I love ACL Fest and that time of year is now upon us. I have a schedule of bands that I want to see, but there’s plenty of room for discovery as well. Discovering artists I’d previously never heard is the best part.
There is one conflict for me. Massive Attack or Willie Nelson? I’ve seen Willie twice (once this year) so I’ll probably check out Massive Attack, assuming they have their visa issue squared away. If not, I’ll happily see Willie again.
Today’s Austin 360 featured an article about key schedule conflicts. Here’s my take:
In the matter of Tragically Hip vs. Ray LaMontagne, I will see the Hip. They’re one of my favorite acts and I haven’t missed a Hip show in Austin in nearly ten years. I will not, however be sporting a hockey jersey.
In the matter of Nada Surf vs. TV on the Radio, I will probably check out TV on the Radio, but I’m not familiar with either band.
In the matter of Tom Petty vs. going home early on Sunday, I will probably go home early. I usually do. I stuck around for REM in 2003, but it just made feel old.
My other picks:
Friday: The Greyhounds, Ghandaia, Nickel Creek, Del Castillo, Thievery Corporation, Tragically Hip
Saturday: Pierre Guimard, Federico Abele, Galactic, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Raconteurs, Willie Nelson or Massive Attack
Sunday: The Black Angels, Husky Rescue, Buckwheat Zydeco, New Orleans Social Club
The weather looks like it will be nice: hot, but in the low nineties it should be bearable.
Check out my wife’s blog for some good ACL Fest survival tips.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
Actually, you left out what would be my toughest call–New Pornographers or Son Volt. Probably go NP, since Jay Farrar is so goddam serious. Crack a joke, man.
Of course the joke’s on me–I’m not in Austin.
I forgot to put Son Volt on my list. I’ll probably try to split my time on that one. I say Jay Farrar at ACL in 2004. Sounded just like Son Volt, which is a good thing.