Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 1 -- A Review

Glorious first day at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco yesterday.  This is my third -- and, where the previous 2 were cloudy/drizzly/cold (frigid, actually), yesterday’s day 1 was absolutely glorious.  Sun and warmth all day.  Clear skies and full moon all night.  Magical.

And, the music matched the mood with its own magic.

My wife, Luisa, and two kids (Hunter, 14 and Luca, 11) joined me this time -- and the magic for me was magnified by watching their first-ever mega-festival experience through their eyes.  I am a music guy -- always have been, always will be.  And, so are my kids.  They apparently inherited or absorbed this passion (nature? nurture?) and know their stuff.  They know it deeply (and I’m not talking pop music here).  And, we strategized together on who to see on Day 1.  Lots of debate.  Lots of compromise.

Here is a quick “hit list” of who we saw -- and how they did -- in order of appearance:

(1) Aer -- Twin Peaks stage (the second biggest stage) -- started the day with this upbeat and somewhat Sublime-like band from Boston best known for their song “Says She Loves Me” (you know it); perfect for a sunny day (beach, poolside); certainly no Sublime, but enjoyable and energetic; I liked them, so did Luca; Luisa and Hunter not so much.  Must be a guy thing.

(2) Phosphorescent -- Sutro stage (third largest) -- this seemingly mellow band (I know them best for “Song or Zula”) actually rocked harder than one would think.  Pleasant enough.  Worth a “drive by."  But not for the entire set when there is so much else to see.

(3) Holy Ghost! -- Main stage -- staying true to our eclectic ways, we next saw this electronic band; high expectations, very disappointing results.  No energy.  After a few songs, we were out.  Too many alternatives better on this day, especially ...

(4) Warpaint -- Twin Peaks ... especially when Warpaint was playing at the same time.  This 4 piece atmospheric rock band was a highlight of the day, and was definitely the right move (instead of Holy Ghost!).  I have liked this band for years -- have seen them several times (including a great set a couple years back on the one-and-done S.S. Coachella, and a not-so-great set this past Coachella).  This time they were “on”, which was especially surprising to me on this sunny day when their music is haunting and dark.  Great set -- magnified by the fact that my two kids met one of the two lead singers afterwards -- and, guest what, she was delightful!  (That is the scene in the picture above).  See this band.  Listen to their music.  Trust me.

(5) Grouplove -- Twin Peaks -- THE highlight of the day for all of us.  We last saw them poolside at an intimate set at Coachella.  Before that, I liked them.  After that, I had a new appreciation for them.  They are fun.  They are energetic.  They have great songs.  And, they perform them well.  Definitely crowd pleasers -- and wanting to please.  Perfect for this sunny day.  (Pic below to the left is of a family that loves music together, stays together!).

(6) Disclosure -- Main stage -- my kids in particular wanted to see them; and we all agreed, primarily because we needed to stake our claim on the turf for the upcoming Kanye headlining show.  Yes, we like some of Disclosure’s songs -- 2 apparent brothers, by the way -- but the electronic machinations became tedious to me.  But, we achieved our main goal -- we were right up against the stage -- and ready to go for Kanye immediately after.  So, verdict on Disclosure?  Miss it for the act itself -- make it if it sets you up for the next one.

(7) Kanye West -- Main stage -- ahh yes, Kanye.  Never seen him before (that is Yeezus himself in the upper right from our vantage point, in a pic taken by my creative son, Luca, on simply an iPhone!).  Never really wanted to.  But, that’s because I never really listened -- REALLY listened -- to his music.  I knew several songs, of course.  But, never really invested in it.  That changed the past several days, because my kids ingrained his songs into my head.  And, they absolutely are powerful.  Song after song.  So, all of us were excited for his show -- and we were right up front.  He started extremely strong with “Black Skinhead” -- my favorite track by far.  Compelling staging -- all alone on the stage with a full floor to ceiling screen of lights.  After that, for me, it steadily -- but slowly -- declined.  I started to lose interest when (1) he started to do his cliche Kanye “thing” of preaching his self-proclaimed Yeezus-ian world domination, and (2) he became downright tender when speaking of his family (I know, I am a family man -- and should love that.  But, this is Kanye.  Bring the energy!).  But, still, glad I saw him -- and I have a new appreciation for his music.  (Below is a blurred pic of the beautiful night-time scene during Kanye’s set).

We ditched just a bit early to beat the massive crowds -- something I recommend by the way!  Grabbed an Uber to North Beach.  Finished the night with two slices of some of the best post-show pizza you will ever taste (at Tony’s).

Today?

Dum Dum Girls
The Kooks
Jagwar Ma
Christopher Owens
Local Natives
Deer Tick
Haim -- ONLY because my kids insist!
Vance Joy -- my counter-programming to Haim
Death Cab for Cutie
Duck Sauce
Boys Noize
Macklemore -- yes, instead of Tom Petty -- a very difficult Sophie’s Choice for me ...

More later ...