Austin City Limits Season 36 Episode 10 Monsters of Folk
- January 8, 2011
The 10th episode of season 36 of Austin City Limits features the Monsters of Folk, a one-time supergroup comprised of Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Jim James, and Mike Mogis. The group was formed in 2004 as a side project for the four musicians, who were all successful artists in their own right.
The episode opens with the Monsters of Folk performing "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)" to a standing ovation from the audience. The song showcases the group's unique blend of folk, rock, and indie influences, and sets the tone for an eclectic and energetic performance.
The group then plays "Say Please," a song with a catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm that highlights Conor Oberst's distinctive voice. M. Ward takes over vocals for the hauntingly beautiful "Whole Lotta Losin'," which showcases the group's tight harmonies and impressive instrumental skills.
Next up is "Slow Down Jo," a slow-burning ballad that allows Jim James' soulful voice to shine. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Mogis' intricate guitar work and Oberst's emotive vocals adding an extra layer of depth and emotion.
The group then slows things down with "The Right Place," a quiet and introspective song that highlights the group's ability to create beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. The song builds to a powerful climax, with the performers clearly in sync and feeding off each other's energy.
The Monsters of Folk then launch into "Baby Boomer," a rollicking and fun song that showcases the group's playful side. The song features some great vocal harmonies and catchy hooks, and the performers clearly have a blast playing it.
The group then transitions into "Man Named Truth," a bluesy and soulful track that allows Mogis to show off his impressive guitar chops. James takes over vocals for "Ahead of the Curve," a melancholic ballad that highlights his emotive voice and highlights the group's ability to create hauntingly beautiful music.
The concert closes with "The Sandman, The Brakeman, and Me," a slow and reflective song that emphasizes the group's penchant for creating heartfelt, introspective music. The song builds to a powerful climax, with the performers clearly putting their hearts and souls into the music.
Overall, the Monsters of Folk's performance on Austin City Limits is a testament to their incredible talent and musicianship. The group's ability to seamlessly blend different genres and create truly original music is on full display, and their chemistry and camaraderie are evident throughout the entire concert. Fans of any genre or style of music are sure to be impressed by this incredible performance.