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So this is a press release on the Intonation Festival, which will be in addition to the Pitchfork Festival this year. For those keeping score, last year they collaborated, this year they're separate. Here it is...
Intonation Music Festival (IMF) announces 2006 Curator and Festival Dates- June 24th and 25th at Chicago's Union Park. [glow=blue,2,300]Bloc Party and The Streets Confirmed Headliners.[/glow] Event to be curated by VICE Records.
Chicago IL - March 9, 2006 - This year’s annual Intonation Music Festival will take place June 24th and 25th, 2006 at Chicago’s beautiful Union Park. Once again featuring 20+ bands on alternating stages, this year’s IMF will kick off Chicago’s festival season in June, ensuring the only intense heat comes from the music.
This year’s IMF will be curated by VICE Records, part of the New York-based media empire known for cutting-edge music and publishing. The two-day concert will be headlined by VICE Records artists Bloc Party, making their triumphant return to Chicago after selling over 250,000 copies in the US of their debut Silent Alarm, and The Streets, making their only Chicago appearance in support of their new album, The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living. Additional performances by many more of the best up-and-coming artists from around the world, hand-picked by VICE Records, will be announced in the weeks to come.
In addition, the festival will be sponsored in part by influential radio station KEXP. Widely considered the gold standard for independent music on the Internet, KEXP will help preview this year’s festival and spread the word about our latest developments.
Tickets will be $20 for a one-day pass and $35 for a two-day pass. A limited number of 2-day passes will go on sale Monday, March 13, 2006 at 12 PM CST through www.intonationmusicfest.com for the special price of $25.
The 2005 IMF, curated by Pitchforkmedia.com, was an unqualified success, packing Union Park with 30,000 concertgoers over two days and receiving glowing accolades in the New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and scores of other publications.
Soooo....that's cool as hell right? I mean two festivals, same place, I never know any of the bands beforehand anyway, sounds great. It was oppressively hot last year so I definitely approve of the move to June (makes a big difference around here). The more I think about it, the more I like it. Might have a wedding that weekend though.
The website's been updated and I've noticed 90 day men, High on Fire and Devin the Dude as new additions. As with the Pitchfork thread, I'd love to hear anyone's recomended albums or tracks with all of the Intonation bands.
Post by famousblueraincoat on Mar 22, 2006 23:16:17 GMT -5
I don't know any of these new bands. Recs? I am stoked about the headliners, The Stills, Jon Brion, and Lady Sovereign. What should I get into next? Chicago is going to be insane this summer, and I've got tickets for EVERYTHING.
The Streets is sort of in a mix between trip-hop and grime. Skinner's emcee style is definitely more melodic than rythmic so it takes some getting used to. That said, 'A Grand Don't Come For Free" might be my favorite album of the past five years.
Bloc Party is sort of like dance punk's answer to emo. They make very hook oriented songs, and sound pretty much like all of your favorite post punk bands rolled into one. Their remix album was one of my favorites of last year. It's on par with the original release, maybe better at points.
Chromeo is kind of an electro funk group. Highly influenced by Prince maybe with a dash of that late 90s Euro house music sound. Fun for a set, probably not the kind of music you want to dwell on. (I prefer Prince, Basement Jaxx or Hot Chip if I want that sound).
Jose Gonzalez is a Swedish dude who plays Nick Drake style folk with a Spanish twist. The comparisons to Drake are kind of tiresome though because Drake's lyrics are rooted in nature while Gonzalez sings more about direct emotional experience. The hipster community's taken to him because he covers Kate Bush and Joy Division, but I honestly can't see why he's any better than a number of folksters that hipsters like to bash on all the time.
Boredoms are an AMAZING instrumental noise band from Japan. Indescribeable. Used to be more punk, now just more experimental. I highly recommend picking up one of their albums or EPs (pretty much the same diff with them).
Panthers kind of emerged from the garage rock revival in the late 90s. They're kind of political, I guess. When I heard them, they sucked. But they had potential. They were in a sort of transition between being a garage punk band and more of a psychedelic noise band.
Lady Sovereign is sort of the next big grime import. It's debateable whether or not her music lives up to the hype, but she's apparently an electric performer.
