Jeff_I's Blog

Since Dazed and Confused is in my top 5 favorite movies, it was filmed in Austin and I can't go more than 10 minutes without referencing it, I'm reviewing the last day D&C style.

 The Randall "Pink" Floyd Award For Overall Excellence:  Bloc Party, who once again dominated.  Kele Okereke is, in my opinion, one of the best frontmen around.  Most everything I could say about them I've already said, but there's this:  I was not expecting them to be as high on my list as they were, but they proved me wrong.  We were way up close and at one point Kele asked everyone in the back to scream and from seemingly miles away us in the front heard a roar.  It was a wild moment.  We also met a slew of great people in our cattle call-esque wait for them to come on. This arm ready to throw about 3,000 yards?

The Fred O'Bannion Award For Worst Performance By A Senior: Bob Dylan.  We all crossed 'Seeing Bob Dylan' off of our life lists which was all well and good, but we thought we might have to cross off 'Seeing Bob Dylan die' off too, because that's what it sounded like.  We left early as did THOUSANDS of people (I've never seen the streets so crowded and hour before the Fest ended), got dinner and watched the Patriots game.  Best decision I've ever made.

The Mitch Kramer Award For Best Performance By A Freshman: The National.  They were awesome and I highly recommend you check them out when they come around.  'Fake Empire' is one of the greatest songs you'll hear all year.  Mitchy? Mitchy Mitchy Mitchy.  We're coming for you, kid.

The Carl Burnett Award For Most Disappointing Performance By Someone You Usually Like: Ben Kweller.  Last year, Kweller had a massive nosebleed in the middle of his set and had to walk off before he died.  His much hyped 'return' was totally disappointing.  Instead of his 5 piece it was a really hollow sounding 3 piece, he didn't play too much old stuff and it generally didn't rock as much as it should.  Technically, he was great as usual (solo during 'Red Eye" was great), but it just lacked a lot.

Also, the crowd was the youngest I've ever seen.  This conversation actually ensued:

Dave S: Half of these kids weren't alive the first time I saw Ben Kweller

Me: They're just all here because they were bummed he cancelled his Austin Kiddie Limits slot (he did bail on his 15 minute set on the kid's stage)

Dave C: I feel like today's fest is brought to us by the Disney Channel.  Up next on the AMD Stage, Kim Possible!

Me: With Hannah Montana headlining.  Hey, doesn't Miley Cyrus sound like a disease?

Dave C: Is that Hannah Montana's real name?

Me: Yes

Dave C: Why do you know that

Me: Uh.... Hey look the band's on!

The Ron Slater Award For Performance Most Probably Enhanced By Drugs: Ghostland Observatory.  This techno/trance duo closed down one side of the park on Sunday night and brought the house down with their danceable beats, trippy light show and general weirdness.  We saw them last year at about 2 in the afternoon on a tiny stage and thought, "Wow, they're good."  One year later they have a prime slot.  You'll definitely hear about them soon.
 

 The Cynthia Dunn Award For Best Performance By A Redhead:  Regina Spektor.  We waded through the post Bloc Party/Food area crowds and finally descended upon Regina Spektor, playing for one of the biggest crowds.  Another nearby band (Rose Hill Drive) was drowning her out a bit, but we managed to hear "That Time" and "Fidelity" amongst a few others.  I'm incredibly psyched for her Boston show.

The David Wooderson Award For Best/Coolest Performance By An Established Act: My Morning Jacket.  Man, they rock and they came out in full on Wooderson chill-out vibe with a Hawaiian backdrop, hula girls and I'm pretty sure that Jim James stole Vince Neil's hair for the event.  'Off The Record' was the highlight for me, including the epic solo.  They were also joined by professional whistler/rock star Andrew Bird for a song.

 Tune in tomorrow for some more musings, including myself and the two Dave's picks for best acts, most disappointing, best moment, Ms. Congenality, and favorite fan related thing!