We have plenty of time to digest the lineup over the next couple months, so I'll start by giving my opinion on the top tier, and discuss another couple highlights. Feel free to give your opinion on the lineup (or your opinion on my opinion) in the comments section.
Top Tier: At first glance, this is the only disappointment of the lineup. 2010 was too good to be true, and the headliners (Massive Attack, Ween, My Morning Jacket) were three of the best shows I saw all year. Those headliners, along with Pavement and a stacked undercard, is why so many people living outside of the Pacific NW chose to make Sasquatch 2010 their first. It's also why the festival sold out in record time. That was last year though, so comparing this year's lineup isn't exactly fair. If we must compare the two, this year we get a fourth day to hang out with our friends at one of the biggest/friendliest parties on the planet, discussion over.
It's a bit of a shame Arcade Fire isn't on the lineup. Word is they were in discussions, but something happened at the last minute. Whatever happened occurred within the last two weeks, so the lineup probably looks much different than expected. Does that mean we can expect a giant addition, not really, especially since the festival might be sold out by the time you read this. It would suggest there is some extra money laying around. Death From Above 1979 might have gathered that extra cash, since a month ago, no one knew they were getting back together, and they are a HUGE addition (they weren't on the original poster).
I'm completely down with Wilco, they are a huge draw in the NW, and the Flaming Lips playing the Soft Bulletin is gigantic. I follow the music scene pretty close, and I don't recall the last time they did this album live. It is one of my favorite albums of all time. I'm one of those people who have seen the Lips enough times to think, "maybe I don't need to see them again." I've seen them indoors and outdoors, during daylight and while dark, with the UFO and without, with the hamster ball and without, with naked women on stage and without, but I never thought I'd have a chance to see the Soft Bulletin live. That is THE highlight.
Death Cab For Cutie isn't really my bag, but they also have a huge following in the NW, and the dance tent lineup this year is stacked. Relatively smaller headliners isn't that big of a deal when you have other grand alternatives. I'm somewhat disappointed I've missed so many EDM acts the past two years, because I've spent so much time on the main stage. I've seen some below average Modest Mouse shows (the band I've seen live the most), but the last time I caught them 18 months ago, it was pretty great. And the Foo Fighters might be the second most entertaining main stage act of the weekend (behind the Flaming Lips). I've written much about the Foos on this blog already.
Other highlights include Wolf Parade's first ever last show ever, Rodrigo Y Gabriella (I'm not sure why more people aren't talking about this), Bassnectar, Guided By Voices, Archers of Loaf, and an undercard stacked as usual. Speaking of Guided By Voices, they have not played too many shows since their recent reunion, but I was lucky enough to catch one of them last fall, and wrote a review. It's a fair assessment of what you might expect. I should warn you, I'm very PG-13 on this blog, but I can get a bit adult oriented on the Cog. You'll see what I mean reading the intro of this review. Read it here.
Much more to come over the next couple weeks. I've seen many of the bands on the lineup live, or listened to them extensively, so I have a lot of opinions. In time, I'll see if I can get a mini review of every act on the lineup. However, sometimes it's just really tough to say anything good about certain acts.
What do you think about the lineup?
.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Predictions For Sasquatch 2011 (Guess 50)
Okay, these are just my guesses based on some facts, some probability, a joke, and a lot of hunch/wishlist. It is not, I repeat is not, the actual lineup!
Foo Fighters / Wilco / Death Cab For Cutie / Decemberists / Lil' Wayne / Queens of the Stone Age / Modest Mouse / Cake / Bright Eyes / Ghostland Observatory / Cold War Kids / Empire of the Sun / Kid Sister / Wolf Parade / Janelle Monae / Yeasayer / Atmosphere / Flying Lotus / Chromeo / Iron & Wine / The Go! Team / Sleigh Bells / Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings / Menomena / Matt & Kim / Scissor Sisters / Black Mountain / Twilight Singers / Delta Spirit / Mister Heavenly / The Morning Benders / Matthew Dear / Twin Shadow / Best Coast / Das Racist / Starfucker / Foster The People / Wavves / Wild Flag / Horse Feathers / Viva Voce / The Head & The Heart / The Builders & the Butchers / Mad Rad / Mimicking Birds / Moondoggies / Sharon Van Etten / Wye Oak / Fitz & the Tantrums / CSS
Post your guesses in the comments, if you dare...
