I know this is way late, but I've been meaning to do this for some time, if that counts for anything. My list is highly personal, its based solely on the music I obsessed over, the cds that were continually in the cd player in the car and on the ipod, the ones I drove my kids crazy with. So without further ado, here is my 'personal' list of the best music of 2009.
10.One Eskimo I first heard this band on XPN and then looked them up on myspace. I listened repeatedly to all their profile songs for days. Something about this band, I can't pinpoint it but I love them. I also love the fact that there are animated adventures to go along with the music. You can't say that about many bands. I put them at #10 for two reasons, because I discovered them late in the year, and I haven't been able to find their cd for purchase which by default cuts down their air time.
9.Bell X1 - Blue Lights on the Runway - another band I first heard on XPN. They're from Ireland, which says a lot, I tend to gravitate toward Irish musicians. This cd is sweet ("this must be what all the fuss is about" - Light Catches Your Face) and edgy ("You're just picking your knickers from your arse" - One Stringed Harp). Favorite songs are , How Your Heart is Wired, and Amelia (about Amelia Earhart). I was lucky enough to catch their show at World Cafe. "Just like flying..."
8.White Rabbits - It's Frightening - percussion heavy band, and yes, heard them on XPN again. I also saw them at a Free At Noon session at World Cafe over the summer. Walked there and back in the hot sun. It was definitely worth it, the band has a energetic stage presence and it was a great set. I regret not seeing them elsewhere in Philly this year, I know of 2 other shows I missed.
7.Swell Season - Strict Joy - This was an album I was anticipating in 2009. Glen Hansard (of The Frames and Ireland) and Marketa Irglova make up the Swell Season. This cd was the follow up to the music from Once, the movie they both starred in together. I loved that music and movie and was not disappointed with Strict Joy. Beautiful, emotional, real music. Paper Cup and Back Broke are two favorites, but it's hard to choose. I love their live show as well. I love seeing Glen live, period. I caught them in October at the Merriam Theater, My friend and I had corner seats next to a huge column, it was like we had our own box seats!
6.Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue - Another highly anticipated album, one that could have gone either way given this is AiC's first album without Layne Staley and after a long break. This is the only artist on this list that I have a long history with. When I listen to this, I am brought back to another time, 'grunge' is alive again and damn, if it isn't still relevant. I like listening to this cd from start to finish, I feel as if 'All Secrets Known' is an ode to Layne and 'Black Gives Way to Blue' is a nod to the present and future. I missed AiC when they came around this year, but I am seeing them twice in March and I can't wait!!
5.Brendan Benson - My Old, Familiar Friend -I've posted about this cd a couple of times in my blog already, so I won't go into much more detail here. I knew Brendan from the Raconteurs, but first heard this cd on, yes, XPN. I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
4.Passion Pit - Manners - By far, the most infectious, upbeat music of my listening year. The Reeling, Sleepyhead, Moths' Wings - I still can't get enough. I caught these guys at Lollapalooza. I was by myself at that point, at the biggest dance party in Grant Park. The kind of music I would not describe myself being a fan of, but I totally am.
3.Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amander Palmer - I love this girl, and her art. She's just the coolest thing on the planet right now. She blogs, she tweets, she acts, she does net parties, and man, can she sing and perform. She is one half of the Dresden Dolls and this was her first solo cd. I've quoted Ampersand throughout the year. Runs in the Family, Have to Drive, Oasis are other stand-outs. The entire cd is wonderful. I'm also in possession of the accompanying dvd of music videos and the piece de resistance, A Collection of Photographic Evidence. I met Amanda in November after her show here in Philly and she signed my book, along with photographer Kyle Cassidy. If there was an artist on this list, I'd like to push on friends, Amanda is it.
2.Kings of Leon- Only by the Night - Closer, Notion, Use Somebody, Sex on Fire. These guys rocked in 2009. They just won a few grammys for this record too. I think one word can sum up why I placed them ahead of Amanda on this list - yum. Let's just say this band satisfies many musical needs. I saw these guys twice this year, once here in Philly, and of course, at Lollapalooza, which was a blast. Only by the Night was on heavy rotation in 2009.
1. Soulsavers - Broken- This is a no-brainer for me since the vocals on this cd are largely performed by my favorite best voice of forever, Mark Lanegan. Another outstanding vocal performance is by Red Ghost, on none other than a Mark Lanegan song, Praying Ground. This is music I connect with on deep levels. No other voice affects me like Mark's does. Besides this cd being my personal #1, meeting Mark after the show in Cleveland in September is probably the most memorable moment of the year for me.
Ok, to sum up, half these cd's are XPN finds. Yes, I am a member. I've seen 8 out of 10 of these artists live. Now that I read this back, I wonder if I misplaced some of these cd's, but I will leave the order as is. That was my first response. I love music. I love wine. And right now, I love snow. I reserve the right to change that feeling tomorrow.
