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March 31, 2007
Video: Xiu Xiu Live in Mexico
You Tube is strange. Things pop up years after they were originated, without more than a sentence or two for context. So, even though this is a three year old performance of even older songs, I almost have to consider it "new" because outside of Mexico, who's seen it?
A quick Wikipedia check tells us that the channel responsible for broadcasting this Radio 3 session is state sponsored TVE2, Mexico's second federally run television station which plays to a college audience by featuring off-beat American shows like Six Feet Under and Veronica Mars. That programming scheme seems pretty reasonable, but Xiu Xiu concerts? No wonder its routinely on the bottom of the ratings scale. Say what you will for the merits of state run media versus the free market, but the free market has little room for marginal art.
Anyway, the footage...
Xiu Xiu - "Suha"
(Live, Conciertos de Radio 3)
Though his detractors often express distaste for the over the top nature of Jamie Stewart's performance, what's always struck me coming out of a Xiu Xiu concert (I've seen three, I think?) is the complete commitment he gives to even the most ear damaging noises or embarrassing sentiments. If it's all an act, he's a hell of an actor.
Xiu Xiu - "Poe Poe"
(Live, Conciertos de Radio 3)
I may be a weirdo, but I think that the completely disinterested, almost passive aggressive way Caralee McElroy hits the mini cymbals is kind of hot.
Xiu Xiu - "Crank Heart"
(Live, Conciertos de Radio 3)
it's easy to miss the humor in Stewart's off putting lyrics, but the line "You were so cool/ Your high school colors/ were black and light black," is still pretty hilarious.
Posted by Jeff Klingman at March 31, 2007 01:20 PM
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Comments
I think your post only accounts for about 25% of how crazy/innappropriate/hilarious/satisfying Mexican TV is.
A sampling of the absolutely accurate stereotypes: half-naked women on children's shows, old men dressed up as little kids, random singing and dancing, extremely attractive weather girls, pro-government propaganda, Cinemax-quality daytime television, soccer, clowns.
Posted by: Randall Monty at April 1, 2007 01:11 PM
