CDDocumentary: Roxy Music- Country Life (1974)

Roxy Music was arguably the most influential rock group of the 70's and their impact has grown in the years since. Their recorded work stands as an important groundswell of nonconformity and successful art-pop experimentation. Download an iTunes & iPod & Quicktime-ready version HERE. Also plays on Windows Media Player and WinAmp.

CDDocumentary- Talking Heads: Remain in Light (1980)

A perfect mix of rhythm and pop meet world music flavorings...Byrne & Eno were really onto something. Remain in light would set new expectations in motion. It would create new boundries. It would also be there last new music for over three years.

CDDocumentary format: stream, download or both?

I have noticed 41 downloads of the Jimi Hendrix CDDocumentary since I posted. Recently, I moved towards a stream on demand version of the last few segments. Question: which format do users prefer...streaming only, download only, or should I make both options available with each new segment? Please let me know. I should have the latest: Talking Heads- Remain in Light (1980) posted up on Monday. Thank you!

CD Review: Austin's Magnet School- Tonight...

MAGNET SCHOOL
Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand
Arclight Records

Like freshman at their first college kegger, Austin’s Magnet School waste no time running to the tap, hitting a fast stride and head-bouncing attitude in their first full length release Tonight We Drink…Tomorrow We Battle The Evil At Hand.

“XX” begins the sprint. An immediate guitar riff followed by crashing drums is fitting intensity for a Friday night drive downtown. Vocals are big and production is clean with added distortion touches in “Seventensplit,” essentially the title track and reminiscent of Arcade Fire largeness.

Just when you think Magnet School can’t possibly keep up the evening’s rapid consumption, they strike with “Never Loose That Feeling,” possibly the best track on the album. Led by a bouncy guitar hook but never losing the soft-loud explosiveness of your favorite early 90’s indie rock.

Jason Fergusson provides a big sound on drums and Brandon Tucker carries the baseline. Mark Ford and Michael Wane play guitar and share vocals. Although more than competent as players, their guitar style leans towards repetitive. The second half of Tonight We Drink…continues with a diversity that hints at bigger things to come.

In stores November 6, 2007

CDDocumentary: Patti Smith-Horses (1975)

Recorded in Electric Lady studios and produced by John Cale, Patti Smith's first album saw the passionate and viceral performance poet break out from New York City's underground. Smith would go on to greatly influence the next generation of rock.

CDDocumentary::Uncle Tupelo-Anodyne (1993)

Uncle Tupelo's final effort is often considered their best, a perfect blend of country, rock and folk. This album was recorded completely live in an Austin, Texas studio and within a year of its release, Uncle Tupelo was history and Son Volt and Wilco would rise from the phoenix...

ACL Wrapup

Well, it's over. And it was successful. I have recovered, unwound and reflected. But seriously, all the follow up you can read, look at and interact with is right here. Start with a great article about Bob Dylan that reflects a time when Bob played in front of not so many people here in Austin.
I'll be getting back into the swing of things this weekend, starting with next weeks CDDocumentary (the station's are restless, a good thing) on Patti Smith's album Horses, and a review of Austin's Patricia Vonne and her newest album set to release next week. In the meantime, check out all the great Austin City Limits stuff from the Statesman at the link above.

ACL Announces White Stripes Cancel. Options?

It was announced weeks ago that Amy Winehouse will not make the trip to ACL fest this year. Many outlets report that ironically, she's checked into rehab.

Monday, Rodrigo y Gabriella announced they will cancel a few weeks of dates in March, including their ACL fest date. In a press release, RyG announced Gabriella needs a break due to exhaustion. The percussive-flamenco-styled guitarist plays an aggressive and uptempo backing to Rodrigo and it was mentioned that in order to preserve the ability for her to continue the rest of their September and October dates (which are many), she needed a two week break. Reports say she's developed a mild case of tendinitis (you might remember Ani Difranco needing a rest too, a few years back...) The group said they will honor the city's they miss buy returning sometime in winter or spring.

