ACL Music
There was lots of good acts at ACL last weekend. If you didn't have anyone talking at you, and if you had enough concentration to not get distracted by the sweaty, tanned, fit bodies surrounding you on this hot, sunny weekend, you might've actually had the chance to enjoy some of it.
I showed up on Friday afternoon to hear the tail end of Neko Case. I don't know much about her except she's good looking and has a nice voice. Also, she sang on an album I own by the New Pornographers, which I remember being described as a "Canadian super group" of sorts, made up of famous Canadian musicians. I believe she sings mostly country, but I only caught the last few songs of her set. She does have a beautiful voice.
From there I went to see Solomon Burke. This R&B icon (who unfortunately I had never heard of until that day) had a great set, regarded by many to be the best of the entire weekend. It consisted of a review-style set, with lots of medleys and tributes to other R&B acts. The large band and singers were all dressed in formal attire, quite amazing consiering how hot it was. Solomon's daughter several times throughout the set came over with a towel to wipe down his bald sweating head, as he sang sitting in a green and gold throne. I thought it strange that he sat while singing, and I only realized at the end of the set that part of the reason for the throne is that he has trouble standing, evidenced by the use of a wheelchair to wheel him off stage. The music was great but what really made it impressive was the feeling that Solomon and his group were really emotionally involved with their music.
I had planned on seeing Franz Ferdinand Friday evening, but left as they drew a large crowd and I was unable to get close enough to hear their music enough. I only know this act by the ten second video clip they play at the end of one of my MTV reality shows anyway. I like the clip, but I'll have to experience their music some other time.
Saturday I headed down to see G Love and Special Sauce, who I've heard a lot about but have never seen. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling change, they weren't on when I thought they were and I went to see Modest Mouse instead. Their music was simple but catchy, which is not a bad combination. I don't have much to say about them except that they ended early, which is not a good thing. Ending early is about the only bad thing a band can do at ACL. Is it too hot for you, wimpy band? Play your allotted time! C'mon, you only have one set!
The only act I'm aware of that had more than one set was Trey Anastasio, who I saw next. Its probably impossible for this guy to play any venue shorter than one hour. If he did, it would only consist of one or two songs, right? I never thought you could jam to two chords for so long. I stuck around for the first half of his first set, and probably should've stayed for more. He really got the crowd going and I was feeling it. There was definately something in the air, I tell ya.
The reason I left early was to get a good seat for the Pixies. I love their music, they had a huge crowd, they sounded good, but regrettably on stage they just looked like they were going through the motions. They also ended early, which pissed a lot of people off.
I still have Sunday to talk about; probably a shorter entry, and no sound clips due to my stupid ass plugging the mic into the line input. Stay tuned!
I showed up on Friday afternoon to hear the tail end of Neko Case. I don't know much about her except she's good looking and has a nice voice. Also, she sang on an album I own by the New Pornographers, which I remember being described as a "Canadian super group" of sorts, made up of famous Canadian musicians. I believe she sings mostly country, but I only caught the last few songs of her set. She does have a beautiful voice.
From there I went to see Solomon Burke. This R&B icon (who unfortunately I had never heard of until that day) had a great set, regarded by many to be the best of the entire weekend. It consisted of a review-style set, with lots of medleys and tributes to other R&B acts. The large band and singers were all dressed in formal attire, quite amazing consiering how hot it was. Solomon's daughter several times throughout the set came over with a towel to wipe down his bald sweating head, as he sang sitting in a green and gold throne. I thought it strange that he sat while singing, and I only realized at the end of the set that part of the reason for the throne is that he has trouble standing, evidenced by the use of a wheelchair to wheel him off stage. The music was great but what really made it impressive was the feeling that Solomon and his group were really emotionally involved with their music.
I had planned on seeing Franz Ferdinand Friday evening, but left as they drew a large crowd and I was unable to get close enough to hear their music enough. I only know this act by the ten second video clip they play at the end of one of my MTV reality shows anyway. I like the clip, but I'll have to experience their music some other time.
Saturday I headed down to see G Love and Special Sauce, who I've heard a lot about but have never seen. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling change, they weren't on when I thought they were and I went to see Modest Mouse instead. Their music was simple but catchy, which is not a bad combination. I don't have much to say about them except that they ended early, which is not a good thing. Ending early is about the only bad thing a band can do at ACL. Is it too hot for you, wimpy band? Play your allotted time! C'mon, you only have one set!
The only act I'm aware of that had more than one set was Trey Anastasio, who I saw next. Its probably impossible for this guy to play any venue shorter than one hour. If he did, it would only consist of one or two songs, right? I never thought you could jam to two chords for so long. I stuck around for the first half of his first set, and probably should've stayed for more. He really got the crowd going and I was feeling it. There was definately something in the air, I tell ya.
The reason I left early was to get a good seat for the Pixies. I love their music, they had a huge crowd, they sounded good, but regrettably on stage they just looked like they were going through the motions. They also ended early, which pissed a lot of people off.
I still have Sunday to talk about; probably a shorter entry, and no sound clips due to my stupid ass plugging the mic into the line input. Stay tuned!
posted by PlaysByEar at 4:27 PM
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