Austin City Limits saw the return of Radiohead on Friday night during weekend one of the two weekend fest. While perfect weather adorned the record crowds it was the awesome array of musical acts that stole the show.
Friday's Best:
Radiohead: They managed to reach into their catalog for one of their best festival sets this year. (expecting a possible better set this weekend, after all it is Them Yorke's birthday)
Flying Lotus: Perfect primer for Radiohead, he managed to get the crowd nice and comfy for the evenings headliner. Lotus continues to push boundaries with his awesome sets, would have preferred a later set to emphasize his amazing visuals.
Die Antwoord: The South American rap duo amazed and probably played one of the best sets Friday mid afternoon. The band was all over the place singing and dancing with a huge crowd participation.
Band of Horses: Sandwiched between Flume and M83, the Seattle rockers held their own with a emphatic set of southern rock. We got a chance to see an ACL Live tapping Sunday night which was amazing.
Saturday's Best:
Saint Motel: This band continues to grow and grow right in front of our eyes. Their Saturday performance is a testament to that. Can't wait to see what they bring on weekend two.
Cage The Elephant: You never know what to expect from these guys, one thing is for certain they leave it all on the line. Singer Matt Schultz is a modern day version of Freddy Mercury mixed in with a hint of Mick Jagger.
SchoolBoy Q: Fresh off a new album Schoolboy gave the crowd a rather energetic set setting it up perfectly for label mate Kendrick Lamar. Playing a majority of new songs it's no wonder his latest album has been met with praise.
The Chainsmokers: They definitely packed the Home Away stage unlike we have ever seen. This years version of Twenty One pilots has made a name for itself with it's live shows incorporating great visuals and musical theatrics.
Kendrick Lamar: King Kendrick played a flawless set proving why he belongs headliner status. His no holds barred approach to hip hop has put him in the upper echelon of the genre, in fact he may be leading us into the next era of hip hop and rap.
Sunday's Best:
The final day of weekend one heavily featured some of country music's best.
Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats: Denver's own held their status as one of the most surprising acts of the year. Their mid-day crowded performance had everybody singing and dancing to the retro soul sounds off the band. Great to see reactions for these guys outside of Denver.
Kacey Musgraves: The country starlett gave us a dose of her country antics reaching into a few of the covers she has been known to rock including "Crazy" from Gnarls Barkley and Nancy Sinatra's “These Boots Are Made For Walkin".
Oh Wonder: Probably the most surprising set for me. I literally fell in love with this duo, who proclaimed it was their first time playing in our great state. One of the better up and coming bands we suggest you take a listen.
HAIM: The threesome are back after a brief break following there amazing debut album. These three sisters always put on for an amazing show. They showcased a bit more maturity and amazing sound since we saw them last in Denver almost two years ago.
LCD Soundsystem: After witnessing a jaw dropping legendary performance at Red Rocks earlier this year, they managed to continue their fever pace as their festival circuit is coming to an end. Same setup and same songs James Murphy and company will be heading to the studio soon to work on their new album. We cannot wait.