And the dagger...ACL organizer Charles Attal announced in Tuesday's Austin American Statesman, the White Stripes have canceled their Saturday, Sept 15th ACL performance. "Medical reasons" were the only explanation.

Unconfirmed rumors that abound say it's Meg not Jack.

Of course, this disappoints many folks who's main attraction are the headliners, but there is still plenty of fantastic talent. It means folks, you have to work harder to find it. But that's why you're here in the first place.

Pitchfork (here they go again...) has reported that the WS were unhappy with their performance slotted at the same time as Arcade Fire on Saturday and offered speculation as a possible reason for the cancellation. They also claimed early on Tuesday the WS Sept 13th gig in Albuquerque, New Mexico is still on. I will let you find both the Austin American Statesman article-- a factual piece of reporting-- and the Pitchfork piece all on your own. Pollstar has confirmed the Albuquerque cancellation.

We can only hope Jack and Meg's PR people make a public statement in the next day or two. Somehow, I doubt we'll get much till later.

This certainly takes steam out of looking forward to the weekend. The biggest mistake ACL organizers have made, is moving Muse into the WS time slot. Now they are paired in competition with Arcade Fire, who have to be laughing at all of this. Granted, there aren't many options for organizers at this stage of the game. They did what they felt best.

It's unfortunate that ACL organizers haven't been able to land a replacement of the status of Winehouse at the very least. One wonders if they've even tried. They've had three weeks and there are last minute options, but you can't imagine what the last three weeks leading up to a festival is like. Absolute insanity is minimum. So cut them a break.

With a new album release, the 35 year old Common has effectively taken the spot of RyG.

This cancellation disappointment happens every year to one of the (new) biggies (Bumbershoot, Vegoose, Wakarusa and Bonnaroo, etc...), who's organizers are all certainly gleaming with satisfaction at ACL and it's fan's misfortune (I will follow up with a story about festival cancellations). Now in its sixth year, nothing of this proportion has happened. It was bound to.

Unlike the other festivals which occur on farmland, or with stages packed into a football stadium located twenty miles out of town (or further), ACL festival is held in a wonderful location and a mile from downtown Austin. The city is teeming with music and things to do. In the grand scheme of things it is unlikely that this will affect the momentum of 2008's festival buzz. Consider this:

Organizers now effectively save a decent percent of two (RyG isn't breaking the bank) canceled performers fees. They are not getting it all back. They could use this to upgrade the facilities next year, offer a small discount next year to this years pass buyers, or justifiably "go big" on the lineup next year. Or a combination of the three. Some people complaining now might be sour to attend, but a big headliner list shuts them all up. Everyone. They'll forget in an instant.

Among active performers never making ACL festival appearences: Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, the Police, Iron Maiden (that's not a misprint), the Cure, Pearl Jam, Elton John, the Foo Fighers, Jimmy Buffett, Morrissey, Prince, Rush, Ozzy Osborne and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Give me three or four of those names next year and everyone is happy. My vote would be for the Boss, Radiohead, The Police and Elton John... ok, and Iron Maiden. I'm cheating.

And dreaming. But, organizers at ACL have the money to do it. They're not spending it this year, nor should they try to find replacements as you're likely to hear everyone clamor for. Instead, draw out a very public plan for next year. They'll save face and involve the public in what is always their "little secret..." the lineup was announced all at once this year. 130 bands. The first time that's happened too. Call it Karma if you're so inclined.

Meanwhile, you'll find me enjoying headliner Bjork (duh, people) at one of the best festivals in the land in the greatest town on earth.

Get 'Yer Austin City Limits Preview Buzz On...

New issue out now! We're now counting a handful of days to ACL #6. On top of the features you've seen lately on Eating Fresh Texas, we've been busy doing the glossy thing too. Pages 14 + 15 tout more previews by yours truly, and a great cover story on Ghostland Observatory as well as dozens of things to do when you're here...if you don't know already!
Pick up a copy of the new Austin Music + Entertainment around town or at the airport when you fly in. Here's the online version...

