popwreckoning

Just as important as going to Austin to see music is going to Austin for the food. I’ve previously mentioned my affinity for breakfast tacos, but Friday I tried a different culture’s food. Not sure if it blasphemy to eat something that isn’t Mexican that close to Texas, but this morning called for Coffee with a capital “c.” No one does Coffee like the French. So Friday morning, I found myself at Le Café Crépe, being handed a menu by a Frenchman who was greeting me with a “Bonjour, mademoiselle.” Behind a glass window, employees were preparing mouth-watering crépes. Sadly, we were in a rush (as always), so we got our mochas to go and paired then with pain au chocolat, which is bread with chocolate. The flaky bread was fresh from the oven and filled with gooey chocolate. A light dousing on powdered sugar made this perfectly delectable. As we walked toward a first venue in considerably better moods, we promised to revisit the restaurant when we had more time, which we did Sunday morning before driving home.

After brushing some spilled powdered sugar off my shirt, I dashed into Emo’s for the mysterious Cults. For a long time, it was downright impossible to find out anything about this band and hopes of catching them on tour were slim to none. Fortunately, they seemed to have changed their mind on that as they have started touring more extensively and the band was practically everywhere at SXSW. The band is essentially the pop project of couple Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin, but they were joined by a full band for the performance. “Go Outside” was the only tune I really knew, but the lo-fi pop songs were all catchy and light-hearted…at least in sound. Lyrically, the duo likes to stay true to their name and often draw inspiration from cult leaders.

Chain Gang of 1974 was playing in another room at Emo’s just above Cults, so I went to check out this buzz band. Don’t be fooled by the 1974 in their name. They sound like a better fit for the 80s, but without going overboard on synths. There was an edge to the music, but also a danceable beat. If you’re like me and have heard the buzz about this band, but hadn’t checked them out before, start by giving their epic “Hold On” a listen.

Foster the People is a band that I was saying should be huge since last year. “Pumped Up Kicks” was my summer jam. Radio was a little slower to recognize its catchy awesomeness, so a lot of people are just discovering Foster the People. In the year since I’ve first learned of this band, I’ve only come to love them even more and seeing them live only solidified my love. At times this piano pop rock group sounds like Peter Bjorn and John and then other times it seems like they’ve got some Vampire Weekend thrown in, but with the subtlety of a group like Tennis. There are a lot of diverse influences working together very smoothly for this band, so if you’re lagging behind with the radio stations, get on it and check this band out asap.

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt was a performance that was so epic that it got its own post. You can find that here. In short, the wild performance art band got us to run around the venue, freestyle dance in the middle of a clapping circle of strangers and jump up and down under a parachute while shouting, “We’re alive! We’re in love! We’ve got hope…just because!” Definitely gets the award for most memorable set of SXSW.

Reeling from the insanely fun experience of Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, I stumbled out to Sixth Street a bit dazed and unsure of what to do next. How do you follow up a band with a parachute? I found myself wandering. First I traveled up to Mohawk, where Ted Leo was starting an acoustic set a little early. Crisp vocals and friendly tone demonstrated why this guy is a favorite of so many. From Ted Leo, I bounced to a tent next door where Glasser was taking the stage for the Rhapsody Party. A beautiful set, but one that couldn’t quite match the almost holy experience of seeing that band the night before at Central Presbyterian Church.

When I wandered out of Rhapsody, I honestly had every intention of giving the music watching a break and finding a spot to charge my phone. But then luck took me by Stubbs and a woman asked me to check-in on Foursquare in exchange for two passes to the exclusive Spin Party.  How can you pass up something as simple as that? I love social media!

Some middle age guy that I had never seen before was on the mainstage when I walked in. In awe of my sheer luck, it took me a moment to realize I knew the song being performed: “Touch Me once, touch me twice…” Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark was singing the song from one of my favorite soundtracks of all time (and no this was not the OMD performance at Stubbs with the camera boom incident). I might have dismissed OMD when I first walked in as some rando middle age dude, but he’s still got it. As an added bonus, Moby joined OMD on bass.

From OMD to DOM, the inside of Stubbs was getting packed for this buzz band. “Living in America,” has long been my jam. How can you resist the slinky chorus, “It’s so sexy to be living in America”?

And back outside, the Spin Party band I was most anxious for: The Kills. With Jack White in attendance at SXSW, there were some rumors of some special collab, but this was a straight up the Kills set. And I was ok with that. Allison Mosshart continues to steal the show no matter who she’s on the stage with – her vocals, her attitude – it’s just impossible not to watch her.

I left the Spin Party before TV on the Radio to chat with the duo behind Acrylics. Look for that interview soon on PopWreckoning. After my chat with Acrylics, I wandered through the Brooklyn Vegan Party to briefly watch the Dodos, Middle Brother and J. Mascis. I had heard a lot about J. Mascis, but I found the set kind of boring. The falsetto just wasn’t my thing. So I quickly left and went to catch a band from across the great pond that I knew would entertain: A Silent Film. I had the privilege of seeing this passionate piano rock band at their first US show ever back in Kansas City during the Fall. They seem a lot more confident now and delivered such a great set that people even asked for an encore and the venue guys, who had at first seemed very anti-encore to stay on schedule, even gave their approval because they were enjoying it so much. This band could easily draw some comparisons to Keane, but I find Keane rather sleepy. If anyone has heard of the UK’s Embrace, I would say that is a more apt comparison.

