Musings…observations from the fourth line on the festival lineup poster

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Sunday Preview – Sleater-Kinney

Here’s a preview for my top draw for Sunday.  Sunday didn’t jump out me but these ladies coupled with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs really elevate Sunday.   I have to admit I didn’t follow them that closely during their first run.  They click many of the boxes…Riot grrrrl, Pacific Northwest, SubPop label, punkish females.  But when I became a fan of Portlandia I went back and listened.  For those unaware, Carrie Brownstein co-starred with Fred Armison on Portlandia.  She’s also Sleater-Kinney’s guitarist and co-singer.  Here’s a sampling of Portlandia…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4_rE1lTPLg

Ok, about Sleater-Kinney.  They started as a three piece and their drummer left a few years ago leaving Carrie and Corin as the only members, backfilled by touring musicians.  They’re named after an exit south of Seattle. 

Formed in the early nineties and active for about 10 years putting out seven albums before going on the dreaded “hiatus” after playing 2006 Lollapalooza in Grant Park (with The Raconteurs, RHCP, Death Cab, Violent Femmes).  Reformed in 2014 and have put out three new albums.  We should be more familiar with them.

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Riot Fest ’22 – The Aftershows?

If history proves correct, we’re close to getting out Riot Fest Late Night (aftershows) lineup.  And as we’ve seen before it can be a game changer; from discovering new bands to seeing someone in a more intimate setting to compensating those dreaded scheduling conflicts that are bound to occur.  Every year there’s a pretty stout slate of shows.  And they’re at some of the coolest venues…Cobra, Reggies, Bottom, Concord.  But what are the shows you’re hoping for?  And no, you’re not gonna get Nine Inch Nails at the Cobra.  And this year we have a sure fire bet for Friday or Saturday.  It would take a great lineup for both.  And for Sunday…we’re talking Green Day at the Metro kinda show.  Here’s what I’d like to see.  These are sure fire we’ll make it work:

  • Descendents
  • Jeff Rosenstock
  • Marky Ramone
  • Bad Religion
  • The Front Bottoms
  • The Joy Formidable

These are would be great if no other options:

  • Rocket From the Crypt
  • Wonder Years
  • Boston Manor
  • Menzingers
  • Skating Polly
  • The Maine
  • Real Friends
  • Bombpops

Of course there are others that would be good but I’ll need to do some research.  These are top of mind knee jerk.  And also the venue has a lot to do with it…is it close…does it have late night Mexican food right down the block….does it have a rooftop bar…does it have pinball?

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Saturday Preview – Sunny Day Real Estate

An early emo band from Seattle on the famous Sub Pop label.  They broke up early and have reunited a couple of times.  But this reunion is a big deal.  But what makes them a big deal for us is that their drummer, William Goldsmith, and their bassist, Nate Mendel, are who Dave Grohl first recruited for Foo Fighters.  Of course Goldsmith quit/was fired early leading the way to Taylor Hawkins.  But Mendel is the most senior member of the Foos except for Dave.  Not sure Mendel is joining for the reunion.  It doesn’t look like it but it’s unclear who is playing bass for them.  Regardless, their place in the influence of music is undeniable.

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Riot Fest 22…are we gonna do this?

It’s looking more and more likely. At least a few days and a few aftershows perhaps. Saturday seems to be the easy no brainer with a lot of favorites. Friday and Sunday….when in Rome…

But in preparation, here’s a quick shot of some of the Saturday favorites. These need no introduction as we’ve seen them live in one place or the other that last few years. And these are what drive Saturday.

The Front Bottoms

Bad Religion

The Joy Formidable

I was at this with Charlie and/or Todd

Fear

GWAR

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Decisions Decisions – Riot Fest 2021

When bands conflict or play early, what call do you make? How early do you get there and how do you chose one over the other?  Here are some videos to help make that call.

Thursday

Do we get there early or not?  Joyce Manor comes on at 515.  And they’d be fun.  Patti Smith is on at 605.  She’s a legend and while she doesn’t rock you can argue she was the first punk.  But do we need to be there for them?  While it would be nice there isn’t a need to scramble the first night….as long as we make Alkaline Trio at 710.  Remember this is a bonus.

Friday

Friday is full of conflicts.  First off there is a band at 110 that we might want to see…The Sounds.  Following that Radkey at 215 is a must (just ask Dave Grohl).

But there are also conflicts….Anti-Flag or Living Colour.  Thrice or The Lawrence Arms or Sublime.  Circle Jerks or Dirty Heads.  Pumpkins or NOFX.

Anti-Flag v Living Colour

Thice v The Lawrence Arms v Sublime

Circle Jerks v Dirty Heads

Smashing Pumpkins v NOFX

Saturday

Joywave is a popular AltNation band and plays at 125.  The Bronx are hardcore thrash at 130.  After that Beefcake and GWAR are on a 245.

But GWAR is up against Les Savy Fav.  Other than that it’s a pretty straight day but would I consider missing Rancid for Faith No More?

GWAR v Les Savy Fav

Faith No More v Rancid

Sunday

Mother Mother at 2pm is really really good followed by Kyles new favorite in K Flay at 250.  Seems like we need to start at 2pm. 

But Sunday has one of the bigger conflicts…Body Count v Fever 333 v The Clockworks (on the small stage).  Mr. Bungle up against Thursday is a coin flip.  Devo vs Knuckle Puck is a no brainer.  Same no brainer for Slipknot vs Lou Malnatis.

Body Count v Fever 333 v The Clockworks