Austin CIty Limits Festival Preview: Day Three, Part Zwei

This is it, folks. The last half of the Festival. You made it this far. Keep it going.

So many big names, so little time. Starting off the second half of the day is Philadelphia's own Ween. Unique is an understatement when it comes to their sound. Witty, outlandish, funny, but always musical, they perform to the crowd. I saw them the last time through and I was completely entertained. Across the field is the Hassidic Jew with the reggae flow, Matisyahu. If you have heard anything off of Live at Stubbs (right here in Austin!), you know the show will be lively and entertaining, mixing rock, reggae and rap into a concoction that just sounds right.



Near the end of the previous sets, Californian Matt Costa takes the stage behind the rock island. Singer-songwriter with guitar, he fits in nicely with the Jack Johnsons of the world. Halfway through his set, two more bands start it up. Led by former Uncle Tupelo member, Jay Farrar, Son Volt brings the harder side of alt-country, but can also turn a nice strummy ballad if it pleases. Opposite them is a Canadian super group that does not want to be labeled as a super group. The New Pornographers' pop-rock is catchy, but also truly musical, blending harmonies and varying styles on almost every song. The latest album, Twin Cinema, has been in constant rotation in my mp3 player.



Oh the choices just become more difficult. Playing his third festival is Ben Harper with the Innocent Criminals. Truly a musical chameleon, he can play almost any style of music and make it his. I would expect a few guest apperances from some of his favorite collaborators. Usually, Ben would get the lion's share of the crowd, but not this year. The Flaming Lips bring experimental rock that transcends, but also have a killer stage show, typically performing in costume and Wayne Coyne in a plastic bubble rolling over the crowd. Expect the unexpected.


If those two aren't enough, follow them up with the blues-rap rhythms of G. Love and Special Sauce. I have known of G. since the early 90s, when he came busting out of Philly with a unique sound that was miles away from the grunge world. Always a crowd pleaser, you are sure to get some of the new (guest spots please!) with the old. A band getting big buzz and radio play, Muse performs on the other side of the park against G. Love. Mixing New Wave tendencies with heavy guitars, they come on as the next saviors of rock and roll.



Finally, the climax, the be all, end all. Rock legend, influence to many of the artists seen over the past three days, Tom Petty and The Heatbreakers close out this years Austin City Limits Music Festival. From what I hear, his recent shows have included maybe 2 or 3 songs off the new album, then the rest is pure Petty magic. As the lone act at the time, get there early, save a seat, do whatever you have to do, this promises to be a great performance. I hope he plays American Girl.

That's all for the previews, reviews start tomorrow. Enjoy the festival! Hope to see you there.


Matisyahu - Chop 'Em Down (Live at Stubbs)
Ween - I Fell In Love Today
Matt Costa - Cold December
Los Amigos Invisibles - All Day Today
The New Pornographers - Mass Romantic
Son Volt - Drown
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Another Lonely Day
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part I
Muse - Time Is Running Out
G. Love & Special Sauce - Baby's Got Sauce
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Mary Jane's Last Dance

Be sure to check out the rest of our site and our archives for a ton of ACL Fest coverage and so much more!