Well, I’m back, and had a great time. One night with friends in Denver, then off to CA for Coachella. We had a great time.
The weather was perfect. We really couldn’t have asked for better weather. Mid-80’s during the day, and perfect at night. We spent our nights drinking beer by the hot tub. It was beautiful.
Highlights from the show:
Saturday:
Saturday was kind of slow. They put most of the bands I was most excited to see on Sunday. Started out the day with M83. Traffic was awful getting in, so I unfortunately missed most of their set, but what I saw was great.
Checked out MF Doom, and went on to the highlights of the day, Four Tet and Sage Francis. Four Tet was great, just ’cause I love him. He was much more experimental than on the records, mixing recognizable songs with what appeared to be just live jamming. Sage Francis was my big surprise for the weekend, as I had never heard him before, and he was absolutely incredible. Only caught the second half of his set, but it was amazing.
Ended the day with Bauhaus and Fantômas. Bauhaus played “Rose Garden Funeral of Sores.” Wait, let me say that again: Bauhaus played “Rose Garden Funeral of Sores.” Wow. Peter Murphy ended the show by saying “Now you can all say you were there”… A hint that this may be their last show? Possibly… Fantômas was great, entertaining, and painful, as they should be.
Sunday:
This was the busy day, spent running from one set the the next, sometimes missing beginnings or endings. Those of you who know me I’m sure are wondering what I thought of New Order: They were great. They opened with “Atmosphere,” which just about made my heart stop. As far as Joy Division songs, they played “Atmosphere,” “Transmission” and “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” “Blue Monday” was played pretty straight forward (read: traditional style, not dance remix style), with the addition of a Kylie Minogue sample. Barney Sumner looked like he was in a miserable mood the whole set (he had apparently injured his foot a few days prior), but his expression noticeably changed during “Blue Monday,” a song about Ian. All my friends and I read his expression as one of depression, hurt and anger. It seemed pretty clear that he’s still not over Ian, and understandably so. This May 18 is the 25th anniversary of Ian’s suicide, and with them in the press with a new album and tour, this has been brought up a lot — so I’m sure it’s on his mind. But from my perspective as a long-time Joy Division worshiper, that was very interesting to see. It made the whole thing very real.
Without question, though, the highlight of the whole weekend was The Arcade Fire. They stole the show, and upstaged every other band there. (Their scheduling, however, caused me to miss Gang of Four.) They were so into it - just having fun on stage, messing around with each other. I can’t even really describe it. Just imagine a big group of friends having a great time together, but playing incredible music. They crowd was into it as well, so that was great. If you haven’t seen them, you must. They were incredible — one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Nine Inch Nails was, well, still Nine Inch Nails.
So I had a great weekend. Made some new friends from Canada, and had a great time with them. (Hope you made it home allright, Michelle!) Met some 19-year-olds at the hotel who in their drunken haze stole my friend’s shoes and shirt and my cigarettes and lighter, but later gave them back.
Overall, had a great weekend!
clint said:
glad arcade fire sealed it, that would be who I would want to see, at least from the lineup you mentioned….
will be interested to talk to you about the fantomas show, I think they are way overrated….. I’m more of a bungle type….
did you bring trent his subway advert and have him sign it?
Visit clint