"Silent Night / Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis"

It's that time of year again... time to dust off this classic from Tom's 1979 performance on the long-running Austin City Limits.

ACL Schedule Revealed

10-06 Norah Jones
10-13 The Decemberists/Explosions in the Sky
10-20 Femi Kuti
10-27 Jimmy Reed Highway: Jimmie Vaughan and Friends
11-03 Wilco
11-10 Arcade Fire
11-17 Brad Paisley/Dierks Bentley
11-24 Van Morrison (Encore)
12-01 Gretchen Wilson/Miranda Lambert (Encore)
12-08 Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Encore)
12-15 John Mayer
12-22 Lucinda Williams/Old Crow Medicine Show
12-29 Bloc Party/Ghostland Observatory
01-05 Crowded House/Grupo Fantasma
01-12 Regina Spektor /Paolo Nutini
01-19 Roky Erickson/Kings of Leon
01-26 ACL PRESENTS: The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

John Vanderslice | Bishop Allen Redux

John Vanderslice
Duke Coffeehouse Durham, NC
21-SEP-2007

It's hard to follow up such a bolus of music that ACL provides all at once. It's like eating a Thanksgiving dinner, three days in a row, and then going out for a snack a little while later. Be that as it may, the much-blogged and much-loved artist known as John Vanderslice was coming to Durham and I was bound and determined I wasn't going to miss him. I was literally shocked when I found out that he was playing at Duke Coffeehouse, a student-run venture that serves no alcohol, and will allow maybe 200 people inside, only if they don't breathe or move around so much. The number is probably closer to 175 or less. So yeah, I was not going to pass up the opportunity to see an artist of such big renown in a small intimate venue.

Bishop Allen opened up the night with a really great set. Drawing most recently from their stellar release The Broken String they really got the crowd's blood flowing with songs such as "Click, Click, Click, Click", "Flight 180" and "Rain". The touring version of the band I saw was a sausage party. Much to my dismay, this cutie did not come with the piano. But no matter, these boys rocked, and put on a very energetic set to prime our ears for JV.

John Vanderslice opened with my favorite song from the new record: "Kookaburra". I have grown to really embrace this song and all its metaphors for that fateful day in September, 2001. You know the one. Vanderslice has captured an emotional time-capsule from those events in the envelope of not one, but two albums. Other songs that speak openly of these events "Exodus Damage" and "Trance Manual" were also in tonight's set.

The aforementioned "Exodus Damage" is just as powerful today as it was two years ago. Consider the lyrics:

So you hope that one person
Could solve everything
And for me, that's you
Sometimes that dream
Is a sad delusion
But sometimes it's true

There's loads of truth in its simplicity.
Hear for yourself: John Vanderslice — Exodus Damage.mp3

At the close of the show, JV with acoustic guitar in hand, along with entire band, left the stage and brought the music to center of the audience. He himself stood on a coffee table next to me, and I couldn't resist firing off a couple of shots with the digicam. He's an intense performer, as illustrated here.

After the show, he was available to chat at the merch table and was amiably greeting fans and signing records. It was an intimate venue, and an intimate show, which I greatly appreciated after coming off of ACL. It had a house-concert feel to it, and I was very glad to be there. I only hope John Vanderslice makes his way back in town sooner than later.

For more 'Slice:
check out the video performance of "Kookaburra" courtesy of JV and Stereogum.

on Amazon:

[John Vanderslice – Pixel Revolt, 2005]
[John Vanderslice – Emerald City, 2007]

ACL Day Three - The Poet Laureate of Rock and Roll

Austin TX, Austin City Limits Music Festival
Day Three, 16-SEP-2007

There was a sea of people in motion crowding around the AT&T stage nearing the close of ACL 2007. Having just left the Wilco set, I considered my hunger for a moment, and realized it would be a shame if I left Austin without having a BBQ sandwich from Stubb's. After satisfying my hunger, I tried making my way close, but it was painfully evident I would be nowhere near the stage, and the screens would likely be the size of postage stamps, but I was there, I was going to hear Dylan, and that was good enough for me. I opted instead to hang back, and enjoy the show from afar, and in doing so, preserve some semblance of personal space around me.

photo by: Jay Jenner, Austin American-Statesman

I could barely make out that Dylan was playing guitar, but there was no mistaking that it was him in the center of the stage, playing his Fender Strat at least at the beginning of the show. Dylan's re-working of essentially his entire catalog is well-documented. Anyone who has ever seen him live in recent years can attest that oftentimes his songs are unidentifiable until he begins to sing. Tonight was no different.

