Death by Platypus

Hooray!! Tonight at midnight the ACL Fest 2008 lineup should be announced! It’s my favorite day of the year (well, except for maybe the first day of the actual festival).

It’s good to be out from behind the oppressive big company firewall

 Hooray for live streaming of KEXP!

So I DVR’ed airing of the Decemberists on Austin City Limits. They only got 30 minutes (with the second half of the show wasted on Explosions in the Sky) and four songs. And I think some of their best songs that night (16 Military Wives and Sons and Daughters) didn’t make the final cut. But I did spot myself in the crowd twice, for about half a second each time. Yes, I’m a dork

Sunday was another packed day, getting to the park around 1pm.

 The National – I’ve been a fan of the National’s music for several years now – I can’t recall now how I first stumbled onto their music. I’ve always liked the singer’s deep voice and the range in their songs – none sound alike. They tend to be a little bit mellow, so I’d wondered how they would translate to an outdoor concert in Texas in September. They rocked. Of all the bands all weekend, with the exception of Arcade Fire and Ghostland Observatory, the National showed the most energy and pumped the most life into their songs. Singer Matt Berninger frequently screamed to the skies (and at one point jumped down into the crowd during one song), and in most of the songs, the band added a short bit of a building instrumental jam at the end of the song.  Highlights were Abel (particularly powerful), Squalor Victoria, and Start a War. Great start to the day, and one of the best shows of the weekend.

DeVotchKa – Wasn’t sure what to expect with them, but at a minimum I figured they’d be different than anything else. They were fun, and played the handful of songs I knew – How It Ends (from Little Miss Sunshine fame), Queen of the Surface Streets, and Twenty-six Temptations. All were good. They played several foot stomping instrumentals that the crowd was interested in. Definitely glad to have seen them, but didn’t blow me away either…

Bloc Party – These guys were fantastic at ACL a couple years ago, in a night slot. Playing in front of a huge crowd at the hottest point of the day this year… well… they were still really good, but I had a hard time getting into them. I only caught about the first two-thirds of the set, but they played some of my favorite songs – The Prayer, This Modern Love, and Hunting for Witches. They also played a horrible version of Waiting for the 7.18. The band seemed out of sync with each other and off rhythm. But beyond that, it was a solid performance. Just wish I’d been about 150 feet closer and the temperature about 10 degrees cooler.

I left Bloc Party early to meet my wife, kids, and friends at the entrance. It was to be Tyler and Quinn’s first big concert experience, to catch the last two shows of the weekend with us.

Wilco – I’ve seen Wilco a few times before, and I really didn’t care for Sky Blue Sky, so I wasn’t terribly excited about this show. But Wilco has never disappointed me before, and they put on a great show again this time. They through in enough of their older songs so that the new material didn’t derail things (and to be honest, even the new material didn’t sound too bad live – Impossible Germany and Walkin in particular were good in the live setting). The kids enjoyed the show – Tyler spent most 0f the time on my shoulders. He only seemed to be bothered by the noise during the not-infrequent bouts of heavy distortion and guitar feedback at the ends of several of Wilco’s songs.

Ghostland Observatory – With most of the fans heading off to see the Decemberists or get better seats for Bob Dylan, we got a decent spot on the hill overlooking GLO’s stage (didn’t want to get too close as we knew they’d be too loud for the kids). Alyssa hadn’t seen Ghostland before, so I was really excited for her to see them. Tyler, also, seems to enjoy their music (he seems to like Piano Man best). The band had a phenomenal laser light show during their set, and ran through their typical lineup with highlights Piano Man, Shoot Em Down, Sad Sad City, and Midnight Voyage. Quinn fell asleep in the sling on Momma’s back, but Tyler was totally into it – jumping up and down and running around in circles. He was quite entertaining to us and several of the people around us. Course, when we asked him the next day what he thought, he said “it was too loud” – this from the child who likes to scream his head off in the house… The only disappointment was we were too far away to see Aaron’s crazy dancing on stage.

All in all, it was a great weekend of music, definitely one of the stronger years for ACL. Can’t wait till the band list comes out for 2008.

