*oh, and that may actually have been me saying that one, but it should still count.

Through the line and just beyond the gates (from the frying pan swiftly into the blazing fire), was a whole new claustrophobic nightmare waiting to welcome you with it’s cramped and gnarly arms. Ultimately the fire marshals were summoned as the crowd rose and grew into a distended sweaty force to be reckoned with, an incalculable mass of hips and elbows, cigarettes and cell-phones, cowboy hats, brimming and balanced cups of beer, rock stars and even more aspiring rock stars. And for all good reason, as the Esquire Showcase lineup was a perfect balance of artists this year; from the John Butler Trio, to Aimee Mann, The Wallflowers, Son Volt and a grand finale with Los Super Seven.

While the Son Volt lineup for SXSW was missing a couple of key players due to scheduling conflicts, (no Eric Heywood on pedal steel, and Brad Rice is finishing out prior tour obligations with Tift Merritt) – the sound was full, energetic and loaded with timeless familiarity and strong and solid new material. Filling in temporarily on guitar, was James Walbourne (Peter Bruntnell, Pernice Brothers), along with members of Son Volt’s new lineup featuring Andrew Duplantis (Jon Dee Graham, Meat Puppets, Bob Mould) on bass, and Dave Bryson (Canyon) on drums.

Son Volt’s set entwined rousing new material with older tried-and-true songs from the first three Son Volt albums; three records that made the 90’s so musically delicious, lest we forget. Shining through was the enchanting song Atmosphere, from the upcoming Son Volt release (summer ’05), along with older beauties, such as the unmistakably engaging, plain-spoken Windfall. As is the case with SXSW shows, the sets are severely condensed, so Son Volt performed a splintered set of about half-and-half, new vs. old material, all unmitigated crowd pleasers. The band sounded tremendous, energetic, clear and perfect, and Jay Farrar enveloped the audience with his clearly identifiable warm baritone, complimented by Andrew Duplantis’ tasty harmonies.

Clearly, one must admire Farrar’s fortitude, with his willingness to bring into being what can certainly be considered a “hard sell” to a SXSW audience chock-full of old Son Volt fans. He not only has a completely new Son Volt lineup, but loads of new material largely unheard by most, an abbreviated set with very little sound-check, a stand-in temporary guitar player, AND it’s been dubbed, (by various SXSW articles) a “reunion”? Some may find those variables make for a hard sell, but the lucky rest of us happily consider it SOLD. From Uncle Tupelo, to Son Volt, to Jay Farrar’s solo work and now back to a newer Son Volt, I’ve come to the conclusion that if Jay is selling it, I’m buying it.

That sweet Son Volt familiarity made enduring the long lines, the heaving crowds, the hassle and hell to get in, wholly and entirely worth it. That heartwarming feeling obtained by hearing such a perfect blend of beautiful new, and celebrated old Son Volt, quite effortlessly conquered any mild heartburn resulting from several days of nefarious Mexican food.

And GODDAMN, I love me some Son Volt.