NAMU FEST

Welp, apparently sometime in the past 2 weeks I have become a Gnarls Barkley fanboy, heh. I ended up seeing them at Lollapalooza even though I didn't plan on it. They happened to be on before Kanye West, and wow I made the correct accidental decision. I've been a fan of Danger Mouse productions for quite some time, but for some reason I always dismissed Gnarls Barkley. Then last weekend they played at the New American Music Union, which was close to the same set, but still amazing. Yet another band that I've learned to appreciate after a live show.

Anyway, my friend still has all my pictures from Lollapalooza on his computer (FAIL). So, I don't know when I will get around to posting those. But, in the meantime, here are some pictures from NAMU-fest (heh, we decided that was easier to say). Unfortunately I forgot my camera for Fridays show, so I don't have any pictures of The Black Keys or The Roots. Having seen The Black Keys I knew what to expect from them, but the Roots, wow... That was some of the best live music I have heard.

Black Mountain's sweeping, epic soundscapes were a pleasant surprise to the festival.

Gnarls Barkley sure is something something else. I've been listening to them constantly since. Not only do Cee-Lo and Danger have great chemistry, but the backing band is excellent as well.

Spoon was great as usual. This time was even more enjoyable with the addition of a brass section.

I listened to The Raconteurs first album Broken Boy Soldiers quite a bit when it came out. For some reason I never got around to listening to the new album Consolers of the Lonely all that much. But all of it sure was impressive. Jack White alone brings so much energy to the stage, throw in the rest of the band and you have a deserving opener for Bob Dylan.

I never thought I would ever get a chance to see Bob Dylan. Although due to aging, his voice has taken on a Tom Waits-esque raspiness, he still puts on quite a show. Although he sticks to vocals/harmonica/keyboards, it is still nice to see one of historys most influencial musicians.

Reviewing Pitchfork's Review of Lolla-Sunday

Pitchfork...

Usually a pretty good source of information in my opinion, but when it comes to reviews my respect dwindles a tad. But then again, I suppose it depends on the person. Regardless, my new least favorite Pitchfork reviewer would have to be Amy Phillips...

My photos from Lollapalooza are still on my buddies computer so I figured I may as well read what Pitchfork (article) has to say about it.

On the topic of the Gnarls Barkley performance:

"...But the party was just not getting started. These "fun" songs felt labored, like everybody was trying too hard..."
-Amy Phillips of Pitchfork

First off, I'm not sure what Gnarls Barkley performance she saw, but the people around me were definitely feeling it. I suppose there is the possibility of her looking solely at the people that were waiting around for Kanye who *didn't* like Gnarls. Regardless, I can pretty much confirm that the people who were actually interested in seeing Gnarls Barkley really enjoyed it. Also, I'm fairly confident that the "trying hard" impression is part of the "prep school uniform" act (see pitchfork photos).

Unfortunatley that isn't the worst part. She goes on to review the Mark Ronson performance. I heard this one from a distance while securing a good spot for Kanye at the Bud Light Stage. I don't hide the fact that Ronson's Version is undoubtedly my favorite album to put on to get liven up the party, nothing hits the spot like those jazzy energetic covers. Needless to say, that made this next quote the nail in the coffin for me, heh.

"...After all that, it was actually a relief when Alex Greenwald of pop-punk band Phantom Planet stormed the stage in true rock star fashion. Though his and Ronson's cover of Radiohead's "Just" is dreadful..."
-Pitchfork

Wow, me and Amy must be polar opposites. That is probably close to, if not, my favorite cover of all time. She also goes on to say...

"...The whole thing was a huge clusterfuck, the music was mostly terrible, and the crowd didn't know the words to songs that might have been huge hits in England, but barely registered here in America..."

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm having a really hard time respecting hers. Needless to say, I'm through reading Pitchfork's coverage of Lollapalooza. I encourage you all to check out this track or go to youtube/AT&T blue room and decide for yourselves.



more to come,
tony