Best shows – Ghostland Observatory, Arcade Fire

Most surprising – The National, LCD Soundsystem

Most disappointing – the sound at the AMD stage, Arctic Monkeys, the Killers

The White Stripes suck. The late portion of Day 2 was laid out perfectly for me. I was going to enjoy the relatively light crowd watching Muse while the masses went to see the Arctic Monkeys (I really, really don’t understand their popularity, they’re a bland british post-punk band with little to make them stand out besides their name), then Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Arcade Fire while everyone else watched Jack and Meg. But alas, getting home from Montana on Wednesday, I found out they were a late scratch, setting off a chain resulting in by far the most disappointing day of the weekend.

Cold War Kids - Day 2 was a short day for me. Alyssa went to a bridal shower in the early afternoon, and I didn’t get to the park until just after 3pm. Cold War Kids played a solid set – I liked them better live than on record, though no one song stood out. I spent most of their set wandering through the myriad of people in chairs squatting between the AMD and AT&T Blue Room stages trying to find a friend. This year was strange – they pushed the “no chairs beyond this point” line back for all the stages, and it seemed like there were more people sitting than those willing to stand. For some of the earlier shows, I thought the show was going to be packed, picking my way through all the chairs, only to find 50+ feet of open grass before the back of the no-chairs crowd.

Blue October* – Technically, I attended the Blue October show, sitting back with my friend and his girlfriend in the chairs section of the AMD stage - the second biggest stage at ACL. Unfortunately, the sound for this stage was so horrible, I couldn’t hear anything. I could hear the act going on clear at the opposite end of Zilker Park more clearly than I could the band playing 100 yards away from me. Even worse, the festival organizers never did get this fixed the whole weekend. Finally, I heard from another friend that the Damien Rice show at the same time was outstanding – damn.

Andrew Bird – I caught a few of Andrew’s songs while getting dinner. I’m not a fan of his music – too mellow – but he did seem more entertaining live. I should have watched this whole set and gotten dinner while the Arctic Monkeys played, but I wanted to start working my way up towards the front of the AMD stage so I could be sure to hear/see Arcade Fire at the end of the night.

Even dinner was disappointing – I decided to try the Hudson’s On the Bend “Hot n Spicy Chicken Cone”, since they were selling like crazy last year and had lengthy lines this year. Not bad, but certainly nothing special, and not much food for $6. Should have sticked to the Stubb’s chopped beef sandwich. Mmmmm…. chopped beef….

The Arctic Monkeys – Well, on the plus side, they didn’t suck quite as bad as I was expecting. They didn’t say a word between songs, and the lead singer looked like he’d rather be having a root canal than playing for the 30k+ fans that were probably there to watch them.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – I was extremely looking forward to seeing these guys (when ACL let fans submit requests for bands after the 2005 show, they were the first on my list), and anticipated them playing Satan Said Dance as the absolute highlight of the whole weekend. I had gotten up parallel with the sound stage for Arctic Monkeys, and just moved right about 100 feet to get a better view of CYHSY, while still staying close to the AMD stage. Their first four songs were all strong (including Satan Said Dance and another fave – Over and Over Again), but the crowd just didn’t seem to get into them. Worse, when I glanced back at the AMD stage, it was already starting to get packed for Arcade Fire, so I slowly made my way back over. As such, I was able to hear the rest of CYHSY’s set, but couldn’t quite get into it as much, packed in like a sardine at the next stage over. And of course, since they weren’t a big “buzz” band the kids have been told they were supposed to like, everyone was talking over most of the set. Big disappointment, not for the band, but the experience/environment.

