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September 19, 2003
The Good And The Bad
It was the best of days, it was the worst of days... we saw Cody ChesnuTT at the Austin City Limits Music Festival today, as well as Liz Phair. Cody preached, threw love into the audience and made the unbelievers speak in tongues (as well as dance a little). Indie bands should see one of his shows to see a performer enjoying himself while making a real connection with his audience. Pick up his aptly named The Headphone Masterpiece and feel the funky love he offers.
Then came the bad... if there is a circle of hell reserved for bad musical decisions, I'm headed there for choosing Liz Phair over Steve Earle. Liz delivered a standard set, mixing in a couple oldies with a majority of her performance coming from her new album. Her coquettish act wore thinner than her voice, and I put on the trademark indie sneer through most of her show. I've now seen Ms. Phair five times, and each time I've been disappointed. The one positive note: I'm sure Liz looked better dewy with perspiration than Steve Earle bathed in sweat (but that's just me). Maybe I can redeem myself (and my ears) with tonight's Yo La Tengo instore performance and the Old 97's club show.
Tomorrow is another day... with the Old 97's, Dandy Warhols, Drive-By Truckers (unfortunately at the same time as Jay Farrar), Bright Eyes and Richard Buckner (hopefully with his new band) at the festival. The real choice will be at the clubs after the festival: Ween, Drive-By Truckers, The Shins or Aisler's Set? Not a bad decision to have...