(part 3 of 3) 2007 Austin City Limits music festival lineup: better than skin deep

Part three of a three part series focusing on the "3rd tier" of bands plaing the Austin City Limits festival.

(column 3- far right)

Amy Cook- if you haven't seen Norah Jones, here's a gal who vocally sounds just like her. A pleasant singer-songwriter who's up and coming. Quite a few of her tunes have appeared on television latenight dramas.

Backdoor Slam- love these guys. From the Isle of Man. Stevie Ray Vaughn back from the dead. Lead man has got the voice of a young Bad Co. Paul Rogers and plays the living crap of the guitar. Don't miss.

Mario Matteoli- former player in the Weary Boys, Matteoli has a nice upbeat style, smooth voice and will probably be joined by a handful of other Austin notables.

Jennifer Nicely- there is a really strong group of females playing this year's ACL. Nicely is one of them. In the mold of Leslie Feist, Regina Spektor- and if you miss the latter, Nicely is, well, a nice option.

Loretta Williams Gurnel- can you say "the next Queen Lateefa?" Not only does one of the latest Texas residents have the pipes to smoke up some sexy R&B, she's an actor too.

Q Brothers- another in the R&B vain, but with that poppy L.A. hip hop sound. Fun, energetic, if this is your cup of tea, then you should be near the stage for this one.

CDDocumentary: The Police- Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)

Reposted: CDDocumentaries now available instantly! Click player above. The third album by the Police would be their last in the "reggae-influenced" Police era. It contained their third #1 UK hit in as many albums, gained them the best chart success to date in the U.S. and was the last album they would work on entirely as a group...

CDDocumentary: Velvet Underdround & Nico (1967)

Reposted: CDDocumentaries now available instantly! Click player above. CDDocumentary, produced weekly for three public radio stations, is a tribute to an album we feel essential to the station's music library. If anyone bottled the energy of 1967 in the most representative package of the times, it was the Velvet Underground & Nico led by producer Andy Warhol. One of the most seminal albums of all time never sold many copies, but as the artists of yesterday turn gray and a new guard takes their place, they credit this album as having some of the biggest impact ever...

ACL Festival Local Spotlight: One Mississippi

Friday, Sept. 14th
11:45-12:30pm
AT&T Blue Room

Composed of former members of two Austin favorites, Prescott Curlywolf and Grand Champeen, One Mississippi deliver an energetic rhythm section, fast guitars and slightly off-phase vocals reminiscent of Pavement or Dinosaur Jr.

Hitting the stage as one of the first bands to kick off the festival, there will be no time to sit in the chair you should have left at home in the first place.

LISTEN to One Mississippi

Sunday, Sept. 16
12:30-1:30pm AT&T Mainstage

In 2007 it’s obvious the ladies got it goin’ on with the R&B retro revolutions, but to make it complete you have to have the Y chromosome in the mix. Ryan Shaw packs Stevie Wonder’s pipes, Ben Harper’s fire and savvy and tops it off with a tip of the hat to Otis Redding. This Georgia native is turning the clubs upside down, and is sure to do the same to Zilker Park.
www.thisisryanshaw.com
LISTEN! to Ryan Shaw

CDDocumenatary: Ali Farke Toure- Talking Timbuktu (1994)

CDDocumentary, produced weekly for three public radio stations, is a tribute to an album we feel essential to the station's music library.

A collaboration between the finest two guitar players that Mali and the US have to offer. Though neither Toure nor Ry Cooder spoke the other's language, the recording proves that some sort of deeper, more fundamental communication was going on. TALKING TIMBUKTU was originally released on March 29th, 1994, and holds the distinction of being the longest-running #1 album in the history of Billboard Magazine's world music charts.
LISTEN! to CDDocumentary: Ali Farke Toure