Showing posts with label Lollapalooza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lollapalooza. Show all posts
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Lollapalooza 2008
This past weekend was the eagerly awaited concert event of the year for me. Having been a traveling Lolla veteran of 1992 and 2003 (which I had completely forgotten), this was my first time at Lolla's one-time Chicago destination. I have to admit the Gotham City location added to my excitement.
My plane was delayed out of Philly due to bad storms in Chi-town but all that was forgotten when upon arriving at the airport, Sergio greets me with the amazing news that we get to see The Gutter Twins at a Lolla after party sponsored by Spin Magazine. Once over my disbelief, I couldn't believe my luck! I was going to see The Gutter Twins at a club in Chicago, after a day in the park and for free! I'm exhausted just thinking about how exciting that was.
Ok, so Day 1 started with getting oriented to the CTA (Blue Line!) and the layout of the festival in Grant Park. My music consisted of The Black Keys (rock!), a little bit of Cat Power, The Raconteurs (major rock - I was blown away) and ended with none other than Radiohead!! This was my first time seeing Radiohead and they did not disappoint. Of course the field was huge and I was way in the back but the light show and set list were great, and it was supplemented by fireworks over Lake Michigan, not that the show needed any more atmosphere. Wow. But the night was young.....
The crowds on the streets were insane after the show. All 3 days sold out, so that's 75,000 people let loose in Chicago each night. After wandering around a bit, we found a cab and made our way to Reggie's for the after show. Our names were on the list! Does it Offend You, Yeah? were supposed to do a DJ set but somehow lost their equipment and made do with a CD player. Spin even had free drinks, but they weren't really drinkable. By the time the Gutter Twins took the stage, the club was packed. My second wind had taken hold. Dulli seemed to be in a good mood and the band was real tight. They played several new songs that I'm hoping will be on the forthcoming EP: Feathers, Flow Like a River, and Change Has Come. Mark's voice was intense, I wish I could remember which song it was but at one point, he blew me away more than usual. At the end of the set, I snagged the set list. Yay! After a long ass train ride, we arrived back at our hotel and completely crashed.
Day 2 - I woke with a start. Oh shit, gotta get ready and go see the Gutter Twins again! Sergio and I barely made it to the park for the GT's 2:30 show. I was running across the field when I heard the music start. Why does nothing excite me so much as music? I was talking to a guy at the airport and he referred to his musical obsession as his 'problem'. I'd prefer to call it a 'passion', but really at this point, shouldn't I engage in a more philanthropic pastime? Even in the midst of all this excitement, I can't help the inane pondering.
After the Gutter Twins set we made our way over to Perry's, a dj tent, but we had just received a text that Slash was going to make a special appearance during Perry Farrell's set. After waiting forever, Slash finally showed up but never played a lick because something was wrong with the sound equipment. Apparently Slash and Perry won the kids over on Sunday at Kidzapalooza. After much texting and phone calls, we finally met up with my friend Justin with a chance walk by. He took us over to see Explosions in the Sky, which are a progressive instrumental band that now qualify as the biggest find of the festival for me.
Ok, here's where it starts to get a little hazy, but still totally fun. We hung out at green street for a bit, did some shopping and catching up with Erin. Next up was the Toadies but not before a stop at the bar for some beer and wine. I was feeling no pain. When the Toadies launched into Possum Kingdom, it was all over for me. For years I've said that song was at the top of my 'to do' list, and though its not checked off yet, to hear it live and at Lollapalooza was definitely the next best thing. From there it was directly to Rage. Now I've seen Rage at Coachella 2007 and as insane as that was, Lolla was more so. Zack stopped the show 3 times pleading with the crowd to take steps back and take care of each other. Luckily my altered state of mind provided me with a no-fear mindset. But Sergio and I did bow out of the crowd early - the porta potties were calling my name. (I've finally figured out a way to overcome the gag factor.) Making our way out of the crowd was no easy feat though. The after Rage wind down consisted of a long, fast walk to Navy Pier and tons of grub. Then another long ass walk and long ass train ride before crashing could be commenced.
Day 3 - We decided to take it a little easier today being Day 2 was chock full of constant action and no rest. From a nice spot on a tree covered slope, I took in the Jon Butler Trio and Iron and Wine. From there it was an attempt at Saul Williams, via the Flogging Molly crowd. We eventually settled at Blues Traveler, for a traditional, rocking show. Gnarls Barkley were next and I finally redeemed myself after being lame and tired and missing their set at Coachella 06.
Gnarls were another highlight for me. Surprisingly, they covered Radiohead! Then it was another trek through a tight crowd partying at Girl Talk on the way over to NIN. Trent is calling this tour "Lights in the Sky over North America 2008". And it lived up to its name. I've seen NIN a few times and this was the best. The music, the lights, the sound, the Chicago skyline framing the stage - a perfect way to end the festival. Trent even got a little nostalgic about the first Lollapalooza and all the years that have passed - and then he went right into Hurt - brought me to tears.
Yet again, the night was still young. After resting on the lawn at Millenium Park, we stopped at the fountain to see what all the hooting and hollering was about. People were having tons of fun. The night finally ended after a feast at Miller's and the last long train ride back to the hotel. I had an amazing time. Can't wait till next year!
