Canadian Pornographers light up the night

As of yesterday, SXSW 2006 Music is officially underway, and the biggest bang so far has been the New Pornographers, who rocked the outdoor amphitheater at Stubb's with a bevy of cuts off the band's recent Twin Cinema. Happily, the lovely Neko Case (right) was on hand for a little tambourine tapping -- and to add her considerable vocal talents to leading Pornographer AC Newman's swirling, 70's inflected compositions. This rocking Vancouver band has been around for almost 10 years, now, and its Americana-tinged power pop soared on "Use It" and the titular "Twin Cinema" (both Real Player). But before the show ended, I had to run to my next showcase.... Just like Neko, who plays Antone's at 1 am Friday, it looks like I'll be running hard all week.

Meanwhile, dedicated Oko-philes can check the dueling disc reviews -- The Double, a band previewed last week, and leading lady kd lang at the Austin Chronicle website. The Double plays a midnight concert tonite at Club DeVille on Red River -- with any luck I'll be there. kd lang holds an interview session at 2:45 pm today.