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I think it was overall my favorite day or tied with Friday
Jon Batiste & Stay Human really impressed me. The show was so fun and that whole band is just really fuckin talented. Their versions of "St. James Infirmary Blues," the "Star-Spangled Banner," "Blackbird," and "If You're Happy and You Know It" were all crazy good.
Following Batiste, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats proceeded to blow my pants off. I had gotten really into "S.O.B." and "Need Never Get Old" in the last week or two, but their whole set was just super fun. I'm expecting them to start getting bigger once they put their album out. Also wouldn't be surprised if Newport brings them back next year. Really loved them. Also throwing "The Shape I'm In" in the middle of "S.O.B." and having J. Mascis come out to solo was pretty damn awesome.
Lord Huron were pretty good, but the two times I've seen them play headlining club shows have been much better. They're a great band, but weren't grabbing me yesterday. Interesting thing I was thinking about during their set: Lord Huron seem to be kind of alone in the musical landscape. They're not great friends with any other artists and I really couldn't imagine who they could/would collaborate with or bring out as a guest at Newport.
First Aid Kit were great but the fact that Johanna had lost her voice definitely took a big chunk out of their sound. It took me a minute or two to realize what was missing after they started, and I just felt so bad for them the whole time I was there. Klara carried it very well though and the Lucinda Williams cover she did was stunning. I'd seen that they'd been covering War Pigs recently as well but unfortunately I left before they played it. Hopefully Johanna recovers soon and I'll have a chance to see them in full form.
Blake Mills was probably the best guitar player at the fest this year. His set was pretty damn great and the way he plays the instrument is just so different from pretty much every other major guitarist. Definitely glad I went over to see him.
Caught the end of Laura Marling's set and she was great, as always. I was glad she played the rocking version of "I Feel Your Love" (they just released it on the "Director's Cut" of her album) and she just seems so sweet and charming.
Hozier really impressed me. I'm not a huge fan, and I think Newport is the only place I'd go to see him, but I thought he did a really good job and just seems to really love the festival.
'65 Revisited was quacking awesome. I will say that I was expecting more guests, and could've done with a little less Gillian and Dave, but it was still so fucking cool. I'm glad I was right about Dawes serving as a sort of house band for (most of) the whole thing. Blake Mills' "Just Like a Woman" and Robyn Hitchcock's "Visions of Johanna" were really great. "Maggie's Farm" and "Like a Rolling Stone" were obviously fantastic. Ending with "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" was fun, and the whole thing was just an awesome experience. Like with the Roger set, I really wish this could've been longer. There are just so many great songs they could've done. I guess we'll just have to wait until Dylan dies and they do some big tribute concert!
This being our first year we were unaware of the mess trying to take a shuttle to the parking lots. I was just curious on what I missed out on.
The parking and shuttles situation was an enormous clusterfuck, even worse than normal this year. Friday it took over an hour to get out, and Sunday certainly had the potential to be as ugly - if not for some slick moves by the van driver.
I was up close for Roger Waters, and I was out of the parking lots by 7:45 and out of Newport by 8. Didn't waste my time waiting for a shuttle. Ya'll need to work on your hustle
Post by the3penguins on Jul 27, 2015 10:29:59 GMT -5
Whew! What a weekend. Just getting back to the computer and gotta process everything. Favorite shows were Roger Waters (duh), Decemberists, and Hozier's semi-secret show at the Museum Stage Sunday doing all traditional Irish folk songs. In fact, some year it'd be fun to go and JUST sit at the Museum Stage. Seemed like a somewhat hidden gem. Every time I walked in there was something interesting going on, and it's a super nice setup compared to the big crowded stages. I caught a bit of Don Flemons' thing there yesterday too, which was also great, wish I had time for more.
Best discovery was Jones Family Singers. Super super fun. I know gospel is not everyone's thing, but I thought they were a total blast. Was very impressed with Rodrigo Amarante as well, gotta check out some more of his music.
Biggest disappointment was MMJ pre-Waters. Not their fault since their part was cut short due to weather, but compared to what followed it felt like an afterthought. Seeing them do a proper show in the fall though so not too bummed, and Roger and co more than made up for it. Also thought the Dylan thing was only okay. When I saw them start setting up I assumed Preservation Hall would be the house band, which would have KILLED! All the songs with a New Orleans horns vibe, really fun and different. Nothing against Dawes, but they were the much more obvious choice, and so it sounded much more like you'd expect. Perfectly fine, but no one really did anything different with any of the songs. (I did get a kick out of how every famous musician of Bob's generation seemed to be rumored. In addition to Neil and Bob, I overheard random people saying they knew for sure Bono, McCartney, Ringo, Leonard Cohen, Pete Townshend...)
