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Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Mumford and Sons: Saw their 2011 roo set. The crowd was so massive we stayed at the brooers tent and watched it. The energy was great so I can't wait to see their set on the What. B+
Wilco: The Ryam 2011 show was my favorite concert all year. I had always been a casual fan, but that show totally exceeded all my expectations. I will not miss their roo show! A+
Pretty Lights: Seen PL twice and both times were great - roo 2011 and Halloween in Nashville. He really brings it live. A
Passion Pit: My first Bonnaroo show! Their 2009 show had the crowd MOVING! The leaf singer's vocal were pretty rough though. I hope I can catch their set show this year if there are not any big conflicts. B
The xx: I was familiar with their music before I went to their roo set and I was hoping they would bring it live. Sadly I was wrong. Total snooze fest. C-
Kendrick Lamar: His set last year was one of my highlights for Bonnaroo 2012. He has an incredible stage presence. His songs off Section 80 translated so well live. I will not miss his 2013 set. Hiii Power! A+
Del McCoury: He played a short set at halftime of a Titans game. He was great. He seems to enjoy playing and I hope I catch him at roo. B
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Saw them open for MMJ and Jim James came out to sing with them. I'm hoping we get a guest spot at roo. B
Local Natives: Stumbled into their Thursday roo set and left a huge fan. The build ups and harmonies were outstanding. A-
Mumford and Sons - Caught most of their show in 2011 at Roo, but left for !!! because I got a bit claustrophobic in that massive crowd and had to get out. If I'm feeling it at the time, I'll see them again.
Pretty Lights - His 2011 late night show at Roo was insane. One of the craziest crowds I've ever seen in my six years going.
The National - Was not sure how well their sound would translate on Which, but they blew me away. I did not expect to see so much energy from them at all.
David Byrne - Everyone who attended his show in 09 will agree that it was one of the best in the history of Bonnaroo.
Kendrick Lamar - Saw him last year on Thursday and did not expect to see a crowd that large for him. I'd be shocked if he didn't play on What or Which Stage this year.
Animal Collective - Saw them in 09. Everyone knows that the AC show that year was and still is the biggest scheduling blunder by Bonnaroo. Only caught about 30-40 minutes of the show, but had a hard time getting into the show as it was scorching hot at the Which Stage in the middle of the day.
Jim James/MMJ - My experience with Jim James has been strictly with MMJ and the three times I have seen MMJ its been better than the last. I hope to catch one of his shows during the weekend.
Tame Impala - Saw them last night and it was a stellar show, really enjoyed it. Only criticism was in one or two of the songs they would jam out in the end, they would kinda stop, sound like they were tuning up for the next song and then go back into the last song. I think one of the songs was Feels Like Were Only Going Backwards and it kinda felt clunky and sort killed the momentum of the song. Though the jams for the last two songs, Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control and Half Full Glass of Wine were absolutely spectacular, so I don't know what the deal was earlier in the show.
Gov't Mule - Seen them four times. Three at Wanee and once at Roo. Though after the 09 show at Roo, I felt like I have gotten my fill of Gov't Mule. Not to say anything bad about the show, its just I think I've had my fair share of Gov't Mule shows. HOWEVER, if they do another LN in a tent like they did in 07 (which I missed), I would contemplate hitting it up.
Gaslight Anthem - Saw about the last portion of their show before Umphrey's McGee in 2010. Wasn't too bad.
Portugal. The Man - One of the best Thursday night shows (2009) I've seen on the farm. Still the only time I've seen them. I feel like if I do see them, it'll be a letdown from that spectacular show.
Local Natives - Sublime is pretty much the best way I could describe their 2010 set at Bonnaroo.
Baroness - Seen them twice. Once at Roo and once at Scion Rock Fest 09 and both times they were the motherquacking bee's knees. Having said that, I was kinda lukewarm on the Blue Record and didn't care too much for their last LP.
Killer Mike - Saw him open up for GZA in Athens and put on a fantastic show for such a small crowd. That'll happen though when promoters book shows in Athens for an away game for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Reptar - Saw them for free at a one day fest in Milledgeville, Ga. Pretty good show, but would only see them again at fests. Their shows are going for 20 bucks now and I just have this weird thing were I won't catch a band again at a paid show if I have seen them for free, unless I really really want to see a band again and that hasn't happened yet.
