Some like to look at Bonnaroo Thursday as a practice day: a day to prepare for enduring the next three days of music by “easing” into it with a light day of music. I, however, would argue that Thursday is not a “light, ease into it” day, but the most challenging day of all. I would agree, though, that if you can handle Thursday, you can handle any day at Bonnaroo. Thursday is a test of patience. Any seasoned Bonnaroo veteran can tell you that you can easily spend most of Thursday not at the festival, but stuck in your car for countless hours just waiting to get checked in to the campground or will call.
The PopWreck team had a slight Nashville detour for sushi and a glimpse of the CMAs, which were also this weekend, so by the time we arrived in Tennessee, the car line just to enter the city of Manchester was already outlandish. We then had to spend more time waiting for our credentials before embarking on an even larger journey to find our campsite, which managed to confuse several volunteers. Then another delay came with the time it took to set up the tent before we lost daylight. Suffice it to say, we missed a few Thursday bands that we would have liked to have seen, but those are the breaks and almost everyone at Bonnaroo has to deal with them.
For Thursday, only half of the stages were in use and while there were plenty of good bands spread across various stages, as far as this indie hipster is concerned, the only stage to be at Thursday was “That Tent.” The evening line up at That Tent consisted of Local Natives, Neon Indian, The Temper Trap and The xx. So like I said, this was the place to be Thursday and the tent was packed all night.
My compatriot, Josh, did venture off to explore other bands. He went to Manchester Orchestra at The Other Tent. Here the alt rockers payed a high energy cover and a new song as well as their radio hits such as “I’ve Got Friends” and “Shake It Out.” He also swung by the wild dance party that was Miike Snow at This Tent. Snow went late, which made Josh miss The Dodos as planned. Then, Josh caught the many indie rockers in Blitzen Trapper before grabbing a few laughs with Margaret Cho at the Comedy Tent. As a special treat, The Raconteurs’ Brendan Benson performed with her.
Meanwhile, That Tent, where I was, had a constant showcase of a great indie bands. I began with CA’s Local Natives, who played most of their tunes off Gorilla Manor and a Talking Heads cover. The Fleet Fox-esque band took me by surprise. I guess I just assumed that like the Fleet Foxes, they’d be bearded and flannel-wearing gents. But the harmonious group was a bunch of young hipsters. From listening to the record, I knew to expect the great harmonies, but it was only by seeing them live that I realized how skilled the percussive heavy act really was as members, as members switched up guitars with mandolins and extra drums as well as moving around who had lead vocals. Truly fantastic.
Local Natives by Joshua Hammond
After Local Natives was the chillwave act Neon Indian. I caught Neon Indian in Denver over a year ago and I can’t get over how much they’ve progressed. The group jumped up and down while playing multiple synths. The audience couldn’t help, but dance. The band got a little scandalous during “Deadbeat Summer” when a group of of topless girls loosely covered in paint and feathers like, well, Indians, came out on stage and danced. The set was over all too quickly and sensing that, the band reappeared and played one more: a brand new song.
Neon Indian by Joshua Hammond
Next up was Australia’s The Temper Trap. I guess the third times the charm since I’ve been trying to see these guys on multiple occasions and something has always come up i.e. tornado watches. Lame. Not lame? The band’s performance. I was surprised by their jam band tendencies, but l also loved that they had them. During one great jam break, singer Dougy poured water on an extra tom drum and as he banged on the drum, water sprayed up all over the stage. Of course, the falsetto-rich “Sweet Disposition” really got the crowd moving with an extended guitar riff intro.
The Temper Trap by Joshua Hammond
But the band of the day was The xx. In an almost holy manor, the three touring members of the xx appeared dressed in black on the dimly lit stage. They surrounded turntables set up with big banners of white xs and began their set. They played most of their set and a cover. At first I thought female singer/guitarist Romy Madley Croft, was the member to watch, but I think I was getting drawn into tricks of the spotlight. Sure she has some of the better vocal parts, but it is her fellow singer and bassist, Oliver Sim, that was the real skill behind this band. Regardless, the chemistry of the back and forth vocals and answering dings of the drum machine make this a haunting band to watch. Throw in a starry backdrop and you have the perfect way to end the evening.