Well, that's about it. Agree on the traffic too. I only parked Sunday, but it seemed insane, took an hour to get out and we hustled over there after Rainy Day Women ended. And the line for the ferry Saturday was nuts too (tho the ferry line Friday sailed right on though). Only so much you can do when you're on a peninsula I guess.
Hope someone captured some of the livestreams or taped stuff! If anyone sees a set recording up somewhere, please share a link. I guess NPR's will go up at some point too.
I know this will be a controversial post, but the only bad thing I've seen all weekend - is the 10 minutes I caught of Sufjan Stevens. The four minutes straight of him repeating "We're all gonna die" set to a low key piano tune certainly left a terrible impression.
I assume he did this at the end of Fourth of July... Are you a big fan of Sufjan's studio work and/or have you seen him before and liked it? I absolutely love him and I'm just assuming you didn't know his music very well going into the show or at least don't know the new album very well because, if you did, you would've expected an extremely down tempo, emotional (mostly sad) show because the new album is about the rather heart wrenching topic of his mother's death and he's reflecting on his old memories with her and working through dealing with losing her.
To be clear, I'm not saying you're wrong for not being into it, because I'd probably be bummed/put off if I went to an artist I didn't know well and got such a sad show when I wasn't in the mood for it as well. Just trying to figure out why it put you off so much.
I'm not very familiar with his work. I had never seen him live before. Also had only heard his studio work a couple of times before, Age of Adz and All Delighted People
Last Edit: Jul 27, 2015 11:09:20 GMT -5 by LD - Back to Top
MMJ's own set wasn't cut short due to weather. bacon got a copy of the setlist, it only had 8 MMJ songs before Waters et al came out.
Huh interesting. Cause Roger came out at like 6:20 (and ended at like 7:20). Figured that was weather, but maybe MMJ got through their 8 faster than they expected. Or they thought Roger would go long and he didn't.
I assume he did this at the end of Fourth of July... Are you a big fan of Sufjan's studio work and/or have you seen him before and liked it? I absolutely love him and I'm just assuming you didn't know his music very well going into the show or at least don't know the new album very well because, if you did, you would've expected an extremely down tempo, emotional (mostly sad) show because the new album is about the rather heart wrenching topic of his mother's death and he's reflecting on his old memories with her and working through dealing with losing her.
To be clear, I'm not saying you're wrong for not being into it, because I'd probably be bummed/put off if I went to an artist I didn't know well and got such a sad show when I wasn't in the mood for it as well. Just trying to figure out why it put you off so much.
I'm not very familiar with his work. I had never seen him live before. Also had only heard his studio work a couple of times before, Age of Adz and All Delighted People
Ah, ok. Then, I totally get why you weren't crazy about what you saw of his show because it was so depressing. As great as Sufjan is, I've thought to myself multiple times that, aside from his dislike of playing festivals, his new album really is an odd fit for a festival because it's so damn sad. Like, Carrie &. Lowell is not an album I want to listen to while I'm out trying to have a good time with a bunch of friends. It's something that I prefer to listen to late at night when I'm alone. That being said, I think that going to see Sufjan at one of HIS shows would be much better (if you know the new album) because you are there specifically for that and you know what to expect from the night.
Anyway, bummer you didn't really dig it. Glad you enjoyed the day, and presumably the fest, as a whole though!
My only real regret of the weekend was going to Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn instead of Langhorne Slim - not because Bela did anything wrong/bad, but because I'm hearing nothing but raves about Langhorne.
Post by itrainmonkeys on Jul 27, 2015 11:56:42 GMT -5
Langhorne was fantastic. The new songs sounded great and the emotional one from his last album about his grandfathers and them passing away was really, really touching. I've seen him play it before but he had extra emotion on that one. Alone on the stage and briefly just put his finger out to the one photographer snapping photos and said "Please...." and the guy understood and put it down. It was a powerful moment during his set which was filled with a lot more upbeat and dancey/energetic songs. But that one "Song for Sid" was amazing. He was choking up and holding back tears while singing and then brought out the band and tore the place up. Came out into the crowd a few times, too.
