So, last year the Fun Fun Fun Fest officials held an entertaining press conference to announce the festival lineup, and this year they get creative once again. Word just went out that this year’s lineup will be announced via turntable.fm next Monday 8/1 beginning at noon. Not familiar with turntable.fm? It just happens to be one of the fastest growing music service on the web currently, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down anytime soon. Part streaming, part chat room, voting, and playing dj is what it’s about, and it’s set up through a Facebook portal. I’ll try to explain…

So, you log in with your Facebook account, set up your profile, even pick out a cute little avatar, and then you either start your own room or find a room with a theme that might interest you. In the room are dj spots where individuals can occupy and play music that they have loaded into their queue either from their own personal collection or from the options provided by turntable.fm. You can either hang out in the room and just listen to what the dj’s are playing or join in the mix if there is a spot available. There’s chat going on if you want to chat with the other folks in the room. You can vote on tracks giving them either a “lame” rating or an “awesome” rating. Room capacity is 200.

Now, Fun Fun Fun Fest has a room set up and I’m guessing that they are going to be dj’ing tunes from all of the festival artists to announce the lineup. Being that the room capacity is only 200, you better get there early. And if you haven’t set yourself up on turntable.fm, get in on the fun.

Here’s the link to the Fun Fun Fun Fest room: turntable.fm/fun_fun_fun_fest

Fun Fun Fun Fest leaks one more band today, and it’s a good one. Good friends of the Fun Fest, Murder City Devils will be making a rare appearance at the 2011 installment. And if you haven’t been paying attention, the lineup so far: Odd Future, Ra Ra Riot, Kid Dynamite, Okkervil River, X, tUnE-YaRds,  Brian Posehn, and M83…with much more to come.

Today is the last day to get your Fun 2 discount tickets as well, so save yourself some scratch and do it now.

It’s no secret that I’ve been on the heels of the local band UME for some time now. The live show has always been an eye opening experience and over the years the band has progressed from their early edgy abrasive sound and found their melodic ways while maintaining that initial energy.

Before their recent signing with Modern Outsider Records, Rolling Stone called UME one of the best unsigned bands in the country. Signed now, the band is prepping the release of their album Phantoms which is due out August 30th. Catch UME on Friday night showcasing much of the new material while opening for the indie rock legends Mission of Burma.

And check out “Captive” from Phantoms

MP3> UME ‘Captive’

UME w/Mission Of Burma @ Mohawk 8p.m. TICKETS

EELS kick off the North American leg of their 2011 “Tremendous Dynamite” tour on Wed night here in Austin, Tx at Stubbs. A band that has been around since 1992, EELS have continuously cranked out solid album after solid album, leaving behind a catalog that goes deep into the years. The band recently offered up 3 free downloads from their EELS album trilogy: Hombre Lobo, End Times, and Tomorrow Morning.

Dare I say that I saw the band on the Beautiful Freak tour and it still stands out as one of the better shows I’ve seen over my many years.

EELS @ Stubbs 7.20 TICKETS

The Wooden Birds, which you could might call an Austin band, but more like an all-star band consisting of frontman Andrew Kenny (American Analog Set, Broken Social Scene), Matt Pond (Matt Pond PA), Leslie Sisson, drummer Sean Haskins and Chris Hansen (Matt Pond PA) are coming to rest from a US tour playing Mohawk this Wednesday. The band recently released their second album Two Matchsticks this past June 7th on Barsuk and has received some favorable press.

“Patient, generous, and smart” – Pitchfork
“Perfect for summer days and lemonade.” – MTVHive

The Wooden Birds  @ Mohawk show @ 10 p.m.  ((sounder)) opens

Check out the video for the title track “Two Matchsticks”

My interest in Washed Out has been curiously peaked over the past couple of weeks, and the first time I watched this video I enjoyed the song. A couple of listens later, I realized that this song sounds oddly familiar, almost to the point of exacting another song that I’m familiar with, but can’t quite name at this moment. It’ll come to me, but until then…a girl and her motorcycle.

The fine folks over at Fun Fun Fun Fest take no qualms when it comes to being as ambiguous as possible when it comes to hints and now leaks in regards to performers for this years fest. Take the following video which is supposed to reveal the first 5 artists leaked, through a series of nautical codes. HUH?

Well, if you didn’t make it out on your own..this is the short list covering what would appear to be one artist from each one of the various stages you’ll find at Fun Fun Fun Fest..

Brian Posehn, Okkervil River, Odd Future, M83 (yes!), and X

Stayed tuned for more leaks which should be coming soon, and if you haven’t gotten your tickets FUN 2 tickets go on sale this Thur, and they’ll go quick. GET THEM HERE.

Kurt Vile has one of the more interesting albums out this year with “Smoke Ring For My Halo” and did more than just impress at this year’s SXSW. “Baby’s Arms” is a simple, phone camera shot video for a song that proves to be a suitable companion.

It’s that time of the year, living in Austin and being one that does a bit of writing about music, that time of year where that question becomes a regular occurrence. “So what do you think about the ACL lineup?” I usually shrug it off with a quick answer, not really having put a lot of thought into it immediately, and drop a few band names that stand out from the get go. So, I figure it’s getting to be about that time that I sit down with the current lineup and figure out what my real thoughts on it are, and share here for all the world to hear.