!!! might not be a band name that everyone can understand or say, but people have no problem understand the band’s music. The tent that !!! was a non-stop dance party. It kind of reminded me of seeing LCD Soundsystem at Bonnaroo – a little similar with the music and with the vibe.

I trekked far from Sixth to the Lustre Pearl to catch the next two acts. Noah and the Whale is a band that I had been eagerly anticipating for SXSW. Their romantic folk ballads had won my heart on recordings, but I had yet to see them live. They were supposed to play SXSW two years ago when I was here, but canceled. Then I was supposed to see them at Lollapalooza and they canceled. This year was to be my chance. Now, after finally getting the chance to see them, I think I’m ok that they canceled. Love their music, but they were one of the most boring bands of the festival. I didn’t need another Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, but I just didn’t feel any energy or passion from these guys. I’d rather just go home and listen to my CDs because this particular live performance added nothing.

In contrast, the band that followed had plenty to watch on stage. Gayngs followed and this is autotune done right. This is a supergroup featuring members of Bon Iver, Doomtree, The Rosebuds and more. I don’t believe I counted all 23 members there for this performance, but they sure came close to a full group. The stage was packed. The soft-rock set got the audience dancing and I think any Austinites holding a grudge for the band’s unfortunate cancellation at ACL was quickly forgiven by this performance.

When I returned back to the main area of SXSW, I headed back to Stubbs for an old SXSW favorite of mine. The Airborne Toxic Event has this amazing ability of making viola look badass. Viola is not a badass instrument, but this band knows how to make it rock. And if one viola wasn’t enough, the band had another join the performance as part of a string quartet set up on the side of the stage. Awesome. They played through songs from their popular debut and several from their upcoming release. The Airborne Toxic Event never disappoints. But the rest of the night did disappoint. TATE would end up being my last of the night. After waiting in another line for an hour and encountering several venues that ended up being Badges only, I gave up on Friday and decided to call it an early night before the final day of SXSW.

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Check back for more to come from PopWreckoning’s Bethany and her experience at SXSW. You can see more photos from Day 3, Friday, March 18 below and click these links for Day 1 and Day 2:

We all love a good Columbia River backdrop or acres and acres of open field at our music festivals, but what makes MusicFest Northwest different than most festivals is that it takes places within the city – at all the Portland venues you know and love. It’s not just a celebration of music but also a celebration of Portland in general.

In just under two weeks’ time, Portland’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning alt-weekly newspaper Willamette Week will be hosting its 10th annual MusicFest Northwest, which has grown to be the third-largest indoor music festival in the country.

At no other festival else can you park for free in suburbia, take a light rail downtown, then pick up an orange Tang doughnut (yes, I said Tang), and walk a block down at 1 a.m. to catch The Builders and the Butchers at Berbati’s Pan.

Voodoo Doughnuts and Berbati’s Pan are very conveniently placed literally 125 away from each other. Just a tip.

Because of this indoor, inner city set-up, you won’t have to empty your bank account for festival food, or use smelly port-a-potties. But I’d never expect anything different coming from Portland, with the casual, low-key vibe that I love about it so much.

Here’s what I’m planning on doing, but trust me – with the MAX light rail running at full capacity over the 5-day festival, you’ll have the opportunity to see so much more, whether it be a 21+ show, or an all-ages (AA) show.

Wednesday, September 8^th:

Act: Panda Bear
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Comcast and opbmusic stage at the Crystal Ballroom

Ever since seeing Animal Collective play live over a year ago, I’ve been holding out for another chance to see any of the guys in a live capacity. To coincide with the release of his highly awaited album Tomboy, Noah “Panda Bear” Lennox will be gracing Portland with his mesmerizing presence on the first night of the festival at the Crystal Ballroom (which has floors with a bit of bounce in them). AA

Thursday, September 9^th:

Act: Ra Ra Riot
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

In the past, Ra Ra Riot has opened for such amazing acts as Editors, Art Brut, and Tokyo Police Club, but now as part of their headlining tour for their new album The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot will be taking the stage at the Wonder Ballroom. I’m intrigued to see their unique brand of baroque pop live. Plus if you have time afterward, circle the block to get some pizza at Sparky’s or if you feel more adventurous, Ethiopian at Queen of Sheba.  AA

Act: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

For something with a bit more attitude, you can head back over to the bouncy floors of the Crystal Ballroom for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. You’re sure to have a good time with these old school punks, and you’ll still have enough energy to go for the rest of the night afterwards. Heck, walk a few blocks down Burnside and you can still browse around Powell’s Books until 11 p.m. AA

Act: The Thermals
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom
Local darlings The Thermals will have literally released their fifth album two days before when it comes time for their show at the Crystal Ballroom. They’ve been working with Chris Walla again on Personal Life, so I’m anxious to hear what these pioneers of Portland rock of the ‘00s have put together with Mr. Walla. AA