ACL Festival Local Artist Spotlight: Guy Forsyth

Friday, Sept. 14th
6:40-7:20pm
BMI Stage
Incredibly talented and difficult to classify, Guy Forsyth has forged many styles of music over four solo albums. Forsyth is a man who probably strummed to Robert Johnson while humming Tom Waits and listening to King Buscuit Flower Hour on the radio while Doctor Demento sensibilites (or nonsenseabilities!) ran through his head. His blues-Americana grit is on display here for all who’ve missed his working man nation-wide tourning schedule in the past.
www.guyforsyth.com
Listen to Guy Forsyth

ACL Festival National Spotlight: Back Door Slam

Saturday, Sept 15th
1:50-2:30pm
Austin Ventures Stage
Back Door Slam opened the eyes of everyone in attendance this year at an early summer gig at Austin's Continental Club. Front man Davy Knowles channels familiar blues-rock vibes that would make a certain Town Lake Trail statue nod in approval. And (duh) you know, a ton of musicians have taken this exact photo, but there have been very few where the picture really does say a thousand words about the talent below the man. Knowles can flat out play the hell out of the guitar. Equipped with the voice of a young Paul Rodgers, the ‘Slam’ will deliver a rousing flavor worth raising more than one cold Lone Star in toast. Pace yourself though. It’s a long weekend.
Listen to Back Door Slam.
www.backdoorslam.com

Austin City Limits Local Spotlight: Sound Team

Saturday, Sept. 15th
12:30-1:30pm
AMD stage
It’s pretty amazing the kind of controversy one negative ("pissy" would be more acurate), review** can generate. During the fallout, the online bloggerati came to Sound Team’s defense of their 2006 release Movie Monster with a vengence. This group is young and rising and their sound is synthetic meets organic in a blissful mash up of brit-like synth pop and Texas alt-rock. One of the leaders of the Austin scene, don’t miss them on the AMD stage or the gig with Spoon and Alright Tonight! Thursday, 9.13.07 before ACL, in what will go down as another Austin classic.
Listen to Sound Team.
www.soundteam.net

**look it up on Pitchfork if you like, CMJ's whiny stepchild.

Austin City Limits National Spotlight: M.I.A.

Friday, Sept 14th
5:30-6:30pm
Dell Stage

Possibly the most intriguing performer of ACL and one you’ve likely never heard of takes the stage at just the right time. M.I.A. (Mathangi Arulpragasm) descends from a Sri Lankan family of intense political activism. She’s a successful visual artist and has collaborated with Elastica and Peaches in her early music career. Combining elements of hip-hop, dancehall, ragga, grime and baile funk, some of her music and videos have been censored for their political content. M.I.A. is a woman with a lot to say, but U.S. radio has found no room for her. An outcast if you will, M.I.A. is a glove-like fit for her first Austin appearance. Make sure to leave work early.
Her new album is due out 8.20.07 in the U.S.
Listen to M.I.A. on Download of Week.
www.miauk.com

Austin City Limits National Spotlight: Willy Mason

Saturday, Sept. 15th
11:45-12:30pm
Dell Stage

Staring off Austin City Limits on Saturday is young and witty Massachusetts guitarist/singer-songwriter, Willy Mason. Keeping true to the classic structures of country and blues, Mason peppers his songs with a keen humor and Dylan-esque lyrical narrative. His singing voice is uniquely his own. Just old enough to enjoy a Lone Star after this gig, Mason’s star potential is rising and is a great compliment to this year’s lineup.
Listen to "We Can Be Strong" on the Download of Week.
www.willy-mason.com
www.astralwerks.com

More CDDocumentaries to come

Hope everyone is enjoying the CDDocumentaries. I'm in the process of migrating all the old pieces to this blog and the file hosting site Mediafire. New next week: Velvet Underground- Velvet Underground and Nico (1968) Making their way here soon: Ziggy Marley- Conscious Party, Liz Phair -Exile in Guyville, Ali Farke Toure- Talking Timbuktu, Uncle Tupelo- Anodyne, James Brown- Live at the Apollo Theater I'd love your comments and feedback on the pieces and if you have suggestions for an "essential album" one should have in his/her library, let me know and I'll get to work.