First off, its ACL Festival. It’s a very “Austin” festival which makes sense knowing the musical history of this city. It’s a festival that appeals to a broad range of music fans, unlike many of the other popular festivals that target a more specific, narrower audience. While Coachella and Bonnaroo have both stretched their outreach in regards to genres while still staying true to their core, ACL is all over the map when it comes to musical styles. Personally, I would rather have a Coachella or Bonnaroo in my backyard, but ACL manages to pull some interesting surprises within it’s broad range of acts.

First, lets start with the headliners, which every year ACL shows it’s willingness to cater to the general masses, and fails to show much in the way of creativity or adventure. And let’s face it, by the time the headliners hit the stage, unless you have dedicated the last few hours to securing your spot at that stage, there’s no reason to try to navigate the masses for a glimpse at what is happening on stage. My personal opinion anyway, but I’m not much of a fan of the crowds when it comes to enjoying my live music.

Coldplay: Hasn’t this thing about run it’s course yet? If you’ve seen the band in the recent video for “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” it looks as if they are trying to slightly reinvent their image, sporting uniform like wear, and Martin a hairstyle that hints at some Canadian with the last name Butler..coincidence? Aside from that “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall”? The lyrical well seems to have run dry.

Arcade Fire: Speaking of Canadians. This particular group is on…..well, you know. They are hot. I don’t get it completely, but the accolades could go to a worse bunch of folks (see above).

Kanye West: Who doesn’t know the name Kanye West? I can’t personally name one song that he sings, but the man is a brand, and he sells.

Fleet Foxes: Probably the riskiest of headliners, but there is no denying that this sheepish band of Northwestern hippies have made one record that is pulling a small indie label into the mainstream, much like Arcade Fire did for Merge. One of the most thoroughly enjoyable live shows I’ve experienced this year, but will the ACL experience compare? Doubtful. But, for those who have not experienced the band, stick around for this one.

Now, digging deeper into the lineup, I’ve come to the conclusion that this year has a lot more that I’m interested in than in the past few years. ACL definitely has brought in some middle lineup artists that are of definite interest, if because of being a fan, or simply because it’s a rare opportunity to see some of these performers.

Death From Above 1979: Can I get a HELL YEAH! I find it pretty amazing that a two piece dance-rock/noise punk band that existed for a mere 5 years and put out only one album has been selected to play ACL during their reunion. A reunion that has the band playing some of the biggest festivals around the world. Do your research kids and mark Death From Above 1979 down for a must see at ACL 2011.

Elbow: Considered somewhat of a cult band here in the states, Elbow are little more than rock stars in their native UK, and have been building on that status for years. The band’s Asleep In The Back 2001 release still sees regular play time with me, and as I haven’t stayed up on their most recent releases as I should, they have been on that “must see” list for awhile. Time to brush up on their discography, and ink them into the ACL schedule.

Empire of The Sun: Another surprise with this band added to the festival, especially seeing that they haven’t had a release since 2008. I can’t say that I know much of this Australian duo consisting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, other than I am a fan of Steele’s other project The Sleepy Jackson. Specifically the Lovers release. I do know that they have a flair for exotic costumes, and it would seem that the live show will be a visual feast for the eyes.

Futurebirds: Pleasantly surprised to see this relatively obscure band from Athen’s GA making the lineup, but when you are on Justin Gage’s Autumn Tone label, doors might open a bit easier. Country tinged low-fi rock with a punk attitude sounds just right for an afternoon romp in Zilker Park.

The Cave Singers: Been a fan of these guys since the get go. An unexpected sound from this trio with a history of making music more suited for thrashing than the stripped down modern folk with toe-tapping beat that reaches levels of intensity that folk rarely sees. Fresh off opening a leg of the Fleet Foxes tour, the band has had a chance to hone their style of music on the larger stage and for a much larger audience.

Other notables without getting into much more detail, which I will reserve for a more detailed preview of this year’s fest:

Phosphorescent

Kurt Vile and The Violators

Wild Beasts

Smith Westerns

Foster The People

The Antlers

City and Colour

Twin Shadows

Social Distortion

So, now that I’ve put a little time into exploring this year’s lineup, there’s quite a few mid level bands sparkled with some very interesting choices and surprises to peak my interest. Now, since I wrote last year that 2010 might be my goodbye to ACL, the fine folks over at the fest might pass on my request for attendance. This is not a plea or pandering, but 2011 renews my faith in this local festival. Seriously.

And if you want tickets…Sunday tickets are all that’s left unless you want to cruise Craiglist. BUY SUNDAY TICKETS

I’ll have more on recommendations coming closer to the event.

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The Dallas based stonegaze, sludgerock trio True Widow have set loose a video for the track “Skull Eyes” off of this years release As High As The Highest Heavens And From The Center Of The Circumference Of The Earth (whew!) on Kemado Records. The bands self-titled 2008 debut has received more than it’s ample amount of attention from this guy, and I look forward to spending more time with AHATHHAFTCOTCOTE.

True Widow – “Skull Eyes” from Kemado Records on Vimeo.