First off, let me just say we had a great time hanging out this past week in Greer’s Ferry (photos here), Memphis, and Nashville. And even though we saw a fair share of friends and family, our time was so short that we still missed out on a lot of ya. We didn’t even get a chance to see all our friends down at WEVL, which was a real shame. I was even hoping to do a live show, but it was impossible with our tight schedule. I wonder if I would have been still able to work the board?
Anyway, when we got home Friday night, we had our tickets (bought months ago) for this past weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival. And as Apryl reminded me, we have been there since the beginning in `05.
Even though we might have been veterans, it was a hard adjustment being at the festival after a week of being on the road. In fact, we had planned on getting back last Thursday and resting the day before the festival. But when we got the chance to see friends and family in Nashville, we lost our day of rest.
On Saturday, I ventured out to the festival’s grounds at Union Park to catch the very last number from Memphis’ own Jay Reatard. In fact, I would have missed it completely if Apryl hadn’t gotten in the car and dropped me off. She was determined to get a little rest and didn’t come out until early evening. So basically, I got Jay creating a lot of noise to end of his set, followed with a middle finger to the crowd. Okay. The best part was that he was wearing an Oblivians tee shirt. Represent!
Saturday’s highlights definitely belonged to Caribou, !!!, Jarvis Cocker, and an amazing ending set from Animal Collective.
Unlike the first day which was uncharacteristically cool, Sunday was a hot one. I made sure that I got there in time to catch a favorite of mine, The Dirty Projectors. And I’m pleased to say that they didn’t disappoint. For some reason or another, I was surprised to find them so down to earth and just appreciative to be at the festival. During one of their last numbers when their microphones went out for the majority of the song, they continued on without a single complaint. When their microphones were finally brought back up towards the end of the song, the crowd gave out a loud cheer. They ended their set with their cover of Black Flag’s “Rise Up”.
After catching four more acts, I feel asleep for about an hour in the shade as Les Savy Fav rocked out in the background. Highlights on Sunday belonged to The Dirty Projectors, King Khan & the Shrines, M. Ward, and Bon Iver.
And now, a few photos (I stopped taking a lot of photos after year one when I found it impossible to get a high-quality shot from any distance other than the photographers’ pit. If you want to see better quality photos, search “Pitchfork Music Festival” on Flickr.)
Not much to see here, but on that stage with the Flying V is Jay Reatard. Do Memphis proud! Or just flip off the thousands of folks who woke up to come see you. Either one.
England’s Dizzee Rascal just before he started giving the sound engineer a hard time because his monitors weren’t loud enough. It certainly was loud enough for us out in the crowd. The highlight was when he performed his first single (from when he was 19), “Fix Up, Look Sharp”. Still his best song.
Pitchfork or Woodstock `94?
Apryl was very disappointed she missed !!! for the sole reason it meant missing the always enjoyable dance offerings of Nic Offer. Offer, who also fronted the always entertaining electronic, dance group Out Hud, has dance moves that just make you feel better about your own busta moves. But yet, he does them with so much enthusiasm that you can’t help being swept up in the fun.
The very charming and funny Jarvis Cocker.
The Dirty Projectors. I have missed several of their shows in Chicago, so I was really excited to see them. One of the few acts I stood in the hot sun for all weekend.
Another act I stood in the heat for, during at least part of the set, was King Khan & His Shrines. What a nut, but a lot of fun!
M. Ward never ceases to amaze me. Apryl got to the park just around his third song but still managed to catch the large majority of the set. One of the few acts that came on for an encore, which he used to perform his “favorite Daniel Johnston song,” which happens to be “The Story of an Artist”.
Apryl resting her head to the sweet sounds of Bon Iver.
Apryl took this one of me. Proof I was there, I think.
Acts that I listened to at least a few songs from: Jay Reatard (well, one song), Caribou, Fleet Foxes, Dizzee Rascal, The Ruby Suns, Vampire Weekend, !!!, The Hold Steady, Jarvis Cocker, Animal Collective, The Dirty Projectors, Boris, HEALTH, Apples In Stereo, King Khan & the Shrines, Les Savy Fav, The Dodo’s, M. Ward, Spiritualized, Bon Iver, Dinosaur Jr, and Spoon.
As much fun as Pitchfork was, our thoughts certainly were with everyone at Blues on the Bluff. It would have been nice if our schedules had worked out so we could have attended. Despite the sadness, I’m sure it was also a great time for all those overlooking the Mighty Mississip!
