this stuff may not all be new, but i like it. you might like it too.
Okay, okay, okay. I’ve been getting tweets, texts and emails asking about my thoughts on the announced lineup. I figured I’d get something up for all of you rabid Pacific Northwest music nerds. Sasquatch Launch Party went down in Seattle on Sunday night, and their big expanded 10th birthday bash is hurtling toward us at the speed of sound.
You get your tickets yet? Me neither. But I will! I promise. This will be my 3rd Sasquatch trip. I didn’t feel 2010 was as strong as my first Sasquatch experience in 2009, but perhaps that has a lot to do with the novelty of my first time at the Gorge, how many more people joined us on the trip, etc. The festival was pretty tough to beat though, with TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes, Mos Def, St. Vincent, Erykah Badu, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santogold, Grizzly Bear, King Khan and the Shrines, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (now Brite Futures)… Zach Galifianakis… I could go on and on. :) But to be fair, 2010 was great too, and this looks to be great again in 2011. Nothing “TV-on-the-Radio-great”, but good.
It looks like the comedy aspect of the festival seems to still have holes in it. At least I hope that’s the case. Trailer Park Boys? Meh.
Before I get too gung-ho (am I supposed to hyphenate that?) on who’s my favourite, and who’s not, let me give you a link to the full lineup. Go to the official Sasquatch Festival site.
First thing’s first, let’s talk about who I can’t wait to see. This is a long list:
- Bright Eyes
- Local Natives
- Wolf Parade
- Aloe Blacc
- Modest Mouse
- Death From Above 1979
- Bonobo
- Major Lazer
- Cold War Kids
- Wilco
- Deerhunter
- Matt & Kim
- MSTRKRFT
- Ratatat
- White Denim
- The Antlers
- The Bronx
- Washed Out
- Basia Bulat
- Best Coast
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Second, how about who I can’t wait to see AGAIN:
- Black Mountain
- The Flaming Lips
- Yeasayer
- Death Cab for Cutie
- Surfer Blood
- Beach House
- Chromeo
- The Drums
- Sleigh Bells
Artists I’ve heard good things about, but haven’t listened to much of yet:
- GAYNGS
- !!!
- Flying Lotus
- Tokyo Police Club
- Mad Rad
- Twin Shadow
- Gold Panda
- CSS
Who I’m not super keen on, but we’ll see:
- Foo Fighters (not sure they fit the feel of the festival, and do they still bring it?)
- K-os (seen him 3x already, and I haven’t really gotten behind his new stuff)
- Sam Roberts Band (saw him twice at festivals, not my favourite)
- The Decemberists (the new album is mediocre at best)
- City and Colour (girls seem to get this more than I do)
- Iron & Wine (see above - though I’ve only heard a couple songs, years ago)
- Das Racist (I have Sit Down, Man.. just never seem to get into it)
- Flogging Molly (another odd pick that doesn’t really fit in my mind)
- Bassnectar (not my scene)
Artists I realistically wish were on the roster (are you listening, Rifflandia? haha):
- Janelle Monae
- Lupe Fiasco
- Lauryn Hill
- MNDR
- The Cave Singers
- Darwin Deez
- The Knife
- Blue Scholars
- Lightning Dust
- Common Market
- Destroyer
- Toro Y Moi
- Cut Copy
- Beach Fossils
- Mogwai
- Small Black
- Little Dragon
- Omar Rodruiguez-Lopez
- Future Islands
If I haven’t mentioned a band, it’s likely because I haven’t heard much of them yet. I’m doing my best to get caught up. There you have it, an average read about an above average weekend.
Well, tomorrow’s Friday, and I’m doing the same thing all of you are probably doing - going to the Ukrainian Cultural Center for their world famous “Ukrainian Supper”, then heading down to Lucky Bar to see Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party.
First thing’s first… the dinner. What’s it all about, you ask? Well, it’s a beastly cafeteria-style pierogie dinner. It’s insanely busy, parking is impossible, the waits are long, seating is scarce, it isn’t cheap, and the food is average, sure. But who cares? It’s dynamite.
Then, mega funtimes. TLGLTP is for real, get out and see them. I’m not even sure if you can buy recordings of their music anywhere… they did have an EP at one point, and I heard things of an LP to be recorded, but I haven’t seen much of either online. But maybe that’s on purpose, as there’s no substitute for seeing these characters put on a show in person. It’s something from a dream. Like, if David Bowie’s “Starman”, after wanting to meet us for all these years but fearing he’d blow our minds, finally just gave in and rocked our shoes and socks off.
Here’s a sample of what you’re in for:
This is not a very accurate representation of their live set at all (aside from their getup), but it does show how good they are:
Tickets are $17 at Ditch. Go already.
Or, you could just stay in and rent A League of Their Own. “May our balls be plentiful.”
Still reading? Geez. Well, if you have a minute, go check out their Wikipedia page. Ridiculous. According to Wikipedia, they’ve received shout-outs from the Wall Street Journal, and their band’s featured instrument is the “skin flute”. Nice, guys. Real nice.
Hey there, my fellow Victorians. I’m super late in getting this out, yes. Also, there’s not much to talk about. Shame. There are a few highlights though, and here they are.
Keep an eye on these posts by clicking the #Victoria tags when you see them, or using the nav menu on the left. This isn’t rocket science. Let me know if I’m overlooking something good, and be sure to check back occasionally for updates.
NOTE: Sasquatch 2011 tickets are on sale! It has been expanded to 4 days, in celebration of their 10th anniversary. Stay tuned for the lineup!
Yep, it’s that quiet over here. That’s it, sorry. Eye up the Vancouver/Seattle updates and get over there for some good stuff. Did I miss anything?
Hey neighbours! What’s up in our city music wise, you ask? Well, as usual, our lineup sorely lacks in comparison to the happenings across the water in Vancouver and especially Seattle, but there’s a few things I’ll give you the heads up on.
Keep an eye on these posts by clicking the #Victoria tags when you see them, or using the nav menu on the left. This isn’t rocket science.
Anyway, here’s my take on what’s hip, based on my tastes and music knowledge. Let me know if I’m overlooking something good.
NOTE: Sasquatch 2011 tickets are on sale! It has been expanded to 4 days, in celebration of their 10th anniversary. Stay tuned for the lineup!
Be sure to check back for updates!
Yep, it’s that quiet over here. That’s it, sorry. Eye up the Vancouver/Seattle updates and get over there for some good stuff. Did I miss anything?
Victoria, home sweet home. Typically a sleepy hollow in terms of concert happenings, given the ferry and such. But every now and then we get treated. Here’s what’s good. Keep your eye on these posts easily enough by clicking on the #Victoria tag. Simple (see the nav menu on the left? Yep, that’s the one).
Yawn… Not a very exciting month. I guess Rifflandia can’t be extended through the end of November. Shame really.
These may ultimately end up being weeky posts, but I’m taking baby steps here, so for now it’s likely just going to be monthly.
Be sure to check back for updates!
Not sure if you guys read much from Stereogum, but I caught a blurb on there today about Calgary’s avant-garde band “Women” playing a show here in Victoria this weekend at Lucky Bar. Apparently two of the members (who are brothers, it turns out) ended up getting in a fist fight, during the set. Crazy. The guitarist walked out, then came back, then criticized the band for screwing up, then the band left, and he refused to leave the stage, playing solo for awhile. Apparently he also smashed one of his band mates’ guitars. Sounds like chaos. Read more over at Stereogum.
Anyhow, here’s a sample of their work. A video for “Locust Valley.”
