Austin City Limits Music Festival

NOVEMBER '08

Harder Beat Magazine Online

Austin City Limits Music Festival
Zilker Park, Austin, TX – 9/26 - 9/28/08
Text/photos by Jason Janik

By Marissa Bruce

The crowd at Austin City Limits

The Raconteurs - were rock-solid

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant —
laid-back show

Okkervil River — had Texans
beaming with pride

Austin City Limits is a big festival, on par with other massive, multi-day music events. Every year, it seems to get more streamlined, making the audience experience more enjoyable. This year was no different.

With the exception of Saturday afternoon and evening, the park seemed less crowded than previous years — most likely due to a good balance of high quality acts spread throughout the eight stages. Adding to the comfort level, the weather cooperated with tolerable temperatures. Only the excessive dust and dirt distracted fans from the music.

It’s impossible to see every band, so picking and choosing acts becomes a priority. I regret not adding Manu Chao, one of Friday night’s closers, to my list, as everyone seemed to be praising their killer set. However, I did make it to a few other highlights, including the Friday afternoon Vampire Weekend slot that left fans gushing all weekend.

Other highlights included a sexy set by Jenny Lewis, Gogol Bordello’s explosion of sight and sound, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’s laid back show and The Raconteurs’ rock-solid set.

But, the best entertainment came from Texas-bred artists. Between Erykah Badu, Okkervil River, Bavu Blakes with special guest Pikahsso, Roky Erickson, Old 97’s, and many other locals, Texans were beaming with pride. Every single Texas band gave their best, and each performance was spectacular. (Jason Janik)

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