Jon Brion. I hope I don't have to explain who he is. Aimee Mann, Fionna Apple, Elliott Smith...well, they pretty much sound like Jon Brion wants them to in my opinion. The guy is one of the best producers out there, and while it's debateable as to how good his solo stuff is, it's definitely good. The I Heart Huckabees Soundtrack is a good example of what his stuff sounds like.
Devin the Dude is decently well known in the Houston Underground. Not really familiar with his stuff, but I believe its got more of an R&B groove to it (like MF Doom's work as Metal Fingers).
High on Fire's sort of riding the wave of metal being cool again. They are a metal band in other words. Not really into them, but I imagine they rock live.
The Stills I'm not familiar with. 90 Day Men I'm not familiar with.
Post by famousblueraincoat on Mar 23, 2006 10:21:34 GMT -5
The Stills are, I believe, a Canadian band cut from the same cloth as Interpol and Stellastarr (perhaps a bit more watered down/accessible). Very dramatic rock, but good stuff. "Logic will break your heart" is a great album, and I listen to it often.
Anyone who hasn't heard The Streets or Bloc Party are in for an awesome experience. Both fantastic, and Jon Brion is a hell of a songwriter besides being a great producer (download "Here We Go," one of my favorite songs).
That's what I have to contribute right now. Looking forward to hearing some of these other bands.
Dead Prez (!) (the only act in the Chappelle movie I wasn't familiar with, and probably my favorite musical moment from the film besides the Jill Scott/Badu/Roots collaboration) Kano Annie The Constantines Tyrades
Totally unfamiliar with Lupe Fiasco, but I think it might be the coolest band (rapper?) name I've ever heard. From the description on the site it looks like more hip-hop.
I've checked out most of the artists on the bill at this point, and while none of it has blown me away (as several Pitchfork artists have), its fun stuff to check out.
I probabaly like Jose Gonzalez the best so far (I get the chilled out singer-songwriter vibe, but haven't listened to much). I could have sworn that Pitchfork had some hype on him up earlier today concerning a Conan appearance but I can't find it now (a tour announcement is there).
The English hip-hop (grime?) I'm not sure how I feel about yet. I downloaded two Lady Sovereign songs, and they are catchy enough, but I probably won't be seeking out any more. I had heard of the Streets before but never really listened to it. I was a bit unimpressed at first but then really like a "tripping in a club" song (called Light in my Eyes or something to that effect).
I'm not sure how often I'll go back to it but Chromeo has a ridiculously funny, clever sound. Pretty gimmicky (it's the '80s!), but fun.
I don't think Intonation is really on top of the promotional boost these artist adds can provide. They just kind of throw them on the list when they could probably generate some interest by publicizing it a bit more.
The thing that's shocked me is how Intonation's managed to "out cool" Pitchfork. It's like two competing record store clerks. The guy who listens to club stuff and dj's on the side and goes out at night vs. the quiet music nerd with an encyclopediac knowledge of music who goes to shows but isn't exactly comfortable in the club environment.
And Lupe Fiasco could be a HUGE addition. That guy's set to blow up like a time bomb and Intonation's at ground zero. His record is released the following Tuesday.
Honestly, if you like to go clubbing, this might be the festival of the summer.
Robert Pollard Blue Cheer The Sword Rhymefest Bill Dolan
Once again, I am deeply ignorant about everyone of these artists. A quick scan of the bios on the site revealed:
Robert Pollard: Guided By Voices guy. I think this should be really cool/exciting, but I must again confess ignorance.
The Sword: I think they stole Tenacious D's bio. They're kidding right?
Rhymefest: Kanye collaborator
Bill Dolan: Tortoise' John Herndon is playing with him? I'm there.
Another interesting tidbit I found: In addition to the Pitchfork Festival, Mr. Lif's tourdates have a Chicago stop 6/24 with the venue TBA. Of course, all of the venues on the tour are TBA, but it seems like he could definitely be hitting both fests. Lif is the man and I definitely wouldn't mind seein him twice this summer. In fact, I'll be really dissappointed if I have to miss a club show due to Intonation. Further tangent: in case anyone is curious he is playing East coast shows on every Bonnaroo date.
