photo : michael maly

It’s finally here, and despite the last minute line-up changes that have many questioning whether or not the festival is going to be worth the pay, the overall consensus is that there is still a great festival experience ahead of us for the next three days in sunny Austin, Tx. The distinct difference between ACL and many of the other Festivals around the country is the variety of music that you have access to on one given day, and the opportunity to catch something unique that might usually be off of your radar. Such was the case for me this day, in the most pleasant of ways.

Heartless Bastards

photo : michael maly

The day started early with a set from Heartless Bastards, and an early indication that the heat was going to be a force to deal with this afternoon, although conditions have been much worse in previous years, the added years to this vessel make it a little less tolerable. Heartless Bastards, although enjoyable, didn’t quite have the punch that I find on the record, and maybe I didn’t give them enough time to find it over 4 songs, but time was tight with a full schedule ahead. I’m sure that there after-party show at The Parish will find them in a more suitable setting. I’m still a fan.

Pete Yorn

photo : michael maly

photo : michael maly

Pete Yorn’s set was briefly interrupted by a small fire that injured a couple of people, and had a few folks heading for the gate for an unnecessary exit. Read report @ Austin.360.

Peter Bjorn & John

photo : michael maly

Peter Bjorn & John

photo : michael maly

photo : michael maly

All whistling aside Peter, Bjorn and John delivered a saccharine sweet performance Friday afternoon. They were humorous, finely tuned and all smiles while the foreign Texas heat gave no mercy. As a nice little surprise there was a Concretes cover they made distinctly their own. The whole show I couldn’t help but think all the songs they played could be on a Brat Pack soundtrack. That could explain why they were dressed like Principal Vernon but a hell of a lot better looking.

sarah padgett

 

M.I.A

photo : michael maly

Peter Bjorn & John like Sprite and like to jump when they rock, and MIA likes a cold Heineken to cool off in the Texas heat. MIA started her own fire during her set by inviting the fans to ignore security and join her on stage, and many took her up on that offer.

I’ll be waiting for that check in the mail from Sprite and Heineken, by the way.

Manchester Orchestra

photo : michael maly

photo : michael maly

The road weary (surely they have to be a little by now) Manchester Orchestra despite lacking some equipment arriving because of temporary street closure as a result of the fire, delivered the goods as usual and found a small legion of fans singing and rocking along, even though the bleed over from the Blonde Redhead set was a distraction at times between songs. The boys need to get some rest as they have just been secured to open (only openers mind you) for Kings of Leon on the European leg of the remaining tour. You start the year playing small clubs for 20 people and finish it up playing Wembley Stadium. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer group of guys. One of my favorite performances of the day for sure.

photo : michael maly

QOTSA

photo : michael maly

I have to admit I regret not catching the entire LCD Soundsystem set, but what little I did hear was great, and I’ll be leaving this day with that one regret.

Josh Homme “The Dude”, came to drink and dance with Austin today, and the guys brought the testosterone fueled rock in the way that QOTSA do, loud, heavy, and dirty.

Gotan Project

photo : michael maly

Gotan Project

photo : michael maly

The Gotan Project was a pleasant discovery thanks to the suggestion of someone, and the unique style of Argentinean music mixed with a little electronic mix performed by this band from Paris, France that is suitable for a movie soundtrack was refreshing. I wish that I could do the band more justice with a description, but I more to investigate and I would suggest that you do the same.

Bjork

photo : michael maly

Bjork

photo : michael maly

And then there was Bjork. I have to admit that I haven’t been a fan for years, but armed with lasers, Spiderman like webs shooting from her hands, and the occasional infectious beat, Bjork is a great performer. Someone said that she looks like a kid playing on stage, and I think that’s a great assessment. A big kid frolicking in the sounds and beats of their own mysterious Icelandic Princess dreams and fantasies.

Good night ACL

photo : michael maly

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 15th, 2007 at 10:06 am and is filed under ACL Festival 2007, live shots, mp3's.