Dylan's set included a pair of songs from my all-time favorite: Blood on the Tracks. Rumour has it that Bob played "Buckets of Rain" at the pre-show set the night before at Stubb's BBQ. Highlights for me included "Summer Days" during which I watched a couple of older couples swing dance on the lawn very playfully. I rather enjoyed seeing that spark of spontaneity. "Ballad of a Thin Man", "Things Have Changed" and the closer "I Shall Be Released" were other high points for my ears.

For those who were unable to attend the show, or want to relive the concert experience, I offer the show to you. The mp3's are encoded at the highest bit rate possible. The only thing I ask is, don't circulate burned copies for trade— such copies pollute the gene pool when it comes to trading shows. If you are torrent-savvy then look for it at the Trader's Den. That said, Enjoy!


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bob Dylan
16-SEP-2007 Austin City Limits Music Festival

01. Intro
02. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
03. It Ain't Me Babe
04. Watching The River Flow
05. Spirit On The Water
06. The Levee's Gonna Break
07. Tangled Up In Blue
08. Things Have Changed
09. Workingman's Blues #2
10. Highway 61 Revisited
11. Nettie Moore
12. Summer Days
13. Ballad Of A Thin Man
14. [crowd noise]

Encore:
15. Thunder On The Mountain
16. Like A Rolling Stone
17. band intros
18. I Shall Be Released

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ACL Day Three

Austin TX, Austin City Limits Music Festival
Day Three, 16-SEP-2007

My aunt graciously dropped me off on S. Lamar Blvd. amid all the other concert-goers, depriving me of the joy of riding the Capitol Metro Bus for the third day. In all honesty, I had grown accustomed to the random people I met on the buses, and liked the anonymity of riding. But I digress...

The first issue of the day was to attempt to get some kind of medical attention for a bloody wasp sting that I had acquired the day before. My middle finger had swelled to about twice normal size, and when the only advice I got from the medical tent was: "Well, we can take you to the hospital." I quickly said "No thanks" and turned on my heel. There was no way I was going to miss any of the acts today.

While making my way to the AT&T Blue Room stage for The National, I caught some familiar tunes by Yo La Tengo. I didn't think I'd get there early enough, but I was glad to hear at least a bit of their set. But for me, the stage was setting for The National, a band that has quickly captured my attention in the coming months leading up to ACL. I jockeyed for position amid the growing throng, and sweated along with the rest of them. It was most probably the hottest part of the day, but when the band started up with the beginnings of "Start a War" I swear I had goose bumps; it mattered not that it was in excess of 90 degrees. Drawing exclusively from their last 2 albums, and most heavily from 2007's The Boxer (not that I minded) The National really wowed me for such an early show. I was proud to have been amoung those who caught their set. Matt Berninger's smoky smooth baritone was the perfect way to jump right in to day three here at ACL. It was with some trepidation that I left the crowd early.

photo by: danfun

It turns out that leaving The National early paid huge dividends when it came to seeing Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Having been turned on to their release just a few weeks ago, I was thrilled to find that I had made my way all the way up front, without being a prick about it. I literally walked all the way up front. Grace Potter's sound is an amalgam of rock, blues with a touch of gospel. She and her band really tore up the WaMu tent during their hour-long set. Bonus points: she plays a Gibson Flying V.

photo credit: disheveled

After Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, I made my back over the park to see Lucinda Williams. While milling about, friends from 2 nights before recognized me and I was glad to see some familiar faces for a change. Charlie and Christiana were having some cold white wine, but that didn't really appeal to me since it was so hot... but we chatted about politics and the bands we'd seen while waiting for Ms. Williams to take the stage.