Roky Erickson was the mind behind the 13th Floor Elevators. If you've seen High Fidelity, you should know what they sound like as they're song opens the movie...
I have to say that after I've had about 90% of the Intonation bands on my mp3 player pretty much since they've been announced, and my reaction to actually seeing the schedule is...meh. I don't have tickets to this yet, because I don't know if I will be motivated the weekend after Bonnaroo, but it's so close to me I'll probably end up going at least one day.
On the 24th, I really like Jose Gonzalez and Chromeo (although I'm not sure I need to see the latter live, they kind of seem like a joke band to me). I'm not big on Ghostface but I'm making an effort to check out his latest based on his Intonation add and the Pitchfork rave (I'm finding Pitchfork invaluable for navigating the unknown seas of indie rock, but I can't say I agree with a lot of their hip-hop coverage). So far I think the beats are amazing and his style and lyrics are ho-hum. My interest in The Streets will depend on what happens at Bonnaroo (I love the albums, not too inspired to catch him live).
After giving the 25th a second look I think I can amend my statement above and say "I'll be there". I'm definitely interested in checking out Bill Dolan, Annie/Rhymefest/Lupe Fiasco, Jon Brion and Dead Prez.
My only question now is whether to go for the Sunday ticket or the two day pass. At least this takes the edge off of my yearning for a Bonnaroo schedule.
98% sure I'll be there tommorrow afternoon (might head to the Abbey Pub around 9:00) and 99% sure I'll be there Sunday (still havent' bought a ticket).
The setup was great, with two alternating stages so that the music was virtually nonstop but you could hear every minute of music if you pleased. I was able to get right in front for the start of each set (it gradually got more crowded throughout the day) and then would hang back for the second half. Music festival a 20-minute walk from my house? That's a bonus. High of 80 with clear skies? It could not possibly have been a more beautiful day.
A (not so) brief rundown:
Erase Eratta: Good old-fashioned unpretentious unglamorous punk rock. These chicks rock.
90 Day Men: Good stuff. Art-prog-jam-jazz-rock? Something like that. I was surprised to find that the voice in their recordings that sounds like a woman is actually a guy (who I totally recognize and has lived in my neighborhood for years) singing falsetto.
Devin the Dude: This was a lot of fun. This was one of the guys I was having trouble finding any music to download before the fest, and I might just have to buy a CD when I go back tommorrow. Purile, juvenile, hilarious weed and sex hip hop. This guy walked out on stage with the confidence, swagger and charisma of a great MC (and clearly stoned out of his mind) and really killed it. Basically Dr. Dre/Snoop Dogg style hip hop, but with the attitude and sense of humor honed to a razor's edge.
Jose Gonzalez - beautiful, straightforward and simple. On today's schedule I was most looking forward to this guy and Chromeo and they both delivered what I had come to enjoy about their recordings. I'm really impressed and pleased with the diversity of what I'm seeing so far at this point.
Chromeo - Oh man, these guys are fun. I've really enjoyed listening to this goofy, cheesy 80's rehash music for the last few months, and these guys definitely bring it live. I would check them out on tour for sure and will definitely pick up their next album, although I could understand it might too toungue-in-cheek for some. Pee-Thug (yeah, that's his name) rocks a vocoder/synthesizer setup while the other dude plays guitar. They have a drummer with them wired for the choicest in 80's drum sounds. Obviously belongs with lights in a club more than at 3:00 in the afternoon, but I had a blast.
High on Fire - definitely the surprise of the day for me. Balls to the wall Heavy Metal. The tatooed, shirtless lead singer walks on stage and says "What's up f*ckers? I hope y'all are ready for some heavy sh!t.", and then proceeded to bang out a thunderous set of devil horns in the air, one leg on the monitor head banging metal. Heavier stuff is the one thing that I'm not too into yet, but maybe I should be. This was a blast. It was cool to see the Boredoms dude rockin out behind the stage.
At this point, the festival was 6 for 6 for me, and I was amazed at the variety of stuff I'd heard and how good it was (even some stuff that I couldn't get into the recorded stuff).
