Review the 2015 Acts You've Already Seen

Moon Taxi - Multiple times. I saw them at Roo in 2012 and they blew me the fuck away. After that it seemed I couldn't sling a dead cat without buying a ticket to a Moon Taxi show. They play in Kentucky a lot. They KILL it every time. They are much better live than on their albums. In fact, it's no comparison. They jam like they might jam until everybody's dead from over-jamming and they don't give a shit. They also do really interesting covers.

War on Drugs: I saw them at Roo in 2011 and was not that impressed at the time. I didn't think the sound quality was very good and their sound engineer wasn't doing a good job sorting it out. I liked that first album alot. Perhaps with some more technical improvement they can be better this year. Probably be on the Which though, so I am pessimistic

Ben Folds: Saw him at Roo in 2012. It was about what you'd expect from a Ben Folds show. If you like Ben Folds, you will like his show. If not, then you probably aren't going to his show anyway.

Childish Gambino: Saw him at Roo in 2012 or 2013 - too lazy to look it up - was not impressed. It was on the Which during the day though which is always a tough combination for me personally.

Mumford and Sons: Roo 2010, Roo 2011, and 2012 in Louisville - They got less impressive to me every time even though their stage presence got a bit more elaborate. I think they are not that good live and that their live performances sound much crappier than the album. They will do some interesting things though, like bring out members from other bands to jam. They did Amazing Grace with Old Crow Medicine Show in 2011. They don't do anything interesting with their own songs though. They are rally going to have to step it up to impress me this year.

Dawes - They opened for Mumford in 2012. I think I saw them at Roo that year too. They were good opening for Mumford. Not much else to say really.

My Morning Jacket - Multiple times. 2011 Roo. 2012 Forecastle. Once in Louisville a long time ago. My reviews would add absolutely nothing to ongoing conversation around here and I would just risk pissing people off. I will say that while I do not LOVE them, they are GREAT live. If you don't really get into their albums, you should still check out their show, because they really go all out.

Bassnectar - Multiple. Forecastle 2010. Bonnaroo 2011. Several other times. Exactly what you would expect from a Bassnectar show.

Gary Clark, Jr.: Multiple times. He fucking kills it. I think this guy is going to be headlining in a few years. I think it'd be a shame to miss this.

Houmdouth. Multiple times. They are from Kentucky. They are good but not really that impressive live. It will be a good show and you should check them out, but they don't really do much interesting.

Just realized I have only seen three acts on this lineup. Which is a much different story than 2014.

Run the Jewels - Local show 2013 Great energy from both Killer Mike/El-P and the crowd. This will be one of the crazier shows of the weekend in my opinion. Also Killer Mike is one of the best live emcee I have seen. Only the first album was out at the time so I can't speak for the new material live. A

The War on Drugs - Local show 2014 If you like lead guitar this guy can play. Think Mike Campbell kinda laid back solos. A

Tycho - Really enjoyed like the first 45min or so of the set. But after a while it all started to sound the same to me which made the last half of the set a little boring.B

deadmau5 - jazzfest 2010 (pre-cube), voodoo 2010 - not much too say that everyone doesn't already know but its a fun audio/visual experience. deadmau5 was my first brush with the EDM wave and i've always had a soft spot for his stuff. will definitely be at the roo set. A

Kendrick Lamar - Buku 2013 - just him and a DJ, he didn't seem to know how to control his voice, all he did was shout. Hope he's improved, still looking forward to his Roo set. D

Florence - various festival shows - talented vocalist no doubt, but her music is boring to me. i chalk this one up to my preferences rather than objective fact. INC

MMJ - awesome blah blah. A

Alabama Shakes - Mobile Saenger couple years back - Brittany is a great vocalist with a good stage presence but "hold on" is the only song they have that is worth a damn. pretty boring show that apparently everybody but me loved. C

Slayer - gwinnett, ga few years back, voodoo 2014, tabernacle 2014 - still one of the greatest most relentless and intense shows ever. they are that rare band that, within their genre (thrash, specifically), they are purely and absolutely perfect. A+

Mumford & Sons - Gentlemen of the Road Portland Stopover 2012: As a fan of their music I thought their show was great. Really high energy and great singalongs. If you don't like them, the show will probably be quite a bit worse. A-/B+ for me.

