PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Union Park, Chicago

On thursday night at abouts 12 AM, myself and a few compatriots piled into the Bills Superfan Van (buffalo head above the windshield, PVC pipe field goal post on the hood, and lightning bolts and logos all on the side) to drive the 11ish hours from Rochester to Chicago. It guzzled gas, we ran out of it in Fairview Pennsylvania and called AAA and used Luke's dad's card which is apparently not allowed. We stayed at Roger's house in beautiful Western Springs and his mom was the gracious-est of hostesses. Went to Wrigley Field that afternoon. There's some context.

DAY ONE
After wandering the merch tent during Hot Machines, I made it out to Chicago's own Chin Up Chin Up. There was a modest crowd in attendance at this point. Their live set didn't deviate much from their recorded material. It was well-executed, and "Virginia Don't Drown" was exceptional. If they came to Rochester I would pay the $8 at the Bug Jar to see them. Also at this point the heavens opened and a spot at the front rail opened. I took it and was planted at Main Stage B for a while.

Man Man played Stage A and from afar I chuckled. However, I didn't come to Chicago to chuckle, I came to see great live music. And Band of Horses delivered. Mere feet from Benjamin Bridwell's lap guitar, their set was my personal favorite of Saturday. They were able to recreate their record's sound so well it was eerie. Their soaring, expansive brand of rock is quite at home outside. Bridwell seemed genuinely glad to be playing for me. Oh yeah and the swirling mass of people behind me. "Great Salt Lake" and "Funeral" were religious.

Then the Mountain Goats played Stage A - I probably should have ditched my spot at this point. My mistake. They played "Jenny." Then they played "Source Decay." They paraded the hits - "Cubs in Five" and "No Children" were audible from the other stage. I was so pissed for that 40 minute interval.

Sucka MC Tim Tuten introduced Destroyer with some out-of-context lyrics, which was pretty awkward because it didn't look like he had ran it by Dan Bejar. Then Bejar played some stuff off of his most recent album Destroyer's Rubies and it was pleasant (you can stream a bunch of stuff here). Destroyer's obviously not gonna smash guitars up there. Myself and others were wondering whether his speaking voice is the same as his singing voice, and the answer is a resounding yes. He introduced one song with, "This song is about... ehhhhh." Then I shouted a marriage proposal to him. I wish I was kidding.

Then it was Art Brut at the other stage which the Chicago Tribune really enjoyed but didn't so much appeal to me so I kept my spot for Ted Leo. Ted Leo's next album will be very good. I always forget how much I love guitar rock. This man knows how to put on a show, and though I've seen him live before he is still a delight to watch. "Timorous Me," "Biomusicology," "Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone," and "Ballad of the Sin Eater" all showed up to the party.


During the Walkmen and the Futureheads I did something I hadn't done for long time - eat and/or sat down.

Then the Silver Jews. What a wonderful end to to the night, though we had to leave early to catch the El to the Metra. I did get to here favorites from American Water ("Smith and Jones Forever" and "Random Rules") and from The Tanglewood Numbers ("Punks in the Beerlight" (thats a video) and "Animal Shapes"). My favorite stage banter comment of the night came when David Berman said something to the effect of,"This is one of the most musically literate crowds I've ever played for and I am gonna take this opportunity to say, sorry I think Brian Wilson sucks." I disagree, Brian Wilson is wonderful. But that's not the point now is it. The point is, from long distance under the red lights and with the fan blowing in her hair, his wife/bassist was extremely beautiful. GIRLS WITH INSTRUMENTS ARE PRETTY.

And that concludes my summary of Pitchfork Music Festival Day One. Day Two coming whenever, but expect a post about the Planeteers beforehand.