Bonnaroo! Couldn't Escape it if I wanted to!

Ever since the morning I have been singing ABBA's "Waterloo" but switching out Waterloo for Bonnaroo because that is the type of quick wit that I am. It's almost time again for the big Bonnaroo festival, an account of which I am sure, and I hope our very own Matty will have for us when he gets back after the big event.  I always go back and forth pretty much every year on going, and maybe I should just bite the bullet sometime, but as I get older being super hot around a LOT of people in the middle of a dust bowl holds less and less appeal for me, even though I miss out on seeing a lot of music. I am fortunate enough to live in and near a place where a lot of bands come around, but still, every year I am floored by the sheer amount of stuff the Matty manages to see. Matt is definitely a Bonnaroo veteran, and at least to me, he seems to do it up right, mixing in seeing a lot of his favorite while also sampling a lot of new stuff, which seems like a pretty great plan, particularly for a music fan such as himself.

The following is (or might be) a fairly no brainer list, but I was going through the lineup for Bonnaroo and in my mind I was like, "Oh, I'd check this, this, or that out" you know, as you do. So I figured why not make this into a post. Just having a blog in general is a pretty self indulgent post, having a blog geared towards Matty, a fellow blogger on here, if he ever needs some sort of tie breaker, seems even more self indulgent but what can you do. And honestly, after he looks at this I am sure he will like, "Duh, dude, I know." But it's Friday before Memorial Day weekend and this place is dead and like Smokey said, "We ain't got shit to do." So let's do this. (Oh and it is a testament to Bonnaroo that partway down their lineup list I had to give up because I didn't recognize any names anymore. I figured those were the bands Matt might check out-some of them-give a yay or nay and I will check them out at some point):

(Oh and a real quick thanks to Asheem of the Enjoy The Static blog for helping me figure out the whole Soundcloud thing.)

Radiohead

I think they are headlining but, duh, yeah see them. I would be more jealous but I am going to see them this Tuesday before this performance, and I very excited about that!



The Beach Boys

So, from what I understand this is a big deal because they finally got Brian Wilson back in the fold? I don't mean to belittle it, because it is a big deal. It's a lot better than the lineup I saw at my first concert on the Groton Sub Base where John Stamos was on drums, that's for sure. I go back and forth on this which, I am sure a lot of people do: On one hand it would be cool to see the old lineup play a bunch of admittedly great songs but then again it's not the 60's (or even 70's anymore)- I would just hope they can pull it off. But I guess you won't know unless you go and see them.


Bon Iver

This won't be the last time I say something like this: I feel like Bon Iver's original sound would be better suited for a darkened theater or club, while his new 80's-ish might sound better in a larger setting. But then again, both might be okay to hear from a distance while trying to relax in the shade, maybe with a burrito


The Avett Brothers

I am putting this here because Matt has been telling me for years about how great they are live, and I have still yet to see them. They seem like no joke and I would most definitely see them if given the opportunity. But also, when they slow things down, they also make music that moves me emotional and may or may not make me cry for real. But who knows?



The Shins

Now if it were ten years ago or whatever the Shins would be a definite, particularly after the one-two punch of Chutes Too Narrow and Oh Inverted World. But now it's basically just James Mercer and a bunch of hired guns. Does that matter? I'm not quite sure, but I do know that I haven't been paying attention to their newest album Port Of Morrow. But the chance to see James Mercer (who I guess is really "The Shins"? The whole thing is so weird) do those old songs, I might take that chance.



Foster The People

I just think they could put on a cool show with a bunch of catchy songs. And sometimes that's all it takes.



Feist

Now that I look at it I am probably basing this most off her album The Reminder which was SO GOOD. I haven't followed her as closely since. But I have seen her live before and she puts on a good show, so, you know, if you happen to be in a bind for something to see, you just might enjoy yourself.


The Roots

The Roots are a seriously good time. Being a live band, they expand out from the hip hop template. Sure there is hip hop, but there is brass hop, a brass band, the last time I saw them they even did a Bob Dylan cover. It's pretty amazing stuff.


Along the same lines I see that Questlove is doing something with a Superjam? I have no idea what that means, but Questlove knows EVERYBODY so this could turn out so be something very special.

Alice Cooper

Hahaha-hey you never know. I mean he busts out those seventies jams and it could be pretty amazing. This one could be a crap shoot. But I guess you could say that about any live show right? I mean back in the day his stage show was wild-maybe he'll bring some of that old magic.


Kenny Rogers

It just depends how amped you are to see "The Gambler" or "Lady" live. It might be a soothing break to take in  Kenny's show while resting up for something else. It also depends on how weirded out you are by his new face.