Post by jmurph2017 on Jul 27, 2015 12:44:19 GMT -5
Did anyone see that Hiss Golden Messenger set at Newport Blues on Friday? Holy crap, that sax solo and set was one of my favorite moments of the entire weekend.. total mind blow.
My only real regret of the weekend was going to Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn instead of Langhorne Slim - not because Bela did anything wrong/bad, but because I'm hearing nothing but raves about Langhorne.
Langhorne Slim is always great. Never miss him again!!
Friday: Haunt the House > Goodbye Girls > Bahamas > Elephant Revival > The Lone Bellow > Tallest Man > MMJ/Waters
Saturday: For Pete's Sake from 11:45-2:30 (Jeff Davis, Lorraine Hammond, Joel Savoy & Jesse Lege, Lucius, Colin Meloy), Jason Isbell, James Taylor, Sufjan, The Decemberists
Sunday: Christopher Paul Stelling > (Berklee Gospel and Jon Batiste from the Beer Pier) > Lord Huron > First Aid Kit > Hozier > '65
Best set: Roger Water with MMJ. No question. Worst set: Doesn't exist at Newport, but I wasn't upset abut listening to Berklee from afar. Biggest regret: Staying at the Fort for the Decemberists instead of going to Brandi. I had a decent spot and didn't feel like giving it up. Also, I ran into a friend in the beer prison right as we were leaving to get a good spot for Lord Huron. I wasted to much time on small talk and it took me a few sets to get up to Bacon and Kev on the rail for '65. I wish: Johanna had her voice, but it was still a decent set. Biggest Surprise: The Lone Bellow rocked it. I've seen them before and enjoyed it, but they blew it out of the water. As someone else said, Leon Bridges was totally underutilized. That was disappointing.
Anyone else do any of the For Petes Sake thing? Wasn't expecting to, but went in and ended up staying for a couple hours. Cool intimate sets by Colin Meloy, Jones Fam Singers, Hozier (doing all Irish folk songs), and someone from Uncle Earl. Lucius too, but I missed them. Def highlight of the weekend.
YUP! ilovethisgamekevbotabbosang_xcx and I all were there before noon. I left with someone at 2:30, but they stayed until the end. We were all in the first and second rows (I was front row, left second seat in). We saw all the earlier announced people (listed above) and stayed through Meloy. ILTG and I love our Chris funk curated Museum Stage events! <3
Welcome back Bonz, but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.
Post by the3penguins on Jul 27, 2015 14:47:43 GMT -5
I wish the First Aid Kit sister had her voice too, but was actually impressed at how well they did at only half strength vocally. I think no one who didn't know them already would have even noticed anything missing (if they hadn't mentioned it that is). Plus it was kind of cool to see something different, a one-time-only setup born of necessity.
Reminds me of a story I heard a singer who grew up near Niagara Falls once tell. One summer they had to divert the water elsewhere for whatever reason. Tourists kept getting angry when they arrived to find a bone-dry cliff. Understandably. But he made the argument that you could see water rushing over Niagara Falls any day of any year of any century - it's much more rare and special to see it WITHOUT water!
That argument probably wouldn't appease tourists or First Aid Kit fans, but there's some logic to it. It was cool to see something special, even if now I definitely want to go see the normal show to compare.
I wish the First Aid Kit sister had her voice too, but was actually impressed at how well they did at only half strength vocally. I think no one who didn't know them already would have even noticed anything missing (if they hadn't mentioned it that is). Plus it was kind of cool to see something different, a one-time-only setup born of necessity.
Reminds me of a story I heard a singer who grew up near Niagara Falls once tell. One summer they had to divert the water elsewhere for whatever reason. Tourists kept getting angry when they arrived to find a bone-dry cliff. Understandably. But he made the argument that you could see water rushing over Niagara Falls any day of any year of any century - it's much more rare and special to see it WITHOUT water!
That argument probably wouldn't appease tourists or First Aid Kit fans, but there's some logic to it. It was cool to see something special, even if now I definitely want to go see the normal show to compare.
I actually completely agree. First Aid Kit is one of the few acts I went into knowing all their songs and albums, and have been a fan for quite some time. lt was interesting to hear just the main voice, because even though the harmonies are amazing, they can be over powering at times, and it was nice to hear something different and new.
Post by the3penguins on Jul 27, 2015 15:58:31 GMT -5
I downloaded the Lone Bellow set from NPR and broke it up into individual tracks, if anyone else would want that let me know and I'll upload it somewhere. Will probably do the same with a few other sets I liked when they post 'em.
