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Rolling Stone’s 5 biggest ACL mistakes

Posted by teibs On October - 1 - 2009

ghostlandz @ZackTeibloom Rolling Stone released their “Ultimate Schedule Guide.” It’s serviceable. I can’t completely tear it apart, but I think they do make 5 crucial mistakes. I’m perfectly aware that festivals are about finding what moves you and going with it, but make sure you come early, stay late and choose dance shows whenever possible. Here’s 5 things Rolling Stone got wrong with ACL ‘09:

5. They sleep too late

Rolling Stone doesn’t suggest starting your festival day until 12:30. We’ll be on at least our third show before they roll up.

FC Says: 11:20 a.m.-noon Leatherbag The Austin 4-piece sounds a hell of a lot like Velvet Underground, and when is that ever a bad thing? In discussing the band’s album Love and Harm, NPR critic David Brown described the sound as “a frenetic garage-rock charge reined in by melodies that early Wilco would be proud to call its own.”

#4. They think you should see Sara Watkins over The Knux

RS Says: 1:20- 2 p.m. Sara Watkins The indefinite hiatus of Watkins’ band Nickel Creek has afforded the California singer plenty of time to grow on her own … Expect Watkins’ set to showcase this splendid solo material, bluegrass-inflected breakup ballads built for slow-swaying and lighter-waving.

FC Says: 1:30-2:30 The Knux I was ready to advise seeing New Orlenas hip-hop duo The Knux, who got me up and moving this summer at Bonnaroo before I listened to some solo Sara Watkins. I’m not usually a bluegrass fan, but I’ve listened to this song three times in a row now. If you’re in the mood for hip hop, go for The Knux, but Sara Watkins is a special talent.

#3. They think you should see The Avett Brothers over MMW

RS Says: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Avett Brothers The latest group to benefit from the genius of Rick Rubin, the Avett Brothers cast long shadows across their plaintive country songs, allowing darkness to seep in to every corner. Though the Brothers will probably concentrate on their just-released I And Love And You, there should still be plenty of room for their rich, oaky older material, the kind of country songs built for bare hearts and big tears.

FC Says: The Avett brothers is the trendy choice. No thanks. Medeski Martin and Wood is some of the only Jazz you’ll see this weekend and even without Scofield, they’ll groove you like no one else. Their recent Radiolarians 3 album, concludes a trilogy of brilliance from a unique trio.

#2. They want you to see Preservation Hall Jazz Band over Girl Talk

RS Says: Because, if given the chance to see a legendary institution, you should always see a legendary institution. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has served as the house act for New Orlean’s legendary jazz club, and though its cast has turned over multiple times during the course of its 40-plus year existence, what hasn’t changed is the group’s dedication to quality and determination to preserve the timeless legacy of New Orleans jazz.

FC Says: Look, we’re all about Jazz bands and seeing institutions, but it’s a festival. And it’s Girl Talk. Does Rolling Stone hate grinding at the best dance party of the weekend? This has to be a joke.

#1. They want you to see Dave over Ghostland Observatory

RS Says: Really, is there any question? Since their inception nearly 20 years ago, the Dave Matthews Band have been the kind of touring band other touring bands strive to emulate — venerated for their sterling live show and peerless musicianship. And though the shadow of deceased saxophonist LeRoi Moore still looms large over the group, they have chosen to celebrate his legacy rather than mourn his departure. Their latest record, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, finds the band slimming their songs down, delivering lean, muscular pop and rock with minimal accoutrement.

FC Says: Yes, Rolling Stone. There actually is a question. Don’t get me wrong. As much as I fought it the last decade, I love Dave Matthews Band. It’s a 9.5 show. Pretty much every time. Tim Reynolds and Jeff Coffin only bolster an already stellar band. But Ghostland Observatory is a revelation. Someone who interviewed them once said “The two-man band is a force of nature. A dazzling laser light show envelops the raging crowd, as a caped Thomas Turner pounds the synth while a sunglasses-clad, hair-braided Aaron Behrens dances around on stage, belting high-pitched catchy choruses, slinging a guitar his “fingers crave” in an electro-dance-soul-rock fusion. Not to mention the hardest beats around.” Ok that was me. Dave fans will go to Dave. If you’re at all on the fence, go to Ghostland.

Here’s my schedule

Festivals

1 Response

Rob Said,
5. Sleep in
4. Sara Watkins
3. The Avett Bros.
2. Girl Talk
1. Ghostland Observatory

Sorry FC you lose 3-2. It was a close one though.

Posted on October 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 am