Austin City Limits announced their full lineup today. Headliners Phish, Muse, and The Eagles could not be more befuddling as a trio. Jam band kings. Glammy Brit rock. Country rock nostalgia act. Certainly going for diversity there. Phish rarely plays a festival like this; I hope Austin's hipster chic scene is prepared to be flooded with insane hippies.
The second tier of bands doesn't produce any surprises, but is high quality and well chosen. These are basically 20 of our most buzzingest bands, few of which will be constrained by ACL's short set lengths. The highlights for me are the Black Keys, posted too low and deserving of a cushy late afternoon slot; Lucero, gaining steam and waiting for a breakthrough; and Gogol Bordello, another band crashing the cool party with a little freakiness.
Lollapalooza's headliners are more adventurous, but ACL's second tier probably edges out Lolla by a hair, if only because it doesn't include Cypress Hill. But Perry Farell knows how to order bands correctly. Bonnaroo's headliners suck, but it crushes ACL and Lolla for depth and diversity. Look where Phoenix, The Black Keys, and Lucero sit on Bonnaroo's lineup.
Showing posts with label Phish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phish. Show all posts
16 May 2010
Not a Jimmy Fallon apologist, but..
I never liked chuckling Jimmy Fallon on SNL, but he shows more appreciation for music than any other late night host, and Exile on Main Street Week was another example of that. Great venue. Phish owned "Loving Cup," as they are wont to do. Keith Urban played a high energy "Tumbling Dice," but forgot he wasn't playing in an arena. Green Day played "Rip This Joint" like a Ramones song, but it kinda worked. Sheryl Crow's bland rendition of "All Down the Line" almost put Questlove, drumming, to sleep. The Roots must have made the devil very angry. Regardless, it's commendable that Fallon pumped so much energy into a week showcasing diverse musicians.
Conversely, I don't understand the elaborate marketing push for a reissue of a Rolling Stones album. Is it out of habit? Aren't we all aware enough of the Stones? Is Keith Richards worried about his great great grandchildren's college fund? Re-issues are part of the machine, but don't call them "long awaited." The only person awaiting a re-issue is the record label executive looking to increase his bankroll. Fans don't await things like re-issues of albums they already have.
I like The Rolling Stones. I spent $104 to sit in the fifth deck at Comiskey Park to see them back when I was in college. The sound, shockingly, sucked. I'm happy they're still making public appearances, but they haven't released relevant music in decades and everyone that wants to lay down a bill or two to see them live has had multiple opportunities.
Conversely, I don't understand the elaborate marketing push for a reissue of a Rolling Stones album. Is it out of habit? Aren't we all aware enough of the Stones? Is Keith Richards worried about his great great grandchildren's college fund? Re-issues are part of the machine, but don't call them "long awaited." The only person awaiting a re-issue is the record label executive looking to increase his bankroll. Fans don't await things like re-issues of albums they already have.
I like The Rolling Stones. I spent $104 to sit in the fifth deck at Comiskey Park to see them back when I was in college. The sound, shockingly, sucked. I'm happy they're still making public appearances, but they haven't released relevant music in decades and everyone that wants to lay down a bill or two to see them live has had multiple opportunities.
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