Live music review: Heartless Bastards returned to ACL TV for debut at Moody

One aspect of television's Austin City Limits (ACL TV) Texas music fans can appreciate is the show stays true to its roots by showcasing local talent on a regular basis. Considering the venerable live music program has the option to book internationally acclaimed acts Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and recent Grammy winner Beck, it is reassuring to see producers persist in sharing the best Texas acts with the rest of the world. Monday evening's taping with Austin-based Heartless Bastards (HB) continued the tradition with their second appearance on the show, their debut at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

The quartet is now a... Continue reading

Live music preview: 12 bands you should see at ACL Festival 2015 part II

With this second-half installment of our Austin City Limits Music Festival 2015 (ACL Fest) recommendations the emphasis is on the middle-tier acts booked. To our sensibility that is where the gold is found. A good example is TV on the Radio who played an exceptional Lollapalooza set last month. The group was booked on a second-tier stage at sundown. Their performance was spellbinding. They may not get the attention of acts like the Foo Fighters but they get plenty of respect from musicians and hard core music fans. The bulk of our recommendations reflect that sentiment.

The lone exception to our list might be... Continue reading

Live music review: Nick Cave taped first Austin City Limits TV show Sunday

Since last Sunday we have been mulling over the first Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (NCBS) episode taping at Austin City Limits TV. Even if you are not a rabid Nick Cave fan, one thing is certain, the man will make you feel something. For most of the audience members, seeing the Australian impresario live was the zenith of a cult-like reverence for the singer. Cave sold-out the same room the previous evening for an ACL Live performance that had fans filling our Twitter feed with over the top superlatives. Judging from an informal survey we conducted, the tv taping was a bit more... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Nine Inch Nails record historic ACL TV episode

Over the past 39 seasons, television's longest runningmusic show, Austin City Limits (ACL TV) has had some legendary performers on the show. From country legends like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to rockers Radiohead and Jack White last season many incredible artists have been guests in the studio. Perhaps no act has generated as much excitement as industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails did prior to their... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Portugal. The Man jammed out at debut ACL TV taping

While heavy storms drenched an already soggy Austin with up to nine inches of rain last night, Portugal. The Man was busy recording their debut Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) taping in front of an enthusiastic studio audience. The quintet from Portland played a psych-rock heavy, 13-song set that drew heavily from their acclaimed latest album, "Evil Friends" produced by Danger Mouse. The band set the tone for the evening with opening song... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Local Natives honored to tape debut ACL TV episode (Photos)

There is a special feeling attending an Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) taping (like getting to peek behind the curtain). During Austin City Limits Music Festival, when artists appear on the show a heightened sense of excitement permeates the theater as it did last night when Local Natives made their ACL TV debut. The Los Angeles indie rock quintet only has... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: The Black Angels overdue debut Austin City Limits TV taping

Alex Maas and Christian Bland of The Black Angels    Photo: Emily Lim

There are a lot of folks who think what put Austin on the live music map is the Texas Blues sound made famous by artists likeStevie Ray Vaughn, Steve Earle and Jerry Jeff Walker in the 70s and 80s. In reality, the psych rock movement led byRoky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators came first and was nationally prominent both in Central Texas and the West Coast. This is why Austin psychedelic rock revivalists, The Black Angels' invitation to record an Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV) episode was... Continue reading at Examiner.com