CDDocumentary :: R.E.M. - Murmur (1983)

R.E.M.s first full length album Murmur, would set them apart for good from the overflow of musical talent coming out of Athens, Georgia in the early 80's. Murmur's sound characterized the quieter, more introverted side of the first wave of alternative rock in the U.S. ...
LISTEN! to CDDocumentary: R.E.M. - Murmur

First aired 1/15/2007

(part 2 of 3) 2007 Austin City Limits music festival lineup: better than skin deep

Part two of a three part series looking at the "3rd" tier of acts at the 2007 Austin City Limits festival.

Column 2 (center)

PHOTO: Austin's Gospel Silvertones

Sound Team- Austin's own. A scathing review of their first album on Pitchfork- that's putting it lightly- sparked a ton of controversy from fans in their defense. Young and energetic, this group wears a lot of their influences on their sleeve- not something to be ashamed of. It was a great first effort and this is their ACL debut.

Charlie Musselwhite- Mississippian sings classic country themes with an honest and genuine grit. If you never got to see Johnny Cash live, Charlie's the real deal too...
-
JJ Grey & Mofro- big for fans of Panic, Phish, Leftover and those types. Sings with a strong voice and delivery and if you're into this kind of thing, worth a listen. Surprisingly diverse delta flavoring.

The Dynamites fea. Charles Walker- got the pleasure of having these guys play at a little festival put together in Colorado. Its was their 2nd or 3rd gig ever. Genuine soul and R&B. Talented backing group. Charles can belt it out.

Billy Joe Shaver- recent legal troubles kind of underscore the true outlaw that he is. Greasy blues and country.

Ocote Soul Sounds- union between Antibalas' Martin Perna and Austin's Adrian Quesada, gutarist of Groupo Fantasma (who you should listen to, btw). Latin swankness filled with wind and strings. Great dancing music.

Willy Mason- Young and clever. Dylan-esque songwriter with wit and humor.

John Dee Graham- Austinite plays a rousing set of originals from beer and shot rockers to midtempo balads. Genuine as they come.

Paul Green School of Rock All Stars- I'm not kidding here, this is worth the time. Local music school. I saw one of their performances earlier this summer and it was inspirational to watch 9-17 year old kids rip it up. This will be the best of them.

Guy Forsyth- Plays and sings with a bit of Tom Waits flavor. Austinite is well received all over town and is a great representation of the local scene.

Jones Family Singers- I am always a fan of checking the soul and gospel acts out in the WaMu tent. There is always a fantastic vibe and energy, amenities are close by, the crowd is small and into it all and it always is my favorie stage of the weekend. It's also an easy place to rendezvous with people throughout the day.

Gospel Silvertones- Austin group. see above

Austin City Limits National Spotlight: The National

First off, nice job to all the folks at the ACL festival with this booking. The National's new album, The Boxer is another fantastic work by this posse of Cincinnati boys, now living in New York City.
I can't get enough of it and the bloggeratti are going nuts over these guys. Although they got the total shaft on scheduling (Sunday, the 16th @ 1:30pm, ATT stage), The National is a gem to see in an otherwise total lull period of the final day. It's difficult to describe their music-- gothy with a great power punch, layered with horns and strings. They just played Dave Letterman this week and even he was really impressed- calling it "beautiful." Watch for yourself as they perform "Fake Empire" live.

Austin Music Magazine= Austin Music + Entertainment

I'll spare you the details, but Austin Music Magazine has subtly changed names and more importantly, ownership. A new Austin magazine spawned over the last two years, and one I have contributed to over the last year and a half (thanks Dante Dominick and Dennis Carter), perseveres.

I bring this up because we're embarking on yet another Austin City Limits Music Festival, September 14-16th in what will certainly be green, vibrant and always beautiful (Hel-lo...Texas has made national news for all its rain...) Zilker Park, 1/2 mile from downtown Austin.