Act: Major Lazer
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: The Roseland Theater

For the most part, I probably won’t be heading to the Roseland too much just because there are so many great bands playing everyone, and it’s already hard to choose. But I’m going to make it a priority to see Major Lazer’s reggae/hip-hop hybrid. You’ll be sure that you won’t see any other act like them at the festival, and as far as I know, there won’t be another chance to see them in the northwest for a while. AA

Act: Justin Townes Earles
Times: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Four blocks away, you’ll find yourself back at Berbati’s Pan (and maybe after another round of Voodoo Doughnuts) for the considerably less hyphy Justin Townes Earle. It’ll be the nice way to end the night after burning all your energy at the last show. Maybe you could get a drink and relax to Earle’s mandolin-laden country folk. Earle’s blend of deep-south vintage country is so far from today’s mainstream country that you almost expect someone to be playing a water jug and a washboard.  21+

Friday, September 10^th:

Act: Surfer Blood
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

As the start of a ridiculously full two-month tour, Surfer Blood will get to bring their beachy indie rock to the Wonder Ballroom. A friend of mine put their song “Swim” on a mix tape for me earlier this year, and ever since I saw Pitchfork give the song spot number 37 on the lost of the 100 Best Songs of 2009, I’ve been wanting to see them play live. Now you have that chance too.  AA

Act: Black Lips
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

When going through the list of bands playing at this year’s festival, I immediately put Black Lips on my “list to see,” because of their extensive history, guitarist Cole Alexander’s work with Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, as well as what I’ve heard of their chaotic stage antics (including nudity, fireworks, band members kissing, and vomiting). AA

Act: Sara Jackson-Holman
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ash St. Saloon

Mixing classically-influenced piano, soft and longing strings, and winsome vocals, Portland native Sara Jackson-Holman falls into the ever-growing “melancholy piano songstress” genre, but her smoky voice and strange bent harmonies make her worth seeing. Within a couple blocks of the saloon you could also hit up Esan Thai or Kells Irish Pub for dinner if you like. 21+

Act: People Eating People
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Studios

After the disbanding of her band Mon Frere in 2007, Seattle native Nouela Johnston decided to record some of her own stuff under the moniker People Eating People. Her powerful piano pop will be perfect for one of my favorite venues ever – Mississippi Studios, which was built for musicians, by musicians. It’s located in a residential neighborhood and you can literally park in front of someone’s house. The floor is small, but the wraparound balcony provides just as good a view. 21+

Act: Morning Teleportation
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Hawthorne Theater

I saw Morning Teleportation in June, and they had the most inexplicably enjoyable set that it’s impossible to explain. Psychedelic, rootsy jam-band, electro-indie rock is one way I could describe it. If you’re still confused, I recommend that you make time to go see them at the Hawthorne Theater. Lead vocalist Tiger uses a Talk Box. That’s worth it enough just to see that. AA

Act: Okkervil River
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I’m not sure whether or not Roky Erickson will be gracing the stage with Okkervil River in this instance, since they just released True Love Cast Out All Evil with Erickson, but either way, the critically acclaimed Austin band is surely not one to miss. AA

Act: The Tallest Man On Earth
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Performing at the most comfortable venue I’ve ever been to, The Tallest Man On Earth will be bringing his bluesy brand of acoustic folk to the Doug Fir. When I first heard Kristian Matsson’s music, I didn’t realize that he was Swedish for awhile, until I eventually got how clever Matsson’s moniker is (people of Scandinavia are predominantly over 6 feet tall). 21+

Saturday, September 11^th:

Act: The Builders and the Butchers
Time: 1 a.m. (yes I just said 1 a.m.)
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Seeing the instruments that the Builders and the Butchers play, you wouldn’t expect to essentially rock out at one of their shows, but they defy all stereotypes and bring massive amounts of energy to their acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Seeing that the Builders and the Butchers are from Portland, I’m expecting this particular show to be crazy awesome. Having seen then 2 short months ago, I can back up that claim. 21+

Act: Laura Veirs
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Laura Veirs will be the first of a few shows that you should absolutely check out on the main stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The neo-folk songstress returned to her roots with July Flame this year, her 6^th studio album, putting out hauntingly beautiful songs full of odd instrumentation and Veirs understated vocals. AA

Act: The Decemberists
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

I’ll just be sticking around at Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Decemberists after Laura Veirs, because it will surely be one of the best shows of the weekend. Even when they aren’t playing for hometown crowd, The Decemberists are awesome live, but in this instance I can only imagine. The last time I saw them, it was on the Hazards of Love tour, so this time we’ll get to hear songs from all throughout their catalogue. AA

Act: The Globes
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Backspace

Playing at one of best coffee houses in Portland, Seattle’s own The Globes will be bringing their experimential ambient indie rock to the tiny venue. I saw them play a show in Seattle back in November with Telekinesis and The Lonely Forest, and with how much they downplay the energy, The Globes put on a great show. Think My Bloody Valentine with harder riffs and a rainy-day ready wall of sound. AA

