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News Taping Recap

Bob Mould brings the thunder to ACL

Not every innovator is a household name – there are plenty of artists who shape entire genres without becoming giants in the public eye. Such is the lot of Bob Mould. The New York-born/San Francisco-based singer/songwriter/guitarist rewrote the rules of punk and set the template for alternative rock with his ’80s band Husker Dü and 90s outfit Sugar. His powerful songwriting and distinctive guitar style have had an influence far beyond that suggested by name recognition. Without Mould, there would have been no Pixies, no Green Day, no Foo Fighters – all artists who acknowledge his influence.

We were thrilled to welcome Mould, the day before his set at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, to ACL Live at The Moody Theater for his debut taping. The alt.rock icon brought the thunder with a set high in both energy and volume that spanned across the decades of his 30-year career.

Bob Mould KLRU photo by Scott Newton

He started the set with the chugging power chords of “The Act We Act,” the first tune on Sugar’s classic debut record Copper Blue. Unsurprisingly, given that Mould and his sidefolks are currently touring that LP in its entirety, he then slammed immediately into a fierce “A Good Idea,” followed in short order by “Changes,” “Helpless” and “Hoover Dam” – in other words, side one of Copper Blue. Mould windmilled his Stratocaster between muscular vocals and nimble solos aided by bassist Jason Narducy (formerly of Mould production client Verbow) and drummer Jon Wurster (also of Superchunk).

After a brief pause to allow band and audience to catch their breath, Mould then drew from his brilliant new record Silver Age with the snarling “Star Machine,” the driving “Round the City Square” and the masterful “The Descent,” updating his Sugary approach while remaining true to its spirit. Mould then made a startling side trip, dipping into his acclaimed 1989 solo debut Workbook. Running the primarily acoustic songs through his power trio filter, Mould maintained the intensity by turning “Wishing Well” into a powerhouse anthem, “Sinners and Their Repentances” into a pounding rocker and “See a Little Light” into a crunchy example of the sound he does so well.

Bob Mould KLRU photo by Scott Newton

To round it out, Mould cranked out a quartet of Husker Dü classics. “I Apologize,” “Chartered Trips” and “Could You Be the One?” blasted pop/punk fury, their hooks enhanced by the psych/noise ending of “Trips.” But it was the rarely-performed “Hardly Getting Over It,” dedicated to Mould’s late father, that had the most emotional weight. The only slow song of the evening, it had the feel of real catharsis.

The trio closed the set by roaring straight into “Keep Believing,” a tribute to the music that moves Mould to continue creating. But their time offstage was brief. “I’ve waited a long time to do this,” said the songwriter as the band returned to the stage, “so thanks a lot.” After that simple statement, the band launched into Sugar’s “If I Can’t Change Your Mind,” again translating a formerly acoustic tune into electric fury. The encore concluded with a pair of Husker Dü numbers – the dynamic, magnificent “Celebrated Summer” and “Makes No Sense at All.”

This episode will be one to remember. We can’t wait for you to see it when it airs early next year.

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Episode Recap New Broadcast News

Season 38 goes acoustic with The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers

Join us this weekend for a night of intimate and supremely talented performances from The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers. With zero percussion assistance for each performance, one acquires a clear picture of the depth of musicianship and delicately crafted songs that both of these artists brought to our stage earlier this year. What you’ll find from both artists is nothing short of moving, inspiring, and wildly intriguing.

With open arms and a bare stage, we welcomed the Civil Wars back in February to open Season 38. The Grammy Award-winners proved to be a perfect start to the newest season on so many levels. Their minimalist set with the ever-so perpetual Austin skyline in the background highlighted the voices of Joy Williams and John Paul White as they played hits off their Grammy-winning 2011 release Barton Hollow. Included in this performance are two very intense, but true to the original spirit, renditions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” and Smashing Pumpkins’ “Disarm.” At one moment you realize that Williams and White had the entire audience in their hand when Williams remarked about how quiet and attentive the audience was reacting. It’s true – at many points during this episode you become so captivated by Joy’s sashaying and John’s guitar playing that you forget where you are and immediately realize why these two are garnering the much deserved appraisal they’ve gotten in the last year.

