Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
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!!
Post by FortSteuben on Feb 24, 2015 15:04:57 GMT -5
Mumford & Sons - Roo '11. Good show with a lot of energy during a hot Saturday Afternoon at the Which. Truthfully I have lost interest in the band, and I am not nearly excited for this show but I would give my live experience with them a B+.
STS9(x2)(All Good '13, Pittsburgh '14) If you are into the whole jamtronica genre its a cant miss show. The All Good set capped off a night at All Good that also contained Primus and John Butler. I really didnt listen to them before All Good, and the light show and jams blew me away. Same result in Pittsburgh but better because they got to play a full two set show. A
Gary Clark Jr. - Roo '12: unbelievable Guitarist, but not much else to be seen as far as the live show. I'm always down for some good blues guitar so I give Gary Clark a solid (B)
Dopapod (x5) Most recent Columbus, Dec. '14 - Probably the most "jam" band on the lineup this year. They have talented musicians throughout the whole band. Their keyboard/synth definitely stands out as my favorite person in the band. If you like progressive jam a'la Umphrey's McGee, Dopapod would not be a bad option for you to attend on Thursday. (B)
Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas - (Nov '14, Pittsburgh) They opened for St. Paul and the Broken Bones, I honestly dont remember much about the show. I remember that they sounded pretty tight as a band, and their songs were pretty diverse as far as style. I also remember them utilizing a horn player pretty well into their music which is always a plus for me.(C)
Post by MiaFinsDreamer on Feb 24, 2015 15:24:26 GMT -5
Mumford-twice..their great live Deadmau5- countless times, but he has a new stage setup. So im hoping for Daft Punk Pyramid type show MMJ-Boring to me unless you caught the LN Bonnaroo show Bassnectar- Got jaded after the 10th time seeing him(loved watching this guy when he was at the bottom of lineups) Flume-Great dj.. fun show Atmosphere- think, basic hip hop show Run The Jewels.. Great energy. show got cut in half at counterpoint last year due to weather though Moon Taxi- They pull off their sound live great ....man I just realized, there's a lot of acts I havent seen at this roo, and I've seen a ton of shows.
Mumford-twice..their great live Deadmau5- countless times, but he has a new stage setup. So im hoping for Daft Punk Pyramid type show MMJ-Boring to me unless you caught the LN Bonnaroo show Bassnectar- Got jaded after the 10th time seeing him(loved watching this guy when he was at the bottom of lineups) Flume-Great dj.. fun show Atmosphere- think, basic hip hop show Run The Jewels.. Great energy. show got cut in half at counterpoint last year due to weather though Moon Taxi- They pull off their sound live great StS9- great light show, cool jams ....man I just realized, there's a lot of acts I havent seen at this roo, and I've seen a ton of shows.
I'm pretty excited for roo this year because I have seen very few artists on the lineup. I'm not big into hip-hop or EDM, so it's pretty ironic that all of the artists I've seen fall into those genres.
Deadmau5 - 2010 - Beta Nightclub, Denver, CO - I'm not big into house music, somewhat entertaining but also somewhat boring set. Lot's of bros. Will check out part of his set since it will be mostly unopposed, but not too stoked. C
Bassenctar(2) - 2010 - Bassfest, Mile High Music Festival - Crazy energy, nonstop dance party, lots of fun. Was my favorite electronic artist back when I was more into EDM. Interested to see how his music has evolved. A
Childish Gambino - 2014 - Firefly Music Festival - I was looking forward to this set, but ended up leaving half way through to catch the end of Jack Johnson. Was dissapointed, though it was mediocre at best. Rest of the crowd seemed to enjoy it though. D+
Atmosphere - 2010 - Mile High Music Festival - Sounded decent, has pretty good voice control unlike most rappers live, fairly energentic set. Probably will skip unless nothing else is going on. B-
Post by Daniel My Brother on Feb 24, 2015 19:18:55 GMT -5
Billy Joel - Saw a few years ago in Detroit at and he sounded great. I'm a classic rock fan at heart and I've seen plenty of acts that cannot hack it anymore and Billy Joel is still going strong, excellent show.
Robert Plant - Bonnaroo 2011 - I had to leave right after his set so it was bittersweet seeing him but he still sings really well and I'm still taken aback about having seen him live. Starting to dig his new album as well.