To be honest, I thought her set was uninspired. Having seen her 3 times now, I can make an easier decision to see someone else the next time. But mostly I was glad I was in the vicinity for the next act on the bill: Wilco!

photo by: David Mead

Jeff Tweedy and the band took the stage roughly an hour later, and I had to break away from my friends who wanted to hang back a little farther than I'm used to... so I made my way up closer, but it soon became apparent the crowd was just too compact up front, so I looked for a spot behind some shorter folks, and patiently waited. I met another couple who are stage actors in Austin, Tom and Robin. They were Wilco newbies, and were very excited about seeing them the first time. I shared in their excitement and we chatted a good bit before the show started.

Jeff came onstage sporting a spiffy cowboy hat (which didn't stay on his head long.) They started off the set with "You Are My Face" which is one of my favorites from the new record. They drew deep from their catalog, with songs from 1995's A.M.: "Casino Queen" and "Too Far Apart". The latter, I'm fairly certain I've never heard live before now. And I've seen them 16 times. They also played several choice cuts from the 1996's Being There "Red-Eyed and Blue" >> "I Got You." Probably my 2 favorite songs that run back to back on the album. I was glad that Tom and Robin were treated to a good mix of old and new. It brought joy to me to see them so happy and full of enthusiasm at seeing them for the first time. Afterwards, I bid them farewell to them, but not before exchanging information.

Next up: Bob Dylan.

ACL Day Two

Austin TX, Austin City Limits Music Festival
Day Two, 15-SEP-2007

With yesterday's fire a distant blip on the radar (and maybe after delivering some replacement Port-a-Sans) today's lineup proved just as white-hot. Actually there was a fire today, at the Arcade. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

For me, the day started with a set from Steve Earle. A longtime fan, I have missed more than one opportunity to see him live (even had a ticket for a show once that I never used - long story) but it was good to hear such classics as "Ft. Worth Blues", "Tom Ames' Prayer" and the perennial crowd favorite: "Copperhead Road." Earle was joined on stage with his wife Alison Moorer for several numbers. A surprising closer to the set was a cover of Tom Waits' "Way Down In The Hole." Perhaps the most notable thing about Earle's set was that the first 1/2 of it was just him and his acoustic guitar, and the other 1/2 included a DJ on stage. This is the direction he has taken on his latest album; I'm not sure I like it. Be that as it may, I'm glad I finally got to catch Steve Earle live.




















photo credit: flux-rad

The next act for me was a "sleeper" hit for me: Andrew Bird. Aptly named, Bird can whistle and warble like a bird. It's an instrument all on its own. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Bird primarily stuck to the violin and plucked the strings on this instrument, as if it were a tiny 4-stringed guitar, and alternated with a rosined bow as well. I had never heard any of his songs save for "Imitosis" but I'm glad I took a chance and caught his set. The ethereal "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" from 2005's Mysterious Production of Eggs translated well to the large festival audience. Having seen Andrew Bird live, I can now say I am an instant fan of his work. I look forward to catching a full set from him in the future. Here's a free mp3 from his website:
Andrew Bird — Heretics.mp3

photo credit: Mark C. Austin

Just up the hill at the AMD stage, Sheffield, England's finest export: Arctic Monkeys took the stage. These young lads rocked the crowd with their wholly British observations. I was further back than I wished, but thanks to the giant screen left of the stage, lead singer Alex Turner's expressions were not lost. Particular song highlights were: "Fake Tales of San Francisco" and "When the Sun Goes Down" which they played coincidentally, as the sun was going down. I expect the Arctic Monkeys arc of fame to continue to rise.

Now to the fire I alluded to earlier... Arcade Fire took the stage after the Monkey's departure. There was a sea of people vying to get close to the stage for this one, which didn't surprise me at all. Having seen them 2 years prior, I knew that they would bring an unrestrained energy that would blow us away. Drawing heavily from their latest record: Neon Bible the 11+ (I'm still uncertain just how many musicians there were) members of Arcade Fire made the very most of the 75 min. set.

photo credit: Jay Janner, Austin Statesman

Particular highlights of their set were "Keep the Car Running", "Intervention", "Windowsill" and "Rebellion." Win Butler didn't smash his acoustic guitar (like he did on the SNL appearance) but it did have the same Creole proverb lettered in tape: "Sak Vide Pa Kanpe." [An empty sack cannot stand up]

