Top 12 Bonnaroo Moments
Somehow, 2009 marked my first Bonnaroo. After years of hearing stories of the hot, dust-laden, never-ending days in Manchester--combined with years of attending festivals and being unimpressed by inferior sound, overcrowded grounds and annoying sound bleed--I was skeptical. But I enjoyed every moment of Bonnaroo. Great acts were a given (as they've been at most fests I've attended), but the festival was large enough to constantly hold my interest but, somehow, still manageable. Sound was great, crowds didn't interfere with seeing or hearing bands, bleed was minimal, and fest organization was impressive.There are many great moments I missed. I'm kicking... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayBonnaroo 2009: Progging Out with The Decemberists, Mars Volta
Still royally tuckered out from some late-night Girl Talkin', day three at Bonnaroo was pretty mellow for me. I spent most of it catching the tunes at the Sonic Stage (Brett Dennen, Grace Potter, Heartless Bastards, etc.) where the lovely Paste oasis is stationed. In early evening, I caught a solid half hour of Athens, Ga. kooks, Of Montreal, who absolutely won me over. As soon as I return from Manchester, I plan on listening to their songs that have been sullenly sitting on my iPod, just waiting to be loved. ... read more
Found in: Blogs, FestivusThe Boss Rules Bonnaroo with a Pumped Fist
Usually at Bonnaroo, my musical ADD makes me hop from one show to another after six or eight songs—there’s just so much good stuff to hear. But two artists accounted for over five hours of my time yesterday—Wilco and Bruce Springsteen. A two-hour set from Wilco reminded me that the band has two of my favorite guitarists—Jeff Tweedy and Nils Cline—and Pat Sansone ain't no slouch. I Tweeted to the world (or at least the small portion of the world that gives a crap about my proclamations) that there are very few live bands better than Wilco right now. But... read more
Found in: Blogs, FestivusLollapalooza 2009 line-up to feature Tool, Lou Reed, Beastie Boys, Jane's Addiction, Snoop Dogg, many more
After months of anticipation, Lollapalooza has finally announced its full 2009 line-up. Taking place Aug. 7-9 in Chicago's Grant Park, the event hosts the proverbial headliners (Tool, The Killers, Jane's Addiction, Beastie Boys, Lou Reed, Snoop Dog, Depeche Mode), the indie-rock staples (Vampire Weekend, TV On the Radio, The Decemberists, Ben Folds, Of Montreal) the slightly under-the-radar favorties (The Raveonettes, Bat For Lashes, Ra Ra Riot, Heartless Bastards) and the up-and-coming baby bands (Passion Pit, Hockey, The Low Anthem, The Virgins) one might expect, plus many more.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsOf Montreal announces more tour dates
Those quirky Georgians known as Of Montreal have announced a few more tour dates in support of their 2008 mind-bender of a record, Skeletal Lamping. This round will find them in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Not to mention three days in New York with Paste-approved (no kidding) Janelle Monae. The tuxeudo-wearing R&B darling will open for the band all three nights at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsOf Montreal hits the road again
The last time Of Montreal hit the road in support of 2008's Skeletal Lamping, they brought something of a circus with them. Remember the coffin and shaving cream? How about the gold-masked buddhas and black-clad ninjas? Maybe the simulated hanging jogs your memory?... read more
Found in: Music, NewsSix Greatest Live Shows I Saw In 2008
[Above: Of Montreal gets its weird on at the Tabernacle.]My granny-hermit tendencies really showed themselves this year, and I found myself going to fewer live shows than I did in the salad days of aught-seven. (Oh, to be 23 again!) Still, I seem to have managed quality over quantity: There weren't all that many to parse through, but my favorite shows of the year sure were great. ... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the Day10 Best Live Music Acts of 2008
Sometimes going to see a rock show is more than just going to see a rock show. Paste celebrates our 10 favorite tours of 2008. read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayCatching Up With... Nina Barnes, Of Montreal's creative partner
Of Montreal frontman (and Paste's November 2008 cover subject) Kevin Barnes and his wife Nina have been through a lot together since they met at a music festival in Oslo, Norway... read more
Found in: Culture, FeaturesStaff Picks - Steve LaBate (associate editor)
Best Albums 20081. She & Him - Vol. 1 (Merge)2. Gentleman Jesse and His Men - Introducing Gentleman Jesse and His Men (Douchemaster)3. Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins (JagJaguwar)4. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges (ATO)5. The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust (Vice) 6. Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (Drag City)7. Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping (Polyvinyl)8. Sun Kil Moon - April (Caldo Verde)9. Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static (Brushfire)10. The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave (Gravitation)Best Singles 20081. "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds2. "I Work Hard" - Yung Ralph3. "Candy Jail" -... read more
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