After Iron & Wine, I trekked by Explosions in the Sky on the way to the other end of Zilker Park. I’m not too familiar with them but knew I liked what I have heard in the past. There was a large crowd gathered and everyone was having a good time. I wasn’t able to stay long, but what I did hear made me think I really needed to check out more from Explosions in the Sky, which shouldn’t be hard as they hail from Austin, Texas.

Next I had to catch a Texas favorite, Willie Nelson. Willie is such a staple to the Texas music scene, and that of Austin, that it would almost not be a complete music festival without his presence. The audience was huge and I swear it seemed to go on forever, taking up nearly half of the park. However, I don’t think Willie Nelson’s sound mix was that great, as I couldn’t hear it all too well. After a few songs, I grew frustrated at not being able to hear Willie that I made my way across Zilker Park once again to meet up with a friend at Massive Attack.

I know nothing about Massive Attack except that it was my friend’s “second favorite band” so I figured it had to be good. Now, I know not to totally discount a band based on hating a live performance. I have seen Modest Mouse twice and both shows are tied for the worst concerts ever, yet I still love their recordings. So yes, I will try to borrow a Massive Attack CD before I decide I hate them. However, it sounded like 80s Industrial Rock mixed with Marilyn Manson, but not good versions of either. I’m not entirely sure why, but it sounded like something someone would listen to before toking up and masturbating to that anime comic porn. However, the cameras did a great job of matching the feel of this butt rock, so at least the visual corresponded. My friend did enjoy them, but then he is already a fan.

I took my distaste for Massive Attack as a sign to jump in the Taxi line before everyone else decided to leave. I’m actually glad, as I could clearly hear Willie Nelson while in line. So the wait, while long, was enjoyable due to the good tunes. Appropriately, the last song I heard tonight was “On The Road Again.”