Futurebirds - Saw them at a small bar in Valdosta and at Roo. Was surprised to see concert promoters in Valdosta have the wherewithal to book a decent show in town, but that has changed since I've left town I've heard. Both shows were fantastic and it was real surreal to see them play for a small bar crowd of 10-15 people and then 2 months later see them play for a crowd ten times that size in That Tent.
Post by hiddenzombie013 on Mar 2, 2013 22:04:14 GMT -5
For reference to others, I'll rank in order from best to worst which bands I saw:
The xx Of Monsters and Men twenty-one pilots Pretty Lights Mumford and Sons* Passion Pit ZZ Top Frank Turner The Futurebirds Matt and Kim Portugal. The Man* Paper Diamond* Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers The Sheepdogs* Kendrick Lamar* Reptar*
* = I didn't see their full set, so I don't remember enough of it to get a true opinion. That said, I feel like most of this is accurate anyways. PTM is probably most out of place since I didn't know anything from them at the time, and enjoy them very much now (plus I only saw 15 minutes). The only one I remember somewhat disliking was Reptar, as they didn't do much for me at Counterpoint. Tom Petty disappointed me as well, but I was in the nosebleeds, and it was still pretty decent.
Also, I realized there's more Roo artists than I realized that I'm seeing beforehand, so I'll have impressions of before Roo. They are:
Dwight Yoakam (this Monday) Lord Huron (Saturday) Pretty Lights (again, this time at Ultra) Wolfgang Gartner (Ultra, though I might miss due to a likely conflict with SHM's last show ever) Boys Noize (Ultra) Porter Robinson (Ultra) Matt and Kim (again, also Ultra) Also seeing Zigaboo Modeliste with The Meter Men on Saturday
Mumford and Sons. C+ (they're just not my thing) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. A- Bjork. A Wilco (3x). A+ Pretty Lights. B- Byrne/St Vincent. A Passion Pit (2x). B- The xx (2x). B Animal Collective. D (ruined by the 2009 schedule mistake) Billy Idol. C+ Beach House. B- Ed Sharpe &MZ's. C- Jim James (via MMJ). A+ Tame Impala. A+ (potential show of the weekend) Gov't Mule. B+ Portugal the Man. A- Local Natives. A Cults. C+
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - 1x Wilco - 14x Pretty Lights - 2x The National - 1x David Byrne - 1x St. Vincent - 1x The xx - 1x Animal Collective - 2x Jim James Solo - 1x Boys Noize - 1x Local Natives - 1x Matt & Kim - 3x Holy Ghost! - 3x Araabmusik - 1x Cults - 1x Two Gallants - 1x Calexico - 1x Wild Nothing - 1x
Upcoming gigs -------------- 6/28 - Dave Matthews Band - Moline 6/29 - Dave Matthews Band - Kansas City 7/8 - Duran Duran - Chicago 7/9 - Summerfest - Milwaukee 7/10 - Sting/Peter Gabriel - Milwaukee 7/27 - Diana Ross - Chicago 7/28-29 - Lollapalooza - Chicago 7/28 - Bob Moses - Chicago 7/29 - The Joy Formidable - Chicago 8/21 - Wilco - Chicago 9/6 - Kraftwerk 3-D - Atlanta 9/7 - Kraftwerk 3-D - Memphis 9/10-11 - LouFest - St. Louis
Post by minnysota88nice on Mar 7, 2013 14:54:00 GMT -5
Mumford, B+ (1): 2010 in Minneapolis Great show/energy in 1500 person club, wonder how this sound will translate to What Stage, not very excited
Pretty Lights, A- (4x): 2010 & 2012 in Minneapolis, UMF 12, SSMF 12 Huge fan. Puts on a great show. If you havent given EDM a fair shake, here is your chance. If he doesnt release new music (album is 6months late already) before the show, I won't be as excited BUT I'll still be there.