Robert Plant - House of Blues Boston 2011: This was with Band Of Joy and I really liked it. Good reworkings of Zeppelin songs. I like the stuff I've seen with Sensation Shapeshifters more and the album they released last year was pretty good so I'm looking forward to his set. B

Childish Gambino - Boston Calling 2014: He followed Lorde (the scheduling got quacked) and I'm not a huge fan but I hung out towards the back and his energy was great. Really solid band too. If I knew his music better I'd probably give him a higher grade. B-

Spoon - Boston Calling 2014: Don't know their stuff at all and got a little bored during their set. But they were really solid musicians and the majority of the crowd seemed to be enjoying it so I'm guessing knowing the songs would have mate it much better. B-

The War On Drugs - Boston Calling 2014: They were a fun daytime jam set. Their presence was a little lacking but their music is so good and they draw out some songs on really sweet jams that were made even better by some substances. B

Brandi Carlile - Multiple times: Incredibly talented and she puts on a good show. Hoping for her covers of Folsom Prison Blues and Hallelujah because both are great. Her band are great behind her and she has a lot of great songs that you should familiarize yourself with before seeing her. A-

Twenty One Pilots - Multiple times: A set filled with gimmicks to cover up their bad music. D

Dawes - Multiple times: Better every time I've seen them. They thrive both in a daytime fest spot and headlining club show. The songs are great, but they reach another level live and all four are great musicians. Singalongs, jams, fantastic guitar solos, great harmonies, and great energy. A+

Trampled By Turtles - Newport Folk Fest 2014: They put on a really fun, high energy bluegrass show but I could see how it would get boring after seeing them once or twice. B

Guster - Multiple times: If you like their music they sound even better live. It was pretty much the same set two of the three times I've seen them, but with a new album just released, there'll be some new material and reworked setlist. I'll try to see them. B+/B

Bleachers - Boston Calling 2014: It might kind of easily digestible indie-pop but Jack Antonoff gives the crowd an awesome performance and I think you'd have to really try to not enjoy it. B+

Shakey Graves - Newport Folk Fest 2014: Only saw him for about 20 minutes because of scheduling, but his whole one-man band thing is really impressive and backed up by good songs and now he has his great new album to back him up so I definitely want to see him again. I'll probably catch him on his spring tour too. B

Benjamin Booker - Multiple times: Holy quack his shows are good. For a guy with just one album under his belt he knows how to work a stage. Awesome band and wild energy. There's a reason he's at every festival this summer. A

Houndmouth - Newport Folk Fest 2014: Caught 30 minutes of their set and had a blast. Their songs are mostly upbeat and they seemed to be having a ton of fun onstage. Good instrument and lead vocal switching from all of the members and some good covers. I think they'll have a new album out by Roo time too. B+/B

Courtney Barnett - Multiple times: first time I saw her I was a little bored, but was also tired and had mainly been there for Benjamin Booker who was the opener. Saw her again in the fall and she was really good. Her songs are weird in the best way and she and her band give new life to them live. Some nice jamming too. B+

Bahamas - Terminal 5 2014: Saw them open for Lucius last month and they were a good show although a little lacking in energy. I'm a fan of their new album and Afie is a talented guy so barring any big conflicts I'll definitely try to see them again at Roo. B/B-

The Districts - Multiple times: You'll find me championing these guys all around Inforoo. See them. You'll miss an incredible performance if you don't. Absolutely one of the best live bands to emerge in recent years. Their energy is wild their songs are already great and getting better. I have tickets to see them two times in the next couple months but I'm still crazy excited for their Roo show. They have a full show on Youtube, go watch it. A+

Kendrick Lamar - Roo '12, Roo '13, Yeezus Tour '13 - Had a blast seeing him while hammered drunk on Thursday night at Roo '12, was bored at the hot Sunday show at Roo '13, and very much enjoyed his Yeezus opening set. His recent SNL performances lead me to believe he is going to add a little more flair to his live shows. B

MMJ - lots of times - My favorite band, so I am biased. I cannot say enough good things about their live show. Great band, rocks hard, and they always seem to give it everything they have. A+++, would see again!

