Outside Lands Day 2 "Must See" Artists (& Day 1 Highlights)

Yesterday's Outside Lands day 1 is in the books (another magical sunshine-filled day) -- my highlights were First Aid Kit (killed it on the main stage) -- and later Mumford & Sons (delivered a passionate performance that, for some strange reason, didn't
directly connect with the crowd).

Here is my Day 2 line-up (with my "must see's" in bold):

3:40 -- Cold War Kids
4:20 -- Angus & Julia Stone 
5:00 -- Billy Idol
6:30 -- Tame Impala
7:00 -- Ben Harper
8:25 -- Black Keys

Outside Lands Day 1 - My Picks

So many music festivals, so little time!  Today kicks off one of my favorites -- Outside Lands in San Francisco.  This is my 4th -- and this year, like last, I share the revelry with my passionate and experienced festival family (wife, Luisa; daughter Hunter, 15; son Luca, 12; brother George and his partner An).  We get there early -- and stay late -- each day.

Here is our festival line-up for Day 1 (I have highlighted my "must sees" of the day in bold).  Come walk with us ...

12:45 pm -- Broods
2:10 pm -- Robert DeLong
3:10 pm -- First Aid Kit
4:30 pm -- St. Vincent
5:05 pm -- Glass Animals
5:15 pm -- RL Grime (I know, I know -- we can't do both ... but we plan to try)
6:00 pm -- Wilco
6:50 pm -- Porter Robinson
7:55 pm -- Mumford & Sons

Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 3 -- A Review

Outside Lands 2014 is a wrap -- and, another amazing festival EXPERIENCE in every sense of the word.  This one was different for me -- my entire family joined.  That made it even more special -- music discovery to an even higher degree.  My Day 1 review is here -- and my Day 2 review is here.

How about Day 3?  Went back to the amazing Day 1 sunshine -- which meant that warmth permeated the day.  Conditions were ripe for new music.  So, while proven powerful artists like Killers and Tiesto anchored the day, the true impact came from the new.

That meant the Twin Peaks stage -- where we spent much of the day.  First, with Eminem-flow-like rapper Watsky -- who amazed.  And, then the follow-up 1-2 punch of Flume - perhaps THE artist the kids wanted to see.  While Flume played in the early afternoon, the Twin Peaks area buzzed (and overflowed -- this picture proves the point) like a headlining show -- which it could have been.  Was a great set.  Flume delivered on all the Coachella hype.  He crushed it.

But, back to Watsky.  HE was the star of the weekend for me.  Had never heard of him before.  Listened to his music before the weekend.  Liked it.  Now I truly appreciate his skills.  And he is skilled.  Very.  And original.  He is no wannabee.  Check him out.

Outside Lands -- a “must attend” music festival ....

Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 2 -- A Review

What a difference a day makes.  As sunny as Day 1 was at the Outside Lands music festival (here is my review of Day 1), Day 2 chose to do “just the opposite” and wore nothing but shades of grey.  And cold.  Rather than skin, layers ruled the day on Day 2 (true to form for San Francisco in August).  Those of us who have been here before were ready for it.  Others, not so much.  But, so it began .... (The pic on the right is a scene with my kids, Luca and Hunter, at the Main Stage).

For me, Day 2’s line-up was the weakest of the 3-day mega-fest (although still absolutely first-class).  And, being a family of 4, we got off to a later than expected start, catching only the final song from the Dum Dum Girls as we entered the park.  From there we stayed, for the most part, at the Main Stage (departing radically from our Day 1 choreography) -- first catching The Kooks (who played the kind of set you would expect from them -- no surprises), then Local Natives (whose mellow vibe suited the day), to Haim (never a favorite for me, but here a revelation in terms of their rock and roll chops -- the band has real talent), to Death Cab for Cutie (a long-time favorite band of mine who performed as expected -- real professionals -- but ultimately didn’t play the one song I most wanted to hear -- “Transatlanticism”).

