My Top 10 Bands For Pitchfork
As the years have gone on the chances of me receiving daily mail from the AARP have increased. In fact, it’s very problematic that AARP thinks that targeting a 30-Something sweet short (and graying) haired boy.
There however, is always time for a little rock and roll. Better yet, go to a festival riddled with hipsters. Last year I went to one of the days of Pitchfork and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to go to the entire weekend. For the money, the value, and the fact it does not “Feel” corporate, I can appreciate it.
Figure that when you go to a festival, you start having to create priority lists of what are the most prominent acts that you “Need” to see and then go from there. Here is my list for the 3 day Pitchfork Festival that is starting tomorrow.
- Yo La Tengo – It’s been about 10 years since I got into them and over that time I have always appreciated their integrity. If started a band, I would say, ‘I want to do it like Yo La Tengo”.
- Grizzly Bear – Their new album is far and away one of the best new albums of this decade. It will be exciting to see them live.
- Jesus Lizard – First hometown show in over a decade plus fans write the setlist. This should get pretty crazy!
- Women – I have really been listening to their album quite a bit lately and might have to make some changes to my 2008 Best of List.
- The National – I thought that they stole the show when I saw them open up for R.E.M. last year. Given the Saturday headlining slot, I am excited to see what they will pull off.
- The Flaming Lips – First the set was fans choice, then it wasn’t and now it is. Question will be whether the fans are “Pink Robots” fans or are they going to want the Lips to play some of their older songs?
- Blitzen Trapper – Last years album ‘Furr’ is truly one of those great “crossover” albums that can be appreciated by fans of many different genres.
- Wavves – I love them actually but I am curious as to how this will all play out. Nathan Williams self-destructed in
Spain recently and now just this past week broke his wrist skateboarding. -
Beirut – Never seen Zach Condon live, but love their music. I think this could be a lot of fun if really done the right way. - Pains of Being Pure at Heart – There is a lot of Shoegaze being featured at this years show and this is another good up-and-coming band with a bit of sugar added to their sound.
Biggest Game Time Decision
Japandroids vs. Walkmen – True it is the Walkmen but I am currently leaning towards the Japandroids as they seem much more exciting at this point.