MMJ - Bonnaroo 2011 - Never got into them before this set and now I'm like everyone else and mimic the must-see sentiment. My friend and I were posted pretty far back on the main stage by the second row of speakers which is not generally how I would like to take in a concert but it was great nonetheless. Jim James coming out in those furry white boots was icing on the cake. I've seen them 4-5 times since then and every show has been top notch.
Ben Folds - Bonnaroo 2006 - First act I ever saw at Bonnraoo vividly remember walking into the main entrance and hearing Jesusland get louder and louder, that alone made his set one to remember and one I'd recommend
Ben Harper - Bonnaroo 2007 - Saw his first half of the set which was great then I ran over to another concert but he had me with his opener "With My Own Two Hands" blew me away, has excellent crowd interaction and ups his performance if he's feeling the crowd vibe as he did at a festival in Barcelona I saw him at in 2011
Mumford & Sons - Roo '11. Good show with a lot of energy during a hot Saturday Afternoon at the Which. Truthfully I have lost interest in the band, and I am not nearly excited for this show but I would give my live experience with them a B+.
STS9(x2)(All Good '13, Pittsburgh '14) If you are into the whole jamtronica genre its a cant miss show. The All Good set capped off a night at All Good that also contained Primus and John Butler. I really didnt listen to them before All Good, and the light show and jams blew me away. Same result in Pittsburgh but better because they got to play a full two set show. A
Gary Clark Jr. - Roo '12: unbelievable Guitarist, but not much else to be seen as far as the live show. I'm always down for some good blues guitar so I give Gary Clark a solid (B)
Dopapod (x5) Most recent Columbus, Dec. '14 - Probably the most "jam" band on the lineup this year. They have talented musicians throughout the whole band. Their keyboard/synth definitely stands out as my favorite person in the band. If you like progressive jam a'la Umphrey's McGee, Dopapod would not be a bad option for you to attend on Thursday. (B)
Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas - (Nov '14, Pittsburgh) They opened for St. Paul and the Broken Bones, I honestly dont remember much about the show. I remember that they sounded pretty tight as a band, and their songs were pretty diverse as far as style. I also remember them utilizing a horn player pretty well into their music which is always a plus for me.(C)
I must have been in a rush this afternoon.
I've also seen My Morning Jacket Five times.
First time at Roo 2011. First time doing some other things as well. When the horns sounded during the Opener "Victory Dance" I thought that we were all being called into the heavens. I cried during Wordless Chorus and Steam Engine.
Once in Columbus 2012. The show was just electric. They played great ones: Tyrone, Phone Went West, O is the one that real, all of Run Thru They encored and I thought they were gonna end with Touch Me Part 2. They all walked off the stage again. I started walking out of the venue and calling my friend who was with me at the Roo '11 show to tell him how awesome this show was. Right as Im passing the stage on my left to leave, they come out again and play Steam Engine. I screaming to my friend, holy shit they came out again! And was able to get my self really close (because everyone else was leaving too.) to the front on Jim's Side. Its one of my favorite shows, I've ever been too.
I caught them in Boston on New Years 2012-13. Rode up with three guys that I went to high school/played in a cover band with. All of us kind of grew apart over the previous couple years. But somehow we coordinated this trip and made it happen. Drove 13 hours, right after a decent sized snow storm hit the mid-Atlantic region. Got turned away from beer vendors because we were from out of state and weren't 25 years old, and had a hard time getting a cab after the show back to our hotel in Chelsea. And it was still one of my favorite road trips of all time. To this day all 4 of us still play this show constantly. The Lay Low into Steam Engine w Carl playing the Sax is the best 20 minutes of music I've ever heard. The covers (Rocket Man, All Night Long, Rock The Casbah, Hungry Heart; to name a few) were unbelievable, the New Years countdown as One Big Holiday was playing... I could write a novel on this show.
