Memorial Weekend already? Yes, 2010 has flown by thus far, and it’s true everyone’s favorite 3-day indie rock bonanza is back and upon us once again. The line-up for the 9th edition of the fest is a stellar one for anyone who’s been keeping tabs on the indie landscape the last couple of years. Adam Zacks and company certainly have a finger on the pulse, and have booked a strong who’s who of popular indie fare (MGMT, Band of Horses, The xx, The New Pornographers) plus a few welcome surprises as well (Massive Attack, Ween, Public Enemy, and Brad).
In some respects this year’s line-up could be seen as lacking traditional headliners compared to past years where big doggies like The Flaming Lips, Beastie Boys, Bjork, The Cure, and Nine Inch Nails filled the role. I would certainly argue that this year seems like an attempt at creating new “headliners” away from the norm by catapulting a deserving act like My Morning Jacket into the lead role along with the electronic legends Massive Attack, and surprise/slight gamble, Ween, who hold down Monday’s final slot. Festival creator Adam Zacks actually affirmed my suspicions in a recent Seattle Weekly interview:
“I would rather the festival play a role in establishing the headliners of the future and push things forward. Also, I think one of the worst things that can happen to a festival is to become predictable. In my view, that would be the beginning of the end.”
Without the inclusion of typical headliners and the financial restraints associated, it seems the door was wide open for Sasquatch organizers to book 3 full days of top-notch talent, filling in the gaps with even more stellar up and coming acts than usual. Resulting in one of the most well-rounded and solid Sasquatch Festival line-ups since that 2006 barn burner.
I have to be honest though, while Sasquatch Festival in near and dear to my heart as a truly great way to spend the long holiday weekend, I’m really not freaking out about any act in particular this year. Maybe it’s the fact I have seen a large majority of the great bands on this line-up before, but more than likely it’s because most of the bands are as soft as a newborn babies butt. No Danzig? No Party!
Ahhh, who am I kidding? I know exactly what this festival is about after 4 previous trips, and it’ll be a blast. So let’s some talk recommendations and prep for some festival schedule lunacy:
Saturday:
Minus the Bear (2:15pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Not sure why Minus the Bear are playing so early on the first day of the fest, but none-the-less they should get things started off on the right foot. The new record is mediocre at best, but their live show is always fun and truly showcases the kind of musicians these guys really are.
Portugal. The Man (3:00pm – Bigfoot Stage)
I have yet to catch up with P.TM in concert, but have seen a ton of footage showcasing their epic stoner jam sessions though. These guys are a perfect festival act for spacing out in the sun, and swaying to rad vibes. I’m hoping for this to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Brad (3:20pm – Sasquatch Stage)
The first minor schedule conflict of the fest comes relatively early, as Stone Gossard, Shawn Smith, Regan Hagar and friends makes their Sasquatch debut overlapping with P.TM. The new record is great, but hearing “Buttercup” or “The Day Brings” with a cool breeze and that view should make for a special experience.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (4:05pm – Bigfoot Stage)
I recommend this band because I dig their song “Home”. I haven’t had a chance to listen to their record or see them live yet, but love that song and so hoping the performance will be good as well.
The Posies (5:10pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Seattle pop-rock veterans last hurrah, and no better place to see them off.
My Morning Jacket (10:00pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Will no doubt be a festival highlight, and am stoked right now just thinking about just chillin’ out on the hill after a long afternoon of running from stage to stage. Just going to sit back, relax, listening in utter contentment as MMJ fills up the canyons with music made for this venue. Will be awesome!
Other bands on my schedule for Saturday:
Nurses (2:25pm – Yeti Stage)
Broken Social Scene (5:35pm – Sasquatch Stage)
The National (7:00pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Vampire Weekend (8:30pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Nada Surf (9:00pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Sunday:
Langhorne Slim (12:30pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Langhorne Slim is a special cat – a truly engaging songwriter and showman. His brand of punk influenced folk rock can be as lively as it is heartfelt, and I haven’t seen a performance where Slim didn’t leave everything he had plus some on the stage. Always a great time, hoping to make it in early enough to catch him, I certainly suggest you make every effort as well.
The xx (5:50pm – Bigfoot Stage)
I am pretty sure a lot of the festival goers are excited to see this 2010 break out artist. I for one have yet to fully grasp what the big fucking deal is. I get it, I’ve listened to the record a few times, yes it’s stripped down and sometimes catchy pop, but really live? I just don’t see it being all that special. I’m holding out hope for a big AH-HA! moment otherwise see you in the beer garden.
Fruit Bats (7:30pm – Yeti Stage)
I really enjoyed the Fruit Bats 2009 record “The Ruminant Band” especially the infectious title track. Beyond that, this will be the first time seeing these folk rockers live, if that record has any bearing it should be totally enjoyable.
Pavement (8:30pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Can’t say I spent much time which Pavement’s music other than the mid-nineties hits. I did really enjoy Stephen Malkmus’s last Jinks record and he was a definite highlight of the 2008 version of the fest. I happen to keep a mental band bucket list in which I’m constantly marking off bands, especially ones that I missed in their heyday but decide to come back to life. Hence, Pavement will have the proverbial check next to their name on Sunday. I know many people are stoked for the earliest Sasquatch announcement, and if they play “Cut Your Hair” or “Rattled By the Rush” or “Summer Babe” I’ll be happy as well. How many Pavement fans did I just annoy?