My plane was delayed out of Philly due to bad storms in Chi-town but all that was forgotten when upon arriving at the airport, Sergio greets me with the amazing news that we get to see The Gutter Twins at a Lolla after party sponsored by Spin Magazine. Once over my disbelief, I couldn't believe my luck! I was going to see The Gutter Twins at a club in Chicago, after a day in the park and for free! I'm exhausted just thinking about how exciting that was.
Ok, so Day 1 started with getting oriented to the CTA (Blue Line!) and the layout of the festival in Grant Park. My music consisted of The Black Keys (rock!), a little bit of Cat Power, The Raconteurs (major rock - I was blown away) and ended with none other than Radiohead!! This was my first time seeing Radiohead and they did not disappoint. Of course the field was huge and I was way in the back but the light show and set list were great, and it was supplemented by fireworks over Lake Michigan, not that the show needed any more atmosphere. Wow. But the night was young.....
The crowds on the streets were insane after the show. All 3 days sold out, so that's 75,000 people let loose in Chicago each night. After wandering around a bit, we found a cab and made our way to Reggie's for the after show. Our names were on the list! Does it Offend You, Yeah? were supposed to do a DJ set but somehow lost their equipment and made do with a CD player. Spin even had free drinks, but they weren't really drinkable. By the time the Gutter Twins took the stage, the club was packed. My second wind had taken hold. Dulli seemed to be in a good mood and the band was real tight. They played several new songs that I'm hoping will be on the forthcoming EP: Feathers, Flow Like a River, and Change Has Come. Mark's voice was intense, I wish I could remember which song it was but at one point, he blew me away more than usual. At the end of the set, I snagged the set list. Yay! After a long ass train ride, we arrived back at our hotel and completely crashed.
Day 2 - I woke with a start. Oh shit, gotta get ready and go see the Gutter Twins again! Sergio and I barely made it to the park for the GT's 2:30 show. I was running across the field when I heard the music start. Why does nothing excite me so much as music? I was talking to a guy at the airport and he referred to his musical obsession as his 'problem'. I'd prefer to call it a 'passion', but really at this point, shouldn't I engage in a more philanthropic pastime? Even in the midst of all this excitement, I can't help the inane pondering.
After the Gutter Twins set we made our way over to Perry's, a dj tent, but we had just received a text that Slash was going to make a special appearance during Perry Farrell's set. After waiting forever, Slash finally showed up but never played a lick because something was wrong with the sound equipment. Apparently Slash and Perry won the kids over on Sunday at Kidzapalooza. After much texting and phone calls, we finally met up with my friend Justin with a chance walk by. He took us over to see Explosions in the Sky, which are a progressive instrumental band that now qualify as the biggest find of the festival for me.
Ok, here's where it starts to get a little hazy, but still totally fun. We hung out at green street for a bit, did some shopping and catching up with Erin. Next up was the Toadies but not before a stop at the bar for some beer and wine. I was feeling no pain. When the Toadies launched into Possum Kingdom, it was all over for me. For years I've said that song was at the top of my 'to do' list, and though its not checked off yet, to hear it live and at Lollapalooza was definitely the next best thing. From there it was directly to Rage. Now I've seen Rage at Coachella 2007 and as insane as that was, Lolla was more so. Zack stopped the show 3 times pleading with the crowd to take steps back and take care of each other. Luckily my altered state of mind provided me with a no-fear mindset. But Sergio and I did bow out of the crowd early - the porta potties were calling my name. (I've finally figured out a way to overcome the gag factor.) Making our way out of the crowd was no easy feat though. The after Rage wind down consisted of a long, fast walk to Navy Pier and tons of grub. Then another long ass walk and long ass train ride before crashing could be commenced.
Day 3 - We decided to take it a little easier today being Day 2 was chock full of constant action and no rest. From a nice spot on a tree covered slope, I took in the Jon Butler Trio and Iron and Wine. From there it was an attempt at Saul Williams, via the Flogging Molly crowd. We eventually settled at Blues Traveler, for a traditional, rocking show. Gnarls Barkley were next and I finally redeemed myself after being lame and tired and missing their set at Coachella 06.
Gnarls were another highlight for me. Surprisingly, they covered Radiohead! Then it was another trek through a tight crowd partying at Girl Talk on the way over to NIN. Trent is calling this tour "Lights in the Sky over North America 2008". And it lived up to its name. I've seen NIN a few times and this was the best. The music, the lights, the sound, the Chicago skyline framing the stage - a perfect way to end the festival. Trent even got a little nostalgic about the first Lollapalooza and all the years that have passed - and then he went right into Hurt - brought me to tears.
Yet again, the night was still young. After resting on the lawn at Millenium Park, we stopped at the fountain to see what all the hooting and hollering was about. People were having tons of fun. The night finally ended after a feast at Miller's and the last long train ride back to the hotel. I had an amazing time. Can't wait till next year!
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