Billy Joel - Louisville 2014 - As a lifelong (my dad played the cassettes non-stop in the car when I was a kid) Billy Joel fan I was beyond excited to see him last year and he lived up to the expectations. Still rocks out and his voice is strong if down an octave or two. He played Vienna and I almost lost it. A
Kendrick Lamar - Bonnaroo 2013 - A lot of people ragged on this show but I thought it was pretty damn good. It was hot as all get out in the middle of the afternoon and Kendrick still came out and got the crowd hyped up. I think it was much better if you were closer. Can't wait to see him with the live band. B+
Bassnectar - Mountain Oasis 2013 - The bassheads love this guy for a reason and he delivers. Walls of sound and a seamless mix made for an energy that I have seen so rarely at EDM shows. An hour and a half is honestly way too short for Lorin to get going so here's to hoping for the fabled sunrise set. A
Childish Gambino - Bonnaroo 2013 - Love the guy but prefer the old EPs and Camp to anything he's done lately. The set was another afternoon hip hop set which has claimed the energy from a few past Roo artists (Ludacris, Kendrick, etc) and the technical issues were a bummer. Here's to hoping for a much improved set from the Donglover. C+
Flume - Forecastle 2014 - Why do I hate EDM during the day? Let me count the reasons . . . Anyway, dude played a fairly middle of the road set that was pleasant but not terribly exciting. The remix of 'You & Me' and 'Hyperparadise' were the highlights but no 'Tell Me.' It was good. It wasn't great. B-
Spoon - Forecastle 2014 - Look at all these repeats from the fest a little further north. I love Spoon. I celebrate their entire catalog. I couldn't have been more bored at their show as the band didn't seem to really give a fuck. Snooze. C
The War On Drugs - Lexington, KY 2012 - Small club show (300 cap) that was WAY underattended (maybe 50 people) as 'Slave Ambient' had just come out a few months earlier. The band still slayed and I loved every damn second of it. Although the shirt I bought from them shrunk a TON when I washed it which still pisses me off a bit. A
Ben Folds - Springfield, MO Solo 2004 & BFF @ Bonnaroo 2013 - The solo show was one of the more fun shows I have ever been to with great crowd involvement and an impeccable setlist. I love the solo records so the solo show really hit me. Also had to leave the BFF show due to Bon Iver getting ready to send me into a peaceful trance on the What Stage. Looking forward to seeing what he plays with yMusic. A and B+
Twenty One Pilots - Bonnaroo 2013 & Forecastle 2014 - I've walked through/past their sets at both festivals and had an immediate negative reaction that has since been backed up by listening to their studio albums. Makes sense that their fan base is primarily from Ohio. D+
Flying Lotus - Bonnaroo 2012 - Oh man, FlyLo was the icing on the cake where the cake was Radiohead and Major Lazer in one of the more brain melting Bonnaroo nights of recent memory. Just a dude, his laptop, and a bottle of whiskey. Damn good time. A
Run The Jewels - Counterpoint 2014 - One of my most anticipated sets of CP and it fell in the afternoon and was cut short by a weak ass thunderstorm. They still killed it and I was able to walk up to about 15 feet away from the stage right as the show started. Don't expect that to happen at Roo. A
Against Me! - Krazy Fest 2011 & Forecastle 2014 - I don't see the appeal with this band. It's ok and all but nothing has ever grabbed me. It's political punk for middle agers at this point. Nothing too inspiring about the performances either. C+
Between The Buried And Me - Louisville 2007 & Lexington 2011 - These dudes absolutely slay live where their musicianship can truly shine. It's heavy in all the right ways and completely fascinating at the same time. One of my favorite metal bands to see live. A
This is the first year I have seen multiple acts heading into Roo so I figured I would get around to reviewing them finally
Bassnectar- Maybe one of the most fun shows I have ever seen. Non-stop energy for 2 hours with great visuals. This show is going to get even weirder on the farm and he is my #2 act to see this year. I know he isn't everyone's cup of team and honestly I think his studio stuff is pretty meh, and doesn't do his live show justice and I highly recommend going to this show if you are in doubt. My only complaint was how fast the show seemed to go. I could easily see Lorin playing 3+ hour set. A
The War on Drugs- Really solid show and my local House of Blues. These guys are not the most high energy but, they are great musicians and they sound just like albums in their live show(which I really enjoy). It was a little bit of an older crowd so I am looking forward to seeing how their show at Roo. I will be at their show this year and hopefully in the pit. B+
