Photo by Jennifer Good

DAY 1
Friday September 14

Day 1 was a flashback tribute to the previous weekend's V-Fest but with double the stages and almost double the crowd. Both Bjork and The Killers were headlining again only this time you had to choose who to see as they both played at the same time. Once again The Killers allowed no photos, we were told because they want to control their image and go back into a more underground feel. (They also have such disdain for the press that they actually write about it in their songs). But after lining up for 2 hours before finding out about the ban, "why do you waste my time" is now my question; who's pulling the trigger now? Opening this time with Sam's Town, Brandon had the usual energy beneath his feet and sentimental heart that beats, but not quite as inspired as V-Fest. As someone who loves, understands and constantly defends The Killers, who are one of the best bands of our time - yeah I said it, I was also feeling a little less inspired by their diss which is starting to get to me now. Admittedly, it was still a great show closing off with All The Things I've done. No encore again, not sure why, but I remain a loyal fan. And Brandon, yes I have seen the light!

The Killers Photo submitted by a "fan"

Bjork, as spectacular as the week before was a bit more mellow and melodic but ended her set with the same bang closing with Oceania (previously sung at the Greece Olympics) and Declare Independence. Looking even more angelic, softly backlit Bjork had solid gold on with no silver this time. Again demonstrating what it is to put on a show, Bjork had all the fanfare: flags, effects and graphic technology out in a spectacular display. She has an amazing energy about her and her soft cooing "Sank You's" complimented her explosive performance and grand showmanship.

Bjork Photo by Jess Watt

Bjork Photo by Jess Watt

Also from V-Fest weekend's line-up were Peter Bjorn and John, who ditched the V for MTV but whistled their way over to Austin. As well as Louis XIV who played with the Killers, Blonde Redhead and the never disappointing M.I.A. who's grimy spitfire once again blew up the stage. She told the crowd a story about Letterman disallowing her gunfire sound FX the previous night and with that, unleashed multiple rounds of shots at ACL and the crowd went wild. With an arsenal of electro-beats, bass, jungle and dancehall rap, (and an entourage from the crowd up on stage again), M.I.A. threw fans into a frenzy and security into a panic. She got tha bombs to make you blow and tha beats to make it bang@#$*!
>
M.I.A. Photo by Jess Watt

Day 1 also brought us the last tour performance from Crowded House not dreaming it's over, as well as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Gotan Project, Queens of the Stone Age and in the distance across from The Killers - The Kaiser Chiefs.

Neil Finn - Crowded House Photo by Jess Watt

The Flecktones Photo by Jess Watt

Josh Homme - Queens of the Stoneage Photo by Jennifer Good

DAY 2
Saturday September 15

NO WHITE STRIPES
was the disappointment of the day to many, and especially to those of us who had tickets to the aftershow at Stubbs. But luckily Canada's Arcade Fire was there to light it up for the awaiting crowds, even hotter than the actual fire that started on the grounds yesterday. On the same stage as The Killers, they had double the crowd and 3 times the security gates of their predecessor. It was a proud Canadian moment, to realize how huge the Arcade Fire is down there. The band filled the stage divided by red glowing rods of light and ignited the crowd off the top with Black Mirror. Their performance did the crowd justice, with every song the energy elevated throughout the set. Some expressed the technical sound quality further back was a bit muffled, but the visuals were spectacular and the energy was live, both on and off stage. Embracing the raging encore plea, the Arcade Fire sprung back on stage with Rebellion and said goodnight with Wake Up.

Arcade Fire Photo by Jess Watt

At the other end of the field, the larger than life Muse did some lighting up of their own with the most spectacular lighting and FX show of the festival. Hurdling over a sea of lancers in the dark to catch the last of their set after Arcade, Muse still had time to impress bringing an almost Thom York sound to a Rage Against the Machine electricity. Lasers, graphics and an electric sound beamed off the stage to shoot over and illuminate a field of thousands.

Muse Photo by Jess Watt

Day 2 also graced us with Paolo Nutini, sweating profusely in his dress shirt crooning his ballads out to the heat stricken crowd. A tremendous amount of effort went into this set, he also did an amazing cover of Moby's Natural Blues. The heat was almost unbearable when a single raincloud miraculously hovered over ACL and granted relief to the desperate dehydrated flocks on the grass. Across the field I couldn't take my eyes off Damien Rice who enchanted the relaxers on their blankets and chairs. It's always a treat when a band plays their songs like they were singing them for the first time and Damien meant every word.

