Blown Away by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

To be honest I never even got around to looking up this group before heading o'er the mountains for what was to be the musical festival of all time. (to date anyway) But, I am soooo glad I made it over to that stage in time to watch Ms. Sharon Jones do her thing. She is so impressive and energy filled and her dancing drives everyone to jump up for a #minidanceparty and I am not excluded. My first thought when I saw her start this song off with that soulful strut was "Grrrrrrl.... I cannot wait to try that at home!" Truly a master of crowd engaging, energy boosting, soul lifting entertainment.

Post Show Rating 4 out of 4

Why Modest Mouse Defined an Era for Me

Ironically, it was 8 years ago that I experienced my first Sasquatch Festival and also the exact weekend I discovered Modest Mouse. Standing in the sweltering patch of yellow grass which was the beer garden but is now the Yeti stage, I stopped to ask a stranger "what is this?!!! Sounds awesome." And that's when I learned it was Modest Mouse and I headed straight to the grassy hill to soak it up. I remember so much about that day... down to the Roxy tee on my back and the boyfriend sitting next to me I would soon depart from.

Now, perched on a damp and windy terrace with a phenomenal stage view, I'm listening to Modest Mouse and finding myself all at once in a state of revelation. I had no clue this was Sasquatch's 10 year reunion and we just sang "Happy Birthday" as Flaming Lips wheeled out a giant fondant cake. Wow. 8 years. I started to think back to where I was 8 years ago and everything that's happened since. I've experienced SO MUCH and as cheesy as it sounds... I feel like a big part of my life started in the next couple months after that show at the Gorge in George in 2003.

While listening to Isaac Brock belt angst-y lyrics I tried to revert back to the state of mind I was in on Memorial Day Weekend, May - 2003. I'd just turned 21 and in the next couple months I was about to really discover a love for indie music, fall in love and lose my heart for the first time, and embark on a new career and education path. I was bright-eyed and fearless... the world was indeed my oyster. I could do anything and be anything but I had no real clue or care as to what that might be. I just knew and trusted it would be.

Now, at 28 I'm finding myself more entrenched in indie music and live shows than ever... but I'm realizing that in the other more important parts of life, I am not as bright-eyed as I once was. The world does not, on some days, feel like my oyster. Maybe it’s just a coming of age and realizing that you don't get to do it all and you cannot control much, if anything. You choose paths and make strides and have to trust you'll get to where you always planned on going. A lot of things that I thought I'd have an "adult" handle on by now are more unsure than ever in my current surroundings. I think John Mayer referred to this as a "Quarter Life Crisis" and maybe that's the gist of it.

When "Float On" kicked on I found myself wanting to be with anyone who knew me during that summer and knew the significance of the band and that song and that season but then, I wasn't even sure who that would be. That song has always carried some weight with me and ties back to a lot of fun times and people and places. Say what you might about the song for whatever reasons you have, but...it won't change what it's always represented to me or the lyrics that will always apply...

"Alright, don't worry even if things end up a bit too heavy - We'll all float on alright".

And that's the point I suppose. As I mature, [gracefully ;)], I'm struggling with maintaining control. I'm frequently overwhelmed and over stimulated and almost emotionally exhausted because I can't keep up with myself. And thankfully, its often because I'm having too much fun. Sometimes it really feels like my life is flashing before my eyes. And am I even watching where it's going? Should I be? Or should I just trust that this is the path and float on?

I'll just go with that for now.

Sasquatch Lineup 25,26,27

#25



Deja Vu! I started downloading some tracks and as I was listening I thought wait... I own this. After some investigation I discovered no, I own Toro y Moi's remixed version of Washed Out's "Feel It All Around". Then I went to youtube and noticed I've actually watched a lot of the fan-made videos done for Washed Out. I think it was one of those "uncle's cousin's mother's neighbor" situationss where you link to a dozen different bands via suggested links on sites. I digest...

Pretty stuff. Reminds me of water and sunshine and carefree adolescence. He (earnest, awesome name btw) makes some beautiful music. While I won't have time to find him atthe festival, I picked this video because the song's comforting and the fan's video is pretty cool too.

Pre-Show Rating - 2.5 out of 4
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#23 White Denim



A friend recommended this a ways back and I dig most of this Texas-born band's stuff. Some get a little intense-garage-punk-esque for me but I can appreciate their ingenuity and am excited to see what they bring to the stage. I'm guessing it will be some hyped up sweaty guitar riffs... sounds good to me. I will be at their Monday afternoon show. I will be hot and exhausted and likely smelly after a long festival camping extravaganza but... there nonetheless.