Act: The Head and the Heart
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Bluesy folk with soft harmonies and bubbly beats permeate through Seattle’s own The Head and the Heart’s music, and it should be quite delightful to see them in Berbati’s Pan’s small room. Plus if you haven’t had dinner yet, you can get yourself some Greek cuisine while you’re there. 21+

Act: The Smashing Pumpkins
Time: 10:15 p.m.
Location: MusicFest Northwest and KUFO stage at The Wonder Ballroom

I honestly had no idea that the Smashing Pumpkins were playing until about five days ago, and I’m surprised that they’re playing The Wonder Ballroom, because it’s not that big. So if you want to get in at all, I suggest getting there relatively early, even if you have a wristband, because this will undoubtedly be one of the most attended shows of the festival. I can’t remember the last time they toured, so I’m pumped. AA

Act: Suckers
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

What’s funny is that right after playing up against each other at separate venues at MusicFest Northwest, Suckers will be going on a month-long national tour with Menomena. Employing Talking Heads-esque multi-layered vocals with the passion of former tourmates Local Natives, Suckers will definitely fill the small room with fervor. 21+

Act: Menomena
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I have to be honest, I haven’t listened to Menomena’s new record yet, but Friend And Foe was one of my favorite records of 2007, and it’ll be interesting to see how the band’s eerie experimental indie rock will play out to their hometown crowd. Also, the band members always shuffle around who sings and who plays certain instruments, so that always makes for a more intriguing show. AA

Act: Champagne Champagne
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jimmy Mak’s

Seattle hip-hop favorites Champagne Champagne mixes traditional hip-hop with peppier electro-pop, and I love it. Again, I’ll reiterate my normal dislike for hip-hop, but when locals sing and rap about Molly Ringwald, I’m sold. But again, I’ll have a hard time deciding which show to hit up at 11 p.m. 21+

Act: The Dodos
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Even though The Dodos are probably best known for having two of their songs in two separate television commercials, their albums are rich with offbeat instrumentation like toy piano and pulsating drums. And you can’t deny that if a band has their songs on television, the songs are undeniably catchy. 21+

Act: Japandroids
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Having two guys on stage, you wouldn’t expect them to create the sound that Japandroids manage, but the raw and fuzzy guitars will be a great way to end out the penultimate night of the festival. And while you’re there, definitely check out the restaurant upstairs. Also there’s free parking around the corner, so that’s another plus. 21+

Sunday, September 12^th:

Act: The Walkmen
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

It seems like it’s been way longer than 2 years since The Walkmen put out new music, but this performance will be two days before their new album Lisbon is released, so I’m happy. One of only a select few shows on the last day of the festival, The Walkmen’s drowsy surf rock should carry well through the outdoor amphitheater. AA

Act: The National
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

After having seen The National play at the Columbia River Gorge back in May, I was anxious to see them again. Although I think The National is one of those bands that you may or may not like live. Lead singer Matt Berninger has an oddly intense stage presence, but the energy might turn some people off. If you haven’t seen them play live though, I strongly recommend giving them a shot, because they sound fantastic live. AA

However long this preview is, it’s still just a taste of what’s coming to the tenth annual MusicFest Northwest. I mean, I’m going to try to see all these bands, but who knows how full the venues will get or how quick the public transportation will run that weekend? To see the full lineup or purchase tickets, go to http://www.musicfestnw.com. General admission wristbands are still available for purchase that will guarantee entry to all club shows and all shows at Pioneer Square (however you must choose to see either The Decemberists or The National with this ticket). All show wristbands are also still available, which guarantees you entry to all shows, no exceptions. If you don’t wish to purchase a wristband, you can buy tickets at the individual venues the night of the show.

Sunday nature battled itself giving us both the coldest and hottest day of Lollapalooza. But there was still music to be heard! So a poncho-packed crowd stumbled through the mud to start their day dancing to “USA Boys,” with HEALTH. As the guys thrashed about the stage with the guitar-driven dance rock, my only thought was that they should have had one of the prime evening spots like similar acts in Cut Copy and Hot Chip. I couldn’t believe they were stuck in one of the earliest sets of the day. Not with how good they are and how popular I thought they were. I’m sure everyone has at least heard one of their remixes at one time or another.

I picked my way past puddles to Perry’s where Team Bayside High was getting ready for their DJ set. I have to give the kids at Perry’s props: the rain seemed to peak during this set, but it didn’t kill their dance buzz for a second. It helped that the DJ duo in Team Bayside High really knew how to interact with the crowd and get them amped up. There wasn’t a single mix that they played that slowed them down too much or killed the mood. As they smoothly went from Franz Ferdinand to a Mario theme, I could see why these guys were asked to play a permanent residence at Rehab in Chicago: they were diverse and fun. For a special treat at the end of their set, Moneypenny‘s Jess joined them to sing her part live on their new single “Party Professionals.” You can actually download the track free at Team Bayside’s site. (We also did an interview with Team Bayside High, so check back to PopWreckoning soon for more from these guys.)

Having seen many of the next acts several times before, I walked past Company of Thieves as their female singer belted out Oscar Wilde refrences, past the Dodos’ percussion heavy set that features a bowed vibraphone and ended up at the Hard Rock Hotel for lunch.