Of Monsters and Men, A (3x): 2012x2 in Minneapolis, Lolla 12 One of my favorite albums in a while, great live performance, goosebump potential, wayyyy too packed at Lolla. Skipping at Roo. Edward Sharpe and MZs, C- (1): 2012 in Minneapolis Very underwhelming, with a big group and somewhat distracted though, no interest at Roo
Tame Impala, A- (1): Minneapolis 2013 Saw at a 1500 person club, amazing show, extended some jams/intro/interludes which was welcomed. Band started loose, finished strong. Singing was OK, but they have such an awesome sound where everyone is into it. Would be down for round 2 at Roo depending on conflicts.
Boys Noize, A- (1): Electric Zoo 2011 Festival setting was perfect, his live sets are better and more engaging than his albums. Unique sound compared to the cheese EDM that is so populer and he actually puts together a logical set - 15mins will not do this justice. This will be something special if its LN - will beat out FlyLo from last year IMO. Porter Robinson, C- (3x): Electric Zoo 2011, UMF 2012, SSMF 2012 You know exactly what you're getting here. 90 seconds of one song then guess what? 90 seconds of the next song. Big brostep drops surrounded by some more melodic electro/trancey house. planning to skip this one, low on the list for EDM this year IMO. Father John Misty, A- (2x): small club Minneapolis 2012, smaller club Minneapolis 2012 He is a diva performer who gets really into it. Will say some wierd stuff to the crowd. He said he was tripping both times I saw him. Booms once, Lucy the other. Band is great. Show is great. If you havent seen him, make sure you do. Could see him hanging out at Roo after. Don't need to see those same songs for the 3rd time though...
Tallest Man on Earth, A- (1): Minneapolis 2012 HUGE fan. Will be just him, a couple guitars, and a some keys. Surprising how much sound he can make by himself. His voice is amazing and kills it live. Give his albums some time they may not hit you right away but it's worth it. Cannot wait to see him on the farm, if he is on a tiny stage it will be one of my most anticipated shows this year.
Paper Diamond, B (1): Minneapolis 2011 Really like his style. saw him open for someone, only had 40mins to play. Similar to Pretty Lights, this could be really fun depending on conflicts. Could see this being the Mimosa of last year which I'd be OK with.
The Sheepdogs, A- (1): Minneapolis 2012 Barely heard anything before the show, left a HUGE fan. Feels like you're trapped in a different era. The guitars play off each other well. Really hope to catch them again. (start with How Late, How Long if you're getting into them) Lord Huron, B (1): Minneapolis 2012 Very enjoyable show, didnt blow me away but still good. Lots of people seem excited, will be skipping them at Roo
Don't think I've sounded off in this thread yet...
Paul McCartney (3x)- My first time was the one year I traveled to Coachella and was an unforgettable weekend for many reasons but chiefly his performance. Every other occasion has been awesome as well! Grizzly Bear (3x*) - First time I was unfamiliar and they were opening for Radiohead in 2008. Caught them again last year for my first initiated time seeing them and it was really good. Have a ticket to see them again before Bonnaroo that was on sale before the lineup dropped but certainly won't mind to catch them twice. The National (2x) - First time was their latest Bonnaroo appearance and it completely blew me away. The second time was at Rites of Spring in Nashville which had been rained out throughout the day and so the sets were delayed and abbreviated so that one wasn't all that it could have been but not in any way due to their performance's quality. Animal Collective (2x*) - I am in the minority for being someone that was not disappointed by their day time Bonnaroo performance. I feeling horrible in the heat and after having a bunch of drinks that morning before heading into Centaroo, I remember feeling faint in the crowd waiting for their set to start off the day. I hit up the drink stand next to the Which Stage for water and was feeling a good deal better when they took the stage. By the end of their set I was golden! Lion in a Coma was a standout for some reason which is odd as I don't particularly feel that way when listening to the album. My second show is coming up next week in Northern Kentucky. Beach House (3x) - Mercy Lounge, Nashville: intimate setting, great show. Couple months later at pitchfork festival: early in the day, in broad daylight still came off well. Last year at Forecastle, sunset performance: very nice again. David Byrne (2x) and St. Vincent (1x) - Both DB shows were simply amazing and were part of the same tour. In fact the first one was so incredible I resolved the Beastie Boys/Byrne conflict at Bonnaroo 2009 by watching the beginning of Beasties and then leaving early to catch most of Byrne's show (I saw each perform at separate shows the previous October). In