popwreckoning

I woke up Monday morning to a thin layer of rainwater on top of my tent, hoping that the weather would still go our way that day.

What do you know? It did.

Determined to see more bands that day than I’d seen Saturday and Sunday, I went and stood in line at about 11:30, even before any bands started playing. We made our way onto the festival grounds to a small crowd watching local band Jaguar Love, which features one half of the former Blood Brothers. Let’s just say I didn’t stand there for very long. Instead I went to the Yeti Stage for Shadow Shadow Shade, a much more pleasant sound for that early in the day.

Shadow Shadow Shade sounded quite nice in the open air, with their multiple instruments and multiple vocalists to create sweeping harmonies fitting to both dance to, or just stand and listen to. I quite liked “Your Perfect Wilderness.” And even though they were playing at noon, they had a nice-sized crowd who had passed over Jaguar Love on the larger stage.

While waiting to head down to the main stage to see The Temper Trap, I caught a bit of Past Lives, also on the Yeti Stage. Unbeknown to me, Past Lives featured the other, less annoying half of the Blood Brothers. Literally, if you’d put Jaguar Love and Past Lives on stage together, you’d have the Blood Brothers. Past Lives weren’t bad. I’m not a big fan of hardcore music, but this was toned down a bit, mixing louder hardcore vocals with darker and subtler melodies.

Next, I went to see The Temper Trap, and I caught the last ten minutes or so of Mayer Hawthorne, who was quite fun from what I saw. I thought he was an odd choice for Sasquatch, but you really never know what to expect. The Temper Trap was about 15 minutes late to the stage, but it was worth waiting for. I have to say that they surprised me. In a good way. I expected a decent show for 2 o’clock in the afternoon, but they were awesome. Lead singer Dougy Mandagi’s falsetto mixed with the pulsating rhythms, and bassist Jonathon Aherne’s stage antics (and a glorious head of hair) made for a moving live show. At one point during “Drum Song,” Mandagi poured all the water out of his bottle onto the floor tom he was beating to create a cascade of droplets across the stage that went along with the light drizzle that had began. I didn’t even mind the rain actually, because at that time of day it was quite hot and the rain was refreshing. The Temper Trap’s songs also lent themselves to the crowd singing a long, like the repeated “lost, lost, lost” during “Love Lost,” and the “ooo-ooo-oos” during “Fader.” And especially for “Sweet Disposition,” which began with a drawn-out intro, everyone sang along. The songs have a driving tempo that’s just right for rocking out without looking like fools.

Looking like fools came later.

But I give The Temper Trap the honor of best performance (at least that I saw) of Monday. I was thoroughly impressed.

Following that great show, I went back to the Yeti Stage for a couple more shows, both starkly different from one another, but both local. First was Fresh Espresso, one of Seattle’s most promising hip-hop acts. Being so well known in the local scene, they drew a huge crowd for 3 o’clock, and I can see why. Mixing hip-hop, pop, and glam, they sure brought the energy. Also, during their set they brought this random guy out on stage, who then proceeded to propose to his girlfriend right now. That was sweet.

Telekinesis was next, who I also saw back in November opening for The Lonely Forest. Frontman Benjamin Lerner was very at ease in this large arena, even if it was the smallest stage at Sasquatch. His light power-pop drew a less energetic crowd than Fresh Espresso had before, but Lerner’s songs were just as enjoyable. One girl from the crowd shouted a song that she wanted to hear, and Lerner replied with, “You really did your homework, that isn’t even on the record.” And then she spouted out something else I couldn’t hear. “That’s your favorite song? Ever? Dang.” Lerner said, very flattered.

As the sun was starting to set, Dr. Dog started their set on the Bigfoot Solar Stage, bringing their bluesy folk rock to the festival. I would have liked to hear their great cover of Architecture in Helsinki’s “Heart in Races,” but their set was still really good. At times it almost had a hint of a gospel vibe along with their strong 60s-pop influences, which I liked, especially “Army of Ancients,” with its relaxed melodies and passionate vocals.

