Austin City Limits Music Festival Preview Day 1

Aah yes, it's that time of year again where it's socially acceptable to drink for 3 days straight without showering or eating and no one will look at you sideways if you go home with a new friend each night. Sadly I'm not talking about the strippers in Vegas but the annual mega music festival known as ACL. Although I can see how it's easy to confuse the two. ACL is on a bit of a downturn when it comes to the overall quality of bands that are playing, but in the end it's still 3 days of music, fun, and girls wearing bikinis! So of course I'll be there.

I gave a mini preview earlier this year which you can read here.
http://onlyfreshness.blogspot.com/2012/05/acl-pleasantly-surprised.html

For the first day there are a host of bands that I am excited to see, starting with TheAfghan Whigs! 90's grunge lives on for at least another year! I am from a small ridiculously country town in Texas where MTV was banned so I don't remember the full story as to why these guys didn't blow up but I think it's because they broke up; probably due to heroin hoarding by the lead singer. But it's good to see them back together and this will probably be one of the more traditional rock shows of the day with hopefully some early pit action going on. This is their most recognizable song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJwWmz8Mp3U

Next up I'll be at the Alabama Shakes set. I wrote a quick preview of them here.
http://onlyfreshness.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-drinking.html

I still consider them a day time drinking band mainly because they really only have a few good songs but the few that are good really kind of blow you away. They haven't been together for that long so there's a ton of potential here and once you hear the lead's voice you'll be really pleased with yourself for stopping by this stage. Awesome commanding voice over a bluesy rock background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw

After that I will quickly run over to catch Weezer, who you should know by now. Every time I have seen them they have put on a good show and seem to enjoy playing with each other. They don't take for granted the place they've carved for themselves in rock music today. They play both their goofy fun songs as well as their rockers like Hash Pipe which is good to know that they realize where their bread is buttered. No tinkering around with experimental songs for these guys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu2Dsnvk6M0

Next up is M83 who is kind of hard to categorize. At one moment, you find yourself dancing to the synthy We Own the Sky or Midnight City and the next you find yourself dancing to Reunion which has more of a rock feel. I guess the key here is you will be dancing no matter what. And since his set doesn't start until 7:30 the sun will just be setting, people will be toasty, and the dance party will be in full effect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQwRdqzeLf0

I will end my night with The Black Keys. I have no idea how these guys have blown up to where they can sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row but you know what, good for them. They have been pumping out good album after good album for years and they worked hard to get to this point. Even though they lost me a bit with this last album the still know how to put on a killer show. Grungy blues at it's best even if the lead (Dan) looks like he served you coffee that morning and the  drummer (Patrick) looks like Lewis from Revenge of the Nerds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtRSK4CSqik

So far everyone I have previewed I would rate as at least FRESH. Now comes some artists that I probably wont pop in on but you may like.
I am not much of a singer songwriter or a folk music fan but you may like LP. She always seems to have a buzz around her (especially at SXSW)  and she has been popping up everywhere lately.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV8ohkRGPaA

I have a buddy who loves River City Extension because they put on a pretty lively show which is rare for this kind of band. I am not sure how this show will translate on a stage as large as ACL but give them a shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z44vXO-If70

I don't get Florence and the Machine but if it's your thing go ahead and pop in. I guess they re popular for a reason but I certainly wont be there. Also I can't stand The Black Lips. I am not sure why people love this lame punk band from Georgia but I have heard that their shows are rowdy, so you may want to give them a shot.


Overall I rate this day as pretty FRESH!  Day 2 preview coming soon.

Oh just a few quick notes, if you are a first timer, the best way to get down to the park is via the bus system. They pick everyone up and drop you back off at Republic Square which is 4th and Guadalupe downtown. It is free and the cool thing is after you're done partying at ACL you can keep the party going because you're already downtown. They also have a designated taxi area if you do not want to wait in the bus line after the day's shows. The lines can get kind of long. And I will also probably check out Esparanza Spalding but I didnt preview this musical prodigy because the day she became known to the public my buddy threaten to kill me if I got anywhere near her. Check her out; besides being really cute she does have an unbelievable talent and can play almost anything thrown at her.