Foo Fighters / Wilco / Death Cab For Cutie / Decemberists / Lil' Wayne / Queens of the Stone Age / Modest Mouse / Cake / Bright Eyes / Ghostland Observatory / Cold War Kids / Empire of the Sun / Kid Sister / Wolf Parade / Janelle Monae / Yeasayer / Atmosphere / Flying Lotus / Chromeo / Iron & Wine / The Go! Team / Sleigh Bells / Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings / Menomena / Matt & Kim / Scissor Sisters / Black Mountain / Twilight Singers / Delta Spirit / Mister Heavenly / The Morning Benders / Matthew Dear / Twin Shadow / Best Coast / Das Racist / Starfucker / Foster The People / Wavves / Wild Flag / Horse Feathers / Viva Voce / The Head & The Heart / The Builders & the Butchers / Mad Rad / Mimicking Birds / Moondoggies / Sharon Van Etten / Wye Oak / Fitz & the Tantrums / CSS
Post your guesses in the comments, if you dare...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Lineup To Be Unveiled In Less Than Two Weeks!
More information about the Sasquatch Launch Party is available on the official Sasquatch Site. Todd Barry will host the event. He is funny, and not in the "ironic what the hell is this guy talking about," way, more like, "actual laugh out loud funny." Portland post-punk rockers, the Thermals will also be on the bill. Seattle hip-hop group Mad Rad will open. They are also funny. Shoot, the formerly confirmed Das Racist are funny too. This sounds like a comedic evening (don't LOL at the lineup, however). Tough draw being the same night as the Superbowl.
The show is free, but entrance is based on how early you arrive. If you want to buy a phone, or insurance, or some chips, it might help your cause. The Launch Party is sponsored.
The show is free, but entrance is based on how early you arrive. If you want to buy a phone, or insurance, or some chips, it might help your cause. The Launch Party is sponsored.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sasquatch! 2011 Lineup To Be Released February 6th, At The Second Annual Launch Party
According to Seattle Weekly, the 2011 Sasquatch! Launch Party will take place at Showbox at the Market in Seattle, Sunday, February 6th, where the initial lineup will be unveiled. Also thanks to dildon on the Sasquatch Message Board who pointed out Das Racist will be playing the event, according to the Sasquatch Launch Party Myspace. What appears to have gone unnoticed by the online community is that Das Racist has also confirmed via Myspace they will be playing the actual festival as well, Sunday, May 29th.
By pointing this out, I may be upsetting the twelve of us Sasquatch regulars fanatical about Das Racist, but I am extremely excited they will be on the lineup. They top my short list of up-and-coming acts I need to see live. A lot of you dislike hip hop already, so I don't feel I'm shortchanging the die-hards who want to be on the rail for their performance. I'll speculate a closing set on the Yeti Stage, similar to the slot Why? played last year. Das Racist is playing Primavera the same weekend (May 26th, according to their Myspace), so I wouldn't expect an early show.
By pointing this out, I may be upsetting the twelve of us Sasquatch regulars fanatical about Das Racist, but I am extremely excited they will be on the lineup. They top my short list of up-and-coming acts I need to see live. A lot of you dislike hip hop already, so I don't feel I'm shortchanging the die-hards who want to be on the rail for their performance. I'll speculate a closing set on the Yeti Stage, similar to the slot Why? played last year. Das Racist is playing Primavera the same weekend (May 26th, according to their Myspace), so I wouldn't expect an early show.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year's Hype Machine, Sasquatch 2011
Happy New Year everyone. The last couple weeks have been pretty slow for music news in general, but that is common this time of year. Most of the music industry shuts down during the Holidays.
Last year at this time, we had two confirmations, and three rumors, so we're way ahead this year. With only one month before the lineup is announced (yes, it's only a month away), the rumors should be hot and heavy the next couple weeks. The first full work week in January is when Sasquatch season usually starts. We have a month to speculate about the impending lineup, a month to talk about the released lineup, a month to talk about adds/cancellations, a month to speculate on schedule conflicts, then a month to plan our trip.
Let's take a look at the stronger possibilities:
Confirmed:
Foo Fighters: They are rather fantastic live, so skip them if you must. Chances are, any act playing opposite the Foos can been seen locally for under $15, while the Foos will cost a small fortune. I've already seen them a couple times, but I won't miss them at Sasquatch.
Wolf Parade: In a recent online interview, guitarist Dan Boeckner confirmed the band will be playing Sasquatch. A lot can happen between now and the festival, deals fall through, people get sick, bands cancel, but barring issues, Wolf Parade will be there. Read my review of their recent Portland show here.