The Mountain Goats, who came next, were one of the bands I was really hoping to see at Sasquatch, and I was not disappointed. Of all the performers, I’m pretty sure John Darnielle had the most fun on stage. He said, “I know it’s corny, but I love playing music.” It wasn’t corny, John. Of all the places to make that declaration, Sasquatch is it. With how much joy they had on stage, evidenced my Darnielle’s wicked awesome facial expressions, The Mountain Goats fans had even more joy. “No Children” turned into a giant sing-along, about “hoping we both die.” No really. It was charming and hilarious and joyous, and perfect for Sasquatch.

After the Temper Trap, the Mountain Goats got my second best performance of the day.

I made my way back down to the main stage for the final time that weekend to see Band of Horses and MGMT, who I wouldn’t say disappointed me, but didn’t wow me either.

I couldn’t get close enough to see anything but what was on the jumbotron, so that could be the reason why I didn’t react to their performances as strongly. Band of Horses were fine, good ol’ southern rock. And I was glad to hear that they did play a lot of songs off their first two albums, because I personally was a bit under whelmed with Infinite Arms. By far the best part of Band of Horses’ set was during “Funeral,” when virtually everyone started screaming the lyrics along with them, which always makes a concert better.  A concert shouldn’t just be great music, but also a shared experience with the dozens, or hundreds, or thousands of people surrounding you. Lots of people went to go see Band of Horses, so at least they accomplished that much.

Figuring that it would be a mass exodus leaving the amphitheater after MGMT and it would take forever, I went and sat on the grassy hill for the first and last time that weekend to enjoy them. I wasn’t expecting crazy stage-hopping MGMT, but I also wasn’t expecting the glazed-over possibly high MGMT either. The third song in Andrew Vanwyngarden introduced “Flash Delirium,” the inexplicable hit from their new album Congratulations, but instead they played “The Youth,” from their first album. Hmm. And about a third of the way through, bass player Matthew Asti asked the huge crowd of people in front of him, “has the sun set yet? No, it’s still holding on!” Okay. But the one thing that I do enjoy about MGMT is that their music is so odd and entertaining that you don’t really need a lot of stage presence to pull it off. By the last twenty minutes of MGMT set, the rain began to fall. It was like the sky couldn’t hold on the precipitation any longer and had to let it go.

But the best way to end Sasquatch when MGMT played songs like “Electric Feel,” “Kids,” and “Time to Pretend.” When they came on, I had to get up off the grass and dance around like a crazy fool, because that’s just what you do.

Here’s hoping next year’s Sasquatch is just as good. Or better. That’s always an option.

For the final set of photos from Sasquatch 2010, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbigshmail/sets/72157624191722284/

Sunday’s coverage: http://popwreckoning.com/2010/06/03/sasquatch-festival-sunday-with-local-natives-kid-cudi-dirty-projectors/

Saturday’s coverage: http://popwreckoning.com/2010/06/02/sasquatch-festival-saturday-with-ok-go-the-national-vampire-weekend/

There are hints of change lingering on Band of Horses’ every move; the band’s new album, Infinite Arms, exhibits new, varied sounds and new band members, who each contributed to the songwriting process and helped give the album its varied feel. But change certainly didn’t affect the band’s scope and sincerity.

Infinite Arms is palatable and forward—it introduces itself with no pretension, shakes your hand, welcomes you into its mixture of different styles and sounds, and never pretends to be anything other than a straightforward, enjoyable ear companion. The album boasts music that’s a little bit folk, a little bit Americana, a little bit country, and a little bit indie rock, all the while maintaining familiarity. The beats are driving, the harmonies are simple and warm, and the songs alternate from soft, slow lullabies to active, upbeat melodies.

The first track, “Factory,” feels solemn but uplifting, and is the band’s first foot forward into the music that follows, music that exhibits nostalgia and longing. “Laredo” is a break-up track at its most basic, with lyrics like: “Oh, I’m at a crossroads with myself
/ I don’t got no one else…But oh, my love, don’t you even know? / And oh, my love, are you really gone?” And even the happiest sounding tracks, songs like “Compliments” and “Dilly,” include wistful, searching lyrics; in the latter, singer Ben Bridwell croons, “I’m reeling in the wrong days, getting behind / why didn’t I think / ‘What in the world?‘” But the harmonies and the driving rhythm of the album relieve lyrics such as these of their heaviness and give listeners the ability to enjoy the album’s big sounds and catchy harmonies.

