I witnessed full or partial sets from about 25 bands during ACL this past weekend. Only a few stuck with me, though. Bands like Fleet Foxes, Nakia & His Southern Cousins, and Vampire Weekend seem derivative to a fault. Gogol Bordello was sweaty fun, but they really had only one song, which seemed to repeat joyfully yet endlessly. Louis XIV had this Kinks-meets-Sweet thing going on, but at least they didn’t seem to take themselves that seriously. And while in person Delta Spirit sounded much more like the Waterboys than they do on record, their goofy stage presence and soaring melodies saved them.
Of course, the best part of ACL is discovering something new and wonderful and that happened with Jamie Lidell. His sound is oh-so-retro but his voice is sweet and clear enough to distance himself from the poseurs, and the light pouring out of him was pure and honest. I’m a sucker for sacred steel bands and Florida’s the Lee Boys didn’t disappoint with uplifting steel guitar and energy.
There were more than a few high points. Rodney Crowell, backed by just fiddle and guitar, concentrated on his newer songs and, despite the fishing hat that made him look like Gilligan, hit every righteous note. The Drive-by Truckers were loud and proud and while their records lean further away from Southern rock, the final chapter of “18 Wheels of Love” was heartwarming to say the least. John Fogerty seems intent on reinventing himself just enough to keep things interesting, and Plant/Krauss was understated and divine. Seeing Buddy Miller play Jimmy Page licks: priceless.
Black Joe Lewis and Okkervil River simply blasted in front of large crowds. They’re now on the road together, two sides of the local scene that might not seem simpatico, but further proof of what Austin has to offer, just like the festival itself.
This article appears in September 26 • 2008.