ACL Recap

Thanks to the CPA, we obtained 3 day passes to this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival. We didn't have as much time to do our traditional thorough band research beforehand, but were pleased with the lineup we put together.


Friday

Asleep at the Wheel
The Attorney wasn't able to get off work, so I went to the festival with L & J. They went to see School of the Seven Bells, but I started off with this ACL tradition. Ray Benson and his gang are known for putting on fun shows, and they did not disappoint. They sang several new songs from their "Willie and the Wheel" album (sans Willie) and several of their older hits. Everyone was in good voice and "swung" their instruments well. A great way to start off the day.


Blitzen Trapper
When I arrived at the Blitzen Trapper show, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. I'm only familiar with Furr, their most recent album, and the stuff they were playing did not sound like that album at all. But after some noodling and jamming, they changed tone and I really liked it. Comparisons to Dylan and The Grateful Dead are valid, but they aren't a tribute band and definitely bring their own flavor to this familiar genre.


Avett Brothers
I first saw the Avett Brothers at Merlefest a few years ago. The program described them as something like "punk meets bluegrass" and it is an apt description. They wail on their banjo and guitar and belt out their songs. They also jump up and down a lot. While playing acoustic music. With an upright bass (although I don't think that guy does much jumping). Friday's show was pretty much the same, with the addition of a cello (which the long haired Asian fellow played standing up most of the time!). They rounded out their sound with occasional drums and keyboard. They were on one of the bigger stages, and they filled the space and moved the crowd. It was the best show I saw on Friday and the CD I chose as my souvenir from the festival.


Poi Dog Pondering
I didn't know much about this group going in, but wanted to catch a show with L & J, so I went. The first thing I noticed is that there are a lot of members in the band. The second thing I noticed is that they really appeal to an audience of white people of a certain age. They lived in Austin for a long time before relocating to Chicago, so I imagine they have a large local fan base. It was a fun show - rock and soul with a touch of world music. I understand their appeal.


Phoenix
Back to the big stage and trying to find my chair in the ever growing crowd. I had to stand just to see the big screen for this show, but it was worth it and you can't dance sitting down anyway. These guys look very French (because they are) and they also looked genuinely surprised and touched by the size of the crowd. They were consistent and fun, in spite of a few technical difficulties. I didn't know much about them before, but I liked what I heard. A girl standing behind me summed it up best, "They're really good and I like them, but all of their stuff sort of sounds alike. I'm just saying."


Raphael Saadiq
I don't know if it's fair to count this guy since I was sitting pretty far away and only saw half the show. I was on my way out and planning on stopping by another stage when I was drawn in by the former Tony!Toni!Tone! front man's feel good soul music. He put on a heck of a show and got the crowd primed for John Legend, who was up next on the neighboring stage.


Saturday

Deer Tick
These guys don't sound like they're from Rhode Island. And I mean that in the best way. A good show to start off rainy Saturday, even though the lead singer confessed he hadn't gotten up that early in years.

Felice Brothers
The Attorney and I had been digging "Frankie's Gun!!" for a few weeks before the fest, so I knew I wanted to see these guys. I was not disappointed. They all seemed to be having a genuinely good time and even though they didn't sound quite as good as they do recorded, their stage presence made up for it. They definitely have a unique sound - the lead singer's voice, the accordion, the organ, the washboard - not so much what I would have thought would come out of rural New York, but very American and very fun.

Grizzly Bear
One of the many Brooklyn bands at this year's fest, Grizzly Bear is in the same school as Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes. They do the multi-part harmony, reverb, acoustic thing and they do it well.

Flogging Molly
Another show I'm not sure it's fair to count since we were pretty far away from the stage and we didn't see the whole show. But what I saw, I really liked and it made me forget about the rain that seemed to be falling harder and more frequently as the day went on. As the name suggests, this band has an Irish bent (the program called them "Gaelic punk"), with all of the expected Celtic instruments. Jolly good fun.

Federico Aubele
Mellow Latin tunes on a rainy afternoon. I was tucked into my poncho and chair so I never actually saw him, but I enjoyed listening and imagining myself in sunny Argentina.

The Zac Brown Band
We figured all the kids would be over at Mos Def, but we were wrong. This country band was surprisingly popular, and after hearing a few songs, we understood why. They knew how to play to the crowd and were really tight. And a kickin' cover of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" (their native state) didn't hurt either.

Devotchka
This was by far the best show we saw all weekend. I don't know if it was being out of the rain, the burlesque aerialist or the theramin, sousaphone and bouzouki (all crazy instruments that made their way on stage at one time or another), but it was the perfect way to end a long, wet day. This band sounds like something out of Romania, not Colorado, and they completely captivated the crowd. I'd love to see them for a longer show just to see what else they can come up with.

Sunday

The B-52's
Pretty much what I expected, and that was good. The girls are still in really good voice and know how to rock some 60's inspired dance moves. The guy actually talks that way in real life (or at least when introducing the songs). They gave us our "Love Shack" and "Roam" and ended with "Rock Lobster," so the crowd was happy. And I managed to dance without getting mud all over me.

Heartless Bastards
I didn't actually see this band because we chose not to brave the crowds and the mud and sat behind the stage. I wish I had gone to see them when they were playing weekly shows at the Continental Club because that venue is right for their music. They still rocked the bigger, outdoor stage, but hearing Erika Wennerstrom in a small, dark club would be perfect. Her voice is incredible - earthy, low and full of experience. I'm glad we stuck around to hear them.

Dirty Projectors
I don't know how to describe this band. They like to make concept albums, which doesn't surprise me. I was surprised by the three women and their magical harmonies. The Attorney described part of it as "dolphin music." It was always tuneful, but it was always interesting and a good way to end our weekend.