I downloaded the Lone Bellow set from NPR and broke it up into individual tracks, if anyone else would want that let me know and I'll upload it somewhere. Will probably do the same with a few other sets I liked when they post 'em.
I downloaded the Lone Bellow set from NPR and broke it up into individual tracks, if anyone else would want that let me know and I'll upload it somewhere. Will probably do the same with a few other sets I liked when they post 'em.
Yeah I'd definitely appreciate that. That was my 8th time seeing them and probably the 2nd best (1st being their Bowery Ballroom show in March, my favorite show of the year so far)
Post by itrainmonkeys on Jul 27, 2015 17:58:42 GMT -5
Big highlight of the Quad stage shows was Traveller (Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, Cory Chisel). A group they threw together and made songs for within the past few weeks. This isn't from the set but one of their songs on their youtube:
Some great songs played. Hope they get an album or EP or something soon.
Big highlight of the Quad stage shows was Traveller (Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, Cory Chisel). A group they threw together and made songs for within the past few weeks. This isn't from the set but one of their songs on their youtube:
Some great songs played. Hope they get an album or EP or something soon.
Post by jumpinjamesbrown on Jul 27, 2015 22:13:06 GMT -5
Thursday-deer tick Friday- goodbye girls>bahamas>leon bridges>hiss golden messenger>tallest man>heartless bastards>mmj/waters>deer tick from the window and knocked over leon bridges Saturday-andy shauf>traveller>langhorne slim>nikki lane>courtney barnett>james taylor gave me a peace sign on the pier>surfjan>deer tick Sunday-ballroom thieves>brian fallon>nathaniel rateliff>felice brothers>first aid kit>end of blake mills>j mascis>65
Top 5 sets at park Heartless bastards Waters Langhorne Nikki lane 65
Favorite covers War pigs Touch of grey Rainy day woman
Thursday-deer tick Friday- goodbye girls>bahamas>leon bridges>hiss golden messenger>tallest man>heartless bastards>mmj/waters>deer tick from the window and knocked over leon bridges Saturday-andy shauf>traveller>langhorne slim>nikki lane>courtney barnett>james taylor gave me a peace sign on the pier>surfjan>deer tick Sunday-ballroom thieves>brian fallon>nathaniel rateliff>felice brothers>first aid kit>end of blake mills>j mascis>65
Top 5 sets at park Heartless bastards Waters Langhorne Nikki lane 65
Favorite covers War pigs Touch of grey Rainy day woman
Did anyone see that Hiss Golden Messenger set at Newport Blues on Friday? Holy crap, that sax solo and set was one of my favorite moments of the entire weekend.. total mind blow.
This weekend I saw MMJ play with Roger Waters, a bazillion people doing Dylan covers, my favourite band four nights in a row from front row, and so many more amazing things. That sax solo was the absolute best though. Holy mother of god. I wish I could find a video of those last two songs they did. I was speechless.
Got to meet the lovely Ms cath which was a pleasure.
Weather was grand! Only 98% a hot sweaty mess instead of 150%. 3 more new products including 'tame the mane' have failed the test. POOF. MUFASA!
Had first time ever at NFF 'mom and dad' alone time with quacker at Nathaniel Rathcliff Great show! SOB -> the shape i'm in - > SOB was fantastic.
Didn't think anyone could top my girl Brandi but in hindsight have to give the nod to Lone Bellow. They were over the top!
Enjoyed 65 revisited. No complaints however a hint underwhelmed..until (what looked like from the back) every remaining artist in the fort came out to wrap it all up with a 10K person sing a long to Everybody Must Get Stoned. Did not see That coming. Epic ending to another magical weekend.
Big highlight of the Quad stage shows was Traveller (Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, Cory Chisel). A group they threw together and made songs for within the past few weeks.
This was higher on my list for the weekend, but I decided to wait it out in the Museum Stage for the special guests. Looking back to when it filled up and the timing of those guests, I could have easily seen this set and made it back. Oh well.
I am disappointed that I didn't get to meet you or anyone else new (again). I saw cath with fawnmart but didn't know it was her until after she walked away. I spent the majority of my days this year holed up on/near the rail of the Fort Stage/ front row of the Museum, so I did very little wandering/beer drinking...
Welcome back Bonz, but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.
but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal. 
I saw