Rumored:
Arcade Fire: Sasquatch appeals to Canadians more than any other U.S. Festival. Arcade Fire (who is Canadian if you are new to the band) played Sasquatch as rookies in 2005, and as sub headliners in 2007, so a headliner appearance is overdue. They are playing European Festivals this summer, and heavily rumored to play Coachella, so their musical pulse will be active during Memorial Day. Plus, many of us have attended shows at the Gorge before, and we know it is the best venue in the nation. By the same token, returning acts probably think playing at the Gorge is special.
As for the rumor floating around the Internet that Portishead will be opening for Arcade Fire at festivals this summer, I wouldn't get your hopes up for Sasquatch. Portishead recently made a statement they will not be in the U.S. until this fall, so that hurts their Sasquatch chances immensely.
Best Coast: The name Best Coast refers to the West Coast being the superior of the two, right? Settle down East Coast folks, I didn't name the band. Because of this rumor, I'm predicting other West Coast bands will be on the lineup.
Chromeo: They played a DJ set in 2009, which was a bit of a headscratcher. They later said they hoped they would be back playing their regular show. They were not on the lineup last year, and are still touring in support of their latest album, Business Casual.
Cold War Kids: New album expected near the end of January, and a supporting tour has been announced. Look for them to be making the festival rounds this year, with a return trip to Sasquatch (they were last there in 2008). They opened for Death Cab For Cutie near the end of the previous decade, so this might be hint? Also, One of Janelle Monae's best songs is called, "Cold War," so maybe she'll be there too?
Last year, the Sasquatch crowd exploded more during MGMT's song "Kids," than any single song I've witnessed at Sasquatch. There were even people jumping up and down in Dancing Man's Corner. From that point on, I've been convinced either the Cold War Kids or Kid 'n Play will be at Sasquatch 2011.
Cut Copy: Flying from Australia to Europe/The U.S. and back is not like jumping over a puddle. If they are going to play some shows in the United States, they might as well stick around for a couple months. They are playing the Ultra festival in Miami in late March. If they end up on Coachella's lineup (which could be announced as early as next week), that would increase the likelihood they might stick around to play Saqsquatch. They will be supporting a new album (out in February), so a spring tour with festival dates is already likely.
Foster The People: I have no idea who this is. From the day this rumor surfaced on the Coachella board, I thought it was made up to generate free hype for a friend's band. But hey, I don't know much about the music scene in L.A., and there are bands on the lineup every year that I've never heard of. We can call them this year's Shadow Shadow Shade.
Matt & Kim: Confirmed through twitter. I'm not sure exactly who that Twitter belongs to, but it's still up, and I don't hear anyone denying it. Since 2008, the festival has been at least three days, and has resulted in a peculiar trend; two different persons connected with a variation of the word "and" in their band name appear on the lineup.
2010: She & Him, Tegan and Sara
2009: Arthur & Yu, Dutchess & the Duke
2008: Tegan and Sara, Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Who might be the second? Iron & Wine and Toro Y Moi are each one guy. There is no "and" between Daft and Punk, so that's not going to happen. Guesses?
Twin Shadow: This is straight up 80s music. While M83 also had an 80s sound, they combined it with a modern electronic sound, but I don't hear anything modern in Twin Shadow. I hear Depeche Mode, and although I came up with that comparison on my own, googling "Twin Shadow sounds like Depeche Mode," yields about sixteen million results. That's why his album Forget narrowly missed my top 50 albums of 2010 on the Cog. He is playing Primavera the same weekend, so if he does make the Sasquatch lineup, hopefully there are no signs of fatigue/jet lag.
Wavves: Last year, I jokingly predicted Wavves would be on the lineup because Vetiver was confirmed, and they led the league in Vs. Maybe I have psychic abilities in predicting bands who will be on the lineup the following year? Don't expect Velvet Underground, but what about Viva Voce? They even have 50% more Vs.
If you have any tips, thoughts, likes, dislikes, corrections, or you just want to point out how terrible you think my sense of humor is, include any insight in the comments section below.
Last year at this time, we had two confirmations, and three rumors, so we're way ahead this year. With only one month before the lineup is announced (yes, it's only a month away), the rumors should be hot and heavy the next couple weeks. The first full work week in January is when Sasquatch season usually starts. We have a month to speculate about the impending lineup, a month to talk about the released lineup, a month to talk about adds/cancellations, a month to speculate on schedule conflicts, then a month to plan our trip.
Let's take a look at the stronger possibilities:
Confirmed:
Foo Fighters: They are rather fantastic live, so skip them if you must. Chances are, any act playing opposite the Foos can been seen locally for under $15, while the Foos will cost a small fortune. I've already seen them a couple times, but I won't miss them at Sasquatch.