Arcade Fire – As disappointing as the day had been, I knew Arcade Fire could make it all better, and they delivered. When they played ACL Fest two years ago (the weekend of the 108 degree Sunday afternoon), they played in the middle of the hottest part of the day – and still everyone in the crowd was dancing and screaming and going nuts by the end of their set. I was excited to see them in the night slot. They brought a great stage show with a big velvet curtain with a neon bible flashed on it, plus 5 small, round video screens throughout the stage area. The band opened with the powerful Black Mirror and Keep the Cars Running. The crowd was totally into it and sang along with the band frequently throughout the night. They threw in a couple songs from their first album in, Laika and Haiti, but otherwise stuck to all material off Neon Bible for the first two-thirds of the show. However, they ended with an incredible combo from Funeral – Tunnels, Power Out, and Rebellion (Lies). The music was phenomenal, and the group showed lots of energy on stage. Only disappointment from them was the omission of My Body is a Cage, which I thought would have made a better encore (the one good thing about no White Stripes was they let AF run late) than Wake Up. I’d go see these guys again and again.

Sadly, my recharge from work is over. After six days in Montana, a catch-up day at home, then three out at ACL Fest, I had a two day managers’ offsite Monday and Tuesday. I’m sure I’ll have over 1000 emails waiting for me when I finally get into the office tomorrow morning.

In the meantime – ACL Fest: another fantastic year. Overall, I think there were less outstanding shows this year, but the shows on average were consistently strong. To top it off, the weather was relatively mild – low 90’s with occasional cloud coverage.

Day 1

Heartless Bastards – I hadn’t heard of these bluesy rockers from Ohio before the ACL list came out, but fell for them immediately after sampling a couple of their songs. I was very excited to open my ACL weekend with this group, and they didn’t disappoint. They’re pretty straightforward, but the lead singer has a great, husky voice, their songs are all very catchy, and each member – singer/guitarist, bassist, and drummer – all seem to have their own voices in the songs. What I mean by that is each member comes through when you listen to their songs, even the bass lines and drum rhythms stick in your head. Highlights were the opener - New Resolution, All This Time, and closer Runnin.

Pete Yorn – I was a big fan of Pete’s first album, but haven’t liked his more recent offerings. He seemed to be comfortable in the knowledge that he hasn’t topped Musicforthemorningafter, since his set was almost 50% material from that album. He also did a great cover of the Peter, Bjorn, and John song, Young Folks – much better, I thought, than the original. I didn’t see PB&J’s set to see if they could top him live, though. Overall, another strong set, even with the brief delay due to the fire that erupted along the outskirts of the stage area. 

Blonde Redhead – Hmmm… never know how I feel about this band. Their music borders between intersting, atmospheric indie rock and annoying squawking. Their live act was pretty much the same. Strong live songs were the ones I liked best on their albums – Spring and By Summer Fall, 23, and the Dress. Fortunately, they played all three of these during the first two-thirds of their set, and I happily departed for an early dinner when the music started grating.

LCD Soundsystem – During the dinner break, I was still debating the M.I.A. vs. LCD Soundsystem decision. I got recommendations from both Laura Cat and Kirby to see LCD, which was the way I was leaning anyway. Good decision. LCD was definitely the highlight of the first day, if not the entire weekend. Their music was fantastic live – even the tunes from Sound of Silver that (while strong) tend to get just a bit repetitive rocked live. The crowd was in to them. Watching lead singer and brainchild James Murphy was a trip – several times he was adjusting the drum microphone during the middle of a song (a little OCD?), he kept sticking the drum stick he carried the whole set in his ear (I guess to block sound?), and he (sadly) was one of the only artists I saw who actually talked to the audience between songs. The wasn’t a bad song in the bunch (though I don’t like the live version of Daft Punk’s Playing at My House as much), but the best were opener Us V. Them, Get Innocuous! and Tribulations. Oh, and I did catch M.I.A.’s last song, Galang, on my way over to see Spoon, which just underscored that I made the right decision in skipping her show.

Spoon – Spoon is probably my favorite band, if any, and I could watch them live over and over and not get sick of them. Sadly, I hadn’t seen Britt and crew in a couple years. I was excited to see them play material from Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and Gimme Fiction. They didn’t disappoint with a set that was fairly balanced between the two albums, with a couple older tunes thrown in for good measure (and two of my favorites at that – Fitted Shirt and Stay Don’t Go). Additionally, they brought out a four piece horn section for several songs that were a great add to the sound. Perhaps because of the massive crowd (who all got terribly excited when they played I Turn My Camera On – yuck), I didn’t enjoy them as much as I have in smaller, indoor venues, but they were entertaining none the less.

