Austin City Limits Music Festival Day Two

Centro-matic, from Denton Texas performed some earnest Rock and Roll. "Welcome to the omelette part of the day's festival". They dedicated a song to former Texas Governor Ann Richards, which many groups have been doing this weekend. Richards died on Wednesday.

Murder by Death. "This song, like most of our songs, is about whiskey and the devil". An electric cello helped the Devil come to life in that one. And how can you not love a band that says "We're called Murder by Death. This song is about the Apocalypse."

Ghostland Observatory's frontman Aaron Behrens is sort of like a Jack White on estrogen. Lots of estrogen. The band's music is similar to the White Stripes if it were done entirely on synthesizer. The drummer wears a cape, and Behrens, with pony tails and a pink tight stretchy shirt, hits you with a "what the heck is that" feeling followed by a "Hey I kind of like it" one. They electrified the crowd the most of any band so far and stand to be the next big thing out of Austin, although the middle of America might not be ready for the live show just yet. Behrens has moves that make Little Richard proud, and maybe embarrassed.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness had some very Morrisey like tunes, and some great song titles, like "I want to die in the hot summer", which right now in Austin is always a distinct possibility.

Nada Surf, America's answer to Snow Patrol, played "Popular" without being asked and really seemed to enjoy themselves. Aimee Mann, former Til Tuesday singer, also seems very comfortable now well into her solo career.

The Raconteurs, one of the most anticipated groups Saturday, proved they can deliver high voltage rock in a large venue. Jack White was sweat soaked after the first song.

Iron and Wine's Sam Beam, usually a quiet performer, said he wanted to take it up a notch and delivered on the promise. But compared to the Raconteurs, "up a notch" is pretty relative.

At the end of the day, there was a spot in the park where one could hear both Willie Nelson and Massive Attack at the same time, proving why this festival, with its myriad of choices and genres, is one of the best.

David Sprague