One thing that I need to point out– all these musicians are really talented, and are proficient in several instruments. Case in point, Régine Chassagne played keyboards, accordion and even rocked a full drum kit. (In fact, she looked as comfortable as Meg White behind the drums.) Near the end of the show, one of the rotating percussionists jumped into the no-man's land that separated the crowd into left and right hemispheres and banged on his drum up and down the strip while ardent fans tried their best to touch him. A nightmare from a security standpoint, but this guy just banged on his drum with reckless abandon up to the very end. Absolutely amazing energy. If they could have swung from the rafters, they would have.

Day Three on it's way...

ACL Day One - Hotter than a Trailer on Fire

Austin TX, Austin City Limits Music Festival
Day One, 14-SEP-2007

A little after my arrival at Zilker Park, a fire broke out in a food service trailer . Soon, an ominous black cloud of smoke was seen from all points in the field. There were some injuries reported by the news stations (4), but what with the potential for propane and propane accessories to rupture and explode, it could have been far, far worse. Honestly though, the Texas heat wasn't nearly as bad as it was two years ago. The 94 degrees or so was quite bearable.


In some kind of sequential order, here are some of the highlights of Day One for me:

• First act of the day for me: Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts. These guys really rocked. I caught about 1/2 of their set, and it whetted my appetite for the musical smörgåsbord ahead of me. Arthur has some ace guitar chicks in his band.
  
• After JA's set I caught some shade and a bit of Spiritual fulfillment from the sounds of: The Wonderful Harmonizers in the WaMu tent.
  
• Caught a full set by Blonde Redhead, followed by an autograph session with the band at the Waterloo Records tent. All very gracious, not to mention very patient artists. They said they were coming back to Chapel Hill soon to my joy.
  
• While waiting in line at the auto tent, caught the familiar 80's sounds of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over." I love the song, but honestly, it was the only one I wanted to hear. It's also the only Crowded House song I know.
  
• Saw a bit of Joss Stone's act, but mostly walked about, milling about killing time before...
• Spoon! Playing to essentially a hometown crowd, Britt Daniel and company really put on a great set, drawing a good deal from their latest Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Bonus: I met a really cool couple from Bee Cave, Lance and Jill.
  
• Afterwards, we made our way to the food court and hung out while listening to Rev. Horton Heat spread his evangelistic mix of psychobilly voodoo. I heard that the good Reverand was a late addition to the line-up... and I for one, was glad of that.
  
• Somewhere along the way, the Texas sun decided to set, and after getting some refreshing beverages, we made our way over to the AMD stage for The Killers. We met some more cool people and opted to simply hang out while the throng of people made their way to the exit.
  
• The walk down Barton Springs which brimmed with a cacophony of conversation, some en Espanol. People seemed very happy and also very tired. A few sleeping children were being pushed along in strollers, some with rosier-than-normal cheeks.
• A cinnamon sno-cone from Molly's while waiting for the CAP Metro bus.

Day Two is on the way... I'm quite tired and unable to type effectively due to a bloody bee wasp! sting on my left middle finger. Joy.

Cheers,
b.s.

Saving Grace

I received the most glorious treat in the mail today. It was the sort of package that can actually change the mood of one's day. Yes, dear reader. Great mail can change the outlook on a day. It can add a bounce to one's stride and provide that much-needed light at the end of the proverbial work-week tunnel.

For me, that light, just happened to be a nocturnal sort of light... as in Grace Potter and the Nocturnal's latest release: This is Somewhere.

Though but twenty-four, Grace has the presence and vocal range of a seasoned musician twice her age. The album's opener, "Ah Mary" is a politically-charged rocker, but only revealed as such near the end of the song when ah, Mary becomes 'America.' Brilliant!

Fans of Tift Merritt's brand of vocal stylings would instantly fall for Grace Potter. Her voice easily lends itself to rockers or piano-type ballads, as evidenced by the opener "Ah Mary" (see video below) and "Apologies" a love-gone-awry ballad that is tender, but firm.

"It hurts me that I didn't figure it out before,
and now it's too late for a soliloquy
way too late for dignity
it's time for apologies."

