ACL 2013 Sun. 7:30pm Shuggie Otis

The big names are out in full force before the final headliner: Atoms for Peace for the Radiohead fans, Phoenix for the dancers, and Neko Case for the Americana fans. Stashed away at the tent stage is the man all those bands would probably rather see.  The saying "music ahead of it's time" is kind of a cliché now but it sure seems to make sense in this case.

Everyone knows "Strawberry Letter 23", a smash-hit when covered by the Brothers Johnson.  I'll post this instead but you really should go listen to all of Inspiration Information.  

Aht Uh Mi Hed

ACL 2013 Sun. 6:15pm Phosphorescent

This band played ACL in 2011 and were at SXSW this year, where we saw them at the Heartbreaker Banquet (one of the best days ever).  Most of his music is pretty mellow but their live show was much more upbeat.  I'm sure they'll be rocking for a late Sunday show.  Worth checking out.

The Mermaid Parade

ACL 2013 Sun. 5pm White Denim

In my opinion this is the best "newish" band out of Austin right now.  Well, their 2011 album "D" is the best recent album by an Austin band not called Spoon.  We just saw them at Blues on the Green but that environment doesn't lend itself to an attentive concert experience.  This may be just what I need in the late afternoon on a Sunday.

I'm going to post 2 songs to show the band's range.  The first is their "hit" and the second is an instrumental that kicks all kinds of ass.  Both are off of "D"

Street Joy

At the Farm

ACL 2013 Sun. 4:30pm JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

We're hitting the heavy conflict times where ACL books good bands all against each other.  That means there are some tough decisions.  Divine Fits or White Denim or Toro y Moi? Or these guys?  Fortunately, we've seen them all before so we can decide based on the mood of the day.

We saw this band at SXSW last year and I enjoyed their set.  It started out as typical neo-soul like a lot of other bands recreating the James Brown sound.  Just at ACL alone we've got Charles Walker on Friday and Vintage Trouble on Saturday.  However, these guys branch out more and throw some wrinkles in the standard format.  I was especially pleased when they played this song: a cover of another Chicago-based band.

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

ACL 2013 Sun. 3:45pm The Lone Bellow

Another SXSW 2013 band.  Pretty country.  Good warm-up for the Eric Church fans.  Not sure they're my cup of tea but here's a song so you can judge for yourself.

You Never Need Nobody