Wolf Parade: In a recent online interview, guitarist Dan Boeckner confirmed the band will be playing Sasquatch. A lot can happen between now and the festival, deals fall through, people get sick, bands cancel, but barring issues, Wolf Parade will be there. Read my review of their recent Portland show here.
Rumored:
Arcade Fire: Sasquatch appeals to Canadians more than any other U.S. Festival. Arcade Fire (who is Canadian if you are new to the band) played Sasquatch as rookies in 2005, and as sub headliners in 2007, so a headliner appearance is overdue. They are playing European Festivals this summer, and heavily rumored to play Coachella, so their musical pulse will be active during Memorial Day. Plus, many of us have attended shows at the Gorge before, and we know it is the best venue in the nation. By the same token, returning acts probably think playing at the Gorge is special.
As for the rumor floating around the Internet that Portishead will be opening for Arcade Fire at festivals this summer, I wouldn't get your hopes up for Sasquatch. Portishead recently made a statement they will not be in the U.S. until this fall, so that hurts their Sasquatch chances immensely.
Best Coast: The name Best Coast refers to the West Coast being the superior of the two, right? Settle down East Coast folks, I didn't name the band. Because of this rumor, I'm predicting other West Coast bands will be on the lineup.
Chromeo: They played a DJ set in 2009, which was a bit of a headscratcher. They later said they hoped they would be back playing their regular show. They were not on the lineup last year, and are still touring in support of their latest album, Business Casual.
Cold War Kids: New album expected near the end of January, and a supporting tour has been announced. Look for them to be making the festival rounds this year, with a return trip to Sasquatch (they were last there in 2008). They opened for Death Cab For Cutie near the end of the previous decade, so this might be hint? Also, One of Janelle Monae's best songs is called, "Cold War," so maybe she'll be there too?
Last year, the Sasquatch crowd exploded more during MGMT's song "Kids," than any single song I've witnessed at Sasquatch. There were even people jumping up and down in Dancing Man's Corner. From that point on, I've been convinced either the Cold War Kids or Kid 'n Play will be at Sasquatch 2011.
Cut Copy: Flying from Australia to Europe/The U.S. and back is not like jumping over a puddle. If they are going to play some shows in the United States, they might as well stick around for a couple months. They are playing the Ultra festival in Miami in late March. If they end up on Coachella's lineup (which could be announced as early as next week), that would increase the likelihood they might stick around to play Saqsquatch. They will be supporting a new album (out in February), so a spring tour with festival dates is already likely.
Foster The People: I have no idea who this is. From the day this rumor surfaced on the Coachella board, I thought it was made up to generate free hype for a friend's band. But hey, I don't know much about the music scene in L.A., and there are bands on the lineup every year that I've never heard of. We can call them this year's Shadow Shadow Shade.
Matt & Kim: Confirmed through twitter. I'm not sure exactly who that Twitter belongs to, but it's still up, and I don't hear anyone denying it. Since 2008, the festival has been at least three days, and has resulted in a peculiar trend; two different persons connected with a variation of the word "and" in their band name appear on the lineup.
2010: She & Him, Tegan and Sara
2009: Arthur & Yu, Dutchess & the Duke
2008: Tegan and Sara, Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Who might be the second? Iron & Wine and Toro Y Moi are each one guy. There is no "and" between Daft and Punk, so that's not going to happen. Guesses?
Twin Shadow: This is straight up 80s music. While M83 also had an 80s sound, they combined it with a modern electronic sound, but I don't hear anything modern in Twin Shadow. I hear Depeche Mode, and although I came up with that comparison on my own, googling "Twin Shadow sounds like Depeche Mode," yields about sixteen million results. That's why his album Forget narrowly missed my top 50 albums of 2010 on the Cog. He is playing Primavera the same weekend, so if he does make the Sasquatch lineup, hopefully there are no signs of fatigue/jet lag.
Wavves: Last year, I jokingly predicted Wavves would be on the lineup because Vetiver was confirmed, and they led the league in Vs. Maybe I have psychic abilities in predicting bands who will be on the lineup the following year? Don't expect Velvet Underground, but what about Viva Voce? They even have 50% more Vs.
If you have any tips, thoughts, likes, dislikes, corrections, or you just want to point out how terrible you think my sense of humor is, include any insight in the comments section below.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sasquatch 2011 Tickets On Sale Saturday, November 20th! Foo Fighters Headlining
Fourth Day Added:
Sasquatch! 2011 will include a fourth day, with the Foo Fighters headlining Friday's event. The official dates for Sasquatch! 2011 are Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th. The tenth anniversary will be the first time the festival will be four days. Keep in mind they have done a Friday show before, a half day in 2006 with the music starting at 4:00 p.m. There was no camping the night before. (Update: The campground will open Thursday, May 26th, at noon).