photo by Scott Newton

“When you start a band this is all you ever really want to do…play Austin City Limits.” mentioned Chris Thile in the middle of their set. Thile, who is no stranger to the ACL stage (this is his third appearance on the show), debuts his all-star band that formed back in 2006 in this episode. Again there is no percussion, but unlike the simple quietness that we get from The Civil Wars earlier, we get an influx of sound from the mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass. The progressive rock stars of the bluegrass world take us through their 2012 release of Who’s Feeling Young Now? with a few sprinkles of the 2010 album Antifogmatic. This group’s genre jumping and incredible musicianship will have you tapping your toes and wishing you had taken up banjo back in 10th grade.

For those of you in Austin that are attending Fun Fun Fun Fest this weekend, this episode will be an alternative to the chaotic excitement on the Black, Orange, and Blue stages. For those in other parts of the country, this is something you will not want to miss, but don’t take our word for it – see it for yourself! You can check here for local listings and times in your area. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr for all things Austin City Limits.

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Episode Recap New Broadcast News

Season 38 continues with the Shins and Dr. Dog

After a magnificent celebration of soul with Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples, we’re shifting gears this week to give you some of the best the indie rock world has to offer. In this all-new episode, the Shins return for their second ACL episode, while Dr. Dog makes its debut appearance on our stage.

The last time Albuquerque-to-Portland band the Shins appeared on ACL was in 2004 (Season 30). Eight years later, singer/songwriter James Mercer brings a brand new crew in support of the group’s acclaimed fourth LP Port of Morrow. The quintet samples the latest record with “September,” “It’s Only LIfe,” “The Rifle’s Spiral” and the appropriately catchy single “Simple Song,” hitting a real sweet spot between rich, melodic hooks and Mercer’s clever, literate lyrics. But the band also digs deep into the Shins catalog, bouncing through “So Says I,” from breakthrough record Chutes Too Narrow, and reaching all the way back to its debut by closing the set with “New Slang.” It’s a masterful performance by a band hitting the peak of its powers.

For its first appearance on ACL, Dr. Dog proves why it’s a favorite on the live circuit. Adding a dash of jam band spice to its psychedelic indie rock batter, the Philadelphia sextet knows how to have a good time playing, while still keeping its songs catchy and concise. The band opens this episode with “Lonesome,” the tune that begins its much-heralded seventh LP Be the Void, kicking off the show to rollicking effect. “Jackie Wants a Black Eye” and “Vampire” keep the party going, and by the time the Dog hits a trio of tunes from its fan-favorite LP Fate, ending with “The Rabbit, the Bat and the Reindeer,” Dr. Dog lets us know just why it’s been such a popular concert draw in its decade of existence. As executive producer Terry Lickona says at the beginning of the show, “Great songs and live energy make for a winning combination.”

photo by Scott Newton

To get info on when and where to tune in to this excellent episode, check here for local listings. Also, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Tumblr for more updates about tapings, giveaways, and sneak peeks. Tune in next week for another Season 38 debut with the Civil Wars and Punch Brothers.

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News

Ticket Giveaway: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros 11/5

Austin City Limits will be taping a performance by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Monday, November 5th, at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd). The band is in Austin as part of Fun Fun Fun Fest.

We will be giving away a limited number of space available passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by 9 am Thursday, November 1st. Passes are not transferable and cannot be sold. Standing may be required.

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News

Ticket Giveaway: Bob Mould 11/1

Austin City Limits will be taping a performance by Bob Mould on Thursday, November 1st, at 7 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd).  Mould is in Austin as part of Fun Fun Fun Fest.

We will be giving away a limited number of space available passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by 9 am Tuesday, October 30th. Passes are not transferable and cannot be sold. Standing may be required

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News

Ticket Giveaway: Delta Spirit 11/2

Austin City Limits will be taping a performance by Delta Spirit on Friday, November 2nd, at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd).  We will be giving away a limited number of space available passes to this taping. Enter your name and email address on the below form by 9 am Wednesday, October 31st. Passes are not transferable and cannot be sold. Standing may be required