Pre-Show Rating: 3.5 out of 4


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#24 Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears



Another band my buddy Jeff (also my festival mate) recommended and I didn't make it to. I don't listen to a lot of blues (particularly live) but I'm certain I'll be delivered to this show and pretty certain it will be enjoyable. The band comes from Austin, TX (like every other awesome band that isn't from Seattle apparently) and they've been touring around for a while. I've missed 2 opps to catch them out here so guess I will get my shot. As for the music... mmm guess you gotta be in a blues mood and even then not sure how I feel. I'll let you know.

Rating: 1.5 out of 4

Sasquatch Line-up 22,23,24

#22 Washed Out



Deja Vu! I started downloading some tracks and as I was listening I thought wait... I own this. After some investigation I discovered no, I own Toro y Moi's remixed version of Washed Out's "Feel It All Around". Then I went to youtube and noticed I've actually watched a lot of the fan-made videos done for Washed Out. I think it was one of those "uncle's cousin's mother's neighbor" situationss where you link to a dozen different bands via suggested links on sites. I digest...

Pretty stuff. Reminds me of water and sunshine and carefree adolescence. He (earnest, awesome name btw) makes some beautiful music. While I won't have time to find him atthe festival, I picked this video because the song's comforting and the fan's video is pretty cool too.

Pre-Show Rating - 2.5 out of 4
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#23 White Denim



A friend recommended this a ways back and I dig most of this Texas-born band's stuff. Some get a little intense-garage-punk-esque for me but I can appreciate their ingenuity and am excited to see what they bring to the stage. I'm guessing it will be some hyped up sweaty guitar riffs... sounds good to me. I will be at their Monday afternoon show. I will be hot and exhausted and likely smelly after a long festival camping extravaganza but... there nonetheless.

Pre-Show Rating: 3.5 out of 4


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#24 Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears



Another band my buddy Jeff (also my festival mate) recommended and I didn't make it to. I don't listen to a lot of blues (particularly live) but I'm certain I'll be delivered to this show and pretty certain it will be enjoyable. The band comes from Austin, TX (like every other awesome band that isn't from Seattle apparently) and they've been touring around for a while. I've missed 2 opps to catch them out here so guess I will get my shot. As for the music... mmm guess you gotta be in a blues mood and even then not sure how I feel. I'll let you know.

Rating: 1.5 out of 4

Sasquatch Line-up 19, 20, 21

#19 Givers



This fun little group of buddies from Louisiana are making some bubbly little tunes! I like. Right off the bat. But they've got happy little scores from the start. They inject unique and quirky little beats and sounds and riffs in the best spots. The timing is something that really caught my attention in this video. Hopefully I'll get a chance to watch the little shindig they put on at Sasquatch. I'm excited to see more from this growing band.


Pre-Show Rating - 3 out of 4
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#20 Dan Mangan




I watched this Canadian band headline The Sunset in Ballard recently and was blushing in adoration. Not only is Dan dreamy and eloquent vocally... his emotionally charged lyrics will grab a crowd by their heart strings until you look around and notice you're involuntarily swaying in cheesy unison. I've listened to his vinyl a dozen times now and I'm a fan. Eagerly waiting for new stuff from them. I should add... I even got his mom to sign my LP and she might be a bigger fan than me. ;)


Pre-Show Rating: 4 out of 4


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#21 Gold Panda



I've been working out to this stuff for a while. Really beautiful sounds and so many truly creative elements. Every track takes you somewhere new and leaves you wondering how he even thought to go there in the first place. Don't think I'll get to see them at Sasquatch but will download their new stuff as I stumble across it.

Rating: 3 out of 4

Sasquatch Line-up 16,17,18

#16 Jaill



Eh... fun and catchy little punk-pop guitar riffs but overall I'm bored. Feels like one of those bands that are peppy enough to put on a decent show because their music has that fun-garage-band thing going for them. I didn't find much I'd wanna listen to outside of that. I picked this video because it had the most unique sound compared to most of their stuff. No time for them in my sasquatch schedule this time around... unless you think I'm missing something?