The place was more packed than it had been for the entire weekend. I set off to to investigate what was going on. Turns out one of the larger lobbys had been completely closed off as a “special VIP” had requested privacy while getting a new tattoo. So I went into the cafe to eat and enjoy some hip hop music from Chiddy Bang. Hip hop isn’t usually my thing because I’m a lyric gal and often times the lyrics are offensive, dumb or just downright vulgar. I didn’t have this problem with Chiddy Bang and actually found it witty. I particularly liked that there was a live drummer and not just pre-recorded backing tracks for the performance.

After the performance, I ventured back up to the closed lounge, which was still closed. I was about to ask a girl standing next to me if she knew what was going on, but a beefy, tall man ushered her out of the lobby just as I opened my mouth. Turns out that girl was Hayden Panettiere – you know, from Heroes, Remember the Titans, etc? And it also turns out that she was the “special VIP” who had shut down the room for her new tatt. I guess the cast of Scream 4 had come down to Lolla from filming in Michigan. A part of me wishes I had realized who she was sooner, but I’m also glad I didn’t. That’s kind of the cool thing about Lolla. Actors and musicians are just walking around. You never know who you’re going to rub shoulders with, but at that fest, we’re all equals. We’re all music lovers.

So, since I am such a big music lover, it was time to take my leave of the Hard Rock and head back to the fest for some more bands. Only this time, instead of walking back, I took the Vitamin Water Bus back. This was kind of a cool thing set up where you could relax, rehydrate and enjoy some DJ music going back and forth between the Hard Rock and the fest. I wish I had thought to use it sooner!

I continued my love of watching bands that make you dance by checking out Hockey, who started with “Song Away,” played a few new songs before amping people up with “Work” and “Too Fake.” This set was a lot tighter than their technical-difficulty filled set from the year before. After that I went over to Yeasayer.

If you should know anything about me, it’s that I’m always feeling Yeasayer: multiple vocals, big guitars, lots of synth and even bigger drums. Plus you can dance! What’s not to love? “O.N.E.” got people to stand up and dance through a majority of the set, but it was really “Ambling Alp,” that drove home their awesomeness as a set closer. As I turned to watched MUTEMATH on a neighboring stage, I couldn’t help, but feel a bit bored after the great set that Yeasayer had just delivered.

Fortunately, Frightened Rabbit restored my faith that there was still awesome after Yeasayer. They’re completely different from that dance rock sound and pretty much straight up indie rock. It’s the cool Scottish accents and sweet harmonies that make this band stand out.

But I couldn’t stay there long. I needed to see the shit show that would be Erykah Badu and a shit show it was. Blonde hair and a hideous green dress that no one in the world could pull off. And let’s be honest – her music is uninspired, so we all just were gathered there to see what she would wear and what diva moves she’d pull. This was a clusterfuck, so I made it as long as I could before heading into media to grab some water.

In media, I got a special treat. Festival founder and lead singer in Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell, was making the rounds and greeting people. It was so cool to see the icon acting so down-to-earth, especially with how big his Lolla project has become.

I exited media in time to see a bunch of hair bouncing, hear surprisingly killer vocals yowling and watch as hands whizzed through Zepplin-inspired guitar riffs. This was Wolfmother and this was awesome. No, it isn’t something I’ll listen to the CD over and over for, but it is something I’d watch live again.

From here, it was indie rock hour on the other side of the venue. So I trekked over to see MGMT, The National and my most anticipated: Arcade Fire.

MGMT is one of those acts where I really, really, really love the singles, but feel ho hum about the rest of their music and even their live show. I’ve seen them a few times and was disappointed and bored. I wasn’t expecting much at Lolla, but they completely took me by surprise. I don’t know if people complained enough or what, but they were a changed live band. They talked to the audience, interacted, and offered up spots for the crowd to take over singing duties. They even had a frog puppet! It was bizarre and shockingly fun. And yes, songs from the new album did receive a more lukewarm reaction, but I was reeling from the overall change in the band, that I could care less about that. Nice work, MGMT. Maybe you do deserve your fame.

As people flocked to the National on the neighboring stage, I moved closer to a better a spot for Arcade Fire. Sounds of “Blood Buzz Ohio” buzzed in my ear, and as much as I like the National, it wasn’t long before their music became exactly that: just a buzz. Their songs started to sound the same, but it might have been that I was just antsy for Arcade Fire to start.

Oh, Arcade Fire. You, with your bajillion members and insane amounts of instruments from accordion to violins to brass and more. Can I join your band?

Before the fest, one of my friends tried to insult the Arcade Fire by calling them, “The indie world’s Coldplay.” In other words, they meant the band was wildly popular, but without any real merit. You have to understand, this same friend is driven crazy by Coldplay’s unwillingness to use more than three chords. After seeing them live, I can attest, that Arcade Fire is not overhyped. They deserve all the attention they get.

