Lumineers

I won't preview the two big bands playing at 4:15 on Sunday as they're both well known.  Civil Wars are the NPR Americana darlings after only one album.  Two Door Cinema Club are the 101X/dance club darlings.  Splitting the middle is the Dunwells, a new band out of Leeds that plays radio-friendly folk-rock.  They recently played the Tonight Show and have toured with Mumford and Sons so expect to hear more from them in the future.

I'll highlight what I predict will be crowded clusterfuck of the day: Lumineers playing the Austin Ventures Stage at 5pm.  You'll have people trying to get food mixing with what is going to be an overflowing crowd.  Lumineers just released their first album earlier in the year and they already have a hugely loyal following.  We saw them at Antone's just a bit after their album was released and not only was it completely sold out but everyone knew all the words to every song.  It was surreal: a very young crowd singing along to country-rock songs.  Kind of like the Mumford and Sons phenomenon.

I will say that they put on a very fun, interactive show with lots of clapping, stomping, and singing along. The people in front will be having a blast while the people in back struggle with the mass of humanity trying to squeeze into such a little area.

Here's one of their stomp/sing-along songs.

Submarine

Poliça

The other band playing at 3:15 on Sunday is Minneapolis-based Poliça. They were started by the founder of Gayngs and have played at SXSW this year as well as the 2nd Street Soundcheck back in May, where we got to see them.  Their music uses lots of Autotune, but not in the Britney Spears "mask my bad voice" way.  It's more of a creative use.  We saw them live and they didn't use Autotune at all.  The singer has a great voice.  I enjoyed the show and really like their debut album.  It's unfortunate that they're playing opposite Tennis as these are two of the bands I most wanted to see on Sunday.  I'm not enamored with any of the bands playing at 4:15 so I wish they spaced them out.

Wandering Star

Tennis

There are two bands I want to see playing at 3:15 on Sunday.  I'll start with Tennis, a husband-wife duo from Denver that plays retro-poppy music.  Light, catchy tunes.  Their most recent album was produced by Patrick Carney of Black Keys, which is interesting.  I wouldn't put those two together.  I haven't heard much of it so it may be different from their old stuff.

We've missed them every time they've been in town and during the last couple SXSWs so maybe we can catch them this time, although I'm leaning towards the band I'll preview tomorrow.

This is the first single off their new album.  I like it.

Origins

Gary Clark, Jr.

Playing at 2:15 on Sunday is an overnight success story that is about to hit the big time.  An unknown talent discovered by Warner Brothers who is about to release his first full-length album.  While I'm sure that is going to be the storyline we know it's not true.  The fact that Gary Clark, Jr. has been playing in obscurity in Austin is an indictment of any claims that we may have towards being a music launching pad.  Sure, we're called the Live Music Capital of the World, but what does that get the artists?  Allow me to rant:

Gary Clark, Jr. played the first ACL in 2002.  He also played in 2003.  Back then he was considered a young prodigy.  He even played the young guitar prodigy in a major motion picture in 2007.  Yet he toiled at Antone's and Continental Club for years.  He didn't play another ACL until 2011, on the tiny BMI stage.  His breakout was playing with Eric Clapton at the Crossroads Festival but it wasn't until he was seen by music royalty in New York that his career took off.  Now he's playing at the White House in front of the President and finally getting a show on the big stage in prime-time at ACL.

If an obviously great musician can spend his career playing in Austin and it takes 12 years to get discovered, what does that say to other musicians looking to establish a life/career in Austin?  Take Austinite Suzanna Choffel, who had to move to Brooklyn and land an audition on "The Voice" before she was finally recognized.  At 32, despite playing in Austin for over 10 years, she's finally being recognized.  What about Pleasant Grove, a great band out of Dallas that moved to Austin, only to find gigs hard to get?

I don't have an answer, just asking the question.  If we don't want to keep losing promising artists to LA, NYC, or Nashville somebody needs to figure out the answer.

