3G issues put a damper on liveblogging day one of Lollapalooza, so before I head out to catch Arctic Monkeys, Ben Harper and more, a few quick thoughts on yesterday.
Best Throwback Act: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears: I previously only knew Black Joe Lewis from his song "Bitch I Love You" which was featured in
Esquire's 50
Best New Songs of 2009 in it's March issue. His brand of throwback, country-fried funk and blues was spot on yesterday, and a great start to the day.
Most Bender-Inspiring Lead Vocals: The Heartless Bastards: Unfortunately I was stuck trying to decide between The Heartless Bastards and Bon Iver. I compromised, leaving after Erika Wennerstrom electrified the crowds with just a few songs. Wennerstrom's voice is like a rougher, more damaged Karen Oh that will make your hair stand on end.
Best Audience Banter: The Fleet Foxes: This was the second time seeing Fleet Foxes and an entirely different experience from the intimate concert hall venue at Palace of Fine Arts in SF. The Fleet Foxes adjusted their act perfectly to fit the festival mood. At the same time one of the highlights of boths shows was the Fleet Foxes' funny, self-deprecating conversations with each other and the audience.
Worst Audience Banter: The Gaslight Anthem: Although I'm kind of a fan of these New Brunswick guys, they proved they weren't quite ready for the big time with their awkward audience interactions which included a lame attempt at showing knowledge of Chicago history (Wasn't one of Capone's guys at the Congress Hotel? That's scary.) and a comment on the efficiency of the Lolla organizers that unintentionally evoked Nazi Germany.
Most Self-Indulgent Set: The Decemberists: I've heard that The Decemberists complete performance of
Hazards of Love was a hit at SXSW, but on the Budweiser Stage at Lolla, it just hit the wrong notes. When The Decemberists are good, they're
good, but when they're bad, they're real bad.
Worst Weather: Nonstop Rain: It finally let up when Andrew Bird came out, but during the hour wait between Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, my spirits definitely hit a low. It was a dark time...
Day 2 highlights should include Los Campesinos, Arctic Monkeys, Santigold, TV on the Radio, Ben Harper and the Relentless7 and um, Tool.