While fireworks went off for other headliners and light shows blinded, Arcade Fire settled on a simple video backdrop and relied only on their music to dazzle. They fittingly started with “Ready to Start” and from there it was just one great song after another. Everything was tightly performed with jubilation. For a moment, I forget my painful blisters and just let their complex instrumentations swallow me. Fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end Lollapalooza 2010. Sorry Soundgarden – Arcade Fire is where it was at this year.

Now who’s ready for 2011?

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Be sure to check out the rest of the Lollapalooza 2010 coverage on PopWreckoning.com. More posts and interviews!

Tomorrow, Friday, August 6, Lollapalooza kicks off. Here are our recommendations for Friday survival and fun.

Tip 1: Let’s start things off with the weather. Unlike last year, it is supposed to be sunny all weekend! Yay! However, this means it will also be hot, even with the festival being set up next to the lake. So stay HYDRATED. And as awesome as it is, beer is not a means of hydration. WATER is a must. Fortunately, Lollapalooza, does have water stations set up (you can usually find them by port-a-potty areas). So there’s no excuse for not drinking water. And when you’re done with your plastic bottles or cups, make sure you recycle. Lolla has plenty of recycling stations throughout the park.

Another tip: Sleep. Especially tonight (Thursday) because between the actual fest, stuff to do in Chicago, and after shows, you won’t get much sleep the rest of the weekend.

Tip 3: Show up early. Especially on the first day when they have to put wristbands on. If there’s a band you want to see, it will take awhile to get through the check-in and over to the stage, so don’t plan on seeing a 1 p.m. band showing up at 12:50. It isn’t going to happen. There are two entrances to help people get in Grant Park quickly, but it will still take some time. Also, show up early because there are some great bands that start playing really early in the day. Don’t regret missing These United States at 11:15 a.m. because you were still watching TV at your hotel.

Tip 4: RSVP. There are tons of free events going on after the festival. More great bands, free drinks and more fun. But there’s a catch. A lot of them require RSVPs. So plan your post show fun now and double check if you need to RSVP. There’s some good recommendations on free after events here.

Tip 5: Watch bands you’ve never heard of. Look at the schedule. I’m betting you haven’t heard of quite a few of the bands playing, but go check them out. Did you know that just a few years ago, Lady Gaga played one of the smaller stages during the day? No one really knew who she was then, but now she’s headlining! So go discover someone awesome.

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Five bands to check out each day:

Friday: These United States (11:15 a.m.), Jukebox the Ghost (1:45 p.m.), My Dear Disco (3 p.m.), Devo (4 p.m.), Lady Gaga (8 p.m.)

Saturday: The Morning Benders (12 p.m.), Skybox (12:30 p.m.), Dan Black (3 p.m.), Gogol Bordello (3:45 p.m.) Cut Copy (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday: Health (11:30 a.m.), The Antlers (12:15 p.m.), The Dodos (1 p.m.), Freelance Whales (3 p.m.), Yeasayer (4 p.m.)

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PopWreckoning will be at Lollapalooza! We’ll post our reviews, photos and interviews over the next few days here. For more immediate coverage, follow PopWrecker Bethany on Twitter at twitter.com/glowah.

Usually, Mondays are the worst day of the week. But the sun was shining and by some last minute graces, my schedule cleared just in time to check out the bands playing at one of the most beautiful venues in Lawrence. For once, this was my favorite weekday.

The venue, Liberty Hall, doubles as a movie theatre and because of that construction, it promotes great visibility of the entire stage no matter where you’re located. This attribute would actually be very handy for what was lined up for the stage on this particular evening, one of Canada’s many overly-talented collectives: The New Pornographers.

I arrived just after the start of Imaad Wasif.  I had seen Wasif tour with Yeah Yeah Yeahs way back in the day, but this was my first experience with his solo work. I had been told to expect folk rock, but while I braced for a Dylanesque sound, I think the time with Karen O had pushed Wasif more to just a rock sound. Sure, the guy was on an acoustic guitar, but as he thrashed his wild mane around, and bursted out his raw, edgy vocals, there was no way I could call that anything, but rock. But even that isn’t quite the right genre. Wasif sometimes incorporates nontraditional tunings and tonations, which is cool, but since it isn’t what most ears are used to, it is a bit hard to access at times.

The next act also incorporated some nontraditional sounds, but in contrast to the Wasif, this music was incredibly accessible whether you like rock, classical, pop or some other genre. The trio is riding on that wave of popular NW US, sunshine indie sound with big percussive elements and lots of harmonies that’s making acts like Local Natives garner buzz. And when I say big percussive elements, I mean BIG. Did you know it was possible to bow a vibraphone? Because apparently it is and when you do that, it sounds like playing the glass harmonica. Nearly every song featured some sort of syncopation between the percussionist and the drummer, resulting in every song being upbeat with not much downtown to lose interest. Then the icing of all this was that they actually used dynamics. Like real dynamics! A lot of times, I see a band and they have loud and one louder, but the use of crescendo and decrescendo in a rock band is something I rarely hear. After seeing them live, I think I might have a new CD to take over the car stereo.