Black Star

This is obviously very personal, but I would make a point to see Black Star-which consists of Mos Def and Talib Kweli. They put out one of the greatest hip hop albums, to me of all time, and one of the top five albums of the nineties. Again this is very personal, but this would be too good for me to pass up. Plus they put on a pretty great live show.


Danzig Legacy

From what I understand the last time Danzig did this in Austin it wasn't great. But maybe this time would be better? I dunno, personally, the chance to see him rock some Misfits, Sam Hain, and early Danzig stuff might be too great to pass up.


Ludacris

This would come down to a timing thing, but I bet given the opportunity Ludacris could put on a good show. He does have some bangers after all.



Ben Folds Five

There are a LOT of people that are REALLY into Ben Folds. I don't count myself among those people, not that I think he is bad or anything, it just doesn't grab me like it does other people. That being said, if the timing was right (always with the timing) I might just check him out, it's not like it doesn't have the potential to be entertaining, and he seems like a cool guy.


Santigold

This is probably based more on her first record (I'll admit I haven't heard her newer one) But I think the potential for a really great show is there.


Tune-Yards

I am not as into these guys as other people seem to be, but I would like to seem them live to maybe try to understand better what the fuss is all about. Plus they dress like extras from The Road Warrior.



Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Simply put, one of the best live shows around. I am not sure how they will translate in a big festival setting. Probably one of the best old school soul/funk bands around. Sharon Jones as a front woman is incredible, as are the Dap-Kings as her backing band. Would be a great time.


Little Dragon

From what I understand, their live show is fun. It might be something a little bit different as a break


Two Door Cinema Club

Just some good, indie rock n roll


Fitz and the Tantrums

My first look at Fitz and the Tantrums, I was like "Really!?" But you get past the white boy nerddom of of the lead singer, and it it is uncanny how he can lend his voice to some old school-sounding soul music throwback. I hear they are really good live too. I bet it would be so much fun to see them.


Bad Brains

I wish I could recommend this more, but the only way I really could is to offer a time machine to go back and see them play in the late 70's and early 80's. Nowadays you really never know what you are going to get at this point. It pains me to say since they are one of my very favorite bands of all time, but I think it might be safe to say that their best days are beyond them.


GZA performing "Liquid Swords" with Fantomas

Yeah I would definitely find some way to stay up in the middle of the night and see one of hip hop's all time greatest albums performed in full by one of hip hop's luminaries. With a live backing band? Forget it, I would be there in an instant.


Black Lips

The Black Lips have the real potential to put on a crazy, anarchic rock n roll show. It might just be worth checking out.


Battles

You like Ice Cream right? Particularly when it's hot out? Well, who doesn't? These guys do. There's potential for something fun. Even if it's just time to to take a break and soak in what these guys are offering.

The Joy Formidable

For me this would be a must see. I missed seeing them around me because I didn't realize how popular they had become and it sold out. I wish I had been able to see them because they make a righteous noise and, from what I have seen in youtube and what not, put on a hell of a live show.

The Alabama Shakes

Probably one of the newest up and comers, and they seem like no joke, the lead singer belts out tunes like Aretha. They made their name before the album came out with their electric live shows, so it might not be one to pass up.

Kurt Vile 

Good stuff. Especially when you're looking for a break. Maybe in the middle of the day, with some cold water?

Das Racist

I wrote before how it took me a long time to come around on Das Racist, but I eventually did. They could be the next step in the evolution of hip hop or they could fade away. Who knows? But they seem like they could put on a really fun live show, with enough bass to wake you up and maybe give you a cardiac episode.

Delta Spirit

If you find yourself flagging and need a pick me up in spirit, you could do worse.

Mogwai

This, again, might be a band better enjoyed in a dark theater, but considering these guys can also make a righteous noise. I'm not sure about their newer stuff, but their older stuff could blow you away.

The War On Drugs

I would just want to see them live, I think they have the potential for being really fun.

Grouplove

These guys are so fun and infectious on record, that I would hope it would translate into an equally fun and infectious show. I bet they could get the job done.

White Denim

Sort of like the above, they have the potential, I think, for putting on a fun show. Just straight up rocking out.

EMA

She's definitely different than your average pop star or singer-songwriter. She has much more of an edge. I'm not sure if you are gonna want to see her whole set, but if you have the time it might be worth checking out for a song or two.

Here We Go Magic

Their music is okay. BUT if you see them you might be able to hear their story about how they came across John Waters hitchhiking and gave him a ride.

and lastly...

St. Vincent

To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan. BUT it might be nice to find a cool(ish) spot and hang out and use this as some nice background music. if you're lucky they'll be playing as the sun goes down, and that might work out perfectly.

Well, I hope that helps and I hope that was fun to read. 

-Kevin