Ok, so I realize this didn’t exactly hit the presses anytime yesterday, but really–a lot happened, and we didn’t want to miss anything, and by the time the day was done, I literally passed out with my laptop on my stomach trying to write it all up, so please forgive me. I caught pieces of incredible sets by the Walkmen, Fences, the Avett Brothers, TV on the Radio, the Dodos, Nine Inch Nails, M83, Natile Portman’s Shaved Head, and Of Montreal. Here are some highlights:
The Walkmen:
The crowd was excited to see the Walkmen, who debuted several new songs during their set, but it was their hits from their three albums that really got everyone riled up and jumping around. With the sun blasting full-tilt, the east coast favorites delivered. It was at this point that I realized I was so hungry that I had to pause for a food break. One $8 5-inch pizza and another $8 foot-long “colossal dog” later, I was ready for more music.
TV on the Radio:
I got the feeling that this band was one of the reasons a lot of people came to the festival in general, and you could see why. Their catchy melodies, coupled with their complex harmonies and unique songs made for a memorable set, that the sardine-stacked main stage crowd ate up like so many cinnamon coated elephant ears.
M83:
Jeff and I discussed it, and it was unanimous. M83 wins the sexiest band at Sasquatch award (Jeff adds, “There wasn’t a lot of competition.”). Performing as a 3 piece, they, along with the crowd, challenged the heat and setting sun with thier cool, chilled-out, synth-driven songs, that felt like a wash of cool water over everyone. That, and they both looked incredibly sexy.
The Dodos:
Though I didn’t catch their whole set (they played at the same time as M83), these guys were relentless. The drummer’s physicality was tangible, and the fans were cheering for encores after they were finished.
Of Montreal:
Somehow, Jeff and I ended up on stage with Of Montreal. It all happened kind of fast, but we were asked to “act” as part of their set. We were supposed to be tourists being led on a guided tour by a guy in a naked suit with a tiger head. Then we were supposed to be frozen in fright, at which point we were posed by a guy in drag who came in carrying another naked suit tiger headed guy, this one bloodied. There were karate moves, glitter, and then we left the stage. A very odd experience that seems like it could only happen during an Of Montreal show. Here’s Jeff right before we went on stage (sorry, Jeff!):
and here’s a shot I took while on stage–we were actually supposed to take pictures, being tourists and all.
I ended the evening with a little bit of Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head and then caught the tail end of Nine Inch Nails’ set. He ended with “Head Like A Hole,” one of his first singles from Pretty Hate Machine, and it was pretty great.
Jeff and I both just couldn’t take it anymore, so we left before Jane’s Addiction took the stage, but could hear the beginnings of their set while we looked for my car in the sea of vehicles parked in the adjoining field. Today is a new day, and we’ll try to bring you updates throughout the day.
–Alan Wiley
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