Staff ACL Picks

Susan Castle – Weekday mid-morning host (9 a.m.-noon)

Having been to every single ACL Fest, I’m sticking with my philosophy of seeing bands I’ve yet to experience live.  These are my “fer sures,” in alphabetical order:

Beck: Few of his contemporaries can match the quality of his continued output, nor his artistic independence. A career retrospective could be epic.

Belle & Sebastian: I’d rather experience them in a cozy theatre in Scotland or France, but am not gonna miss my chance to see them live for the first time and enjoy the sweetness that is B&S.

Chromeo: Who doesn’t need a little electro funk disco in their life?

Eminem: Always liked him, always wanted to see him, but was never willing to buy tickets for a headlining arena show, thus the beauty of these outdoor festivals.

The Head and The Heart: On the back lawn at the Four Seasons under the trees drinking great coffee with fun people and not a port-o-potty in sight. Friday, Oct. 3, at noon.

Lana Del Rey: A roll of the dice, but I wanna see if the goods match the hype. She may get an assist from the setting of a setting sun.

The Replacements: A must for any self-respecting fan of 80s alt-rock, so I must…even if it’s only for a few songs.

St. Vincent: I’ve been hearing raves about her live show and superb guitar skills, but thinking I may not get close enough to really enjoy her brilliance. I’m gonna try regardless.

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Trina Quinn – Weekday afternoon host (2-5 p.m.)

Benjamin Booker: New talent blowing down doors even before his self-titled debut was released! Can’t wait to see what he’s all about live.

Black Pistol Fire: Always support the local bands playing the fest! Might I recommend Austin’s rockin’ two-piece BPF! Warning: your face may melt off.

Sam Smith: It’s the voice, the voice, the voice! Is that his real voice? I’m gonna find out!

The Preatures: Aussie band with the great tune, “Is This How You Feel?”! Bet it’s gonna be good!

Skrillex: Ok, this may sound crazy, but I’ve seen him live and the kids go insane for him. It’ll be like drinking from a somewhat tainted fountain of youth. You may completely forget you’re surrounded by sweaty dancing youth and transform into one of them!

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Rick McNulty – Left of the Dial (Fridays at 7 p.m.) and Saturday afternoon host (2-6 p.m.)

Outkast: Do you really need a reason? This is the biggest deal of the festival. And it may be the last time you get to see them (at least together).

The Replacements: Another legacy act, yet one of the best and sloppiest rock and roll bands from a decade where they were considered quaint and out of touch. Who’s laughing now?

Paolo Nutini: What do Quincy Jones, Solomon Burke, Les McCann, Herbie Hancock and the Rolling Stones have in common? They all performed with THIS GUY. He’s been flying under the radar in the states too long. And if his new album is any indication, he won’t be unknown anymore. Seriously, this guy has SOUL.

Roddy Walston & The Business: Do you like underdogs? How about gut-bucket rock and roll? Look no further. This band will slay you.

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