Alabama Shakes - Roo '12, Forecastle '13 - A lot of people do not like the source material, but if you do (I do), you will definitely have fun at their show. Brittany can wail. B-

Spoon - Forecastle '14 - I've loved this band since college, but unfortunately only been able to see them once. As always, knowing the catalog improves the live show, but they are slick and talented musicians who put on a really cool live performance. A

The War on Drugs - Roo '12 - They put on a great show for a Sunday afternoon. I feel like they'd work best in a small indoor venue, but hopefully they'll get a nighttime slot this year. B

Superjam! - Roo '12 and '13 - So fun! Guests! Surprises! No seriously, it'll be fun and hopefully late night. A-

Moon Taxi - Live on the Green '12 - I lived in Nashville for a few years, and wanted to support this band since they were local. I heard a lot of buzz and listened to some of their songs, and found them to be bland and nothing to write home about. I gave them a chance live at a free concert and wanted my money back. I do not understand why anyone likes this band. F+

Flying Lotus - Moogfest '11 - I checked him out due to the glowing recommendations on this board. Not my thing, left about 15 minutes in. No grade.

Run the Jewels - Roo '13 (Killer Mike) - I've not really seen Run the Jewels, but Killer Mike is awesome and hilarious. Don't miss this one. B+

Dawes - Roo '10, Roo '12, Mercy Lounge '12 or '13 twice, I think - I've seen this band a few times. They're albums are good, but also seem kind slow and boring. However, they are surprisingly rocking live. B-

I'm seeing Sturgill Simpson in a couple of weeks, so I will update if I can remember.

I covered Dopapod with Tauk in Sept. 2013. Here is the link to our review and my photos:

www.gratefulmusic.com/2013/10/review-and-photos-dopapod-w-tauk-and.html

I'm not making that judgement. Just trusting the judgement of everyone I've talked to who has seen them.

I'm keeping this brief because I've seen so many of the acts already.

Mumford and Sons - I personally like them and feel they put on a strong, high-energy live show. If you like they're music, I don't see how you won't enjoy their show. Expect a few bust-out covers and possible sit ins on the farm.

Deadmau5 - Saw his last appearance and 'roo, and it was a non-stop dance party in the This Tent. High energy, and he should have even better visuals on What.

Robert Plant - A legend. He'll sprinkle in Zep songs, and that alone always makes his live show killer if you grew up a Zep fan. I enjoy how he rearranges them, too.

MMJ - One of my favorite bands because of the sheer intensity of their live shows. Jim James is a true showman, and every time they've been on the farm they've brought it. The two late night sets are two of my top 5 favorite shows of all time.

Bassnectar - If you like bass, he'll give you plenty of it - and more. Expect a lot of dancing and to feel your shirt move as the bass pounds your chest.

Ben Harper - I've seen him a few times and always enjoyed his live show. He interacts well with the crowd and is energetic. Expect to hear a lot of his hits at roo.

Spoon - If you like them, at all, don't miss this show. A great live act, in my opinion, with a lot of albums to pull material from.

Ben Folds - I've never seen this incarnation, but he's a great showman, killer piano player and great songwriter. What more could you ask for? Oh, he's also quite humorous.

Childish Gambino - Dug his Thursday set a few years ago, and I know he's grown since then but that set was very high energy. Donald pours himself into it, to the point he could levitate off the stage.

STS9 - Hopefully they get a late night because they are killer in that spot and could go all night. My memories of a lot of their shows are fuzzy, but I know I always dance a lot and have fun.

Flying Lotus - Inventive DJ. Again, another can't miss if you're a fan.

Gary Clark Jr - Guitar god. The guy slays it, and even if you don't know his material you'll probably walk away impressed by his musicianship. I still don't own a CD of his, but I've caught him two times just to watch him play.

Moon Taxi - Saw them in 2014 and they put on a killer show. This band is on the ascent.

Bela and Abigail - They work well together, and Bela is a freaking legend. Nuff said.

The Growlers - They are fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. Seriously. It's hard to peg their music: Psychedelic surf, maybe? Whatever the case, they put on a high-energy live show that always seems like it could jump off the rails.

Pokey LaFarge - A must for me on the farm because he's a showman and has a top notch band. The look and sound is throwback'y, but it honestly works and doesn't seem forced or fake.

