Search This Blog

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Beach Balls and Dolphins

So, I haven't been around much - around the blogs, that is.  I've been busy.  Sure, I could have probably made time if I really really wanted to, right?

Anyway, we opened a restaurant 6 months ago on October 6.  October 6.  The same day that we closed the restaurant for a week long break.  And here we are (the FP and me) in Austin in a stranger's condo that we rented on airbnb.com.  We came here for ACL, otherwise known as Austin City Limits Festival.

So, the driving force that compelled us to take a week off and come to the festival was that fact that the FP's 2 favorite bands, and 2 of my favorite bands, were headlining.  Why do I say it all weird like that? Well, the Cure is probably still my favorite band, but Depeche Mode is not really my second favorite band, if they ever were.  I still like them, but I haven't been really impressed with most of the past couple albums.

There.  I said it.  Sorry Chris Schiefen.  I know they are like your god band.  I understand, but I don't feel the same way about them that you do.

Also, I've grown tired of Dave Gahan's weird and sometimes pedophilliac antics on stage.  What do I mean by this?  Well, like when he sings Question of Time and grabs his crotch while singing, "You're only fifteen, and you look good."

And furthermore, I feel like the last 2 shows I've seen, Depeche Mode was partially phoning it in.  I felt that they really were ready to get off the stage last night.

So, I didn't mean to go on so much about Depeche Mode.  I still like them.

Anyway, The Cure played tonight, which was the main attraction for the weekend.  You could say the FP and my relationship was based on the Cure.  Basically, when we first met, the FP asked me who my favorite band was.  It was a quiz, and I answered right.  So he decided to pursue me and make me his girlfriend.

So, our whole time at the festival today was leading up to us getting to get a good spot to watch the Cure. We got there in time to watch the Silversun Pickups, which was great.  All this time we've liked them since Lazy Eye came out, but never saw them live.  After that, we tried to see Grimes, but weren't really feeling her vibe, so we went to the far side of the Lady Bird stage.  That was where the Cure were going to play, but Passion Pit was going on first.  So we sat on the side and listened to Passion Pit.  It was interesting to see the band live, especially because their songs always end up on our Pandora mixes all the time (shhh... don't tell ascap).

So anyhoo, as soon as Passion Pit was over, we jumped up and headed into the crowd to get a spot.  We got a pretty good spot, about the same as last night.  So, then, we waited.  And then finally the Cure came on.  And they sounded great.  And they were in good spirits.  And they appeared sober.  And it was amazing.

But there were these beach balls.  They were being hit and floating around the crowd.  Just once, I wanted to hit one.  They kept passing near, but not near enough for me to hit them.  And then, I felt something by my head, but by the time I realized it was a beach ball, someone had already hit it.  This happened a couple times.  But finally, one floated to my left, and I got it.  I was so surprised, that I kind of threw it.  It wasn't the hit I wanted, but at least I got the opportunity.

And then, there was this happy looking looking inflatable dolphin that they were batting around the audience.  I just wanted to get a hit in with that one too.  The FP got a hit or two.  But not me.  And then finally, I got to touch it.  I didn't really help propel it in the air, but I touched.  I was satisfied.

Then later, it poured, and people put their umbrellas up!  Those of us behind them were pissed.  There was one person that left their big black umbrella up and high.  So, everyone started hitting the balls and the dolphin towards the umbrella.  It took a while, but the person finally got the picture and put the umbrella down.  Later on, the dolphin got deflated.  It was sad :(

But the Cure were amazing!