In concert

Let's just say that it's been a busy and tumultuous month around here and that alone explains away my lack of new postings. But I'm back in the saddle for now.

So, lately all I've been thinking about is my innate desire to see live music. Where to begin? Ahh yes...
The Austin City Limits Music Festival will officially announce its 2006 lineup on May 11th. The anticipation is driving me nuts but thankfully, many acts have already been confirmed through various sources. To date the list includes:


Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
The Flaming Lips
Ben Harper
John Mayer
Los Lonely Boys
Massive Attack
Matisyahu
The Shins
Iron and Wine
The New Pornographers
Ben Kweller
Son Volt
Thievery Corporation

Doesn't really blow you away, but it's a promising start. So far, I am most excited to see Petty and the Lips but I'm anxiously awaiting the full line-up. After being screwed out of $35 early-bird tickets, I had to fork over $90 for my 3-day passes and the cost has been on the rise ever since. In fact, the only available price range remaining for 3-day passes is now at $115. After those sell-out, that is it. Single day tickets will go on sale at a later time.

I've pretty much ruled out Bonnaroo but I'm still mulling over one of the three Chicago fests this summer: Intonation, Pitchfork or Lollapalooza. Or I may skip all three because Radiohead's US tour is slowly coming together. Thom and co. are reportedly headed to Chicago for two shows on June 19th and 20th! Best of all, the rumor is they'll be playing smaller venues than usual. Tickets go on sale on May 6th and I'll need a small miracle to snatch 'em up.

Local shows on my radar include Tapes 'n Tapes (May 5, The Entry), Secret Machines (May 12, 1st Ave.), Mogwai (May 20, 1st Ave.), The Fall (May 29, Varsity), The Walkmen (June 3, 400 Bar) and Wilco (July 2, Duluth). Probably many more I am neglecting to mention, but either way, hope to see you all at one or more of the shows.

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I'm curious how people will be responding to the first Hollywood 9/11 film United 93, which was released nation-wide today. The reviews from critics have been incredible but of course there is a vocal cross-section of the media and public saying 'too soon, too soon.' I don't know a single person who has even hinted at an interest in seeing the film. But as you'd expect, I'll be catching it in the next few days, more than anything because I admire the work of director Paul Greengrass. I will say that I'm relieved to hear it doesn't play as a sentimental, patriotic memorial which would not interest me in the slightest. It'll surely be a harrowing experience but I'm a willing masochist. If anyone has an opinion on the film, I'd be curious to hear it.