I’m not even sure how to recap last weekend. ‘Fun fun Fun Fest this year : beautiful weather + giant Fosters beers = a dust cloud full of happy people’ would probably be the most concise method. Highlights were many as half the patrons relived their glorious youth and the other half simply lived it through a parade of classic indie bands, industry staples, and delicately plucked bright new stars from the horizon. Unlike your typical ACL, the drunken ass-hole factor was at a minimum as people actually attended to see music and enjoy the company of their friends and compatriots. The presentation was nothing less than top notch; great sound, easy to get around and plenty to occupy your time weather you were watching a show or not. Bravo, once again.

I’d have to say I was partial to several acts before I actually saw them, but was not particularly disappointed in anyone, including PE favorites like Dan Deacon, The National, or CYHSY. Pleasant surprises included an energetic and sonically mesmerizing set from Deerhoof, a surprisingly civil audience for Dead Milkmen, and several acts with no actual instruments (always strange and novel at an outdoor festival). The addition of comedy acts was intriguing and ultimately genius, a welcome solace from the fire and thunder of a full day of outdoor music. Local showings were strong as well, headed by the Octopus Project, but pulling in smaller favorites like Til We’re Blue or Destroy.

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure it will hold true that I am not, by most means, a ‘festival person’, but FFFFest has proven again that there are exceptions to the dirty, expensive, oppressing rules of the uber-corporate, conglomerate festival. My compliments to the chefs.

MP3: Deerhoof – Panda Panda Panda

MP3: the Hood Internet – Clipse Your Hands Say Wamp Wamp

That second track kills three birds with one stone, actually. As you can clearly see, it includes two musical acts from Fun Fun Fun Fest, Clipse and CYHSY, but it also allows me to segway into what is brewing this weekend in Austin: Party Ends presents the Hood Internet and Car Stereo (Wars) at Beauty Bar this coming Saturday! Opening the show up is Neiliyo!!

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Also- Have you been down in the dumps ever since your favorite DFW DJ Duo the Flashlight Party disbanded, like, three years ago? I thought so. Well buck up little troopers, cause tonight at Plush Markus with a K is bringing the good times back under the old moniker. Get geared up for the weekend (not a heroine reference) and dance to the best that.. um, dance has to offer. Seriously.