Phox - Up and coming band I saw open for The Head and the Heart. Their lead singer is pretty incredible. Great voice and stage presence, and the music just kind of wraps its arms around you. Another good up and coming act.

Florence sounded well at DeLuna. Much more like her album voice then I expected

Mumford and Sons - Gentlemen of the Road Troy, 2013 - After the beating they took in the headliner thread, I feel like I'll voice my opinions/suport. They were phenomenal at GotR, playing their songs, a couple new songs, and covers and collaborations throughout. They were energetic and the crowd was 100% into the entire show. That being said, I saw them the week after at an amphitheater show in Indianapolis and it was actually kind of bland. The crowd is really what makes or breaks them. I understand it isn't everyone's brand of music, but getting a good spot for them would be worth it just to be part of the enthusiastic crowd! A+ for the fest, B- for the amphitheater.

Twenty One Pilots - Bunbury Music Festival, 2013 - Although I seem to like their music more than most, just like Mumford, their show and the crowd are what set them apart. Their live show is kinda gimmicky but really entertaining. B+

This list made me realize that these are the only two bands I've seen, which makes me both disappointed in myself and excited that I'll be seeing so many great acts for the first time!

Kendrick Lamar - Roo 13 and P4K 14 wasnt thrilled with his Roo set. I thought he was much better at Pitchfork. Really enjoyed his set. It seemed like he was a lot more comfortalbe on such a large stage.

Robert Plant - Roo with Allison Krauss. I loved this but Plant really just sat back and let her do all the work. Lucky for me I was there for Allison Krauss to begin with. I'd wonder if he'd really bring the show when he wasnt sharing the stage.

My Morning Jacket - Seen them 3 or 4 times and never really been engaged. I think they're just not my style.

Bassnectar - Langerado 10? MOEMS 13, North Coast 14 Love Bassnectar but the shows are getting extraordinayily large and kind of annoying. Went really far back at North Coast because the show was a little too packed.

Childish Gambino - Lolla 12 or something? WAs really excited for his set, but was a little let down. I think he's probably gotten better and would like to see him now that he's got a couple more years under his belt.

Flume - Lolla After 14 it was a fun show but it didnt blow my mind. Honesly I think I prefered Anna Lunoe and Duke Dumont. Flume seemed a little boring after them.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Roo 13 late night? The show was great but as most late nights it was too packed to see well so I moved along. Would love to get a good spot for another show.

Spoon - Lolla a long damn time ago. Pitchfork 12? Great show. Not really been thrilled with where they've gone the last few albums but definitely worth seeing.

STS9 - like 6 or 7 times at least? I think I saw them 4 times last year. So I love this band. They will tear it up. I saw them with the new bassist last fall and they were still excellent.

Caribou - Man. I wish I remembered this better. It was good.

SBTRKT - Lolla 11? Lolla After 13 always awesome. even his dj set in 2013 was awesome. I want that mask.

Tove Lo - local show 14 saw her a few months back. She really was great. I was surprised and appreciated how much prescense she had on stage.

Run the Jewels - A couple fests. Hands down awesome. Do not miss kind of show. RtJ 2 was an even better album. Cant wait to see them again now that I've memorized half the album.

Trampled by Turtles - Lolla 11? Good day show to hang out and jam and dance around a little when it's hot.

Bela Fleck and Abagail Washburn - Roo. Legends.

Gramatik - A couple fests and a local. I really dig Gramatik. He's got a reputation for doing the same shit alot and thats fair but if you havent seen it yet he's a blast.

SZA - P4k 14. Really great show. She had excellent energy and really handled a small stage well. I'd totally see her again

Rustie - P4k 13 MOEMS 13 He's so fun live. I dont think the albums do him justice at all.

Dopapod - local show 13. Basic jam whatever. I think they're totally boring. The show was better once I had a couple of drinks and a smoke.

Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas - local show 14 opened for St Paul and the Broken Bones. She was a really fun show. Lots of good energy and a great sound. It was also her birthday so maybe she danced a little more? who knows but it was a fun opener

Deadmau5 - Ultra 2014, I am not the biggest Deadmau5 fan. My good friend really loves his productions. While the arrangement is solid, I like deeper sounds. Personally really dug this set, primarily because he played a mix of new deeper stuff (without the mouse head on) and then would go back to the more epic stuff. If he played another set like this with the tech / deeper elements, I'd be all about it. B -

Bassnectar - Ultra 2012, a small club in Asheville forever ago. The guy could play polka and he would still own the crowd. In general I am not a "commercial" dubstep fan, but Lorin's sound is distinct, well produced and fuck me that stage energy is insane. Having seen him before, I'd probably pass to see something I haven't seen. B

Flume - Coachella 2014. My wife and I had an amazing spot for Flume. However the crowd got so thick, so massively packed that dancing wouldnt be possible and it actually go to the point that I felt really unsafe. So we abandoned ship and tried to catch the set from the edge. Then the edge got as bad as the middle, by the time I got to somewhere I get comfortable I was so far away I couldnt appreciate it. INC

SBTRKT - Ultra 2012. Was completely unfamiliar before. I think I was waiting for the Shadow set later in the evening. It was SBTRKT with the second guy. Good sounds, well produced. Not the best stage presence and felt like it would have done better in a smaller intimate tent vs the amphitheater it was in. Not the best timeslot, crowd was thin. Have listened to the music since and really enjoy it, but wasn't the best live music experience I ever had. C

Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood (as MMW) - Alachua Music Harvest (at least 10 year ago now). Have been a long time fan, I was really stoked to see them live. The studio work translates well to a live environment and a lot of well done improvisation. A masterful band, great music, and the music really does all the work. However while that could be a drawback for some bands, in this case its just perfect. A -

Jaime XX - Coachella 2013 - Came into this set in the Yuma tent out of a SICK tech house set. I was ready to dance and the set just started off weird. Rare groove but not of it connected. It was trying to be eclectic but lacked a cohesive glue to get me dancing. Since I've seen sets that made we want to give it another chance, but based on my 1 live experience.. F

Bleachers - Coral Skies Festival 2014. Saw FUN! the year prior. Not my favorite band but the show was really impressive. So I figured we would give them a go. As was said prior, poppy indie rock stuff, but you do seriously have to try to not have a good time during the set. I was relaxing more than a few rows back and it got me from that far away. If you haven't seen them and dont have a conflict I suggest giving them a shot. B-

Rudimental - Coachella 2014. By the time we got there the tent was packed. We ended up in the back. Didn't matter. That set was INSANE. I love drum and bass, particularly live drum and bass and they SLAYED it. The energy was off the charts, I danced my ass off. Everyone was feeling it. Track after track, the energy was thick. Was on my top 3 list for the weekend for sure. A

Courtney Barnett - Coachella 2014. Was already a fan. I love her. Just a little bit of quirky. Strait forward rock band. It's refreshing to hear a voice without production tricks. No overstyled persona. Love the songs, came away with new favorites after seeing them live. She's almost shy on stage, not hidden, but just a little honest nervousness and I think it translates well, she just does her thing, a little talking but she just brings it at you. - B+

Deadmau5: Deadmeh. I'm not a fan; it wasn't the worst thing I've seen, but it's a weak choice.

Robert Plant: Roo '08 w/ Alison Krauss was brilliant, Roo '11 w/ Band of Joy was pretty good but not mindblowing. The new band sounds better than BoJ, if Youtube videos are any indication.

My Morning Jacket: what hasn't been said about them on here already? One of the most reliably good live bands today.

Bassnectar: Fairly forgettable.

Alabama Shakes: I have a love-hate relationship with this band, in that Brittany is phenomenal, while the others probably should have remained an Alabama bar band. I understand wanting to make music with your friends, but she's clearly outgrown them as creative collaborators. Still a good show if you're on the fence.

STS9: fun show, but they're also festival whores, so I wouldn't prioritise them in a conflict.

Flying Lotus: great set at Bonnaroo '12, certainly left the show a slightly bigger fan.

Gary Clark Jr: dude can wail.

SBTRKT: fun, nothing mind-blowing IMO.

Moon Taxi: one of my surprise highlights of Thursday '12.

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn: caught part of the '08 set with Phil Lesh & a few others; it sounded fine, but it's not really my thing, so I moved on.

Against Me: not necessarily the tightest show you will see but still a fun time.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: this will be one of the most mental sets in Bonnaroo history. Fact.

A lot of people around here will disagree with you about this, but you hit the nail on the head with that one. Exactly how I feel.