Tickets:
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, November 20th, at 10:00 a.m. PST. Four day passes available this weekend for $285, which includes camping (Premium camping and VIP parking will be available as an upgrade, $160 for premium camping, $80 for VIP parking). It won't be like last year when you bought a three day pass, and receive three single day tickets. This year, you get one four day pass, which upon arrival, is exchanged for a four day festival wristband. You obviously can't remove the wristband for the festival's duration. Single day tickets will be available Saturday, February 12th, 2011 for $79.50 per day.
Lineup:
Full lineup will be announced Monday, February 7th, which is a couple weeks earlier than past years. Mark your calenders.
Foo Fighters:
It's hard to believe Dave Grohl has been involved in meaningful rock music for 20 years, fifteen being with the Foo Fighters. What is the drummer for one of the biggest bands in the world supposed to do when the lead singer perishes? Pick up a guitar, play music, and move on. It's easy to say, "I don't like the Foo Fighters, I'd rather see (fill in the blank)." One of the great things about festivals is that you have the option to see a huge draw without having to pay their showcased fees. If you are already going to be there, why not check them out?
If you have listened to any radio over the last fifteen years, you might be surprised how many Foo Fighters songs you know. I can only name four or five off the top of my head, but having seen them a couple years ago, I know I recognized nearly every song they played. They had a stimulating light show, so if nothing else, there's that. Who doesn't remember the pop cultured, "Footos," or how sexy the drummer looks dressed in drag? With the formation of Them Crooked Vultures, and the Sunny Day Real Estate reunion, it's not like the market has been saturated with recent Foo Fighter shows (their last performance was over a year ago).
If you still can't get over the Foo Fighters headlining a night, look at it this way. Yesterday we were speculating who the three headliners would be. Today, we are still speculating who the other three headliners will be. If you hate the Foo Fighters, you can catch another act on the back stage (there hasn't been an unopposed headliner the last couple years). Or you can do what you already had planned for Friday night, get drunk at the campground. You now have three options, where before you had one. It's a win win win situation.
Sasquatch! 2011 will include a fourth day, with the Foo Fighters headlining Friday's event. The official dates for Sasquatch! 2011 are Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th. The tenth anniversary will be the first time the festival will be four days. Keep in mind they have done a Friday show before, a half day in 2006 with the music starting at 4:00 p.m. There was no camping the night before. (Update: The campground will open Thursday, May 26th, at noon).
Tickets:
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, November 20th, at 10:00 a.m. PST. Four day passes available this weekend for $285, which includes camping (Premium camping and VIP parking will be available as an upgrade, $160 for premium camping, $80 for VIP parking). It won't be like last year when you bought a three day pass, and receive three single day tickets. This year, you get one four day pass, which upon arrival, is exchanged for a four day festival wristband. You obviously can't remove the wristband for the festival's duration. Single day tickets will be available Saturday, February 12th, 2011 for $79.50 per day.
Lineup:
Full lineup will be announced Monday, February 7th, which is a couple weeks earlier than past years. Mark your calenders.
Foo Fighters:
It's hard to believe Dave Grohl has been involved in meaningful rock music for 20 years, fifteen being with the Foo Fighters. What is the drummer for one of the biggest bands in the world supposed to do when the lead singer perishes? Pick up a guitar, play music, and move on. It's easy to say, "I don't like the Foo Fighters, I'd rather see (fill in the blank)." One of the great things about festivals is that you have the option to see a huge draw without having to pay their showcased fees. If you are already going to be there, why not check them out?
If you have listened to any radio over the last fifteen years, you might be surprised how many Foo Fighters songs you know. I can only name four or five off the top of my head, but having seen them a couple years ago, I know I recognized nearly every song they played. They had a stimulating light show, so if nothing else, there's that. Who doesn't remember the pop cultured, "Footos," or how sexy the drummer looks dressed in drag? With the formation of Them Crooked Vultures, and the Sunny Day Real Estate reunion, it's not like the market has been saturated with recent Foo Fighter shows (their last performance was over a year ago).
If you still can't get over the Foo Fighters headlining a night, look at it this way. Yesterday we were speculating who the three headliners would be. Today, we are still speculating who the other three headliners will be. If you hate the Foo Fighters, you can catch another act on the back stage (there hasn't been an unopposed headliner the last couple years). Or you can do what you already had planned for Friday night, get drunk at the campground. You now have three options, where before you had one. It's a win win win situation.
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