The album brims with a blend of genres, ranging from roots-y blues rock to gospel. A very solid offering from a band that is really turning this newfound fan's ear on its edge.

I look forward to catching their set at Austin City Limits Music Festival next week. They play 2:30-3:30 at the WaMu stage on Sunday, 16-September. Put the sunscreen on, and show up early. I promise you it'll be worth getting there early. See you there.

+ Grace Potter & The Nocturnals — Ah Mary.mp3

Grace Potter performing "Ah Mary" on Leno:



[Grace Potter & The Nocturnals on MySpace]
[buy the record, already]

Fire in Downtown Raleigh

The Fiery Furnaces roared through Raleigh last night at the Lincoln Theatre, Friday 06-Jul-2007.

I was proud to have arrived early enough to catch most of the opening act, an L.A. band called Dios, who really rocked the house. I found myself watching the drummer much of the time who was front and center, as he was so animated and energetic, and had a really subtle sense of humor with faux yawns and the like. Great band-- loads of energy, and excellent guitar playing, on 12-string acoustic alternated with a Guild hollow-body electric. I was left wishing I had caught their entire set.

The Fiery Furnaces took the stage very shortly after Dios' energetic set, and being up front, I couldn't have been more happier. I was pretty much dead center, amid a group of fans like me that knew their songs, and couldn't help move around a bit.

The main set was essentially a Two-Act affair. Act I was all songs from their latest release from 2006's Bitter Tea. I was blown away with the double percussionists one Bob D'Amico and another whose name escapes me (sorry) and an ace guitar player Jason Lowenstein. And of course the cibling duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger. I am almost certain it was just the duo when they took the stage at ACLF, 2005.

Be that as it may, we had a full band in front of us tonight, and they really rocked hard . Most if not all of the arrangements were different, but most notably, Matt was absent on vocals. For the entire show, actually. That didn't keep him from playing the KORG organ, however. Eleanor sang and ripped through those rapid-fire lyrics of hers that never fail to mesmerize. In fact, I have been addicted to Bitter Tea all day long. Tonight's pot went down quite easily.

Act II was comprised of choice cuts from Blueberry Boat, Gallowsbird's Bark, and EP. The latter of which features a timely song "Here Comes the Summer." In addition, Eleanor introduced a couple numbers as being on a new record due out in the fall. One of which was "Widow City" (I think) from the album of the same name. Good stuff. The band seemed to be having a good time on stage, but I'm not sure the entire crowd was into it, liked I had hoped they would be. We were treated to a few encores, including a bit of "Chris Michaels." It was a great set, and I was left wanting more.

After the show I hit the merch table for a vinyl copy of their latest and to pick up Dios (malos). My friend Jonathan (who picked up a copy as well) and I made our way down to the stage, where Matt was helping to break down the stage. I politely asked if he could sign my album, which he was very happy to oblige. We chatted a bit and I asked if Eleanor would be out later, and he said she would be. True to word, she came around to the pit a few moments later and signed my record.

We chatted a bit about Chuy's in Austin, and the music festivals for which the city is renowned. Why they're not on the line-up this year is beyond me. Surprisingly, I didn't find myself quite so tongue-tied talking with her, even though I think I have a RSGF* crush. Oh, and Eleanor, on the off chance you read this, the name of the place on Barton Springs is Shady Grove. I knew it would come to me.

[* Rock Star Girl Friend]

+ The Fiery Furnaces — Benton Harbor Blues Again.mp3
+ The Fiery Furnaces — Waiting to Know You.mp3
from Bitter Tea, 2006

+ Dios Malos — I Want it All.mp3
+ Dios Malos — Tokyo Sunrise (Excerpt From Flight Sequence).mp3
from Dios (malos), 2005

Wilco Redux - Charlotte

Wilco
20-JUN-2007
Ovens Auditorium | Charlotte, NC

I was second row center Wednesday night for Wilco's ass-kicking live show. I have never been disappointed seeing these guys, and they certainly brought the rock with them in this leg of the "Sky Blue Sky" tour.

