Bonnaroo 2009: Phoenix, Crystal Castles, Girl Talk

The That Tent's triple-threat dance-a-thon kicked off at 11:30 p.m. with those lovable Frenchies known as Phoenix. I've only recently grown familiar with the band's music, spending my workdays merrily bopping along to Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, but man, was I impressed. Perhaps not as hyped as some of the other sets this year, Phoenix's block really delivered, filling the sandy tent with flawless vocals and a spacious, yet manicured synth-rock sound. 

Any hopes of adjusting my crowd position after Phoenix's set were soon dashed as the tent was seemingly bum-rushed by an even younger crowd (I'm talking braces) for Crystal Castles. The Canadian duo put on what felt like a post-apocalyptic rave, with simplistic white lights flashing and entrancing audience members. Alice Glass' screaming vocals shattered over bumping house beats and glitchy synth, though they grew a little shouty for my tastes at times. Still, it was an unforgettable experience getting swallowed up by a pit filled with their allegiant fans, bodies a-thumpin', glow sticks a-flyin'. 

These sets, despite their own merits, became but tasty appetizers for a meaty main course of mash-up, courtesy of one Gregg Gillis, better known as Girl Talk. Mr. Gillis, whose pop masterpiece Feed The Animals hit the top 10 of Paste's Signs of Life 2008, kept the party bouncing until 4:15 a.m. in what became a mass aerobics class for people who'd likely been on their feet since 11 a.m. the day before. And for me, those feet were in knee-high rain boots. My legs felt like cinder blocks as I lugged them back to camp after dancing to everything from the "Stanky Leg" to "Tiny Dancer," but it was totally worth it. The sound did go out a few times while fans partied on stage, but that didn't phase anyone. As Gillis explained to the crowd, if things aren't getting unplugged or broken at a Girl Talk show, something must be wrong. Last night, though, things were just right.