7.08.2006

Previewing the 'Fork Fest, pt. 1

I'm confident about two things concerning his year's Pitchfork Music Festival: 1) it will be overcast with a high of 81; and 2) the lineup is going to kick some serious ass. Here's a quick audio preview for my friends who are going, and (like me) may not be too familiar with all of the bands.

Day One

Opener: Hot Machines
This is the only song I've heard from these Chicagoans. However, they're on In the Red Records, and their offshoot, Miss Alex White, I really dig. I think they'll be a great opener.
Hot Machines - "Tear it Apart"

Chin Up Chin Up
Meh, my indie pop days are over. (Okay, they're not. But I don't really dig these Chicago boys.)
Chin Up Chin Up - "Virginia Don't Drown"

Man Man
They've got a definite thing for Tom Waits and Beefheart. Not sure how this will go over in person.
Man Man - "Van Helsing Boom Box"
Man Man - "I, Manface"

Band of Horses
Sounds like: My Morning Jacket coupled with Christie Front Drive. I like. Could imagine them playing in the middle of a downpour. Actually, I think I'd enjoy that.
Band of Horses - "The Funeral"
Band of Horses - "The First Song"

The Mountain Goats
Two of my old faves from John Darnielle: "And the Chicago Cubs will beat every team in the league. And the Tampa Bay Bucs will make it all the way to January!"
The Mountain Goats - "Cubs in Five"
The Mountain Goats - "The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton"

Destroyer
Woo-hoo! Dan Bejar from Vancouver! Woo-hoo!
Destroyer - "European Oils"
Destroyer - "Priest's Knees"

Art Brut
I could care less about Art Brut. I know, I know -- their live show is supposed to be spectacular. Well, it'll have to be to make up for the fact that I find their songs so boring. (Although they do get bonus points for David Gedge worship.)
Art Brut - "Emily Kane"
Art Brut - "Formed a Band"

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Ted Leo, the new Paul Weller.
Ted Leo - "Me and Mia"
Ted Leo - "Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead"

The Futureheads
I don't know much about these guys. Did I miss the boat? I didn't know they were so influenced by late-'70s Brit punk. By this point in the day the audience's calves are gonna be sore from so much pogo-ing.
The Futureheads - "Help Us Out"
The Futureheads - "He Knows"

The Walkmen
God I love these guys. Hamilton Leithauser will be the best frontman in attendance. More organ!
The Walkmen - "Lost in Boston"
The Walkmen - "The Rat"

Headliner: Silver Jews
Odd choice for a headliner, but considering there will be about 15,000 people at the festival who have never seen David Berman before, I suppose it's a good choice. Let's hope he sticks to the rock, and cross our fingers that Stephen Malkmus makes an appearance.
Silver Jews - "Punks in the Beerlight"
Silver Jews - "Friday Night Fever"

Day 2 coming soon.

2 comments:

greymatter said...

I went to school with The Futureheads in Sunderland, England back in 2001. Great guys, great performers, and great tunes. Their harmonies are stellar.

Anonymous said...

Your blogging skills have made me uncontrollably excited to go now, Doug. Now how do I get that damn Mountain Goats song ???