The band opened up with an unlikely choice: "Sunken Treasure" from 1996's two-disc opus Being There (I had predicted a raucous version of "Side With the Seeds") Holy cannoli, after hearing that... I knew it was going to be a good night.


About 1/2 way through the set, I noticed a familiar face from a previous show. Little Lilac Rain (yes, that's her name) was once again perched on her father's shoulders and as they made their way up the aisle, I made eye contact with them and waved. You see, it's become somewhat of a tradition at NC Wilco shows that Lilac would go on stage and join Tweedy during "her" song: "Hummingbird." At first, security actually turned them away. Undaunted (and perhaps security got the word to back off) Mr. Rain came back down the aisle and Jeff met them at the edge of the stage, where Lilac disembarked and came center stage with her music idol. Lilac sang and danced with Tweedy, who loved on this child as if she were his own. It was a moment that was very reminiscent of the show in Chapel Hill in March, 2006. [photo]

Somehow I get the feeling Wilco will always be playing "Hummingbird" during their North Carolina stops—not that I mind it one bit.

Other notes on the show... a Macramé-d owl was lowered via wire behind Jeff after "War on War". To which Jeff replied "This show just keeps on getting creepier and creepier, doesn't it." He put out the order for more macramé, and I get the feeling that fans will inundate the band with all kinds of furry animals and whatnot. It had almost a Spinal Tap quality to it, as Jeff remarked that the stage decoration for the tour "didn't come out quite as big as we had hoped."

The entire band seemed to be enjoying themselves the entire night. It was a night where everything came together beautifully. The band was tight, Nels Cline was freakin' on fire, Tweedy was chatty, the sound was phenomenal, and the crowd was most definitely into it, on their feet and dancing. I'm never disappointed with these guys. Never.

Suddenly, September can't get here soon enough. I'll see them then, when they take the stage at ACLF. In the meantime, I might take up macramé... then again... maybe I won't.

Setlist:

Sunken Treasure
You Are My Face
Side With the Seeds
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Shake it Off
Handshake Drugs
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
California Stars
Hummingbird
On and On and On
War On War
Jesus, etc.
Hate it Here
Walken
I'm the Man Who Loves You
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'm Always in Love
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Shot in the Arm
Heavy Metal Drummer

ACLF Tickets are on sale...

They say the early bird gets the worm; the early worm gets eaten.
Today, I'm a bird.




Get your tickets at a discounted tier price of $120.00 for the 3-day mother lode of music festivals in Austin, TX.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Post Austin

The flight home was uneventful, but that's not to say I didn't fire up some prayers as we landed. It's good to be back on Carolina soil. I am still carrying around some central Texas dust in my lungs from Zilker Park. It's not pretty, folks.

Even though it stinks to be back in the office, I'm thankful I have a job that keeps me indoors. I've done a fair share of hard, manual labor outside, but after being in 105+ degrees for the better part of a week, it makes me appreciate my cushy environment all the more.

Preparations are underway for a mission trip to Kiln, Mississippi. I originally thought we were headed to Gulfport, but God knows where help is needed the most. More on that later.

ACLF-Day Three

The word for Day Three at ACLF- HOT. It was the hottest day of the summer, even though summer officially came to an end a few days ago. Be that as it may, my intrepid girlfriend and I arrived earlier than any of the previous two days in order to catch an early afternoon set by Rilo Kiley. Shade is hard to come by in Zilker Park, but we were able to secure a spot under a grand oak tree, which made the 104 108 degrees more bearable.

Arcade Fire put on an incredible show! It was unlike any show we'd seen at the festival. Each member of the band is an accomplished instrumentalist, and the members would rotate instruments between songs. Full of energy, and bouncing around, they filled the entire hour-long set with raucous percussion, screaming vocals and just general thrashing around on stage. We loved it!

Wilco rounded out the night for us... Wilco opened up with a real crowd-pleaser: Kingpin. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time they were on-stage. My lovely girlfriend thought to snap a few pics of me singing along and enjoying the music. If my count is correct, it made the eleventh time that I'd seen Wilco. Even though it was a short set, it was enough to fill my Wilco fix until the next time they come around.

