The lineup for this years Austin City Limits music festival came out today. Check it out at: http://www.aclfestival.com/lineup.aspx
Overall, I think the lineup is a little lackluster compared to previous years. The only headliner I am excited about is Beck - who continues to put out exciting and relevant albums and puts on a great live show. The Foofighters do not interest me and seem a strange fit for headlining ACL, especially the last day. Robert Plant and Allison Krauss put out a great album this year, but headlining ACL? I think that is a lifetime achievement award for Robert Plant. Maybe some of his "friends" will make an appearance.
The second biggest weakness is the amount of A level talent. The Raconteurs and David Byrne should be good. But John Fogerty? Gnarls Barkley may be entertaining for 10-15 minutes tops. I hope Mars Volta gets a late time slot, because Mars Volta in the heat at 3 pm just doesn't sit well.
I do think there is a great range of mid level indie bands with the likes of Vampire Weekend, Hot Chip, Band of Horses, CSS, Silversun Pickups, Tegan and Sara, Iron & Wine, etc...But I was really hoping for another set with Ghostland Observatory (see picture) after last years set full of lasers. By the way, I saw them last week here in Portland and they had the lasers pumping in a small 2000 person club. Awesome.
All in all, I think the lineup is a bit disappointing. But, I think it will provide an opportunity to enjoy a different approach to the ACL Festival this year (I have only missed 2 festivals which I think is pretty good considering I have never lived in Austin!). This year it will be more about enjoying spending time in Austin and spending time with friends. Of course, I may have no choice with the new one on the way!