Boston‘s “Foreplay” heralded the entrance of our Canadian superstars in the New Pornographers: Dan Bejar (Destroyer and Swan Lake), Kathryn Calder(Immaculate Machine), John Collins (The Evaporators),  Kurt Dahle (Limblifter), Todd Fancey (Fancey), Carl Newman (A.C. Newman), Blaine Thurier, and finally perhaps the most recognizable member, Neko Case. It’s almost unfair to the rest of the bands in the world that that much talent can be in one band together. Almost. I’m just glad I got to see all eight members together on a stage, which has become harder and harder to achieve as each continues to gain individual success (I’m looking at you Neko). As can be expected when you have 8 members on a stage, the show was like a party. With so many people, I was glad to see them keep the stage set up simple; they were accompanied by ‘The New Pornographers’ in dangling lights as the backdrop. The next hour and a half of music was filled with hit after hit song, smiles, alternating group vocals between the three primary singers and occasional fourth and lots of tambourine. One of my favorite moments of the night was when Newman and Case bantered about an upcoming waltz number.

“This might be the greatest waltz time ballad we ever wrote,” said Newman.

“It’s the only waltz time ballad we ever wrote,” retorted Case.

Newman smiled: “So we’re in agreement?”

“That a passive hint that you should waltz. Make love to the dance floor,” said Case.

And as the band began their greatest waltz, sure enough, people coupled up and began dancing. I couldn’t believe how many couples were at this show and the wide variety of them. Apparently, the New Pornographers equals a love fest. I really enjoyed one couple, probably in their 50s, down in the front row take up the band on the waltzing suggestion. It was a lot more tasteful than the significantly younger couple directly in front of me that took the band up on the “make love to the dance floor,” suggestion instead.

Aside from that one disgusting PDA couple threatening to damper my show experience, I couldn’t have asked for a better night. If you want an evening of carefree, happy, indie pop music, this tour is the perfect night out.

The New Pornographers Set List:
Sing Me Spanish Techno
Up in the Dark
Myriad Harbour
Crash Years
The Laws Have Changed
Jackie Dressed in Cobras
Adventures in Solitude
Twin Cinema
Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
Go Places
Jackie
My Rights Versus Yours
Moves
Your Hands (Together)
Use It
Silver Jenny Dollar
Mass Romantic
Bleeding Heart Show
Challengers
Testament to Youth in Verse

Lollapalooza is an intense experience, but a fun one. Should you manage to find energy after already having spent 12 hours listening to music in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park, then it’d be in your best interest to continue the festivities with official Lollapalooza afterparties.

Thursday after shows include Devo with Dirty Projectors, Slightly Stoopid with Collie Buddz, The New Pornographers with The Dodos, The Big Pink with Night Gallery, and Cymbals Eat Guitars with Young Galaxy.

Friday shows include MGMT, Cut Copy with Dragonette, The Walkmen with Warpaint, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros with Freelance Whales, Wild Beasts, and Rogue Wave with Gamble House.

Saturday shows are The National with The Antlers, The Black Keys with the Morning Benders, Minus the Bear with Miniature Tigers, Blitzen Trapper with Avi Buffalo, The Soft Pack with Royal Bangs, Wavves with Harlem, Gogol Bordello, and Precision Guided Musicians featuring Hot Chip (live), Rusko, Steve Porter and more.

Sunday ends with Phoenix with Toro y Moi and HEALTH with Chandeliers.

Tickets for the after shows go onsale Friday, June 25 at 10 a.m. Get them here.

The first day of the second annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park was filled with all of the ingredients you would expect at such a mammoth, eco-conscious festival. Expressions of art in many forms, lots foodie-centric vendors and throngs of music-adoring fans packed the event for three days of music, activism and celebration in a picture-perfect setting.

West Indian Girl
One of the early highlights was the set by West Indian Girl with guest vocalist Miranda Lee Richards. WIG delivered a psychedelic set of dreamy pop to an appreciative SF crowd.

Built To Spill
Often mentioned and praised by other bands throughout the day was the swirling, guitar-driven performance by Built to Spill.

Loop!Station
A San Francisco favorite, Loop!Station played three days in “The Barbary,” a magnificent “venue” brought in from Belgium. The effect of Robin Coomer’s soaring vocals, set atop layered samples and powerful cello from Sam Bass is absolutely mesmerizing.

The Dodos
Displaying their unconventional techniques for the hometown crowd, San Francsico’s The Dodos gained some much-deserved exposure with their opening-day performance.

Silversun Pickups
Often compared to Smashing Pumpkins, Silversun Pickups have built out their own sonic wall of sound. Delivering the most powerful set of the festival, Silversun Pickups brought their familiar “Lazy Eye” and “Swoon” in all of their fuzz-out, screamed-out glory.

The National
The performance by Brooklyn-based The National was filled with well-crafted gems of surprisingly interesting indie pop. A band familiar to San Franciscans from their song “Fake Empire” which was used in the Obama campaign, The National had the crowd won over before they hit the stage.

Incubus
Struggling with some vocal issues, Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd did his best to power through the hit-laden set. The fans were more than happy to fill in the gaps while Boyd nursed his pipes with a Cotes du Rhone.