hindsight with the circumstance that it would be the final Beasties show I have minor regrets about the decision but not in any way due to the experience Byrne provided. St. Vincent was at the same Pitchfork as Beach House and was someone I was familiar with but hadn't listened to much. On the strength of that performance I bought Strange Mercy, a decision I don't regret. Tame Impala (1x) - Saw for the first time last week and it was a great show. I think they are the perfect vibe for Bonnaroo but curious to see if they get an after dark show or not to truly feel it. Wilco (7x) - Saw them annually from 2004-2009 without necessarily meaning to. A couple time were specifically to see them but then they also just seemed to turn up at a festival I otherwise had interest in attending so developed a great sense of familiarity with seeing them live still but never lost the unique magic or impulsiveness that their show provides. Wu-Tang Clan (0x) - This will be my first time seeing the Clan form like Voltron but I have caught GZA twice including last year at Bonnaroo late night and Raekwon once. All were good but I'm hoping this show comes off on a whole 'nother level because seeing them solo they mostly do medleys and verses rather than whole songs. The xx (2x) - First time was hallowed, sober-kind-of experience in a small, semi-ornate venue at Big Ears Fest (Bijou Theatre). It really complimented and added something to their show but they also came across strong when they played the same show in a much more electric atmosphere of Thursday night, packed tent at Bonnaroo a few months later. Nas (1x) - Saw him with Damian Marley at Bonnaroo 2010; another really good performance though look forward to seeing him hold the stage down on his own. Dirty Projectors (1x) - Another Big Ears 2010 show. Loved the independent, under-produced vibe put off in their show. It demonstrated their individual talents very well while making the combined product so much more accessible than it comes across on record, though no less potent.
*-indicates someone I will be seeing before their Bonnaroo performance
St. Vincent - Last year's Friday evening set, blew me away. I would have loved to see her play a set centered around material off of Marry Me, but the Strange Mercy songs translated really well live. Worth going to see her just for a chance to hear The Party.
Nas - Saw him at Roo 2010, enjoyable but in case of a conflict I wouldn't choose him first.
Portugal. The Man - Can't say enough good things about this band. The only thing that worries me is that they're releasing a new album and the first song that I've heard from it was a disappointment, so hopefully they'll show the older albums some love. Regardless, they kill it in both festival and indoor settings, I'll be there assuming there aren't any conflicts
Dirty Projectors - Another great act, I'll be at this show just for the hopes of a Bjork collaboration seeing as they released an album together a few years back. The harmonies that the three ladies of the band create gave me goosebumps.
Baroness - Saw them at Roo 2010 as well, great energy and IMO having seen both this band and Mastodon, these guys are the better of the two. The band got in a serious bus accident on their last tour, so as far as I know, this will be their first show since.
Purity Ring - They played in a small venue in Orlando a couple months ago, you need to see these two. Not sure if it'll be the same in a crowd of thousands, but the seemingly improvised vocal remixes, stage atmosphere and flow to their set was amazing.
Post by deathbyzamboni on Mar 12, 2013 15:31:45 GMT -5
Paul McCartney - Saw him back in 2005 at MSG. Great show, played a ton of Beatles songs (including Helter Skelter and Please Please Me!) It just awesome to see him in person and know that he actually exists. Just incredible to see him play Let It Be, alone on a piano, with the only light on in the house being a candle on his piano. Also to have the realization of he being the guy who wrote this song is a special treat.
Japandroids - Saw them back in December at Webster Hall. They were great, alot of energy and the crowd got really into it. Brian King (the singer/ guitarist) does like to talk in between songs but, I never thought it stopped the momentum of the show. Plus since the have like only 20 songs I got to hear everything I wanted to hear (apparently some of the crowd just wanted to hear Young Hearts Spark Fire cause the venue got lighter in terms human volume after they played that... their loss.)
DIIV - They were the opening act of the Japandroids show and did not know of them at the time. The music was fine and they were tight musically. I was just shocked to see how young they were and At the time I could not figure out if the Bass Player was a girl or not (turns out hes a dude) due to the fact of hiding behind a mountain of hair and skinny jeans. Guess this the just of stuff I think about during opening acts haha.
