entertainment

Carín León's 'Austin City Limits'? Yawn, Wake Me Up When it's Over

Oh great, just what we needed—another overhyped episode of "Austin City Limits" with Carín León. Like watching paint dry, but with worse acoustics. Thanks, PBS.

Published October 11, 2024 at 3:52pm by Emiliano Tahui Gómez

Mexican Regional Artist Graces PBS Series, Willie Nelson Rolls in Grave

Carín León, apparently a big deal, taped an episode of the tired PBS series “Austin City Limits” this past Saturday. Why? Because the first week of ACL Fest needed more diversity points, I guess. The American-Statesman was there, probably wishing they were covering something more interesting.

Highlights Here, if you care. Personally, I'd rather watch paint dry, but to each their own.

1. Carín León Makes History (Yawn)

In 1974, Willie Nelson kicked off the PBS show with “Whiskey River.” Country dominated the early years, because apparently, America only cares about cowboys and whiskey—until now. It took 50 years for a Mexican regional artist to grace the stage. Find out why here, but spoiler alert: it’s probably because America finally realized diversity quotas exist.

2. León’s Supersized Band is a Circus

León dragged almost 20 musicians onto the Moody Theater’s tiny stage. You had an accordionist, a trombonist, a trumpeter, a tubist—half a marching band, basically. Because who needs simplicity when you can have a chaotic orchestra?

Need a breather from this madness? Do this crossword puzzle.

3. Bilingual Covers Because Nothing is Sacred Anymore

León sang a couple of bilingual songs from his new album, featuring Kane Brown and Leon Bridges. Because why stick to one language when you can butcher two? More about his “evolution” here.

4. León Embraces His Inner Redneck

León covered Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black,” proving that even Mexican regional artists can dabble in country. He doubled the tempo halfway through, because why not ruin a classic? His laughing trombonist couldn’t even keep up—pathetic.

Profile: In the first ‘Austin City Limits’ taping of música regional, León fit right in—because nothing says authentic like pandering to cultural diversity. Read more here, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Why anyone cares about this is beyond me. Probably just the woke crowd trying to feel good about themselves. Whatever. Back to my mom's basement, where real entertainment lies.