The XX by Joshua Hammond
Well, at least the perfect way to end an evening at That Tent. Bonnaroo Thursday has a a tradition, as St. Louis legend Beatle Bob pointed out, and that is to end the music portion with an act on the smaller Troo Music Lounge stage that features rising acts. Joshua James had the honor this evening and his American rock resonated through Centeroo as campers made their way back to their tents. Amped and ready for another day.
There is no name more recognized the world over than Michael Jackson. Just over two months before his 51st birthday, the King of Pop was rushed to the hospital for cardiac arrest and pronounced dead yesterday, June 25, 2009. His career began four decades ago with The Jackson 5 and blossomed into a rich and successful solo careers spanning decades. Five of his solo studio albums are among the world’s best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) with over 100 million copies sold, Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
It should come as no surprise that many are calling Michael Jackson the Elvis Presley of our generation. Personal trials and tribulations aside, Michael Jackson was a great entertainer and earned the title King of Pop. He will undoubtedly live on in our hearts and minds. Read what some have to say about the late, great Michael Jackson:
“We will always love you, Michael, always.” – Jermaine Jackson
“Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.” — Steven Spielberg
“He was deep.” – reader Gladys
“R.I.P. to Michael Jackson my music god. R.I.P. MJ: he lives forever in my heart. I will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and I played him music.” – Wyclef
“It’s taken me a moment to grasp this … I understand life and death are part of the same magnificent cycle. But I literally stopped and broke down When I received ‘that’ text . Mike’s music lives in my DNA. It’s bigger than tabloids. That music shaped me. The frequency is real. My heart and artistry are truly influenced and forever impacted. Thank you Micheal for your hard work , dedication, philanthropy, and the sacrifice of your young spirit. Your vision and imagination live through us.” – Erykah Badu
“This has blindsided me. I feel strange. And sad. Reminders of how short life is. I’m going to profess my love to someone. you should too.” – Ingrid Michaelson
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.” — Madonna
“I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!” — Britney Spears
“I would rather watch “Thriller” over and over than any other music video ever made.” – Shawn Fogel, Golden Bloom
“Heal the world make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.” – Ashlee Simpson Wentz
“Stop the gossip, stop the speculation. Take a moment for Micheal and remember his gift to us all. He was truly great. May he Rest in Peace.” – Joel Madden, Good Charlotte
“Not many people have long successful careers in the music industry, yet alone over a 30 year career. Michael Jackson did and earned his title ‘King of Pop”. I’ll never forget the first time I saw “Thriller”. His voice, songs, dance moves and ground breaking music videos will live on forever leaving a legacy where we answer ‘yes’ to ‘do you remember the time?’” – Stacy Clark
“America lost a little bit of its history today. So sad when a true genius dies! R.I.P. to the gloved one.” – Mona Shiekh, Popwreckoning
“Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out the Jackson family, Michael’s children and to his fans worldwide.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
“No one better than brotha Mike.” – Q-Tip
“Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!” – Sean P. Diddy Combs
“I know we make light of me never getting sleep and overworking. But I’ll say that he didn’t go in vein. I will do my best to slow down as to not overwork myself to the point in which I can’t even enjoy life anymore. I’m devastated over this but we all have memories. I just hope that he will get due justice in all the press memorials and whatnot. I know he was mired in controversy the last decade of his life but i think its time we let him rest in peace and learn to separate the ART and the ARTIST. –that is the MJ I will forever remember.” – ?uestlove
“Off the wall was my second record I ever bought.” – Margaret Cho
“His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I’m sure it will remain so for generations to come. R.I.P. Mr. Jackson” – Samantha Ronson
“There was no one like him.” – Greg Laswell
“We should never stop talking about Michael Jackson. I hope Michael will get the respect he deserved.” – Rev. Al Sharpton
“Raising a glass for Michael! Wow – I was obsessed with Thriller when it came out.” – Ariel Hyatt, CyberPR
“Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings.” -
Miley Cyrus
“Being asked to give a quote about all of this. so in shock I can’t find any words…” – Kid Sister
“Michael Jackson died? Seriously, as Wolf Blitzer said it, my stomach got knots.” – James Shotwell, Under the Gun blog
“I keep getting chills. This is crazy. Too much.” – Estelle
“Today is a very, very sad day for music. Whether you are familiar with his work or not, the impact Michael Jackson had on pop culture made him one of the most iconic artists of all time. As a fellow artist, you can see what his music did—it transcended generations; It created a movement. It’s something people only dream of doing. He was a musical genius, and by far, one of the greatest performers of all time. There will never be anyone like him—ever. Thank you for inspiring us the way you did. R.I.P.” – Tamar Kaprelian
“Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love. My fifth birthday party was M.J. themed, I insisted. My mother found a lookalike to come sing happy birthday and I KNEW he wasn’t MY Michael.” – Solange Knowles
“A strange story comes to an end. i do hope that history will remember jackson the artist/genius/pioneer.” – David Ford
“Rip MJ! Dream as if u’ll live 4ever, Live as if u’ll die 2day. U only live once, but if u do it right dats all u need! U did it Big MJ!!” – Reverend Run
“Both parents on the phone asking me if I remember MJ inviting me to take a pix w/ him when I was a kid. I do. It was creepy. I refused.” – Annie Heckenberger
“Noooooooo! Michael Jackson was my childhood! I loved him. So so so so sad. So nearly saw him live. Just a couple of weeks. Crying.” – Imogen Heap
“Oh god…Michael Jackson just died. one of my childhood heros. moment of silence, sorrow and reflection on a massive talent & tragic life. let’s share a shrine/moment of silence @ 7:45 pm outside @thetroubadour tonight. if you’re coming, bring candles and flowers for the king.” – Amanda Palmer, Dresden Dolls
“We just cued up “Wanna Be Starting Something” in the office. What a great song. R.I.P.” – Diablo Cody
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson. Greatest performer ever.” – Talib Kweli
“Sad, sad day for the music world & for family/fans of Michael Jackson. he was my 1st favorite artist & 1 of the very best ever. RIP Michael.” – Earfarm blog
“Thriller” was the first tape I ever bought in a record store after I saw him go supernova on the Motown 25th anniversary special.” – Cary Brothers
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. what a tremendous loss in one day…. thoughts and prayers with their families and loved ones…” – Mandy Moore
“R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON: We’re in a state of utter shock. You’ll be sorely missed.” – The Music Slut blog
;_; – Diplo
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.” — Quincy Jones
“We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.” — Justin Timberlake
“In shock.” – Matt, The Music Slut blog
“Sad. Michael Jackson. Dead. Bum out.” – Eisley
“When we worked together on ‘Bad,’ I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.” — Martin Scorcese
“Feels hypocritical not caring about Ed McMahon or Farah Fawcett, and then being upset about Michael Jackson’s death. I didn’t know any of them.” – Paco Fish
The Gay Blades
“Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.” — John Mayer
“‘Let the madness in the music get to you, life ain’t so bad at all, if you live it off the wall’ – Thanks for the music, the moonwalk and my childhood.” – Ali Hussain, Popwreckoning
“Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer. We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records.” – Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
“I remember my brother and cousin in 1987 bringing the boom box out into the living room at my grandma’s house and performing a dance to “Billy Jean” they had made up. They had to be about 7 years old and doing the classic spin move and grabbing their crotches! My mom, aunt, ME and granny WENT CRAZY! Michael Jackson made the crotch grabbing move not raunchy BUT hot!” – Kaytea McIntosh, XO Publicity
“Sony Music Entertainment expresses deep sadness and sorrow at the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson and extends wishes of sympathy and condolences to all of Michael’s family, friends and fans around the world.” – Sony
We at Popwreckoning would like to extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson’s survivors. His musical legacy shall live on. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.
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Concert Calendar
Nov 23, 2011
HaHa Tonka @ Recordbar, Kansas City MO
Nov 25, 2011
Thee Oh Sees @ The Granada, Lawrence KS