Post by snakeface34 on Mar 12, 2013 22:00:06 GMT -5
Paul McCartney- Last show of his '12 summer tour in Cincinnati. Absolutely amazing. Mumford & Sons- Roo '11. Pretty good. I just can't bring myself to feel strongly about them. David Byrne & St. Vincent- St. Vincent last year was great, saw both of them at the Ryman in October, very good show. Not to be missed. Kendrick Lamar- I'm sorry, and this is completely legitimate, but I saw him at Roo last year and it was not my thing at all. No offense to anyone who likes him but I have never had a worse time at a show and I will not be there. Jim James- Seen MMJ 6x. Blown away every time. Love his solo record and can't wait to see him at Bonnaroo Preservation Hall Jazz Band- Opened for MMJ in Boston on New Year's last year. It was a great time for sure Gov't Mule- Seen Warren Haynes and enjoyed it pretty well. Kinda on the fence for them. Portugal. The Man- Saw part of their set in '11 and really liked it. Can't wait to see their full set this year. Sam Bush- Saw him last year. Good show, but chances are since he's on Sunday I'll either be waiting for a spot at DB & SV or Swans instead Sheepdogs- Saw them at the Rolling Stone Battle of the Bands thing. Good, but it really depends on scheduling for me as to whether I see them or not. JEFF The Brotherhood- Seen them twice. Once opening for the Raconteurs at the Ryman, once as the main act in my hometown (Murfreesboro). Got to talk to them a bit afterward. Chill guys, great music. Really looking forward to their set.
Post by King Cruel on Mar 13, 2013 15:19:05 GMT -5
Pretty Lights - Bonnaroo 2011 Fun latenight show especially playing as long of a set he played that night. B+
Nas - Bonnaroo 2010 show w/ Damian Marley. Great show Nas had really good stage presence and knew how to work the crowd cant wait to see his solo set with some classics. A-
Jim James - Seen w/ MMJ 5x Always amazing plays with such passion and energy. Very talented and Love the new album and him playing some MMJ tunes. A
Tame Impala - Cats Cradle, NC 2/21 - Big Fan of both albums so I loved the live show. decent energy and vocals but could be stronger. B-
Portugal. The Man - Bonnaroo 2011 - Heat was miserable but still put on a great show as always and cant wait to hear new material on the farm. B+
Local Natives - Bonnaroo 2010 First Roo set was totally unfamiliar with them, still had a great time and they have gotten progressively better. B
Post by fromtoronto on Mar 13, 2013 15:44:40 GMT -5
I saw Bernhoft last night - he was pretty entertaining. He does a lot of looping, plays keyboards and guitar, funny banter between songs. Not sure that I would see him again at Bonnaroo - depends upon who else might be playing. He closed his show with a cover of Shout by Tears for Fears.
Cat Power - saw her at Memphis in May about 5 years ago. She was outstanding (just like all of her albums). She had a cup of tea she sat on the stage floor and would take a sip in between songs. (ha) - A
St. Vincent - saw her last year at Bonnaroo and it was one of the best performances of the festival, imo. She brought it, big-time! A
Gov't Mule - saw them at Memphis in May a few years ago. They were good - not sure if I'd go watch them again unless nobody else was playing that I had interest in... C+
Post by Victory Dance on Mar 13, 2013 17:08:54 GMT -5
Sir Paul - '09 Tulsa...Amazing. Still has the energy, his backing band is good, and he's just a damn legend. Hearing him tell the story of 'Blackbird' and what it means was surreal. He then played it on the ukelele solo before the band came on to finish it and the encore with him. Obviously played a ton of Beatles stuff, but 'Band on the Run' was awesome too. I once got pulled over after drinking all day on the river, knew I was screwed, I kept BandontheRun blaring throughout my arrest. I was 19 and dumb.
Mumford - 'Roo '11. Great show, great crowd, hot as balls.
Wilco - Several times. Shows can go both ways really. some have a ton of energy, some are pretty chill. They always sound tight as a band though.
Pretty Lights - X5... Cant remember a lot of his shows... I do feel he has the best light show, it always fits the music really well. He is my favorite EDM act for sure, along with....