Austin Music + Entertainment once again will compile an ACL preview: "Austin Acts Not to Miss," and "National Acts Not to Miss." Yours truly has been assigned the duty of the two-page feature for the September/October issue. Not only am I excited at this assignment, I've been amped up for the festival ever since the lineup was announced in mid June.

Get your asses down here and see the festival, and be on the lookout for the new issue in late August if you're an Austinite. If you're nice I might send you one, and if you're interested, check out the current issue.

Also, look at the bottom of this blog list for a review of many of the great bands to hear while here, and be ready for "Column #2 (of 3)" of ACL's "uncovered" list coming to a blog near you...

CDDocumentary Jimi Hendrix- Electric Ladyland (1968)

LISTEN to Jimmy Hendrix- Electric Ladyland here.

Electric Ladyland was where Jimi began experimenting with his sound in the studio, incorporating all the influences he'd accumulated in four years on top of the world, before he would finally leave it...

The CDDocumentary project began at KBUT public radio, in Crested Butte, Colorado as an appreciation of albums essential to our station's music library. Now in Austin, Texas, I carry on the project producing segments airing on statons KBUT, Crested Butte and KDUR, Durango. A new segment is produced every two weeks. Here's the latest.

Audio: Women's History Month countdown

While at my previous public radio station we had a little fun during Women's History Month this past March. I asked listeners to vote on their top women in music, resulting in a two hour program titled "Top 20 Women in Music Countdown."

I took the listeners votes , tallied them up and compiled the program. Each artist is featured with a short profile and brief commentary on their contributions and accolades. Two to three songs per artist are used.

Keeping in mind that the list was listener's choice there is always the example of more recent artists winning out over performers from previous decades and lesser-known but influential artists being passed over for a current singer who is heaping media attention. Also, this type of list generates the passions of music lover's who want to promote personal favorites. Why not? Fight for the ones you love.

Read the full list here.

Take the Dixie Chicks for example. While I do believe their body of work over the past three albums is impressive, I'm not so sure they would be in my #10, if in my top 20. Neko Case is well on her way to a decade or more of redefining the powerful yet delicate female country vocalist; all with her own twist. But she's not there yet. Even though Aimee Mann is one of my personal heroes, and a fantastic songwriter, has she really had any measureable impact, like many of the women artists on this list? Also, although Ani Difranco has accomplished much and is a cultural force in her own right, she doesn't make my personal top 20 either (I can just feel the looks...).

Listen to Hour #1

That knocks four off the list. Who would I replace them with? The biggest oversight is Dianna Ross and the Supremes. They were the greatest girl band of all time and defined African American music of the 60's. 23 top ten singles and 6 in the UK doesn't hurt either.

One terrible oversight on this list is Mother Maybelle Carter. Popular music would not be the same today if it weren't for the Carter family. Mother Maybelle was the heart. Don Walls once told Life magazine that Mother Maybelle took country from the front porch to the radio. She matched rhythm guitar to the vocal harmonies and helped propel the guitar as a lead instrument in popular music.

Listen to Hour #2

Bessie Smith is another overlooked contributer. Not only was she an accomplished singer, she was a dancer, comedian and actress and ran her own touring company throughout the 20's and 30's. She was one of the highest paid African American performers at the time.

Dusty Springfield was declared "Brittan's best pop-singer ever," by Rolling Stone magazine. Adapting due to fragmentation of popular music into more "hip" genres, she was a queen of reinvention moving from her Burt Bacharach partnership, to her love of Motown and R&B. Recording with just about every relevant name in music during the 70's and early 80's she reemerged again in the 80's with club hits from some of the days most popular bands and "Son of a Preacherman" enjoyed tremendous revival thanks to Pulp Fiction.

The limitations of only 20 great women are highlighted when names like Patti Smith, Wanda Jackson, Joan Jett, Big Mama Thornton and Linda Ronstadt are passed over. A few of them received votes, but barely. Hopefully next year will be top 25 or 30 women.

Read the full list here.
DOWNLOAD the full program here.

