Outside Lands 2013 -- Day 2 Reviewed

Am here in San Francisco at Outside Lands, the major 3-day music festival in Golden Gate Park, where the music is hot, but the weather is cold, cold, cold (note to self -- LAYER!).  My last Outside Lands was two years back, and the footprint and layout is essentially the same.  Producer Superfly has it all dialed-in.  Well-oiled machine.  Here are some observations about day 2:

(1) MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS -- for me, Grizzly Bear, Baauer and Youth Lagoon (in that order).  Have never seen Grizzly Bear before, glad I did.  They sound as good live as they do recorded.  In some ways -- particularly how they carry themselves on stage -- they remind me of Yeasayer (although their music is very different).  Impressive.  Baauer?  Why Baauer?  The energy of course.  Even though he spun in the afternoon -- in fully daylight -- and even though he spun on the second smaller stage -- his set was engaging and thumping.  There is no denying the power of EDM (as we saw at Coachella this past Spring when EDM stole the show).  Outside Lands sprinkles it in, but still stays true to rock and roll first and foremost (although Kaskade closes out the second stage tonight).  And, finally, Youth Lagoon.  Obviously indie -- and not for everyone.  But, I listen to the band all the time in my early mornings and late nights.  Really like the vibe.  Problem is that he/they sound quite a bit better recorded than live.

(2) VENUE/TRANSPORTATION -- so long as you know where to enter the park, it is relatively user-friendly.  Trouble is, I didn't.  So, we walked literally around the park for one hour to find our entrance.  But, on the flip-side, we took the light rail Muni to get to the park (although we took the wrong stop).  Was easy.  Was cost-effective ($4 for round-trip!).  Certainly beats taking a cab (although we took Uber in the night to return -- exorbitant rates in the evening, by the way).

(3) VIP TENT -- Outside Land's main VIP area shows Coachella how it's done.  Love hanging out in this VIP tent for many reasons -- not crowded, easy drinks, easy restrooms, beautiful, and plenty of shelter during the inevitable Golden Gate Park cold and drizzle.

So, what do I look forward to today?  FOALS!  Saw them at Coachella, loved 'em at Coachella.  This is a great band -- with an eclectic sound (ranging from full out driving rock to light/quirky dance).  Who else?  Vampire Weekend of course (this will be about the 4th time I see this band -- also saw them most recently at Coachella this past Spring).  If you haven't seen the band, go see them.  They are the real deal absolutely.  Kaskade -- closing out the second stage in the dark tonight -- is a must for me.  I want to see and feel the music.  Biggest curve-ball for the day?  The late afternoon set by Hall & Oates.  "Abandoned Luncheonette" was one of the first albums I listened to as a kid (thanks to my big sister).

Will try to also squeeze in the Chili Peppers ...