Big Gigantic - X5... Great energy, great light show. Sax is amazing, adds enough to the sound that my friends who hate EDM can still enjoy some good 'musicianship' at their shows. All of their shows do sound/feel the same (but all 5 have been in the last 2 years). The drummer is basically pointless, but hes a cool dude, so whatever.
Nas - Roo '10 with D. Marley. Impressive live. Dude can rhyme. Not into his music/beats really tho, but I came away very impressed with his skills.
XX - Roo '10? Late night thurs? I obviously cant remember shit from their set. I hear it was good tho. Ed Sharpe and the Mag Zero's - Meh... Stopped 20 times to 'soak in the energy'... which killed the show's energy.
ZZ Top - Little Rock...They can still rock. I only know their hits, but it was decent enough. Anytime you see an outdoor concert at a local festival in Arkansas, and its an old Rock band...youre going to see a fight and youre going to drink too much. Trombone Shorty - Little Rock...really good show. They opened for Zac Brown or somebody else maybe...I was impressed. very fun.
Paper Diamond - X2... Decent DJ set. Does everything from his iPad.
Big KRIT - Great hiphop show. Saw him 2 yrs ago before his album and 2nd mixtape. Not so much into his album but I loved his 1st two mixtapes.
Sheepdogs - Beat out my friend's band in the finals of the Rolling Stone Cover Contest in the semi-finals...f*ck em.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Meh. Not my thing. Gov't Mule - X2...meh.
Pres Hall Jazz Band - Roo '11... Awesome. Jim James - No Brainer...Havnt seen him live, but seen MMJ 5X. Should be amazing shit.
Wow, I thought I'd seen more than I really have. I counted only 5 and 1/4th!
Mumford - Saw them at Wakarusa, it was probably hotter during that set than I've ever experienced on the farm. You could tell it was affecting the band, but they powered through and gave a good set. I felt it could've been longer. I'm hoping they give us a 2 hour set this year.
Tom Petty - Saw him at roo '06 and outside lands in 2010. Always a wonderful, feel good, sing-a-long show. You just have a good time when Petty is singing to you.
Jim James - I've seen him with MMJ and Monsters of Folk. The dude just brings it, period. I love hearing him howl those high notes.
Glen Hansard - My favorite artist, bar none. This guy is pure emotion on stage. He loves interacting with the crowd too. You'll leave wondering what took you so long to hear Glen.
Sea Wolf - Mellow indie folk. If you just want to chill out on a blanket to some nice acoustic tunes, Sea Wolf can deliver.
the 1/4th is The National. We caught the last bit of their set before Rod y Gab in 07. We were impressed.
Post by ShortieSensei on Mar 27, 2013 16:07:30 GMT -5
Wow...so the only act I have seen on the lineup is...
JD McPherson (Nashville) and I'm not even a huge rockabilly fan lol. My sister is a huge JD fan and took me to go see him. It was some of the most fun that I've had at a show simply because I couldn't stop dancing lol His whole band is BEASTLY!
Post by well behaved antelope on Mar 27, 2013 18:23:58 GMT -5
Mumford: Bonnaroo '11 - Crowded was what I remember the most. Tom Petty + HB's: Bonnaroo '06 - Better than Dylan, I had a lot of fun at this show and most people seemed to be enjoying it as well (hard to go up against Radiohead that year) Pretty Lights: Allgood '11 - Awesome set, LN after Primus with a remix of Willie Nelson. Wasn't really into him but he brought the funk. Snowball '13 - Was very cold, he was having a few technical difficulties and the mood seemed deflated - I'm hoping for retribution. David Byrne: Bonnaroo '04 - Duh, it was awesome. Musclesuit! Nas: Bonnaroo '10 - Was looking forward more to Damien Marley but Nas really blew me away as a rapper. Moogfest '12 - Had a full backing band, I was in the first few rows and it was a blast. Kendrick Lamar: Snowball '13 - I'll get a lot of crap for this but I stood through his whole set, I didn't think it was particularly good. Not much fun. Jim James: Bonnaroo '04 - As part of MMJ. I didn't really get them back then but I am much more apt to see them now. I look forward to what he does with the Superjam ZZ Top: Riverbend '10? - We don't get many decent acts for Riverbend but I'd count this as one of the good ones. Billy Gibbons is still really really good. Edward Sharpe + MZ's: EFF '11 - I find this to be the best of these kinds of bands. They were pretty good, especially that one song. Wolfgang Gartner: EFF '11 - I checked it out, not my bpm I guess. Gov't Mule: Bonnaroo '02 - This was one of the first bands I saw at Bonnaroo, I think. Set the mood for the weekend, I think. Portugal the Man: Snowball '13 - I admit, I slept on these guys when they were at Bonnaroo. I discovered them late and they were a big draw for me to Snowball. Did not disappoint. Del McCoury: Seen this guy a bunch of times with various bluegrass outfits. Bluegrass itself does not really stand out in my memory. Porter Robinson: Snowball '13 - Seemed very bro-ey to me. I still got down. Trombone Shorty: Can't remember when but with Galactic and Chali 2na. Anything with Chali was good in my book. Conspirator: EFF '12 - Daytime show and they destroyed it. Great way to start the festivities. Ryman '12 - Opened for UM. Quality set, not a rager though. Venue was pretty empty. Paper Diamond: EFF '11 - Good non-womp edm which was rare at EFF '11. Divine Fits: Moogfest '12 - Didn't know who they were. I was familiar with Spoon, I think I like this better. Four Tet: Moogfest '12 - I wanted to like this set so bad, either I wasn't in the right frame of mind (I may have lost it during Orbital) - or it fits into more EDM that just doesn't move me, but I could not get into his sound.
I will see JEFF the Brotherhood in May opening for the FLips. I will edit the post when I have that review.
Different grouping of acts to share. I haven't graded everybody but here's my two cents.
Amadou and Miriam - My experience has been when we get international artists they are at the top of their game. These two definitely fit the bill. Music from Mali that will make you happy. B+
Sam Bush and Del McCoury- Bush is the master of his craft and the daddy of newgrass. Pairing Sam with Del McCoury makes this a trickier call for me because depending on the mood Del's voice can get on my nerves. That said it will be a good show as they work together beautifully. B
Glen Hansard - Saw him as past of Swell Season in 2008. The cover of Into the Mystic was one of the first transcendent moments I had on the farm. Go see him! A
David Byrne and St Vincent - Haven't seen them together but caught part of St. Vincent at Roo and all of Byrne's set in '09. For me this is a don't miss.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes - Wanted to love this show. Home was great but the crowd wasn't so conflict will determine if I go back this time. C+
Cat Power - Caught her set at Roo in '08. Wasn't very familiar with her work at that point and I was on overload. Clearly talented and may try again this time. B
Noam Pikelny and friends - Haven't seen them play in this grouping but Noam is part of Punch Brothers who are remarkable. I've seen Bryan Sutton and Luke Bulla play with Kentucky Thunder. Bulla stood out more to me but it may just be because he's a fiddler and had more opportunity to shine than Sutton on guitar. Saw Barry Bales with Alison Krauss and Union Station no strong memories of him. Saw Jesse Cobb as a member of the Infamous Stringdusters. Good mandolin player but knowing Sam Bush is on the farm makes it a 2nd place at best.
Post by macmusicjunkie on Apr 10, 2013 13:07:29 GMT -5
I just saw Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Sat. at the Final Four Festival in downtown ATL. It was a pretty entertaining show. It wasn't anything to brag about, but I was entertained. I'll definitely say they brought a lot of energy with them on stage. A lot of the music came from the DJ, Ryan Lewis, but they had a few musicians playing things like trombones and hitting cymbals.
Big Gigantic - X5... Great energy, great light show. Sax is amazing, adds enough to the sound that my friends who hate EDM can still enjoy some good 'musicianship' at their shows. All of their shows do sound/feel the same (but all 5 have been in the last 2 years). The drummer is basically pointless, but hes a cool dude, so whatever.