One Way Austin Could Solve Parking and Space Issues

Whimsical reason #1 that other countries solve problems better than the US:

Europe’s latest automatic multi-storey car park in Istanbul: 612 parking places in a cube of steel, glass and aluminium.

This shit is cool, watch this presentation.

Audio: CDDocumenary- Ryan Adams: Gold

LISTEN to CDDocumentery- Ryan Adams: Gold

CDDocumentary is a segment I used to produce for KBUT public radio in Crested Butte, Colorado and was/is a music-intensive look into an "essential" album within it's music library.
I'm producing them again and they're back on the air on KBUT and KDUR in Durango, Colorado. I'm looking for more public stations to pick up the series.
I will continue to add them to Eating Fresh Texas and also include past segments (Liz Phair, Ali Farke Toure, Uncle Tupelo, REM, James Brown, more...)

Gold, Adams' second solo release since leaving the group Whiskeytown, would take him another step closer to being one of this decade's most prolific singer-songwriters...

(part 1 of 3) 2007 Austin City Limits music festival lineup: better than skin deep

PART ONE OF A THREE PART SERIES :

Do this...go to the Austin City Limits festival lineup site some weekend afternoon, make a 'rita or mojito, take an hour and go down the list of "third-tier" acts and click on the band name and listen through the music clips that are loaded up there. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good this year's lineup actually is. I have only gone down the far left column, and already I'm excited:

Rev Horton Heat- w a new album of honky tonk tunes, this is perfect for Austin

Peter Bjorn and John- took the "indie/songwriter" category by storm this winter when the album came out

STS9- Panic can't play ACL every year, and they're already taking over the Backyard for 3 nights again in July

Yo La Tengo- I love these guys, very eclectic

Roderigo y Gaberiella- don't you dare miss this Latin guitar duo, brother and sister, PHENOMENAL. This is my pick for break-out of ACL

Blonde Redhead- its like 90's new wave, and very powerful live

Eli Young- I'd compare him to Robert Earl Keen. He's not quite there yet, but good...

Aterciaopelados- Columbian pop/dance, this kicks ass

Heartless Bastards- from Ohio, I drove to Denver and saw them play for 40 people, and they rocked! The Chrissy Hynde of the 2000's

Raul Malo- the guy is the mexi-texi crooner of the last 20 years

James Hunter- WOW, this guy's fun, he used to "busk" in England and he's fantastic live w/a great throwback sound.

Mighty Clouds of Joy- LA group mixing Gospel and Soul, great sounds, incredible energy, "the Temptations of Soul" is appropriate

Preservation Hall Jazz Band- always with some 'Nawlins flavor at ACL, these gents won't disappoint

Andy Palacio and the Garafino Collective- it's a shame that Ali Farke Toure died two years ago and never played ACL, this makes up for that. Great sound.

Ryan Shaw- can you say Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder and Ben Harper. Holy shit will this guy tear it up...another candidate for ACL break-out

The National- there are a lot of "alternative" bands this time around (see Bjork and company at tier 2) and this is one of the best playing...and no body knows about them

Beau Soleil- another New Orleans party band

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals- I friggin' love this gal, she is like Ruthie Foster (catch her when your here) and the wife of Dereck Trucks (im spacing her name right now)

Del McCurry- nothing needs to be said about this man

Jessie Malin- he's been on the scene for about 3-4 years now and I cant believe this AAA rocker hasn't shown up at ACL yet

Railroad Earth- bluegrassers haven't been here since 2003's ACL. Fan favorite

(center column cheater...)

Charlie Musselwhite- closest thing to seeing Johnny Cash

So....that's the Left column. I'll follow up with center and right, but hopefully you're beginning to see that this year is once again a fantastic lineup. When we get spoiled with headliners, it's hard to see past that or the second tier artists (for some reason I've always referred to the ACL font size as Headliners, 2nd tier, 3rd tier, I think you get it)

The ACL Festival, like the city of Austin itself, has always been far deeper than what you see on the surface. Dig beneath the headliner big names and you find the real heart and soul.