Don't Owe You a Thang

Stars

The other indie pop band playing opposite Freelance Whales at 1:15 on Sunday is Toronto/Montreal-based Stars.  The members were also occasionally part of Broken Social Scene.  They've been around awhile and I guess I should know more about them but I've never really paid them much attention.  This is one of their new songs which is nice and fun.  I'll probably wander between stages as I can't decide which band to see.

Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It

Freelance Whales

Playing at 1:15 on Sunday are two indie pop bands going against each other.  I don't know why ACL books similar styles against each other, then leaves other timeslots devoid of choices.  They put two pop bands against each other, then two Americana bands against each other, then two rock bands against each other.  Oh well.

These guys are from Queens and probably fit the mold of hipster New Yorkers.  We saw them at SXSW 3 years ago (2010) when they were riding the success of the attached song.  They haven't put anything out lately but their new album is coming out October 9th, right before ACL.  I'm sure that since ACL booked them it's a good one.  They play an eclectic mix of instruments and were pretty animated in concert.

I'll post the other indie band playing at 1:15 on Monday.

Generator First Floor

The Boxer Rebellion

Playing at 12:15 on Sunday is a band formed in London but consisting of members from the US, Australia, and England.  They're compared to the Smiths, Radiohead, U2, and the Verve.  That should cover just about everyone.  Not sure what to expect but I like this song.  The other option is Kimbra but I haven't warmed up to her solo stuff.  I'm sure she'll play with Gotye Saturday night so that may be enough for me.

No Harm 

Residual Kid

This isn't ACL related but wanted to share this band that played Stubb's inside last night after the Devo/Blondie shows.  It's a power trio of kids 12-14 that totally rocked.  Blew out the speakers (and my eardrums).  C3 needs to book these guys.  The kid playing lead guitar on this song is normally the drummer and he is great. He also plays bass.  The drummer in the video is usually the lead singer and guitarist.  The bassist also plays mean drums and guitar.  They would switch instruments between songs.  They're 12-14 years old!

Alt-J

So now we begin the Sunday previews.  This is one of those days you'll want to arrive early and leave early.  The depth of the bands is nowhere near Saturday but there are still good choices most of the day.  I've already previewed The Eastern Sea, who plays at 11:20.  That was my original plan: to see them.  However, in the last week I happened upon Alt-J.  I'm glad I did.

Alt-J is named after the Mac keyboard shortcut for Δ.  They are a quartet from Leeds and their first album was just released in the U.S. yesterday.  They are already making waves: the album was nominated for the Mercury Prize.  This is one of those shows that you'll want to say you saw when these guys are headlining.

I listened to the whole album and I have to say it's one of the best I've heard since the XX debut.  It's that good.  I'll post one of my favorites from the album.  Here's the video of their first single, which is also pretty good.  Rest up Saturday night and get out early for this.


Tessellate

Punch Brothers

Playing at 5:45 on Saturday is Punch Brothers.  Bluegrass/folk, they were formed after Nickel Creek called it quits.  If you liked them you'll like these guys.  They've been on the ACL show.  Pretty good stuff although I haven't listened to much of it.  May be worth checking out.  This song is more mellow but I figured I'd share since it was on "The Hunger Games" soundtrack.

I won't go into the other acts playing after this on Saturday.  You know them all.  I'll begin with Sunday tomorrow and an act I just discovered (thanks to this project) that I really like.

Dark Days

Podcast #1: Friday ACL

After years of just posting individual songs, I now present the first ever Overenders Fan Club Podcast.  For those of you that have a long commute, or have to get on a plane and need something to bide your time, I've put together a sampling of my favorites from a few select bands playing on Friday.  It runs a little over an hour long.  Download it to your phone and hook it to your car stereo, or listen on the plane with your phone in Airplane Mode.  Of course, you can always just listen on your computer, too.

Please provide feedback.  If this is useful I'll do some more for Saturday and Sunday.

Overenders Podcast: Friday ACL Preview

Band of Skulls

Playing at 5pm on Saturday is a power trio from Southhampton.  We saw a short set by them at SXSW.  The term "power trio" is fitting.  It's pure guitar-driven rock-n-roll.  A nice warm-up before Jack White or Neil Young, whoever you decide to see.

