I saw The Walkmen at ACL several years back and was mildly impressed. I remember thinking to myself, "Just play that song from the car commercial that y'all are known for."
This time around I couldn't pull myself away. I'm not sure if the band has matured, or if the mild weather makes everyone easier to listen to. Either way, I was definitely digging the tunes. Of course, I had to break free and head to another stage, since Todd Snider was playing nearby.
With a guitar and harmonica, Todd Snider kept it simple. Sounding like a west Texas Bob Dylan, his songs were sleepy, simple and soulful. His bluesy strumming and winding narratives made it easy to sit back and get lost in the moment. With her back on the ground and her hat covering her face, Chelsea Worley, of Steamboat Springs, CO, must have agreed.
Every year, there is a buzz-worthy band playing the AMD stage in the middle of the day. A few years back it was Arctic Monkeys. Last year it was Vampire Weekend. This year it is Pheonix. Their set was a synth-heavy, pop-filled, super-catchy extravaganza. It was yet another set that I was really getting into. It must be the weather, because I've never been so easy to please.
Music fans are flocking to Zilker Park for the 2009 edition of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. A few things are different this year. The weather is cooperating, with decent cloud cover and cool temperatures. Last time I checked, it was a comfortable 73 degrees. And the addition of a field full of lush grass (nicer than my lawn ... I'm envious), has eliminated the dust storms of years past.
I'm hoping things stay this comfortable all weekend. It is making the music much more enjoyable. So far I caught School of Seven Bells, which sounded more than a bit like Cocteau Twins -- but in a very good way. I normally don't get to ACL so early on the first day, but I'm a big Ben Curtis fan (though the group is from New York, Ben used to play in bands around Dallas back in the 90's).
Next up was The Knux, an LA hip-hop group that had the crowd moving. Honestly, I didn't really care for their CD when I first heard it, but they totally changed my mind after seeing them here. I think I'll have to give that album a second listen.
I'm off to see the Avett Brothers next, then The Walkmen. I'll keep you posted on all things ACL throughout the weekend, so keep checking back!
Delicious thoughts: Having visited the Windy City twice this summer, I enjoyed my share of Chicago dogs -- the juicy link, the neon-green relish, the mustard and the steamed bun. Om-nom-nom. Thankfully, I don't have to travel to Illinois to get a pretty great approximation. Eddie's Deli, in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot at Abrams and Northwest Highway, makes a mean Chicago dog, right down to the pickle spear on top and the Vienna brand hot dog. And that's not the only Chicago-tastic dish you can get -- I can't wait to return for an Italian beef sandwich!
Opening weekend, I tried the deep-fried peaches and cream, which took honors for the best tasting new fried food this year. The verdict? Meh ... it tasted like the peaches had been frozen before being fried, and even though they were thawed once they were plated, the peaches were surprisingly devoid of juiciness or flavor. Their crisp coating was flavorless, too -- in fact, the only thing that sprang out at me was the acidic taste of the raspberry sauce drizzled under the peaches. WTF? Very glad I split this with my sister ...
I is for Indiago, one of many theme rides at the State Fair of Texas. Sitting in a giant gondola, riders are jostled around as they are lifted up into the air. The best time to ride is in the evening, when the bright flashing lights contrast against the dark night sky.
For some odd reason, Indiago hasn't yet attracted the fury of George Lucas or Paramount Pictures for blatantly ripping off Indiana Jones. I'm guessing the ride was designed by Señor Spielbergo - the non-union, Mexican equivalent of Steven Spielberg (sixth season Simpson's reference, in case you're not geeky enough to catch it).
Challenge: In teams of two, create two garments that are blue and would fit into the INC line at Macy's. The winner gets to design a holiday dress to be sold at the retailer.
Celebrity sightings: None.
Drama much?: Christopher turned on serious waterworks when it seemed he might be sent home.
Fate of the hometown girls:Shirin (above left) and her over-eyelinered teammate, Carol Hannah, were among the judges' top two favorites. Louise (above right) and Nicolas, however, were in the bottom two, as judges heaped nothing but scorn and criticism upon their dresses.
Winning look: Since she was the leader of her team, Irina, who'd been paired with Gordana, took the win.
Who was Auf'd: Last night, we lost our first local gal -- Louise. Too bad -- it seemed like she had so much more fabulousness to show off.
LeAnn Rimes still has one of pop-country music's most beautiful and recognizable voices. She's singing some of her greatest hits with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, so expect to hear something new when she does songs such as "Blue," "How Do I Live" and "Life Goes On." 8 p.m. (also Saturday at 8 p.m.) Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. $40-$130. 214-692-0203. dallassymphony.com.
Be prepared for chainsaws and (fake) limbs to fly in Evil Dead: The Musical, a musical comedy version of the 1980s horror movie. A group of coeds spending the weekend in a cabin mistakenly open a doorway to an evil world, unleashing a wave of ghouls and zombies who can eat flesh -- and sing and dance. 8 p.m. (also various times throughout October). Dallas Hub Theatre, 2809 Canton St. $20. 214-749-7010. dallashubtheater.org.
Fort Worth acoustic group the Theater Fire specializes in dark, gothic folk. These guys should have no trouble setting the mood for dreamy Portland act Mimicking Birds, the headliners of the show. Also featuring RTB2. Friday at 10 p.m. City Tavern, 1402 Main St. $8. 214-745-1402. citytaverndowntown.com.
First Class Fridays at Beamers. Free valet for unescorted ladies. Complimentary seafood buffet from 5 to 8 p.m. Sounds by DJ TDK and Texas TIP. Doors open at 5 p.m. 2443 Walnut Hill Lane. $5 cover for everyone before 8 p.m. Ladies free after 8 p.m. Guys are $10 after 8 p.m. 214-902-6490.
Panoptikon at Excuses. Lord Byron and Angry Jon spin new wave and goth until 4 a.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. 3025 Main St. $5 suggested cover. 214-741-1111. excusesdeepellum.com.
See Saturday and Sunday events, including John Legend and Moby, after the jump.
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