Big G was last year dude
Only ones on this lineup I have seen are:
Animal Collective Grizzly Bear Wolfgang Gartner Boys Noize Porter Robinson A-Trak Paper Diamond Reptar
There are so many acts on this line up I have missed at various shows/fests, this is like a second chance for me
Post by canexplain on Apr 10, 2013 14:17:22 GMT -5
I've seen a number of the bands so I'll just post a couple of the more unusual..cr**
Cat Power Bridge Concert 08 TP and THB Bridge Concert at least 4 times there and other places of course Beatles Red Rocks/Nippon Budokan (!st rock show there ever 66) Paul 04 Bridge Concert John McLaughlin Mahavishnu Orchestra (70's) Bjork in the Sugarcubes
All of these tended to be B+ or A's, but then I'm easy
Jim James (w/ MMJ @ Roo, twice) - I wasn't even that familiar with them the 1st time, but they were so good, I had to see them the next time. Looking forward to seeing him at my first Superjam!
David Byrne - It was rough missing the Beastie Boys to see him, but I wholeheartedly think I made the right decision. Very fun!
Animal Collective - I saw them at Bottletree in Birmingham around '07 or so, and they were so fun! However, at Roo, I was ultimately disappointed. I kept feeling like they were about to build up to something great where they let loose, but it never happened...
Amadou & Miriam - that was a fun show at Roo. I love how the crowd made extra sure to make a lot of noise for them so that they knew how much it was being enjoyed
Tom Petty - again, at Roo. Great show. Hate I'll miss him because of only being able to be there on Sat with the 1 day pass
The XX - Saw them at Bottletree with jj a while back. I was pretty bored, but my husband really enjoyed them
Paul McCartney-best show I've ever seen Daniel Tosh-if you like his show you'll like his standup The Lumineers-just saw last weekend and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it The xx-really fun show Nas-great show at Moog with the live band Jim James-I saw him last weekend, but I honestly can't remember it Tame Impala-saw them earlier this year, great show Gov't Mule-always good Portugal. The Man-seen 4 or 5 times, always great Local Natives-haven't seen them since roo 09 Killer Mike-really fun show Futurebirds-good show Andrew Duhon-I think we saw him at the Hangout pre-party a few years ago Maps & Atlases-saw them last year opening for White Denim, good show
Paul McCartney Daniel Tosh The Lumineers The xx Nas Jim James Tame Impala Gov't Mule Portugal. The Man Local Natives Killer Mike Futurebirds Andrew Duhon Maps & Atlases
Tom Petty: Everyone else has pretty much covered him. I saw him at the Target Center in Minneapolis with Steve Windwood in 2008(?). My dad and I both enjoyed the show. It's worth noting that my father has only ever walked out of one show and it was a Tom Petty show in the 80s. He was so stoned he forgot the lyrics to his songs and mumbled into the microphone.
Two Gallants: These guys were headlining with four other bands at First Ave in 2011. I originally went to see the Fruit Bats, but these guys blew me away. Not sure if I'll get a chance to see them at 'Roo, because I might go see Portugal, the Man instead.
Mumford & Sons- My wife absolutely loves this band. Anytime they play within a 3 hour drive, we are there. Fun show but very predictable. (B+)
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Bonnaroo 06. Great show. If your planning on skipping it, I'd think twice. (A+)
Wilco - They could be the only band on the lineup and I'd still be there. (A++)
WU-TANG CLAN - This is gonna go down in history as one of the best (or one of the worst) shows, in Bonnaroo history. I've seen them absolutly kill it but I've also seen shows being billed as WU and having two members show up. I can't grade. It's really the only one that's up in the air.
The National- The National will always have a soft spot in my heart for being my wife and I's first date. We've seen them a handful of times and they never came up short. (A)
Passion Pit - Meh, at best. Love the records, never liked the shows. (C)
The xx - Solid live. I missed them the last time they played Roo but made up for it later on. Perfect make out band. (B+)
Nas - So good live. You won't stop moving. (B+)
JD McPherson - Never heard of the guy before until I had some friends open for him. He's a blast. (A)
Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers - Another small club show. Less than 50 people. I decided to go outside to smoke after half the set. (C)
Aoife O'Donovan - Since we are counting members of bands they are/previously were in,I saw Crooked Still several times. They were never disappointing and Aoife was always top notch. (B)
Bombino - Caught the last 30 minutes of the set at Primavera. I regret not getting to see all of it. (A)
White Lung - Saw them in a small club a few weeks ago. Great band. Totally worth checking out. (B+)
(I'll update this tomorrow when I have time)
Last Edit: May 10, 2013 17:45:12 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
