The mighty Sasquatch! Festival is going down this weekend at the Gorge. Well, mighty is kind of a stretch since there is a lot of weak indie garbage and weak "hip hop" and weak comedians on the bill but we're talking three days of booking here so shit, I can't really complain. Plus, they got fucking Massive Attack. I, Death Metal Dr. Gonzo, unfortunately will not be attending as I have previous obligations involving distilled or fermented grain beverages, strange vinyl, some galoshes and sweet, sweet vagi- um, never mind that.
Regardless, Capt. Weirdbeard a.k.a. the Vinyl Viking (who will be in attendance) dispatched a message to my laboratory asking if I could shine a light for the SRG faithful to brighten their Sasquatch! experience. Here are my picks:
Brother Ali (Saturday 1310, Sasquatch stage)
Well, damn. I try really hard to avoid talking about hip hop in the house that rock built. Brother Ali is too good to be ignored. His choice of subject matter and production rise far above his peers in a genre competing for new lows. Plus, who doesn't want to watch a blind albino rapper totally kill shit on stage?
Minus the Bear (Saturday 1415, Sasquatch stage)
The new album may not be quite as great as we would have hoped, but it's got a couple catchy numbers and is by no means a reason to write off one of Seattle's most original acts. Minus the Bear always play and sound great - so bet on a sure thing and catch their set.
Patton Oswalt (Saturday 1630, Rumpus-Room - seriously, what the fuck kind of name is that?!)
It's cool that Sasquatch! has opted to include comedy more and more each year. Unfortunately, most of the acts are worth skipping unless you are some complete tool in sandals with your shirt tucked in. Patton Oswalt belongs to a rare breed of comedians that are - get this - actually quite smart and funny.
Cymbals Eat Guitars (Sunday 1540, Bigfoot stage)
I don't know if they are any good, but with a name like that I'm hanging around for at least a beer.
The xx (Sunday 1750, Bigfoot stage)
This is what festival music is all about. Dancy, innovative, fun on whatever drugs you choose and even fun on no drugs at all. Don't think I'm getting down on the festival for not booking any really heavy bands this year (which is, by the way, bullshit) it's just you can only sleep through so many bands that were obviously formed by the members as an attempt (sadly successful) to get laid.
Public Enemy (Sunday 2145, Bigfoot stage)
Finally some balls! Public Enemy is a positive force and have put out some pretty sweet albums. The only thing that all festival goers should hope and pray for is that Flava Flav dies in his trailer or is otherwise incapacitated and unable to perform. Last time I saw PE the crowd was subjected to a fifteen minute rambling, teary story about his kids. No shit.
Massive Attack (Sunday 2215, Sasquatch stage)
If you need an explanation, then you fail me.
Japandroids (Monday 1710, Yeti stage)
A good band, with a cool name. The word "genuine" comes to mind. Nothing Earth-shattering, but nothing that sucks.
Ween (Monday 2130, Sasquatch stage)
I have a long, painful story about why I dislike Ween. A story I will have to share with you when you are older. However, I have recently come to the realization that we must root for Ween, for there are bands far more evil than Ween in the stratosphere. Should you be conscious come Monday night, go root for Ween. Bring extra deodorant, the hippies are going to stink. And for fuck's sake, drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is no joke.
Ween doesn't like you either
ReplyDelete