Tom Jones
In an odd Vegas-meets-the-Bay moment, Tom Jones brought his endearing sing-along show to Golden Gate Park. I wasn’t sure if “It’s Not Unusual” or “She’s a Lady” would resonate with the hipster, boomer and ubiquitous ironic t-shirt-clad festival crowd. Sure enough, Sir Tom had everyone, young and old, dancing and singing right along.

Thievery Corporation
Even exceeding my expectations as a long-time devotee of Thievery Corporation, Rob Garza and Eric Hilton led fans through an amazing spectacle during their performance on Friday night. The opening minutes of the show featured no less than three lead vocalists, a cross-legged Rob Myers on sitar and were followed by one of the most stunning performances of the entire festival. Pearl who?

Check back for days 2 & 3!

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

PopWreck(oning) favorites The Dodos have announced an extension to their summer tour. The duo will hit North America and Europe, including eight different major festivals. Download The Dodos’ first single “Fools” off their latest release Visiter here and watch the video:

Tour Dates:
May 02 - Natural History Museum Los Angeles CA
May 09 – Amoeba San Francisco CA
May 29 – Louisiana Bristol UK
May 30 - Red Room Nottingham UK
Jun 01 – Point Ephemere Paris FR
Jun 02 – Hoxton Bar and Kitchen London UK
Jun 03 – Amersham Arms London UK
Jun 04 – Doornroosje Nijmegen
Jun 06 – 4 AD Diksmuide Belg
Jun 07 – Paradiso Amsterdam
Jun 08 – Magnet Berlin GER
Jun 09 – Luxor Cologne GER
Jun 11 – Night and Day Manchester UK
Jun 12 – Beat Club Glasgow SCOT
Jun 13 – Crawdaddy Dublin UK
Jun 19 – Independent San Francisco CA
Jun 24 – Doug Fir Lounge Portland OR
Jun 25 – KEXP Seattle WA
Jun 25 – Neumo’s Seattle WA
Jun 26 – The Bourbon Vancouver BC
Jun 28 - Sled Island Festival Calgary AL
Jul 02 – The Grove Plaza Boise ID
Jul 04 – Filling Station Bozeman MT
Jul 07 - The Aquarium Fargo ND
Jul 08 – Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis MN
Jul 09 – The Wisconsin Union Madison WI
Jul 11 – Division Ave Arts Cooperative Grand Rapids MI
Jul 19 – Siren Music Festival Brooklyn NY
Jul 20 – Pitchfork Festival Chicago IL
Jul 25 – Capitol Hill Block Party Seattle, WA
Aug 01 – Oya Festival NOR
Aug 08 – Way Out West Festival Gothenburg SWE
Aug 10 – Haldern Festival Haldern GER
Sep 28 – Spiegeltent New York NY
Oct 03 – Dartmouth College Hanover NH
Oct 04 - Pop Montreal La Sala Rossa Montreal
Oct 10 – Earlham University Richmond IN
Oct 17 – Dickenson College Carlisle PA

The Dodos: website | myspace | Visiter review | live review
French Kiss Records: website

The Capitol Hill Block Party is an annual music festival that draws upon and showcases the best indie and underground rock in the US, with a special focus on its Northwest artists. Launched 11 years ago, the Block Party has evolved into one of Seattle’s most anticipated outdoor music festivals. With over 50 bands on 4 stages, great food, and plenty of cheap beer, this is one of the best parties of the summer.
The 2008 Capitol Hill Block Party has already confirmed performances by Vampire Weekend, Les Savy Fav, The Hold Steady, Girl Talk, Chromeo, Kimya Dawson, The Dodos, U.S.E., Jay Reatard, Darker My Love, Akimbo & more!

Check out all these great bands and more on July 25th & 26th in Seattle. According to Seattle Weekly: “This ain’t no burnt-wiener-and-potato-salad kind of block party. No, this one is more like a sweaty, boozy, scaled-down version of Sasquatch, only during the dog days of summer and right in our own backyard…. The Block Party has grown from an endearing street fair to a monster takeover of the now hotter than ever corridor of Pike between 12th Ave all the way down to Broadway.”

Also Confirmed: The Hands, Pwrfl Power, The Builders And The Butchers, Velella Velella, Past Lives, Black Eyes And Neckties, The Physics, Man Plus, Little Party and Bad Business, Champagne Champagne with over 30 more bands and DJ’s to be announced!

Partial proceeds from The Block Party benefit two excellent non-profits: Home Alive, which encourages violence prevention, and The Vera Project, a youth-run, all ages venue and recording studio in Seattle.

Tickets for The Block Party go on sale tomorrow, Friday April 18th,10:00am. The Block Party continues to be one of the least expensive festivals in the country, with tickets only $18 in advance and a 2 day pass for only $34.

Special presale started Tuesday, April 15th…go here — password is BLOCKPARTY
For Advance Tickets: click here for Friday’s show | click here for Saturday’s show | For 2 day Discounted Pass Click here.
Tickets Available at www.ticketswest.com, All Seattle Rudy’s Barber Shops, Select QFC’s, Moe Bar/Neumos Seattle, or charge by phone at 1-800-325-SEAT.

The Capitol Hill Block Party: website | myspace
Home Alive: website
The Vera Project: website | myspace