin and Hot Freaks III.


• Moby’s exhilarating DJ set (3.13, The 301) at the C3 and Playboy’s Rock The Rabbit bash.


• Fuck Buttons’ remarkable electronic experimentation (3.14, Emo’s Inside) at the Pitchfork / Windish Agency show.


• The Cribs’ early morning energy jolt of rock 'n' roll (3.15, La Zona Rosa) at the Village Voice Media / Houston Press’ The Showdown.


• The Whip’s electro-rock panache (3.15, Latitude 30) at the Liverpool Sound City showcase.


• Mess With Texas 2 (3.15, Waterloo Park) -- Although we did not catch too many entire sets here, walking around at this mini-Fun Fun Fun Fest, watching the likes of Simian Mobile Disco, Matt & Kim, Yeasayer, Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, NOFX, Islands, Jay Reatard, and The Breeders at our fancy has to merit an honorable mention.