Paolo Nutini Photo by Jess Watt

Clouds for the Crowds Photo by Jennifer Good

Damien Rice Photo by Jennifer Good

There were also a couple of Steves on stage - Steve Earle and Stephen Marley. While Earle pleased a nostalgic crowd with his breezy folk songs and tales of Colorado, Marley lit up the crowd while they lit up the dry green grass in front of the stage. Addressing the crowd as Rastafari, he quoted his father saying "emancipate yourself from mental slavery" and launched into Mind Control. He also covered No Woman No Cry and Buffalo Soldier.

Stephen Marley Photo by Jess Watt

Steve Earle Photo by Jess Watt

DAY 3
September 16

By Day 3 I was getting used to the life of hanging out, eating great food and watching bands all day. M first pleasant surprise was the addition of Common to the line-up, for which I lined up to see and was not disappointed. The political rapper preached politics to the crowd, blaming government and the justice system for multiple injustices, as well as the white man. "Rap needs me" he beamed, aligning himself with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Erikah Badu and the night's headliner Bob Dylan. He covered and sampled some great songs and artists including: Tribe Called Quest, Erikah Badu, NWA and Timbaland's The Way I Are.
The line he left us with that stayed with me was "I keep my eyes on the people, that's the prize"!

Common Photo by Jennifer Good

Another Pleasant surprise for me was the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, straight out of New Orleans bringing history and authenticity to the stage that broke out into a full on costumed carnival dance party. There was a marriage proposal by one band affiliate right in the middle of the show - don't worry, she said yes! And following that act was Ziggy Marley, a more soulful addition to reggae than his brother before. He didn't cover his dad but also mentioned the government has too much control. Ziggy focused on love and positivity... and a lot of weed.

Preservation Hall Photo by Jennifer Good

Ziggy Marley Photo by Jennifer Good

And adding to the final day was Lucinda Williams, Amos Lee, Bloc Party, My Morning Jacket and the Decemberists, which we saw in town the night before at an Austin bar.

Lucinda Williams Photo by Jess Watt

Bloc Party Photo by Jess Watt

The Decemberists Photo by Jess Watt

Amos Lee Photo by Jess Watt

My Morning Jacket Photo by Jess Watt

But the one the crowd was waiting for...
To end a blazing hot weekend, the starlit evening cooled down with the final and veteran act of the festival, the legendary Bob Dylan. The entire festival grounds were a sea of chairs and crowds that took an hour just to mobilize around. Firelit lanterns were floating across the night, as some uptight onlookers felt a terrorist threat, the majority of us laid back and watched them at peace. Bob and his band entered the stage, too far back for anyone to really see and forbade all pictures. The only white stripes of the festival were the ones on Bob's trousers; he was adorned in a black suit and white cap. His voice still sounded the same as it wafted through the air opening with Rainy Day Woman. But I could barely make out the words. And that was the comment from many of the onlookers, they could not really see or hear him. Still, it was a sight. And he sure can still command that harmonica. He did a lot of new material and some of his traditional classics, but all with a less lively spin. The crowd was disappointed and started filing out after song 3. I have to admit I was disappointed too, and I was at the front. Bob is still a legend, but would be better served by a crowd of a hundred, not thousands, in a small candlelit club, with just a stool and his harmonica...

ACL 2007 went off without a hitch, not even fires could put it off track. For a festival of that magnitude it managed to maintain a very chill environment. You were allowed to bring in water and chairs and extensive flag contraptions; and the food was actually reasonably priced. Not only was it a smooth operation but one of the coolest things about it was the care taken for special needs. There were special areas for wheelchair access and signers at every stage doing the performances in sign language - it was awesome. What set this festival apart was the unmistakable atmosphere, not only was there great music, there were great people. Everyone was helpful, friendly, respectful, sharing and considerate; and there was hardly any garbage around all weekend. Everyone there was friends for a weekend, how unusual, how amazing. Austin City Limits was a festival to behold, and you best believe I'll be back next year!

Photo by Jennifer Good

witnessed by Jennifer Good