Of Burfdays and Pitchforks

It was a pleasant surprise when Gus (and Alexis) contacted me some months ago about getting and I tickets to the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. We planned on having a grand weekend together of music, fun and awesome!

Well, the reality was music, fun, awesome and tired. It was great to see Gus and Alexis again. The Pitchfork Music Festival was a great gift, and I highly recommend it to anyone that might be heading toward Chicago next summer.

Sonic Youth… it was my first time seeing them live, and they did not disappoint. They were energetic and Daydream Nation sounded as fresh today as it did 20 years ago.

Battles… at first I didn’t know what to expect (and I only really listened to a couple of songs), but I was really impressed by Battles and I will be on the lookout for their CDs in the future.

Clipse… I’m not always a fan of party rap, but these guys won me over with their energy and lively showmanship.

Girl Talk… Only heard one song… and it wasn’t enough. Must find more Girl Talk.

Junior Boys… I was off shopping in the poster area when Junior Boys was on, but I could hear them the entire time. My head was nodding the entire time.

Nomo… Unfortunate sound problems killed this performance, but what little I heard I liked.

Jamie Lidell… Easily my favorite performance of the whole festival. Jamie Lidell is a one man sweet love machine.

Cool Kids… These local Chicago rappers knew how to get the party started, but I think they need a little more fine tuning before hitting the big time. Lots of potential there though.

Of Montreal… Impressive show. Costumes, Footballs and Good Music… what more could a boy ask for on his burfday. Seriously… Of Montreal put on a “SHOW”… not just a show.

The Field… This guy had me toe tapping, and then foot shuffling, and then going all out bonkers dancing to some very good progressive house beats.

Klaxons… I didn’t really know what to expect, but that didn’t matter. These motherfuckers rock!

De La Soul… I’ve seen De La a couple of times, and it’s been mediocre at best. This time, though, they had a special guest: Prince Paul. It seemed to inspire them to deliver the goods finally. A great way to end the festival.

All in all… a great weekend. And yes, yesterday was my 37th birthday. I know I don’t look it, but I am really that old. Thanks to everyone that called and gave me happy birthday wishes. They were all greatly appreciated.