Gotan Project – Kaiser Chiefs were supposed to have had a fantastic show the last time they were at ACL Fest, but I just don’t like their music that much. Gotan Project makes fun music, and after being blown away by Thievery Corporation’s live show (who’s label Gotan is on) previous years, I thought I’d give them a try. They came out in white suits – two DJs, an accordian player, singer, guitarist, pianist, and string section. Visually, fairly interesting to watch. Their music was entertaining as well, but the live setting didn’t add much. One downer was the French(?) MCs on Mi Confesion were recorded (including  a video recording of them performing) instead of performing live with the band. Really, do they (or Gotan) think they’re so big that they could pass on going all out for ACL Fest? For most of these acts, I’d bet these are the largest crowds they’d ever played to at one time. Oh well – good, but not great. I left a bit early to get a better (relatively) spot for…

The Killers – When I saw the Killers three years ago at ACL (the worst of the five years I’ve attended), they were one of the best acts of that year. Now… it’s clear they’ve gotten waaayyy too full of themselves. I hated their second album, Sam’s Town. Who makes a concept album for their second record? Yuck. The band opened with a 5 minute black and white montage and big neon “Sam’s Town” logo. The lead singer was in a glittery suit with red glitter boots. Double yuck. And this was the first show where the f***ing college students were shoving and climbing over people to crowd to the front. Triple yuck. They played mostly material from the new album, which was met with mostly yawns, at least from the back half of the audience. They got the best response, by far, from the 5 songs they played from Hot Fuss. Even so, they didn’t suck, and I found myself thinking about sneaking out early only a couple times during their 75 minute set.

All in all, day 1 was a very full day of great music. No bad decisions, no bands I hated, but (other than LCD Soundsystem) nobody that really jumped out and surprised me in a good way.

And now that it’s getting late, I see I’ll have to break up the review by days. So on to day 2 later…

Anybody have any opinions on seeing M.I.A. or LCD Soundsystem at ACL Fest? M.I.A.’s previous album I didn’t care for too much, so I was planning on seeing LCD (who I like, but not in a big, big way). Now that I’ve listened to her new album and like it much more, I’m kind of torn as to who to go see. Guess it will probably end up being decided by whoever I’m hanging out with at the festival at that point in time…

Speaking of being excited… just checked the ACL Fest lineup, as every year somebody good gets added late to the schedule. A big thanks to Amy Winehouse, who graciously cancelled her tour (including her ACL Fest slot), opening up an invitation to the infinitely cooler Cold War Kids! Somebody send Amy a care package of whatever drugs she prefers at this moment.

Day 2 (revised schedule):

• Andrew Bird Cold War Kids – 3:30 – 4:30
• Blue October – 4:30 – 5:30
• Amy Winehouse or Zap Mama Andrew Bird – 5:30 – 6:30
• Muse – 6:30 – 7:30
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – 7:30 – 8:15
• Arcade Fire – 8:15 – 9:30
• The White Stripes – 8:30 – 10

One month from today is the start of Austin City Limits Fest, 2007!! I’m very excited about the lineup this year. My schedule:

Day 1:

• Heartless Bastards – 1:30 – 2:30
• Pete Yorn - 2:30 – 3:30 
• Blonde Redhead – 3:30 – 4:30
• LCD Soundsystem – 5:30 – 6:30
• Spoon – 6:30 – 7:30
• Gotan Project – 7:30 – 8:30
• The Killers – 8:15 – 9:30

Day 2:

• Andrew Bird – 3:30 – 4:30
• Blue October – 4:30 – 5:30
• Amy Winehouse or Zap Mama – 5:30 – 6:30
• Muse – 6:30 – 7:30
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – 7:30 – 8:15
• Arcade Fire – 8:15 – 9:30
• The White Stripes – 8:30 – 10

Day 3:

• Yo La Tengo – 12:30 – 1:30
• The National – 1:30 – 2:30
• Devotchka – 3:30 – 4:30
• Bloc Party – 4:30 – 5:30
• Wilco – 6:30 – 7:45
• Ghostland Observatory – 7:45 – 8:30

So I should provide a little more about the ACL taping last night.