This is one of their "mellow" songs.

Lay My Head Down

Michael Kiwanuka

Playing at 4:30 on Saturday on the Austin Ventures Stage is Michael Kiwanuka.  I previewed him before SXSW but we didn't get to see him.  He's continuing to pile on the accolades: his album was nominated for the Mercury Prize this week.  Good stuff.

Home Again

Metric

Playing opposite Andrew Bird at 4pm on Saturday is a band originally from Toronto.  They've had a lot of success, get lots of radio airplay, and even sold out Stubb's recently, IIRC.  Her voice reminds me of Jenny Lewis.  I've never seen them so I'd like to check out some of their set.  If we can get near it: I predict massive, MASSIVE crowds.

Help I'm Alive

Andrew Bird

Playing at 4pm on Saturday is Chicago native Andrew Bird.  Happy-fun-time is one way to describe his music.  Mixing great wordplay along with an eclectic sound, he's a favorite with the NPR crowd.  He's also fun to watch in concert as he's a very talented musician.  If you want a nice laid-back sound in-between the rocking of The Whigs and the bands later on the bill check him out.  If you want to continue the party head to the band I'll preview tomorrow.

Fitz and the Dizzyspells

Father John Misty

At 3:15 on Saturday is J. Tillman, formerly of Fleet Foxes.  His new moniker is more rocking than his previous efforts.  It reminds me of some solo John Lennon, especially this song.  We saw him at the Mohawk and it was a great show.  Definitely worth your time.

I'm Writing a Novel

Oberhofer

Playing at 3pm on Saturday.  I previewed this guy before SXSW and we got to see him as well so not much more to report.  Pretty good show.  Indie rock.

Gotta Go

Dead Can Dance

We interrupt the ACL previews to highlight a band playing tonight at the ACL Moody Theater.  This is one of my bucket list bands I never thought I'd get to see.  I'm so psyched to see this show.  I started listening to them during my Goth phase I mentioned in an earlier post but they haven't toured in Texas since 1995.  This is quite a treat.

They are known for Lisa Gerrard's vocal prowess and she has been quite successful on her own, doing  soundtracks ("Gladiator") and multiple solo albums.  I happen to like Brendan Perry's songs as much as hers, though.  The lyrics are always good and there's more of a song structure.  His songs and hers complement each other.

Here's one of my favorites but it's hard to choose just one.  This gives a good introduction to the Lisa Gerrard side of the band.  If you want to try more go to Spotify and check out "The Host of Seraphim" or "The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove" for starters.

Cantara

The Whigs

The 4th band playing Saturday at 2pm is a group from Athens, GA.  They've toured with the Black Keys, Toadies, Band of Horses, Kings of Leon, etc.  I guess I always associated their sound with Afghan Whigs and never gave them a try.  Well I won't anymore.  Listen to this.  This song KICKS ASS.  They're channeling My Morning Jacket.  If you want to start rocking at 2pm this is the band to see.

Right Hand Over My Heart

Dry the River

The 3rd band playing at 2pm on Saturday is also good.  They're from London and play folk/rock with sweeping anthems.  Reminds me a little of The Call.  Hard to describe.  They don't fit into a nice mold which keeps them from being derivative.  We saw them at SXSW this year during the day and enjoyed it.  Good live act.  If they were playing Sunday it would be a no brainer but against 3 other worthy acts you may want to walk by and listen briefly on your way to the next band I'll preview...tomorrow.

New Ceremony

Rufus Wainwright

Also playing at 2pm on Saturday is Rufus Wainwright.  I've never really listened to much of his stuff.  Everyone knows his cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" on the Shrek soundtrack.  He's fairly eclectic, mixing operas, Judy Garland songs, pop, and folk.  These days I guess he's into pop.  His live shows are supposed to be unique as he's quite flamboyant.  I'm a much bigger fan of his father's work.

He's got quite a following so it should be pretty crowded.  May be a good show.

Out of the Game