DISPATCHES FROM SXSW, PART ONE

Arrived late. It's FREEZING here. 40 degrees. I'm wearing a T-shirt and sweater. The rest of my clothes will be arriving via FedEx tomorrow morning. Checked into the Four Seasons. Only switched rooms twice. The first room was on the top floor and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep with the hundreds of bats dive-bombing into the window. I didn't like the paint color of the second room. Not too crazy about the carpet in the third room, but I'll deal. I'm nothing if not resilient.

Woke up early. It's raining. Clothes arrive and I'm layering to stay warm. Interpol sweatshirt over a thinner Interpol hoodie. The boyfriend is en route on the "music biz shuttle" American flight from LAX direct to Austin. He's on the plane with Paul from the Blue Nile and Matt from Aqualung. I compose a "Dear Penthouse Forum" letter in my head while waiting in the queue to pick up my SXSW registration badge. "I never thought this would happen to me," it begins. Realize what I really want is to be the muse for Paul and Matt to make beautiful music together. Literally. Contemplating a trip to my FAVORITE store in Austin, By George, 524 N. Lamar Blvd. This cold weather is a license to shop.

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE SHOWS:

8 PM: Robyn Hitchcock @ Emo's, 603 Red River

9 PM: Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile @ Elysium, 705 Red River. Wow, this is turning into A&M Records night, circa 1987. KROX PD Lynn Barstow is another longtime fan. He'll be in tow.

10 PM: Mike Doughty @ Buffalo Billiards, 201 E. 6th.

11 PM: Kate Earl @ 18th Floor at Crown Plaza, 5th St. & I-35. My friend Shelby Meade manages her, so she must be great.

Midnight: Billy Idol @ Stubbs, 801 Red River. How can I not?

1 AM: American Music Club @ The Vibe, 508 E. 6th. I'll be the one screaming for "Outside This Bar."

Time to shop. Food will have to wait.