The Stills - Frankly, these guys seemed like tools to me and were bland and boring compared to what had come before. I was thinking during High on Fire's set that if they met Chromeo back stage, the former would probably kill and eat the latter just on principle. If High on Fire met the Stills backstage, I think the former would just ignore them because they were too boring to be worth the effort. I don't know why I'm so mean spirited, I was just underwhelmed by these guys.
Roky Erickson - I've read plenty about him in every Chicago publication the last week, and think its a great story. This guy got a great reception (High on Fire dedicated a song to him and could be seen digging the set from backstage) and was clearly treated and recieved like the legend and pioneer that he is. People really seemed to enjoy it and he definitely can still sing. It was a little by-the-numbers to me, but I can understand why this performance was considered a big deal due to the history.
The Boredoms - This was the peak of my day and definitely picked up where the momentum of the first 6 acts I saw left off. Holy Sh!t! Three drumsets. One screaming/electronics dude. Two 30 minute songs. Festival full of wowed people. I have no idea what kind of structure there is to this music, no idea to what extent it is improvised or composed (I love music I can say that about). This was just fun as hell (and really hard to describe). Bring these guys to Bonnaroo.
Ghostface - I was never into Wu Tang, and I picked up the most recent Ghostface based on his Intonation add and the Pitchfork rave. I don't get it. I think that CD is lame and this set was lamer. I've got very little faith in Pitchfork's hip-hop coverage at this point (all over Jay-Z? Really?).
I kind of wish I stuck around for Lady Sovereign (saw her sitting for an autograph session and she seemed friendly and cool) and Mike Skinner et al, but frankly I was pondering a Bonnaroo-like porta potty experience and heard my home bathroom calling. And I thought I was still going out later on, although I ended up passing out when I got home.
Got home with Bonnaroo feet (dirty and sore), a big grin on my face, very satisifed I got my $20 worth, and excited to go back tomorrow.
Right now it looks like it may rain a bit, but if there is any weather like we had today, I highly recommend anyone in the area come down and check it out tommorow based on the layout/vibe alone. Really looking forward to Annie and all the hip-hop tommorow.
2nd day: as good as the first. I really had a good time at Intonation.
Once again I missed the first and last acts, spent about 7 hours there and saw 10+ acts.
I won't be as wordy as I was above but the highlights for me were The Constantines (I had never heard them and they were absolutely phenomonal), Rhymefest (best hip-hop of the weekend to my surprise), and Jon Brion (really fun set. He's a big dork.). Annie was a lot of fun for me too.
Best sets of the weekend for me:
1. The Constantines 2. The Boredoms 3. Rhymefest 4. Jon Brion 5. High on Fire
Also dug: Annie, Chromeo, Devin the Dude, Bill Dolan
I didn't strongly dislike anything all weekend but the Stills bored me.
From other testimonies I've read, The Boredoms really were something. I only have The Constantines last album, which has it's moments, but from all accounts, the live setting is where they shine. Glad to hear you had a good time!
From what I understand they only played 3 new songs.
Kind of funny ka mai, I had just about the exact opposite experience you did, except for Boredoms. One of the great things about the fest is that it catered to so, so many tastes. You'd be hard-pressed to find an act you weren't excited to see this weekend.
My 3 favorite sets: Ghostface, Lupe, The Sword (Honorable Mention: Dead Prez) My least 3 favorite sets: Chromeo, Panthers, Blue Cheer
Luckily, I didn't see Lady Sov or The Streets, otherwise they would be in the least favorite. Actually, I saw both walking around all day during the fest, but not performing. (I'm not a fan of grime.)
Luckily, I didn't see Lady Sov or The Streets, otherwise they would be in the least favorite. Actually, I saw both walking around all day during the fest, but not performing. (I'm not a fan of grime.)
You probably missed out on one of the more entertaining sets of Intonation sadly enough. I'd say if I did a poll of people I've talked to or interacted with on the boards, THE surprise of Bonnaroo was how good the Streets show was. Not the best musically, but easily the best entertainment value at Roo which is saying something.