Wife wanted to send me out on a night away from the kids to see some live music (sadly, ACL Fest is typically our only live music endulgance each year now, though I did get away to see the Keep Austin Wierd show with Soulhat and Bob Schneider recently). She was searching the websites of some of my current favorite bands, stopping off at Ghostland Observatory’s myspace page. They had the ACL taping listed, so she started calling every week or so to the ACL hotline until they had the announcement – ticket giveaway Monday at 5pm, show Tuesday at 8pm. And even better, it was a rare double-taping with the Decemberists opening!

Tickets to an ACL taping are free, but getting them is no easy undertaking. Very few are given away for each show, always on a first come-first served basis. Monday afternoon at 2:30pm, my wife takes my 2 1/2 year old son and 1 year old daughter to hang out in line outside UT’s communications building. By that point, there were already 30 or so people in line. Friend Cat, in town between finishing her pilgrimage in Africa and returning to life in Seattle, and I took over waiting later that afternoon. 5pm rolled around and they started giving out tickets. They ran out about four people behind us.

Now, getting a ticket to ACL is only the first step. Free tickets are “space available” after all the donors, band groupies, and other reserved ticket holders are seated in the 300 seat studio. At 5pm the next day, they gave out numbers (again first come-first served). Cat camped out at 1:30pm for our space in line, and we got numbers just inside 50. Feeling pretty good about our chances, we left for a bite to eat at the Mellow Mushroom on the Drag. Returning at 7pm, we had to watch the long line of reserved ticketholders enter the building, hoping there was less than 250 of them. In the end, we did end up getting into the show comfortably.

The ACL set looks very different inside – the Austin cityscape backdrop that looks almost real on TV looks like it’s made of paper machier. Colin Meloy even commented on this during the Decemberists’ set. There’s seating all around, and then standing room by the stage, just beyond the TV cameras. Unbelievably, everyone had taken seats, and very few people were standing, so we went straight to the front! A free beer run (ya ACL!) and a few minutes later and the Decemberists took the stage.

I must admit, I was not the biggest fan of the Decemberists’ music going in. I like their latest album, The Crane Wife, relatively ok, but I don’t listen to them frequently. Colin’s voice is just a tad irritating (ok, but Ghostland’s Aaron Behrens doesn’t bother me, I don’t know what it is), and their lyrics are too goofy. However, I was really into their live show. Honestly, I think I just needed to listen to their music louder. I really enjoyed them. ”16 Military Wives” and the closer, “Sons & Daughters” were the highlights, particularly the group sing-along during the reprise of S&D followed by Colin’s rock star leap from the drum kit.

As good as the Decemerists were, Ghostland blew them away. I first heard these guys on KEXP last summer, and got really into their music. I was so excited to see them at ACL Fest last year, and forced a couple friends to go with me. Within the first 30 seconds of “Piano Man,” my friends were totally into it. Same with Cat and her sister-in-law Steph last night. You can’t explain their music. When they came out, Steph asked, “are there just two of them?” and I told her, “they make enough music with just them.” I think what I love the most about them is just how in your face they are. The beats and synths are obnoxiously huge, and Aaron dances around the stage like a mixture of Mick Jagger and some guy with horrible dance moves and no self conscience. Highlights were too many to cover completely – “Piano Man” has incredible energy, “Sad Sad City” got the crowd most into it (“hooray, we recognize the single!”), “Heavy Heart” was fantastic, but “Midnight Voyage” had to be the best. Everyone was dancing and yelling and having a great time through the whole set.

Greatest thing about the taping was they let each band play for over an hour – no cutting it short due to the double taping. Two and a half hours of great live music, free beer, and making a fool of yourself on national television.

Super big thanks to my wife for finding this, waiting in line for our tickets, and getting the kids down to sleep without me.  And thanks to Cat for spending a good portion of her precious few days in Austin waiting in line and going to the show with me!