Too much mellow up to that point, so we finally ventured to the Park’s opposite end -- to the Twin Peaks stage to hear (and feel!) the opposite -- dance!  It was, after all, EDM time -- and Duck Sauce was an act high on our collective “intrigue” list.  And, they knocked it out of the park.  THIS was the highlight of the day for all of us.  Their humor -- the collective energy of the masses -- and the duck bills everywhere reminded all of us what festivals are all about.  Music discovery.  Community.  Just plain getting away from it all.  The two DJs, refreshingly, do not take themselves too seriously (unlike the 2 from Disclosure).  Crowd pleasers.  (The picture on the left shows the scene at Duck Sauce’s set).

And, there we stayed for the rest of the night (as did all others of the generation much younger than I) -- first catching EDM act Boys Noize on the smallest of the festival’s stages (the Panhandle, which overflowed with the masses coming from Duck Sauce) and then ending the evening with Macklemore (whom I have seen before, and whose set -- despite his dedication -- fell flatter than usual, especially when he sang his new collaboration “Arrows” with musician Fences, who clearly was new to the game and needs to learn showmanship from Macklemore ... which he undoubtedly will over time).  Nonetheless, Macklemore is a classic -- and, singing “Same Love” in San Francisco, complete with an on-stage live same-sex marriage, was magical.

We exited the park on the opposite end -- passing by Tom Petty on the Main Stage (which had been a difficult Sophie’s Choice) -- but with absolutely no regrets.

Another classic day with my wife and kids ... and with music ....

Here is our line-up for today:

Watsky
Lucius
Flume
Jenny Lewis
Lykke Li
Cut Copy
The Killers

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 ...

Outside Lands -- The ANTI-Coachella

Just got back from Outside Lands.  And, as I write this, I reflect on the vastly different experience this SF-based festival is compared to Coachella (an annual musical rite of passage I attended once again this past Spring).  Vastly different.  Yet, in some critical ways (the headliners!), very much the same.  Yet, both classic in their own way.

DIFFERENCES

-- Outside Lands' Northern California vibe v. Coachella's Southern California -- a very different mind-set and way of life;

-- which different way of life is very much fueled by the fundamentally different weather, which directly impacts the festival experience -- Outside Lands was drizzly and frigid again this year (I last attended 2 years back and experienced the same), whereas Coachella (as always) was scorching sun and blistering furnace-like heat (temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees);

-- this fundamentally different weather leads to vastly different clothing and overall festival atmosphere; Outside Lands is multi-layered (upon layer!), dark clothing, big boots (but definitely not cowboy boots) and more serious overall; whereas Coachella is completely de-layered (frequently no layers of clothing at all!), light airy clothing and colors (when clothing is worn), and flip flops (or bare feet), making the overall festival vibe "lighter," frenetic and frequently LA sexual;

-- which is driven even more deeply by the very different musical themes underpinning each festival;  Outside Lands primarily rocks out (with a heavy dosage of old school classic rock), whereas Coachella -- which has always been very indie -- has now seemingly become overtaken by EDM (with the Sahara Tent taking center stage this year).

SIMILARITIES

Despite these fundamental differences, especially this year, both festivals shared many of the same headliners and secondary acts -- including headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers, second stage main act Phoenix, main stage thriller Vampire Weekend, indie darlings Foals and on an on .....  Now, with each festival featuring well over 100 acts, overlap is bound to happen.  But, this year there seemed to be more than usual which likely impacts overall festival attendance for Outside Lands, since it comes later in the year.

Finally, another similarity -- both festivals are well-oiled machines at this point.  Each festival becomes a major city in itself over its respective weekend, drawing well over 100,000 attendees.  That's a lot of porta-poddies to set up an deliver!  Yet, each gets it right.  Yes, there are lines.  But, nowhere do I see any major festival melt-downs.

Oh yes -- and one more thing.  Both festivals are "must attend" events (at least once) ... exhausting ... yet mandatory for any person who considers him or herself a music fan.

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 ...