After Wilco, we made it back in time for a quick dip in the pool. It was the perfect way to cool down after a day in the hot Texas sun. I'm thankful I had the perfect companion to share it with me.

ACLF-Day Two

Day two.
There are a few things I didn't realize before yesterday. Parking is not the easiest thing to come by in Austin. Okay--reasonable parking. There are lots and then there are lots that charge LOTS for parking. And then there's the shuttles, which although they are free to ride, take ~30 min. to get to Zilker. So... being the savvy young couple we are, L. and I figured out (with the help of Aunt and Uncle) how to catch the Austin Cap Metro to within walking distance of the park. We drove a scant few miles, parked the rental, and rode with relative ease on the metro bus. I think we'll be repeating this process tomorrow, as it seemed to be the best solution to getting there stress-free.

The highlight for both of us turned up early in the evening-- The Fiery Furnaces. Although the set was an hour long... they have a very unique way of blending tempos, nonsensical lyrics and first-rate guitar playing into a what seemed to be a full set. They played many songs that I knew, but to my surprise, played some new cuts off of an upcoming album, due out next month. It was a great set, and their live show lived up to the hype. Other artists that rounded out Day Two included: a short segment from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bruce Robison, Bloc Party, and a few songs from Oasis. Oasis, although a headliner, disappointed this fan. I guess I should have seen them back during their heydey of the late 90's. Those are the songs I really wanted to hear anyway. I'm not cynical... I don't think... but I guess I just didn't want to hear anything but the older songs.

OH! Inbetween sets, I was able to strap on a Gibson SG Standard and rock out at the "G-Pod." I was thankful that I have such an understanding girlfriend, who, although she had to pee, allowed me to be a kid and play a little guitar. She's a keeper-- though I already knew that. :)

It's time for bed... Day Three is nearly here.

ACLF-Day One

The much-anticipated ACLF got off without a hitch yesterday. Hurricane Rita made a swing towards the east and by doing so, greatly changed the forecast for Austin, allowing thousands of concert-goers to breathe a collective sigh of relief. It was windy in Zilker Park, and the dust created by the increased winds gave many, including my girlfriend and me what I called a "dirt tan." But no worries.

We saw some great bands today. Mates of State, Thievery Corporation, Lucinda Williams, Allman Bros. Band to name a few. It's almost sensory overload to tell you the truth. There is so much going on at ACLF... food, art, music...

Gibson has a "G-Pod" booth set up where one can strap on the latest Gibson guitars and rock out on headphones. I plan on doing that today, if possible. I've had my eye on a Gibson SG for a while now.

It's great to be here in Austin, with the One I love. On the way back from the festival, we put the top down on the convertible and enjoyed a nice drive back home. I told her I felt like a million bucks, and it was the God's Honest Truth. Being here with her, experiencing this festival is nothing short of winning the lottery, in my mind.

We capped the day off with a quick dip in my Aunt and Uncle's neighborhood pool. It was nice to cool off so rapidly after a day in the hot Texas sun. There's precious little shade at the festival, so there's nothing to do but suck it up and sweat. But it's a good time, nonetheless.

Right now... I think I'm going to grab a cup of mud to start Day Two.

Austin

My baby and I are traveling to Austin, TX in the morning! My aunt and uncle live there, and it just so happens to be that time of year when thousands of people from around the world descend upon Zilker Park for the annual Austin City Limits Festival. This is the first year for either of us, and truthfully, I'm unsure what to expect, but with my baby with me, we'll no doubt have a blast. Some expected highlights will be: Wilco, Arcade Fire, The Fiery Furnaces, Rilo Kiley, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Black Crowes, et cetera. I could keep going on and on... and I could no doubt make all kinds of fancy links with the band names... but I'm only going to bother with Wilco.

I keep reminding myself that the trip isn't just about getting my rock on at an outdoor music festival to beat outdoor music festivals... it's more about family. My uncle suffers from ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

It's fatal.
There's no cure.

I don't want to look back and see a missed oppurtunity to spend time with him. Although we're going to the festival, it will be important to simply visit with him and get to know a man that was for many years very distant, not only physically, but emotionally as well.

But not tomorrow. Tomorrow, my baby and me will be in Texas. I can hardly wait!