ACL: Part II

Saturday

After a late wake-up call, ma lady and I grabbed some b-fast at “Austin Java,” which had some pretty solid gringo breakfast tacos (I think, with some planning and minimal effort, one could eat breakfast tacos in Austin for every meal for at least a week and never repeat restaurants). Then it was out for some sweat and sun on the walk to Zilker Park to catch:

Augustana (2:30-3:30): Augustana was surprisingly solid. I didn’t think that I knew anything by them, until I recognized at least five of their songs from the radio; and I never listen to the radio, so they must be on a lot. Anyway, those radio hits are good songs; I like them. And, the band was pretty sweet. And, they played a track off their new album that was very roots-rockish, departing a bit from their pretty piano pop tunes. Good start to the day before heading over to…

Cold War Kids (3:30-4:30): (Author’s Note: Caught the end of the Paulo Nutini set on the walk over to CWK…I have no respect for that asshole...although I do own his album...so I don't know what to think) I’m sure after I sang their praises following Lollapalooza, you all ran off and bought the record (Robbers and Cowards); but for those who didn’t, I would like to reiterate that this band is awesome. Every track on the album is fantastic, and every track is even better live. Live, the distorted, echoed guitars are struck without restraint, Nathan Willet’s vocals reach a level that surpasses the sound on the album, and the thumping back-beat that exists throughout the album is that much louder (I also find it neat that whenever a band member is not playing another instrument, they go and dig some sort of percussion instrument to hit on stage). Anyway, they were awesome (RT’s (myspace): Hospital Beds, Hang Me Up To Dry).

After CWK, we stayed put, basking (read: struggling) in the Austin sun. I would like to point out at this time, that several of my friends went off to watch Stephen Marley. Am I the only one who doesn’t make it a priority to see the Marley boys at a music festival? And for the record, yes, they are at every music festival you will ever attend. Why? Because they are a good Bob Marley cover band…and Bob Marley music is ideal for festivals. Still, it's not Bob Marley playing, so why the fuss? Also, why do people like Robert Randolph? And Phish? Anyway, during this time I scurried about to grab some foodstuffs, Sweat Leaf Tea, and of course a couple of brews, in preparation for one of my own most anticipated shows of the festival…

Andrew Bird (5:30-6:30): There’s only three guys on stage during an Andrew Bird show!!! Three!!! You should hear the sound!!! You’d think there was a g-darned orchestra on stage. This is basically how it goes. Andrew Bird walks out on stage wearing a woman’s shirt (pretty sure) and looking very gaunt, as an artist should. Then, he plays some beautiful tune on his violin, steps on a looping pedal, picks a little ditty on said violin, steps on a looping pedal, whistles an unbelievable whistle, and then plays a track from his spectacular catalogue. If you ever have the opportunity, just go. Even if you’ve never heard him, or don’t care for him; it’s something to be seen. He’s running around the stage, grabbing new instruments, looping a guitar part, quickly shedding it for a violin and bow, improving, almost completely changing certain songs from their album version. Phenomenal. (RT's (myspace): Scythian Empires, Cataracts, Measuring Cups, Fake Palindromes, Sovay).

It is here that we may have made our only mistake of the festival. We decided to stick around the Arcade Fire (8:30) stage to get good seats. However, we missed Damien Rice...who I heard was really good...and I like Damien Rice a lot...our bad. Instead, we caught the Arctic Monkeys, who everyone raves about, and they sounded okay, but I'll need to hear more before making a final judgment. Also, I think the lead singer was 12. After the Arctic Monkeys, everyone pushed forward for seats, and in the stage behind us we heard the entire Clap Your Hands Say Yeah show as we were waiting for Arcade Fire to come on. I think I like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah...however, I know I don't like them live. They seem to have a sloppy sound by design, but I don't think it translates well to outdoor festivals. And Alec Ounsworth's yelping high-pitched vocals end up sounding like a raccoon that's fallen into a window well (long-story). Anyway, after CYHSY, we were ready for...

The Arcade Fire (8:30-9:30): This band is one of my favorite bands of all time. There, I said it, and no, I haven't been drinking. Every song they played was amazing, because every song in their catalogue is fantastic. Their songs are beautiful, well-written, and performed with emotion, both on the album, and even more so live. They are awesome live. They have, like, 20 people on stage. They bring out these instruments that look like their from the 1820's, and they sound awesome. There are times when there are upwards of 5 people singing. Whenever someone isn't playing an instrument, they pound on a drum, or jump up and down, or sing, sometimes in a mic, sometimes not. Highlights of the show were: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), just because it's an incredible song, and it's even more incredible when the whole crowd joins in on the "ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, ooos" at the end of the song, and their encore of "Wake Up." Everyone knew it was coming, but it was still fantastic. Anyway, I hope you love this band as much as I do. (RTs (Myspace): Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Intervention, Ocean of Noise, Well and the Lighthouse, Wake Up, Every Song They Have)

So Saturday was pretty sweet. After the show we ate at Chuy's Tex-Mex (worth 20 points) which offers a Burrito the size of your face and complimentary chips and salsa. And then it was on to...