The album ends with “Neighbors,” a finale that embodies both the nostalgia and the simple beauty of the previous tracks—it, too, is a quiet and searching song, and even at its loudest, the music has a quiet, calming effect. But it’s a suitable farewell to listeners, an assurance from Band of Horses that they have remained true to themselves while embracing change. And Infinite Arms won’t hesitate to show you how those changes were a good thing.

Track Listing:

1. Factory
2. Compliments
3. Laredo
4. Blue Beard
5. On My Way Back Home
6. Infinite Arms
7. Dilly
8. Evening Kitchen
9. Older
10. For Annabelle
11. NW Apt.
12. Neighbor

The roster for the 2010 Austin City Limits Music Festival is official. The Eagles, Muse, Phish, The Strokes, M.I.A., Flaming Lips, LCD Soundsystem, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, and Norah Jones top the bill of 130 acts slated to rock Zilker Park October 8-10. Also performing the ninth edition of this year’s Festival: Band of Horses, Monster of Folk, Deadmau5, Sonic Youth, Gogol Bordello, The National, and Robert Earl Keen.

This year’s line-up is diverse as ever, with something for everyone, and plenty of new talent to discover. Broken Bells, The Temper Trap, Girls, and Miike Snow are all making their first ACL Festival appearance, and getting a lot of attention from fans and critics alike. Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Ozomatli, Nortec Collective, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue span a wide array of genres, and reflect the flavor of the Festival and the tastes of what ACL fans have come to expect.

The full line-up listed by day is available at www.aclfestival.com. Single Day Tickets are on-sale today, May 18 at 10 a.m. CDT.

Three-Day Passes for the 9th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival sold-out in 14 hours, a record since the Festival’s inception in 2002. A limited number of Three-Day VIP passes and travel packages are still available.

Austin City Limits Music Festival happens October 8-10 in Zilker Park.

The 2010 Austin City Limits Music Festival is generously sponsored by Budweiser, AMD, ZYNC from American Express℠, Austin Ventures, BMI, H-E-B, and Sweet Leaf Tea.

The Eagles
Muse
Phish
The Strokes
M.I.A.
Flaming Lips
LCD Soundsystem
Spoon
Vampire Weekend
Norah Jones
Band of Horses
Monsters of Folk
Deadmau5
Sonic Youth
Gogol Bordello
The National
Robert Earl Keen
The Black Keys
Broken Bells
Slightly Stoopid
Yeasayer
Pat Green
Rebelution
Beach House
The Sword
Matt and Kim
The XX
Portugal. The Man
The Temper Trap
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Girls
Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
Local Natives
Gaslight Anthem
Lucero
Devandra Barnhart
Blues Traveler
Pete Yorn
The Soft Pack
Gayngs
Amos Lee
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Ozomatli
Richard Thompson
Martin Sexton
Manchester Orchestra
The Almighty Defenders
Miike Snow
Mountain Goats
Bear In Heaven
Mayer Hawthorne
Midlake
Foals
Switchfoot
Cage The Elephant
JJ Grey & Mofro
Kinky
Angus & Julia Stone
The Morning Benders
Hockey
White Rabbits
David Bazan
Asleep at the Wheel
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Nortec Collective
The Very Best
Beats Antique
Henry Clay People
Blind Pilot
GIVERS
Dawes
Band of Heathens
Charlie Mars
Two Door Cinema Club
Lissie
Sarah Harmer
Constellations
T. Bird and the Breaks
Chief
Frank Turner
Those Darlins
Carolyn Wonderland
Kings Go Forth
The Relatives
The Ettes
Qbeta
Mynamisjohnmichael
Basia Bulat
Balmorhea
Dan Black
The Jane Shermans
The Kicks
Ponderosa
Two Tons of Steel
Caitlin Rose
SPEAK
Run With Bulls
Maxim Ludwig
Gospel Stars
Heavenly Voices
Wesley Bray & The Disciples of Joy
Jones Family Singers
Ashley Cleveland & Kenny Greenberg
Buddy & The Straight Way Travelers
Ruby Jane Smith
Verve Pipe
Frances England
Jellydots
Elizabeth Mitchell
Okee Dokee Brothers
Tom Freund
School of Rock
Q Brothers

With the summer fog and windy chill separating the locals from the ill-prepared tourists, day 3 of the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park had both moments of brilliance and powerful performances across the festival’s seven stages. If you missed day 1 or day 2, check them out now!

Matt & Kim
Almost too happy for their own good, the duo of Matt and Kim bounced through their Casio-infused set including “Daylight” and “I Wanna.”

The Dead Weather
All of the elements were in place for The Dead Weather’s mid-tempo performance on Sunday afternoon. The weather was indeed dead and gloomy and The Kills’ Alison Mosshart’s vocals were bluesy, primal and raw. While Jack White, pulling double-duty on drums and vocals, fits the personality of the band perfectly, he was overshadowed by Alison’s powerful onstage presence.

Modest Mouse
Proving that plaid may just be the new black, Modest Mouse played their set, curiously skipping their most radio-friendly tune “Float On.” While the show was enjoyable, I found that I would rather have a Modest Mouse experience which includes a comfy chair, good headphones and a copy of The Moon & Antarctica.

Loop!Station
Performing their third brilliant set in three days, Loop!Station shared part of their show with performers from the Vau de Vire Society.

Ween
Ween’s hard-core fans were out in large numbers to see the free-spirited absurdist-rockers on Sunday. Filling the spot occupied by Primus at last year’s fest, Dean Ween and Gene Ween (Mickey Melchiondo and Aaron Freeman) showed their cred as gifted guitarists.

M.I.A.
After her bratty reaction to the announcement of Tenacious D as replacement headliners for the Beastie Boys on the final day of festivities, M.I.A.’s performance did little to improve her image. M.I.A. (Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam) failed to generate much enthusiasm from the crowd, even after passing out hundreds of annoying toy horns which, coincidentally, sounded just like “boo” when played en masse. It was quite fitting that Street Sweeper Social Club’s version of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” was more inspired than her own.

Band of Horses
Shimmering with reverb, the Southern-tinged rock of Band of Horses was filled with warm and moving moments. Song such as “The Funeral” and “Ode to LRC” were part of a well-crafted and rousing set.

Tenacious D
Bringing skits, stunt doubles and shtick-heavy rock, Jack Black and Kyle Gass closed out the final night of the festival. After being named as replacements for Beastie Boys who dropped out due to the throat cancer diagnosis of Beastie’s Adam “MCA” Yauch, The D unleashed their “earthquake of rock” on the Bay Area.

We wish you the best, MCA!

We can coyly assure you that there is a reason why “Lowiza,” the first single and music video from The Lovely Feathers’ new album, premiered on Playboy.com before many other popular American media outlets. There are images of boobs. It’s the immediate presence of sex that’s plastered all over the lyrics and then played out in a blush-worthy but addictive music video that demanded an edited version for all-ages sites. Self-sex, that is, as song star Jimmy loses his longtime girly Lowiza to herself intimately, because the passion with the couple is nada.

And that might just be the most exciting part of Fantasy of the Lot, though it is a gracious return from the band’s three-year hiatus. When the Canadian group first popped up on tour with Metric four years ago, the Feathers found a cozy spot in the underground music in-crowd. They littered their performances and tracks with great, anthem-driven choruses and rhythm that was altogether happy, completely post-punk and whimsical all at the same time.

The only issue with Fantasy is that the band’s sense of adventure and childish charm that Hind Hind Legs won us other with is now gone. It’s a grown-up sound; it’s a safe bet to see influence and comparison within other Canucks like intelligent and random-riff-friendly Wolf Parade and another Spencer Krug project, the subdued Swan Lake.

“Long Walks” has a delectable enough base of Minus The Bear-esque ambiance, but also an annoying chorus complete with appropriate beeps and boops from the keyboard.

It’s obvious within the first five songs that Mark Kupfert’s voice is likened to a bevy of familiar voices—but for summarizing purposes, think a tenor version and more enunciated than Matt Beringer of The National.

For the rest of the beginning of the album, it plays like the quirky, non-depressed cousin of Band of Horses, and a prominent rhythm never leaves any song alone. It’s catchy, without being as sing-a-long as Hind Hind Legs. The lyrics make a bit more sense, and it’s totally possible that after the hiatus, Lovely Feathers discovered that they had fans, and it was about time they started teaching lessons to waiting ears.

It certainly has that skippable “gah, I hate this one” track. Unfortunate though, that it’s the boring, monotone-laced title track. “Fantasy of the Lot” carries on a dying heartbeat with the tap-tap of a cymbal palpitation, but for a song of three-and-a-half minutes, it carries on too long. Kupfert’s voice can either be described here as forlorn or drugged out of his skull with exhaustion. It even fades out too slow, but at least “Family That Doesn’t Know The Game” comes in exciting and upbeat, like the perfect dance for the perfect twee.

It isn’t until “Vaulted Precedents” comes on that I really see something nostalgic; until I find a unique trick since the opening track. It’s out of tune, it sounds like the motivation for a locomotive, and there’s an odd remnant of Iglu and Hartley’s “In This City.” Yet here’s the unpredictability the band gained notoriety for.

“Lowiza” kicks it in its own right, a devilish bout of lyrics that creep in like a storm and swells every time frontman Mark Kupfert beckons “Jimmy.” But stop there if you’re expecting something to get a little silly to.

Tracklisting:
01. Lowiza
02. Long Walks
03. Fad
04. Gifted Donald
05. Finders Fee
06. Fantasy Of The Lot
07. Family That Doesn’t Know The Game
08. Ossified Homes
09. Argotaker
10. Loading Dock
11. Vaulted Precedents
12. Family That Doesn’t Know The Game (Alternate Version)

The Lovely Feathers: website | myspace

As much as I love music, sun and Chicago, it is a very fortunate thing that Lollapalooza is only a weekend long. Next year I am wearing a pedometer just so I can see how much I walked, although I’m not sure why this festival was so much more brutal when I have survived SXSW, Bonnaroo and even Lollapalooza before.

Though it was early in the morning and the final day, a large crowd had already amassed for Sam Roberts Band. Canadian flags with pot leaves in place of the maple were in no shortage as the jam rockers played their songs. While I doubt that I’d go out of my way to buy an album, it was fun to pick up on the choruses and singalong.

Friendly Fires was next on my agenda and I must say that the Brits (oh Los Campesinos, why couldn’t you play every day?) and all the other European bands that crossed the great pond for this fest owned it. Friendly Fires didn’t have that large of a crowd, but they had everybody dancing as they sang “Jump into the Pool” and other tunes. It was difficult to pull away from their set, but I knew my beloved string players in Ra Ra Riot had started their set at the opposite end of the festival.

Usually when watching Ra Ra Riot, I geek out over the strings, but today I finally saw how talented of a performer singer Wes Miles is as he was practically skipping about then even ran out to sing as close to the crowd as he could get from the barricade. Even though lyrically they can be a downer band, I was beaming as I watched his glee at performing at Lollapalooza.

Bat for Lashes tried to mystify with ethereal vocals, creepy angel dolls and shiny spandex.  The only thing I was really mystified by was why she played the piano by just poking it with her pointer fingers. I mean even if that’s all the song needs, the norm is to record the pattern then let it loop. It was just confusing. But she does have a great Bjork voice. I do think their stage show just might fit a little better in a foggy club than the bright outdoors.

I really wanted to see Cage the Elephant after Joshua told me their Bonnaroo made him think they were the next Nirvana. Not only were they late to the stage, but it was just a messy performance. I couldn’t even force myself long enough to hear the radio tune “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked”.

Severely disappointed, I went to the Airborne Toxic Event, whom have always impressed me in the past. The sound seemed off and I was in need of some more tunage that wasn’t so nostalgic, so I again band jumped to the Kaiser Chiefs.

I had an interview scheduled far too many blocks away, so I missed the next few acts, which was a bummer because I couldn’t even find the band I was supposed to interview and by this point, all the walking was making me feel like I would never move again (I later learned that my body aches were a bit more severe than I thought and not quite from the walking, but other problems. Eeks!).

The Raveonettes greeted me as I walked back into the fest. Finally, a band that was worth the hype! The vocals were amazingly powerful and I immediately was bummed that I didn’t run to see them in their entirety. Alas! Perhaps in the future, they’ll swing through my neck of the woods.

Preppy indie darlings Vampire Weekend came out in thick shades and brightly colored shorts in contrast to their usual khakis and cardigans. A more appropriate dress choice in the unbearable heat. They started off with a new number, but one I had heard before and as Ezra led the crowd through his little yelps and he rocked up on his toes, there was one clear thought I had about this band: they have the most tone deaf fans ever. The audience tries really hard to singalong with this band. They try really, really, really hard, but they are awful. At least the band is good. I know that it is just as popular to hate on this band as it is to love them. I happen to love them and find them and their tunes absolutely adorable (plus I’m a communications major and let’s be real–who gives a fuck about an oxford comma?).

The next bit of the festival is a bit of a blur as severe dehydration started to set in, my leg problem worsened and Ezra’s brilliant idea to make the crowd dance turned into a mosh pit that caused me to get pushed all the way to the front of what would later be a 200,000 person crowd. Exciting, but scary. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about my new spot by the barricade. On one hand it was exciting. On the other, it was sad because there was no way I could get back through the crowd and see bands on other stages.

I did get to hear Cold War Kids and Silversun Pickups, but I couldn’t really see them. It was hella fun to be stared down by Snoop Dogg’s guards on stage and be able to see his phenomenal drummer. I have to hand it to Snoop, he really knows how to work up a crowd (especially considering everybody up front seemed to be waiting for the Killers.

I guess I missed out on some excitement at the other end of the venue. Lou Reed went well over his set time, cutting into Band of Horses‘ set. A pissed off crowd apparently yelled “Fuck off, Lou” and “Boo,” but Band of Horses politely started their set and even kept playing after “The Funeral” ended and Jane’s Addiction started.

I doubt that anybody is surprised that I wanted to see the Killers over Jane’s Addiction and reports of crowd sizes between the two headlining stages make it sound like I was not in the minority. It also sounds like from other reports that I picked the better of the two shows. Perry may have started this festival, but it has outgrown him and his gaudy tactics.  A helicopter shined a spotlight on the audience, the band was joined by vaudevillian (cough prostitutes cough) characters and even invited Aerosmith’s guitarist to join them for “Jane’s Says”. Yes, I am very glad I missed that abuse of music.

The Killers have a big stage show and lights, but at the heart of their performance, they don’t rely on the gimmicks that the night’s other headliner used. Their stage show was more so used to compliment the theme and vibe of the latest album. It enhanced the music instead of detracting. They had their palm trees and lights, and in the heat, it really did feel like the Killers transported all of us from Chicago to their home of Las Vegas.

The band has really grown into their element and while they have headlined countless European festivals, just this past year have they received that same honor in the States. I think this might have been their largest audience on U.S. soil.

As the Killers played, each song got better and bigger than the last. Singer Brandon Flowers seemed especially chatty and happy this night as he told the tale of how he and Dave Keuning first met and wrote “Mr. Brightside” (true story) to a mystical tale of the band’s travels to get to Lollapalooza (slightly exaggerated). Flowers’ extra happiness might be attributed to the fact that his second son was born the week prior to the festival.

Though I’ve seen this band many times before, they still brought out a few surprises like an extra verse addition to “Bling”, a song that was never a single, but has easily become one of their most popular live hits. And while there was no Lou Reed guest spot as many–myself included–speculated, this set still took Lollapalooza out with a a nice “twist with a shout.” Reference to obscure? Get yourself to an iPod or a Killers show asap.

Lollapalooza: Sunday in summary:
Best set of the day: We know I loved the Killers. What a great way to end the fest. I guess I’ll throw Friendly Fires a bone here, too.
Best surprises of the day: Aerosmith members during Jane’s is a surprise, but not a good one (please don’t let them headline 2010 like Perry joked). Band of Horses making up for Lou Reed stealing their set time and playing against Jane’s Addiction is pretty awesome.
Breakthrough of the day: Friendly Fires.
Biggest let downs of the day: Cage the Elephant. Ugh. Lou Reed. And no Lou Reed at the Killers, but my understanding is that again was Lou Reed’s fault and the Killers tried to get him to join them. Oh and that the root of my pain was not all the walking, but was a spider bite that has caused my leg to swell, turn red, give me a fever and is serious enough that I need to go the ER like asap.
Crazy crowd moment: Let’s just say that Snoop Dogg made some people who had just met feel extra close. I feel a bit scandalized.

Lollapalooza: website | schedule | set lists

As Fuse TV continues their extensive summer music festival coverage, Fuse TV has announced that they will be airing all of the highlights from this year’s Lollapalooza festival, which starts today!, on August 15th.

This year’s lineup promises to ensure a continuation of the legendary festival’s cutting edge acts with Kings of Leon, Jane’s Addiction, Rise Against, Depeche Mode, the Killers, Tool + MANY more, including our personal favorites like Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, scheduled to perform.

Additionally, Fuse is helping music fans stay connected to all of this year’s  Lollapalooza ’09 artists with Twt-a-palooza, a centralized online hub that lets you find, filter, and interact with thousands of tweets from the musical acts playing this year’s fest! Log in with you Facebook or Twitter account to ensure that you don’t miss a beat from one of this summer’s hottest musical gatherings: http://fusefest.fuse.tv/a/home

Wait, it gets even better… like free music? Well, Fuse has over 50 Lollapalooza ‘09 artist tracks up for FREE download now on their site! Free tracks from Animal Collective, Alberta Cross, Neko Case, Band of Horses, Deerhunter, No Age, Santigold and MUCH more can be found right here: http://fuse.tv/tours/lollapalooza2009/downloads.html

Enjoy, and be sure to tune-in to Fuse on August 15th @ 9pm/8c for Fuse Fest: The Best of Lollapalooza ’09.

Fuse’s Best of Lollapalooza: website | twt-a-palooza | find Fuse in your area

Produced in association with one of Southern California’s premier rock venues, The Casbah, San Diego heats things up on August 28th & 29th with their 25th Annual Street Scene in the East Village (and adjacent to Petco Park).  In essence, it’s the ultimate two-day musical block party and the perfect way to kiss summer goodbye.  So drop those world-famous fish tacos, hop in your car or on your surf board and get in on the excitement.  Last year they managed to score Beck, TV On The Radio, and Cold War Kids, among others, but it looks like they may have outdone themselves for this year (complete lineup here.).  Boasting over 40 bands, the multi-stage street set up features some of the biggest names in indie rock, alternative rock, hip hop and pop today that I’ll probably get into mutliple arguments with myself over which bands to check out.  Here’s a little taste of what to expect, if you can handle all the action:

Friday, August 28th
Black Eyed Peas, Modest Mouse, Cake, Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band, Band of Horses, Girl Talk, Devendra Banhart, Chromeo, Calexico, Matt & Kim, Deerhunter, Holy Fuck, Anya Marina

Saturday, August 29th
M.I.A., Thievery Corporation, The Dead Weather, Silversun Pickups, Of Montreal, The Faint, Busta Rhymes, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, No Age, Ra Ra Riot, Los Campesinos!

The show is rain or shine (who are we kidding, when does it ever rain in beautifully sunny San Diego!?).  Doors open: 4pm – midnight, both nights.  For $65 bucks, you can see 20+ bands in one day and it’s totally worth it.  There are also two-day passes, or the option of  VIP treatment if you’re above all that recession talk.  For additional ticket information, go here.  So, come celebrate the end of summer at this killer rock block party.  See you there!

Street Scene: website | tickets

I love Bonnaroo, but it is lucky that it is only four days. I don’t think my body could have moved if it had been a fifth day. Part of the reason for my extra soreness might have been due to sleeping in the car instead of the tent. My camp partner kept moving the tent despite it being five in the morning and in frustration, I just crashed in the car. Seat belts in the back are not much more comfortable than sleeping in the ground. Feeling extra gross, I actually paid the five dollars for a cold shower before I was ready to take on Sunday.

Joshua caught the first act of the day, Cage the Elephant, which he describes as “This generation’s Nirvana.”

Following Cage the Elephant in energy and in craziness was Dillinger Escape Plan. The screaming is not really my cup of tea, but as they climbed over amps, the guys continued to keep their musicianship tight.

We calmed down a bit with the songwriter stylings of Jessica Lea Mayfield. Though really a solo project, her drummer came very close to outshining her.

Another lady rocked our hearts after Mayfield. The buzzed about YouTube queen, Julia Nunes delivered hits and covers on her sharpie-decorated guitar and ukulele. Nunes and her friends whipped out sunglasses to look like true “douches” when covering a “douche” song before playing a cover of 3OH!3’s “Don’t Trust Me”. After witnessing her humor in person, it is easy to see why she became such a YouTube sensation.

Josh and I again parted ways after Nunes. He had yet to witness the masterful sounds of Andrew Bird’s whistling and violin playing, so he went to the Which Stage.

Meanwhile, I ventured over to the Other Tent for my first time in the entire festival. The atmosphere there was warm and I don’t mean the muggy Tennessee weather. The people and workers there felt more like a family than the other tent. It probably had a lot to do with the line up there, too. As the bare footed, Brett Dennen, jammed and danced away on stage, it was hard to not feel like you were at a party with your closest friends.

Brett Dennen’s Set List:
Someday
When You Feel It
So Far From Me
San Fran
Darlin
Who Do You Think
She’s Mine
I’m Strong
Heaven
Crazy
Blessed

After Dennen, Okkervil River was next up. Will Sheff really is an amazing songwriter, but I had never really given him credit for his stage presence until this performance. As he passionately gripped the microphone, he danced around the stage.

Josh and I briefly crossed paths as he worked his way over to catch Arizona rockers Dear and the Headlights at the Troo Music Lounge. They’ve been busy on the festival circuit and have their performance down to a science.

I worked my way over to What Stage to catch none other than Snoop Dogg. He was sporting some bling, but his set lacked the usual paraphernalia I had seen with it. Erykah Badu joined him for some numbers, but while everyone else buzzed about that, I could not help getting excited over Snoop’s drummer. With a flick of the wrist the guy was artfully drumming and tossing sticks everywhere. I guess I didn’t give rap and hip hop drummers enough credit, but this guy was better than all the rock drummers I had seen the entire festival.

Band of Horses‘ gentle tunes were warming up the Which Stage as I walked over to see Neko Case. She showed she had a sense of humor by doing a duet with Triumph the Insult Dog.

Josh watched one of the best sets of the festival by Coheed and Cambria. Big hair and tongues wagging, these guys embodied what it meant to be a rock star. I had never seen them with a girl before, but as she picked up some of the higher notes, I soon learned her purpose. Claudio Sanchez has enough on his plate without having to keep up the breath support to do his signature falsetto the entire time. For example, he was busy teaching the audience that it was in fact possible to play an instrument using your hair.

Ending the festival, just as they began it by headlining, was Phish. Phish fans celebrated before their set with a tortilla fight. Then as Phish jammed, one final festival surprise awaited. Bruce Springsteen had stuck around to do a final guest appearance. Since he’s The Boss, Phish played a few Springsteen songs with him before bidding him goodnight and jamming some more. Fireworks heralded the end of the festival and people flocked back to their tents and back to their homes.

Bonnaroo 2009 was a huge success filled with classic and new talent thanks to Big Hassle. While I think I might settle on hotel instead of a camp, I’m excited already thinking about the next year. Here’s to Bonnaroo 2010!

Bonnaroo: website | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Of Montreal @ This Tent | Spotted: Drew Barrymore | Quick News 1 | Quick News 2

Photos by: Bethany Smith and Joshua Hammond

Before hitting the road to trek back to KC and work on getting tons of photo and written coverage of the fest, here are a few more updates from the Bonnaroo fest:

Bruce Springsteen took his time leaving Bonnaroo and was spotted watching acts like Band of Horses and Neko Case. He even surprised the crowd by joining Phish for a few of his tunes.

Julia Nunes proved she could play anything on ukelele and covered 3OH!3.

After delaying her performance for nearly 30 minutes, Erykah Badu made it up to the crowd by joining Snoop on stage.

Neko Case sang a duet of “Sweet Chariot” with Triumph the Insult Dog.

Coheed and Cambria perfected the art of playing an instrument by use of hair.