Houstonist: H-Town Rock Reviews: Fun Fun Fun Fest

ward

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:39:18 -0600

Adam, thanks for replying to all three of my poorly-planned comments. Most people have heard but not heard of the theremin, so I primarily wanted to make it clear that it wasn't some sort of random effects box they were using. That said, OP sadly treats it like an effects box instead of a real instrument. So I certainly agree with you there. I think OP are a fun band to see live, but not one I ever feel compelled to listen to on record. In the context of a review of their live show, though, I think that doesn't have to be a mark against them. And no disrespect to the Dead Milkmen. I was mainly bemoaning not getting to read a review of the National's show. And that's exactly the sort of reason I now skip ACL. For those that pine for the ACL of old, they should know that FFFFest is a great substitute.

Adam P. Newton

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:01:53 -0600

Ward: I did attend ACL 2008 and wasn't too impressed by the event, mostly because of the vastness of the venue and how overwhelmingly corporate is was.

Adam P. Newton

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:59:28 -0600

Wow. 3 comments in less than an hour. That has to be a record for anything I've ever written here at Houstonist. Tideturns: Why do you feel that my review is the strangest? I was quite in awe of the band and the crowd and had a great time in general during their set. Ward: 1) I'm not doubting the legitimacy of the instrument, but more how the band showcased the usage of said instrument to get a reaction out of the crowd. 2) On the whole, it was a great festival, and while I am sad that I had to miss The National, I couldn't pass up a chance to watch The Dead Milkmen put on a reunion concert.

ward

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:53:35 -0600

And one more thing: this is a really great festival, like ACL used to be. Good acts, but a smaller crowd, cheaper, and later in the year when the weather's better. If you like ACL, I highly recommend you check it out, at least based on last year's experience.

ward

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:43:02 -0600

Oh, and it's a shame you had to miss the National. Possibly the best act of the festival. Similarly, it's a shame I had to miss the festival.

ward

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:40:00 -0600

I believe the "weird contraption that manipulates electronic waves with the clenching and unclenching of a fist" you refer to is a theremin. It's a legitimate instrument, made famous in the theme to Star Trek, the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations", and innumerable sci-fi b-movies.

tideturns

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:35:13 -0600

that has to be THE strangest review of the Cro-Mags I have ever read....