Keep Austin Weird

Last week I spent a couple of days in Austin, Texas. Love Austin.

That might surprise some people because I'm a big Sooner fan.

I even love hanging out on the campus of the University of Texas. I can seperate athletics from academics. I can hate the Longhorns on the field but dig what goes on in the lecture hall.

I like Austin because it's weird. Yes, I know that's an old slogan down there, "Keep Austin Weird." But it really is weird. Weird in both bad ways and good ways. I like how people are not afraid to be who they want to be.

Who wants to eat the same bowl of cheerios every day? Throw in some Apple Jacks or Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Variety is the spice of life.

Ate at The Shady Grove, The Green Mesquite and The Oasis. All great eateries. I think the fam and I will have to make a quick trip down there this summer.

Arcade Fire in Dallas

Last Saturday's Arcade Fire was transcendent (am I overusing that word?). Lead singer Win Butler started the set by saying "We're gonna give you all we got. We just ask you to meet us halfway." Then the eight-piece band whirled and bashed and soared, running to different instruments between songs. In evidence were concertinas, accordians, hurdy gurdys, double basses, pipe organs, megaphones, two full time violinists plus the usual guitars, keys and drums. Butler ended the show with an exhortation to "take care of each other." Unbelievable musicianship and showmanship. It is truly inspiring to see such creativity in action. Much better than the usual hum drum pop garbage.

Arcade Fire Setlist Dallas 2011:

Ready To Start
Keep The Car Running
Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
Haiti
Rococo
Sprawl I (Flatland)
Intervention
Suburbs
Month of May
Rebellion (Lies)
No Cars Go
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
We Used To Wait
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)

Encore

Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Wake Up