Pre-Show Rating - 1 out of 4
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#17 Cotton Jones



Started with "Somehow Keep It Going" and was intrigued by their tamborine-punctuations and slow-paced harmonies. His vocals are sweet and inviting and thankfully optimistic. The pace of these melodies seem to transport you straight to some peaceful tall-grass field somewhere in the South. The crooning couple make you wanna tap your foot in "Blood Red Sentimental Blues" and I plan on doing just that if I can squeeze them in next Sunday. Good summertime stuff. I picked this video because it was in part a tribute to KEXP (who rock my world) and his wardrobe ensemble (which also rocks). #stunnershades

Pre-Show Rating: 3 out of 4


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#18 The Globes



These boys from Spokompton seem to be getting better with time (judging their stuff from 2009 to their more recent efforts in 2010/2011). Lyrically and vocally lacking in my opinion but they're overall sound seems pleasant enough... Maybe they're growing into something noteworthy. Watching some of their live stuff turned into a bit of a snooze-fest. Sorry boys.

Rating: 1 out of 4

Sasquatch Line-up 13,14,15

#13 Other Lives




I was initially pleased with their instrumentals, how couldn't you be? But when the vocals poured in, I was thankful for their folky, melodic tones and felt the urge to pull up the lyrics to each song. They've got just enough folk-rock intertwined in their instrumental ensemble to keep me interested. This band from Stillwater, Oklahoma has some variety in their songs and I most definitely will find them at Sasquatch.



Pre-Show Rating - 3.5 out of 4
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#14 Basia Bulat



Wait! Did I slip in some Joni Mitchell on accident? LOVE LOVE LOVE her quivery, throaty vocals and the violin pairs well with her vintage 70's style. Basia is one adorable Canadian singer but some of her songs get a little too girly and strained for my taste (ie; Snakes and Ladders) Her swift harp skills are impressive and unique... the fuzzy bears on stage are cheesy... hmm... trying to strip it all away and focus just on her vocals. I'm not sold on this chick yet. Think I might have to find out for myself live. For now, picked this live session that I think shows the energy she brings to her music and showcases her vocals and harp skills well.

Pre-Show Rating: 2 out of 4


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#15 Mad Rad



I was invited to see this Seattle group awhile ago and based on the descripition my buddy gave I didn't think I would be at all interested in their music. Having downloaded some tracks and watched their videos... I must admit: they are interesting. They are unique. They're kinda hard not to listen to and their videos will hold your attention. Still not my style but entertaining to say the least. Chose this video because it made me want to run out and do some Parkour myself. I'd say that I'm not intending to find these guys at the festival but... I'm pretty certain my buddy will insist.

Rating: 2.5 out of 4

Sasquatch Line-up 10, 11, 12

#10 Typhoon



Wow. Scanned a few blogs and reviews of this Oregonian band. Powerfully eloquent lyrics. I love the chorus that is the chorus. "...that most desires are only symptoms of the desire to be someone else" was the first of many lines to grab me, hook. line. sinker. Furthermore- "Songs as personal as these perhaps ought to be burned or buried rather than be paraded before an audience. But there is something transfigurative in playing music with so many close friends--what starts out as a solemn, solitary attempt is turned into something both communal and cathartic. I think we even have fun at times." I can't wait to see it for myself.



Pre-Show Rating - 3.5 out of 4
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#11 Alberta Cross



Man. I love me some soulfuly howling. These guys have my number and I can't wait to find them at the Gorge. I couldn't decide which song to plug in here. This and "Low Man" were two of my favorites. These guys have a Band of Horses type vibe and I dig it. Downloading everything I can find now. I actually feel like I've been waiting for Band of Horses to put this album out. Enchanting guitar riffs, pretty long hair, and passionate vocals. Good. Stuff.

Pre-Show Rating: 4 out of 4


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#12 Mariachi El Bronx



"Hmm... I hope there's actually some mariachi" I dubiously thought to myself. To my pleasant surprise, the first song I downloaded kicked right off with their namesake. Still... I can't help but chuckle warmly when I listen to this stuff from The Bronx. Wish I'd gotten a scoash of this at Fun Fun Fun fest! Kinda like this whimsical, sunny side to what I thought was a band that required I muster more "balls". Wish more bands would have the nerve to experiment with themes like this, for humor's sake alone. But with that being said, I don't plan on downloading any of this. However, some warm weather mariachi music might indeed lure me away from the beer gardens at Sasquatch Fest. We'll see...

Rating: 1 out of 4