Public Enemy (9:45pm – Sasquatch Stage)
A hip-hop group on my list, WTF? Yep, and I’m stoked to see PE once again. The first time was at Smokin’ Grooves ’98 which featured Gangstarr (RIP Guru), a Fergie-less Black Eyes Peas, Wyclef Jean, and Cypress Hill. Fucking killer show, and this will no doubt be the same. I’ll definitely be bobbin’ my head to these hip-hop legends while losing my shit watching a permafried Flava Flav ride around the stage on that stupid bike.
Massive Attack (11:30pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Another bucketlister for me, these guys have had a long critically acclaimed career making electronic music that has never really resonated with me. In recent times, 1998’s Mezzanine has gained my attention, and who can deny that the “House” opening credits tune “Teardrops” isn’t amazing. Massive Attack fans gasp! Yes, I’m stoked to see these guys as well, and am hoping they continue to open my mind to a genre of music that I typically do not gravitate towards.
Other bands on my schedule for Sunday:
Local Natives (1:30pm – Bigfoot Stage)
The Long Winters (2:15pm – Sasquatch Stage)
They Might Be Giants (3:20pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Cymbals Eat Guitars (3:40pm – Yeti Stage)
Vetiver (6:25pm – Yeti Stage)
LCD Soundsystem (7:00pm - Sasquatch Festival)
Dirty Projectors (8:15pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Monday:
Past Lives (1:00pm – Yeti Stage)
Past Lives is of course ex-members of the Blood Brothers, and they released a great record this year entitled “Tapestry of Webs”. While, I’ve seen this band on numerous occasions already each and every time has been better than the previous show. It should prove to be a familiar kick-start to the final day of the festival.
Drive-By-Truckers (3:oopm – Sasquatch Festival)
The best part about festivals and why I love them so is having the opportunity to see bands that would normally not pay to go see otherwise. Sometimes the result gives you a reason to go back for more, but most times it proves an initial gut feeling correct. Hurray for festivals! I’m hoping that the Drive-By-Truckers point me to the latter, as I have heard nothing but good things about their live performance.
Japandroids (5:10pm – Yeti Stage)
These Vancouver B.C. noise addicts are going to shake the crap out of that little Yeti Stage, I mean lighting swinging, amps toppling-- the whole works. These guys make a ton of noise while boasting only a modest line-up of two gentlemen. On RSD2010 they released a 7’ with a cover of Big Black’s “Racer X”, when that song comes better find something sturdy to stand underneath.
No Age (6:15pm – Yeti Stage)
Looks like the Yeti Stage is all about the noise mongers on Monday as Sub Pop’s No Age also get their chance to rock. No Age is readying their new record, so the critically acclaimed duo will no doubt be showcasing a bunch of new material. Let’s hope their recent bloody run-in with bouncers in Portugal won’t hinder their performance too much.
Band of Horses (6:40pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Coming off a recent stint as the direct support of the mighty Pearl Jam as well as the release of their band new record, “Infinite Arms”, BoH is primed to take the big stage. The bands new record has been met with luke warm reviews, but is certainly riding high after being called up to the big leagues joining festival comrades MMJ as PJ support alumni. This is nothing to shake a stick at folks. Every band that has been taken under PJ’s wing has gone on to much bigger things-- just look at the Kings of Leon explosion. While PJ didn’t write “Use Somebody”, they still gave them exposure beyond anything they could have cooked up for themselves.
Ween (9:30pm – Sasquatch Festival)
I’m super stoked for Ween. I was introduced via Dean Ween’s work as part of Josh Homme’s Desert Sessions, and that important friendship eventually lead me to the extremely weird world of Ween. Not sure how this will go over with the Neon Indian fans, but I’m thinking the diehards will stay true and stick it out till the last moments of this year’s fest while the predictable lame-asses file out scratching their heads wishing for Nada Surf redux. This is going to be rad. Bucket List: Check!
Other bands on my schedule for Monday:
Jaguar Love (12:00pm – Bigfoot Stage)
The Temper Trap (1:55pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Quasi (3:25pm – Bigfoot Stage)
Telekinesis (4:05pm – Yeti Stage)
Dr. Dog (4:30pm – Bigfoot Stage)
MGMT (8:05pm – Sasquatch Stage)
Hey Seattle Rock Guy -
ReplyDeleteKikendall and I are going to be there too! Although, we're going to be working and not be checking out the shows as much as I'd like to. I recommend checking out City and Colour on the Bigfoot Stage on Sunday at 4:45. Looks like that time might be open for you.
This is Dallas Green's (from Alexisonfire) solo project and he's really amazing. Hopin to run into you again like Soundgarden!
Thanks for the heads up Noah. I'll check them out, and look out for ya as well. Rock!
ReplyDeleteHey Seattle Rock,
ReplyDeleteThis blog Much better than the Mason on Music's Article in the Seattle Times. I like the idea of this show not becoming so mainstream as stated in your article from the Seattle Weekly. Unpredictable is better than predictable.