Joe Pug’s making some waves right now in singer-songwriter circles with soaring, confessional fare like “I Do My Father’s Drugs”. Live, his mix of Dylanesque singing, John Prine-style finger-picking, and Springsteen-like guitar movements, made for an interesting folk performance. The room was a little echoey, despite being full of people downing free beer, but Pug held his own, maintaining the forcefulness that makes his debut EP such a strong listen.

I’m always a little suspicious of any songwriter with a “wounded bird” persona, but it’s part of the territory in the world of singer-songwriters, many of whom are truly wearing their hearts on their sleeves and exorcising their demons. So it was definitely endearing when Furman, who seemed like a skittish rabbit when talking to the crowd, defended the sincerity of all of the bands playing SXSW and declared, “This is our band and we’re the best band here”. Under the shadows of the lone sycamore tree that shades the Creekside Lounge deck, Furman and his band, the Harpoons, offered an infectious blend of sensitive singer-songwriting with straightforward Modern Lovers-style punk pop.

Mufreesboro, Tennessee’s Glossary are a favorite band amongst the alt-country community, and it’s easy to see why: They write good songs and they can raise a ruckus on par with the Drive-by Truckers. Playing a set consisting entirely of new songs, Glossary came across as more fluid and more melodic than they ever appear on disc—especially when it came to the guitar interplay. With luck, the upcoming new record will finally reflect this. For this day show, Glossary were solid, but didn’t display much of the abandon for which they’re known.

Headlining the Italians Do It Better showcase at NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge, the Portland duo Glass Candy delivered a spellbinding set of indie disco magic on Saturday night. Charismatic frontwoman Ida No was joined by musical director and keyboardist extraordinaire Johnny Jewel.

The duo played a selection of underground hits from their 2006 breakthrough album B/E/A/T/B/O/X, as well as a strong selection of material from the newly-released Deep Gems. With a myriad of black and pink balloons piled high on stage, Glass Candy finally appeared after 1:00 am. Opening acts for the concert included Nite Jewel and Twisted Wires.

For more information on Glass Candy and Italians Do It Better visit www.myspace.com/glasscandy.