ACLfest 09 Day Two

!!! = chk chk chk

The day can be summed up in one word: rain.

Not since the wee years of the festival has there been any constant threat of rain, and not since about two years ago was there an actual - if brief - downpour, but today had both. All day. And the crowd was soaked, but good.

Also, who knew Austinites owned so many umbrellas? Seems a waste of...whatever umbrellas are made of. But they were all laughing at the un-umbrella crowd today (and, of course, I had thrown my lot in with the latter).

But no mind. The music was good, and being as wet as though I'd gone swimming in my clothes didn't change that.

Every year I go with one intention - to find that one band that blows me away. Generally speaking, bands I'm a fan of, or even have paid more attention to than a passing acknowledgement of their existence, don't count. Unless they really deliver, that is. In this category, in past years, were Muse, Tegan & Sara, and Arcade Fire.

And, speaking of Arcade Fire, because they could well have put on a double-bill with them, we had The Airborne Toxic Event. I'm not sure if they'll be The One, this year, but they're strong contenders, and their cover of "Goodbye Horses" (made famous by Q Lazarus) surely helps make their case. Also the hint of...The Old 97s? True, but certainly not unwelcome.

Also of note were Bell X1, whose sought to defuse comparisons to U2 by, well, bringing up U2. But that ruse doesn't work - the comparison is an apt one. They do have that extra spunk, though, you get from a band who hasn't made it yet, can't coast, might still be working behind a desk, someday. And frankly they're better for it. Likewise Grizzly Bear, seen on the strength of a friend's after-show recommendation, who'd do well with either the Bedhead or Avalanche crowds, and locals Trail of Dead, who still share some vital DNA with the classic Mukilteo Fairies. !!! also delivered, sounding oddly more funky than crunchy, which, although in contrast to how I like my recorded music (which is how I like my peanut butter), worked. And well. Though they did seem to feel as odd playing before nightfall as I felt watching them.

The best day (for me) will likely be Sunday, but Saturday was a pleasant, cloudy, thankfully not 100 degree day in the park, and the friendly Austinites, most excellent concessions (no vegan ever need go hungry again!), and scenic blooming of panchos and umbrellas, only helped the vibe of Austin City Limits emulate that of Palmolive: you were soaking in it.

And that's even before the rain.

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