Month: January 2012

Folk music has long been a staple of Austin City Limits. That said, to call either Fleet Foxes or Joanna Newsom simply “folk” is to do them a disservice. As you’ll see when these iconoclasts’ joint episode airs on Saturday, January 20th, there’s much more to these artists than just acoustic instruments.

The first half of this weekend’s episode spotlights the strong songcraft and delicate instrumental interplay of Fleet Foxes. The Seattle sextet interweaves lush vocal harmonies and arrangements that feature everything from 12-string guitar to mandolin to bass clarinet. The band emphasizes its latest record Helplessness Blues, with inspired performances of “Sim Sala Bim” and “The Shrine/An Argument.” But the Foxes’ popular first LP represents with “Your Protector” and the fan-favorite “Blue Ridge Mountains.” It’s a tight set that proves Fleet Foxes has earned their acclaim.

Fleet Foxes “Helplessness Blues” from Austin City Limits on Vimeo.

The second half showcases the daring experimentalism and uncommon musicality of Joanna Newsom. Wielding her harp like a paintbrush and singing like a delirious angel, Newsom leads her unique ensemble (strings, trombone, tamboura, kaval, banjo) through a set drawn mostly from her latest album Have One On Me, including the title track and the mesmerizing “Good Intentions Paving Company.” While you could throw words like “psychedelic” and “folk” and “classical” around when talking about Joanna Newsom, it’s better to simply experience her special sound and vision for yourself.

Joanna Newsom “Bridges and Balloons” from Austin City Limits on Vimeo.

The Fleet Foxes/Joanna Newsom show hits the airwaves this Saturday, January 20 – check your local PBS listings for showtimes. Head over to the episode page for more goodies – pics, setlists, bio info. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr pages regularly, or to sign up for our e-newsletter. Next week: Florence + the Machine and Lykke Li!

The first time Arcade Fire appeared on the ACL stage, their much-anticipated second album Neon Bible had hit number 2 on the Billboard chart and the band was poised to become superstars. Four years later The Suburbs, the Montreal band’s highly acclaimed third LP, had debuted at number 1 on the album charts and won a Grammy for Album of the Year, and the group had solidified their position as a major festival headliner. What better way to celebrate Arcade Fire’s ascendancy than a triumphant return to Austin City Limits? Find out this Saturday, January 14.

Arcade Fire “Ready to Start” from Austin City Limits on Vimeo.

With The Suburbs at the heart of their performance, Arcade Fire take the stage with the singalong pop single “Ready to Start.” Within moments the crowd is in the palm of bandleader Win Butler’s hand, rolling  through new classics like “Month of May,” “Rococo” and the Regine
Chassagne showcase “Sprawl II,” pushing the studio to a fever pitch.. Never fear, Arcade Fire standards “Haiti,” “Keep the Car Running” and, of course, “Wake Up” also make appearances. With nearly every tune an audience-energizing anthem, the passion never flags – this is truly one of the most exciting shows we’ve ever recorded.

Arcade Fire “We Used to Wait” at ACL: Behind the Scenes from Jonathan Jackson on Vimeo.

You can, of course, find out for yourself on Saturday – check your local listings for the time your PBS station will broadcast this awesome episode. You can also go here for biographical info, pictures and the setlist. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr pages and to sign up for our newsletter for more ACL TV sweet stuff. Next week: the ACL debuts of Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom!