popwreckoning

It was the final day and it was already sweltering hot before noon. This didn’t stop Bonnaroo goers from making the best of their final day though.

I began with Japandroids, a garage rock duo playing over at This Tent. For only two guys, they had a very large sound and I really liked how they switched lead vocals between the guitarist and the drummer. This was a good way to start.

Japandroids

Next, I went to a band that completely contrasts Japandroids: Calexico. These sleek rockers were joined by some friends from Spain on some brass instruments. The resulting sound was like a more mainstream mariachi band. It was the perfect soundtrack to the summer sun beating down on the crowd.

Calexico by Joshua Hammond

What’s Bonnaroo without checking out a few good jam bands? We headed over to the What Stage to watch of Australia’s John Butler Trio deliver some of their folky jams before the lady we were really dying to see this day: Regina Spektor.

John Butler Trio by Joshua Hammond

The adorable pianist is bubbly and charming as her gentle voice skips into the upper octaves, but then Regina takes you by surprise: “Fuck. That’s not how this song goes. I don’t know how you all do it: a whole day in the sun. My mind is just a fuck puddle.” Only Regina can make cursing sound so polite. Then again, perhaps that cursing isn’t such a shock if you think about the content of somehow her songs, “Someone is fucking to one of my songs,” just one of a few examples I can think of.

Regina Spektor by Joshua Hammond

Regina Spektor by Joshua Hammond

Punk rock was a popular theme of the day: Against Me, Dropkick Murphys and Rise Against were all performing Sunday. Punk music is really dependent on the energy level of the show, and with the high temperatures, I was worried these bands might take a hit. That worry was unnecessary because these bands tore it up. Against Me, with new member Franz Nicolay, even wore their leather jackets as they sang out their vein-popping energetic set. Dropkick Murphys was like a big party with the multi-instrument band filling up the stage with accordions and guitars and strings. Raucous and fun.

Against Me! by Joshua Hammond

Dropkick Murphys by Joshua Hammond

Dropkick Murphys by Joshua Hammond

In between the two punk bands, Josh caught the classic rocker John Fogerty before joining me for the self-described geek rockers: They Might Be Giants. They’re goofy, but brilliantly so. They’ve been around for quite some time and just released some new great material, perfect for any aspiring scientist. I was kind of surprised by how many of their songs I knew, but didn’t realize was them. Yet another fun set.

John Fogerty by Joshua Hammond

They Might Be Giants by Joshua Hammond

After that it was time to watch a few Grammy-winners. Country artists Zac Brown Band was first up over at the What Stage. I’m not a fan of country music, but these guys are pretty easy to get into to with their speed-demon riffs. My personal favorite moment of the set was their cover of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” It was a nice moment for their violinist to show off his chops.

Zac Brown Band by Joshua Hammond

Phoenix, as far as the indie Bonnaroo fans were concerned, was Sunday’s headliner and as the Parisians tore through an intense rock set not just of the new Wolfgang songs, but songs from their entire repetoire, they kind of did steal the show. There were times when singer Thomas Mars‘ voice sounded a bit hoarse and worn from their constant touring, but even with that, the crazy guitar riffs and big drums made up for it.

Phoenix by Joshua Hammond

Phoenix by Joshua Hammond

Phoenix by Joshua Hammond

Dave Matthews Band was Sunday’s official headliner. I think I owe these guys an apology. I had kind of written them off as a frat band with boring tunes, but in actuality, they are fun and the band has plenty of personality. They do deserve success for their long jams. It was a bit bittersweet to watch them play though. It was surprisngly great to enjoy them, but sad to see their set signal the end of the fest.

Dave Matthews Band by Bethany Smith

Dave Matthews Band by Bethany Smith

Dave Matthews Band by Bethany Smith

Dave Matthews Band by Bethany Smith

Dave Matthews Band by Bethany Smith

Dave Matthews Band by Joshua Hammond

Another Bonnaroo over. Despite the lack of surprise collaborations and guest stars, this was a stellar year with solid performances. Though my aching feet are thankful it’s over, the rest of me can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.

by Joshua Hammond

View recaps and photos from Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Sage Francis‘ new album Li(f)e is currently available for stream on MySpace.

Li(f)e pairs open, honest lyrics with an atmospheric to rock musical backings. Francis worked with a variety of artists such as Death Cab for Cutie‘s Chris Walla, Calexico and DeVotchKa to help bring about Li(f)e.

Li(f)e hits stores May 11, 2010 on Anti- Records.

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

Welcome back, readers!  I’ve been meaning to do the inevitable Rolling Stones-esque post for a while now and my reasons were threefold: 1) They’re only one of the best fucking bands on the planet (still) .. 2) The Rolling Stones are about as relevant to me now as a child growing up on classic rock .. and 3) It is safe to say that “Wild Horses” is the earliest song I can remember absolutely falling in love with the instant I heard it.  It is quite possibly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and if I ever became a musician, I would probably cite “Wild Horses” as the defining moment when I decided to pick up a guitar. 

Suffice it to say, the Stones got me into rock n’ roll and it’s been a lifelong love affair ever since.  The quintessential “sad love song,” it’s a little bit country, it’s a little bit rock n’ roll, but it’s all kinds of incredible and the lyrics are as poetic as they are universally relatable.  I’ve been known to tell people my favorite Stones song is “Beast of Burden” because I listen to it more, but truth be told it really is “Wild Horses.”  Mick Jagger poignantly suggests “Let’s do some living, after we die” in the last verse.  I’m down for that… as long as that includes listening to this song.  And the Stones.  Forever.  There are about a zillion covers of this song, so I figured I would do a little Top 5 list of my personal favorites.  But first the song that started it all, the original Rolling Stones version:

.The Rolling Stones – “Wild Horses”
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#5 – Garbage [live] cover
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Garbage is one the most underrated bands ever.  Shirley Manson‘s raspy vocals are in a class of her own and her backup band are capable of some serious instrumentation.  I actually don’t know where this one was played or even when, but performing such an unlikely country-fied live cover of this song only adds to their coolness factor.  In fact, I would never expect to hear such bluesy guitar work from Garbage if they weren’t doing a cover; it almost kind of suits them, and in a way I can’t help but wonder about the possibilities if they decided to widen their musical range.  Manson’s monotonous vocal delivery may annoy some people and it may be hard to believe her undying love when she sings “No sweeping exits or offstage lines / Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind.” I actually dig her delivery; she may sound like she couldt care less, but I like to think she’s gone numb for feeling so much in spite of everything that has transpired.  To be fair, I may just enjoy this cover due to my love of Garbage and not so much because it’s highly inventive or adds something more to the original, but at least I’m being honest.
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#4 – Elvis Costello with Lucinda Williams [live] cover
I’m such a fan of the artist testimonial, so it’s neat hearing how much other equally incredibly performers love this song, as well.  Again, to be fair, I love Elvis Costello and I may be guilty of nepotism for featuring him here but that’s allowed when it’s your own Top 5 list.  Enlisting the help of Lucinda Williams, these two put out an uber-country tinged duet with lingering backing guitars that seem to croon and moan as much as they do.  This one doesn’t shine like the original, but that’s okay since this is merely in homage to such an untouchable classic rock gem.  And to my knowledge, this is the only duet I’ve ever stumbled upon.  With twangy guitars, soft piano licks, and a seemingly slower pace, this rendition almost lulls the listener’s heart to a more peaceful albeit painful place.
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#3 – Jewel [live] cover
Do they even have wild horses in Alaska?  I was actually researching the inevitable Tori Amos cover and shockingly found nothing, but I did stumble upon Jewel‘s surprisingly awesome piano rendition. I felt I also had to feature this since she prefaces her song saying “This is possibly one of the first songs I fell in love with,” just like me!  Having never particularly been the hugest Jewel fan, I figured she would yodel all over this song especially during the “wild horses couldn’t drag me awaaaaaaay” in the chorus, but thankfully she contained herself.  Instead, she allowed her struggling voice to strain and crack which I found much more appealing.  Not only does it represent the painfully sad nature of the song, but it almost sounds much more natural and raw, all of which enhances this performance.  In a way, it almost sounds like she smoked a pack of cigarettes pre-song which adds a sexy, huskier texture husky to her voice I’ve never heard before.  Wow, this may be the first time I’ve ever promoted cigarette smoking.
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#2 – Iron & Wine with Calexico [live] cover
This one is smooth like a fine wine and the pairing of Iron & Wine‘s (aka, Samuel Beam) folk rock sensibility with the dusty southwestern rock styling of Calexico makes for some gorgeous music, on or off the trail.  If a truly unique mash-up between two indie rock  outfits weren’t mind-blowing as is, wait ’til you hear this one.  It’s folky, jazzy southwestern rock, pseudo-country, mellow, soft, melodic, lush, it’s just a really rendition that I like to leave on in the background when I’m laying around doing nothing.  There is so much going on in this version that’s it’s almost impossible to put into words all the different layers of instrumentation and vocal harmony.  And when Calexico adds their signature southwestern rock charm to the mix, I actually believe it when they sing “Wild, wild horses / We’ll ride them someday.”
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#1 – The Sundays cover
No contest!  No, it’s not The Cranberries.  No, it’s not Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star.  These hauntingly beautiful vocals belong to Harriet Wheeler, lead singer of British alternative band The Sundays.  Some may recognize this track from the Fear soundtrack, particularly that “climactic” roller coaster scene when Mark Wahlberg, well, takes his hand on a little trip South of the Border with Reese Witherspoon.  Anyway, this cover song has extreme sentimental value for me since it’s been known to have gotten me through some rough and trying times.  I love the jangly guitars, her incredibly resonant voice, the overall ethereal quality and the fact that this sounds like the sweet indie dream pop I live for.  I could listen to this song on loop for hours, I have and I do.  And when she sings, “Oh, I watched you suffer, a dull aching pain / Now you’ve decided to show me the same,” I actually want to call up Mick Jagger and tell him “Oh man, I know what you mean.” Not only is this my pick for the #1 cover of “Wild Horses” of all time, but it is arguably my pick for best/favorite cover song of all time, too.  As the Cowboy Junkies did for The Velvet Underground‘s “Sweet Jane”, The Sundays took a Stones hit, stripped it down, and made it entirely their own and it’s hard to believe this isn’t an original tune of theirs.  I particularly love when Wheeler harmonizes with herself in the closing chorus, which only highlights how gorgeous her voice is.  And wild, wild horses couldn’t possibly take me away from such a classic cover song.

Are you ready for the musical orgasm of your life?  Take one of the single most influential rock bands ever, (in this case, the legendary R.E.M.), tie in a classy and famed New York City venue (Carnegie Hall), and pepper in about 20 of the biggest names in indie rock and you’ve got yourself one helluva night.  And one helluva tribute show.  And one helluva story at the water cooler the next morning.  Have you ever wanted to be the envy of all your friends?  Well don’t worry,  I’ve got just the thing for you.  Attend this show and no one will ever try to steal your lunch money again.

We’re talking the genius of R.E.M. and the on-stage help from some of these not too shabby musicians: Throwing Muses, Elf Power, Ingrid Michaelson, Kimya Dawson, Glen Hansard (of The Frames), Bob Mould (of Husker Du), Rhett Miller (of Old 97′s), Rachael Yamagata, The Feelies, Guster, Patti Smith, The Apples in Stereo and house band Calexico.  Oh, there are more scheduled performers and I could go on, but I’m too excited to type.  In fact, I was imagining an ”It’s The End Of The World” mash-up, but I had to stop because my mind was about to explode and laptops are just really hard to clean.

And if you think I’m lying because a line-up this good is inconceivable, feel free to find our more about the event here.  But please click at your own risk.  I can’t be held responsible if you fall off your chair out of sheer excitement.  Trust me, I almost broke my ass.

There’s even a chance to purchase VIP tickets that get you into an exclusive after-party.  You get to mingle with the bands and chow down to some seriously fancy eats courtesy of Chef Mario Batali.  But if this isn’t your scene, you can still find regular tickets here.  If this event weren’t cool enough as is, 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to musical education programs for underprivileged youth.  So, now you can rock out and do your part to keep the fine tradition of music alive and well! 

So come on out and support some of your favorite indie artists paying tribute to one of the best bands in American rock n’ roll!  I know it’s Carnegie Hall and what-not, but whatever you do please try to leave those opera glasses at home.

This Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25, 2009) will again see Quincy, Washington’s beloved Sasquatch! Music Festival held at The Gorge. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, February 28th at 10AM (information below).

This year’s Sasquatch! line-up includes:
Jane’s Addiction (feat. all four original members), Kings of Leon, Nine Inch Nails, Ben Harper & Relentless7, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Erykah Badu, The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes, TV On The Radio, Animal Collective, Silversun Pickups, Bon Iver, Santogold, Of Montreal, Explosions In The Sky, DeVotchKa, Peter Bjorn & John, Gogol Bordello, M. Ward, The Avett Brothers, Doves, Calexico, Grizzly Bear, M83, Girl Talk, The Gaslight Anthem, The Walkmen, Chromeo (dj set), Deadmau5, Mugison, Sun Kil Moon, Airborne Toxic Event, Blitzen Trapper, Shearwater, BLK JKS, The Wrens, Tobacco, Monotonix, King Khan & The Shrines, St. Vincent, Passion Pit, John Vanderslice, Bishop Allen, Blind Pilot, AA Bondy, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Ra Ra Riot, The Dodos, Beach House, The Submarines, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, The Dutchess & The Duke, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele, Fences, School of Seven Bells, Death Vessel, Horse Feathers, Hockey, The Pica Beats, Loch Lomond & more to come!

The festival’s comedy line-up includes Zach Galifiankas, Demetri Martin, Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job, Todd Barry, Jon Benjamin, God’s Pottery, People’s Republic of Komedy & more.

The festival, now in its eighth and most ambitious year yet, has evolved from a unique, homegrown & low key fest into a full blown three day extravaganza. A festival-goer’s dream, it comes complete with camp-outs, canyons, sunsets, three stages and new this year, an expanded comedy and dance music tent. The tent will feature performances from comedians throughout the day, and then come dusk, will spotlight electronic and dance music artists.

For the third year in a row, the Sasquatch! Music Festival teams up with Esurance and Sustainable Energy Partners to bring you a carbon neutral music festival. By increasing sustainable practices at the Gorge, including an expanded recycling program, eco-friendly signage, and energy efficient lighting (to name a few), we are able reduce our overall carbon footprint at the venue. The rest of the calculated carbon emissions – fuel consumption by all those who travel to the event and energy used during the festival – are then offset through investments in carbon reduction programs, such as methane capture projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Beginning February 28th (on sale weekend only):
A discounted 3 DAY FESTIVAL PASS is available for a very limited time / $154.50
Offer ends Sunday, March 1st at midnight.
Single tickets, per day / $56.50

Beginning March 2nd:
3 day pass / $199.50
Single tickets, per day / $66.50

Beginning May 11th:
3 day pass / $229.50
Single tickets, per day / $76.50

V.I.P. package tickets with special amenities also available.

Tickets go on sale Saturday February 28th at 10AM and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, sasquatchfestival.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone in Seattle (206) 628-0888, in Oregon (503) 224-4400, and in Eastern Washington (509) 735-0500

Camping is available for May 22, 23, 24, 25 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com. For more details, directions and further information on camping at The Gorge Amphitheatre go to sasquatchfestival.com.

Sasquatch! Music Festival: website