Twenty One Pilots- I have seen these guys twice once at Roo in 2013 and then again this fall. Their show in 2013 was my first show at my first Roo and I was really into them at the time. I loved their energy and it ended up being one of my Top 5 shows that weekend. I saw them again this fall and it just wasn't the same. I am not as much of as a fan as I used to be and it was a very young crowd (I felt out of place at 25) and they kept talking to a stupid disembodied voice, which was corny and screwed with the flow of the show. They were still high energy and went all out, but I just didn't feel it. I am most likely skipping them for Shabazz Palaces this year. At Roo '13 A- and this fall C
Tycho- This is a kinda of incomplete grade. I saw them a few weeks ago opening for Alt-J and the show was in a theater and only lasted 45 minutes. Since they were in a theater and they were an opener the crowd was sitting and not into it at all. They were pretty sharp live and had amazing visuals. I think this show will be much better in a late night Roo crowd and their Coachella show looked more high energy. I will be at their show this year at Roo. B-
Gramatik- Pretty solid show which I saw about a year ago. He plays a nice variety of his catalog and I enjoyed the show. It was a week night show so the energy suffered from that. I was bummed he didn't have a live guitarist with him like I saw in other shows, but Russ Liquid(who opened for him played some trumpet). I enjoyed myself, but wasn't blown away. I am catching the end of his set after Mac Demarco B
Temples- I saw these guys last fall and had a good time at there show. They sound just like their albums (which I enjoy). They definitely go all out with their look to get a certain vibe. I plan on catching them between Dopapod and Glass Animals B+
The Districts- These guys kicked-ass when I saw them open for Temples and can't wait to start my Friday with them. They have a ton of energy and I can't wait to see them perform the new album. A-
Between now and Bonnaroo I will be catching My Morning Jacket, Rubblebucket, and Mini Mansions (opening for Tame Impala) and will come back to review them.
9-4 to 9-6 SummerDance Festival 9-20- St Paul and the Broken Bones 9-30 Ott 10-21 Emancipator Ensemble 10-22 ATB 10-23 W&W 10-28 STS9 11-18 Dan Deacon 11-21 The Werks/ Twiddle 12-4 Darude 12-8 The Revivalist 12-30 & 12-31 Decadence NYE (Denver) 1-17 Mr. Carmack 1-28 Yo La Tengo 2-9 TAUK 2-27 Lotus and Michal Menert 2-29 Beach House 3-3 to 3-6 Okeechobee Festival 5-9 King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard 5-23 DIIV
Deadmau5- countless times, but he has a new stage setup. So im hoping for Daft Punk Pyramid type show
Unless he takes his show to a level of production that had not yet been seen by the world then it's impossible. Everybody has a Pyramid now. If I were to see that show now there is no way I would be as blown away as I was 8 years ago.
Benjamin Booker: He was on stage by himself when he opened up for Jack White last summer in a venue with notoriously terrible sound. It was a a really bad show, He couldn't get off of the stage fast enough. 3/10
MMJ: Roo 08, obviously a 10/10
STS9: Roo/Vegoose 07. I liked their sound a lot and had no idea who they were before roo. I was pretty fucked up and don't remember much other than shaking my ass and really enjoying it. Can't wait to see them again this year.
Robert Plant: With Allison Krauss at Roo 08. You can feel this guys presence and he knows he's the coolest guy anywhere he goes. Voice still holds up well and the songs had a very grounded and earthy feel to them then you can hear in his other live stuff. His reworkings of Zep songs was a nice touch and Battle of Evermore was the standout. 9/10
Trampled By Turtles: Summerfest 2013.I'm not the worlds biggest fan but enjoyed their show. Nice harmonies and a good sound. I probably wouldn't see them again unless there was nothing else playing. 7/10
Flume - Forecastle 2014 - Why do I hate EDM during the day? Let me count the reasons . . . Anyway, dude played a fairly middle of the road set that was pleasant but not terribly exciting. The remix of 'You & Me' and 'Hyperparadise' were the highlights but no 'Tell Me.' It was good. It wasn't great. B-
Post by hunkswithguns on May 1, 2015 20:52:00 GMT -5
Dopapod (Greenville, NC 2013) - Technically proficient jam band that was really fun to drink and dance to. Not really into that style of music but they're great at what they do and have some really catchy hooks. C-
Ben Folds (Manchester, NH 2007) - Caught a shorter solo set opening for John Mayer and it was thoroughly enjoyable. He thrives on the crowd's energy and has a great back catalog of piano pop. Bet he would kill it at Roo, especially with a band. B
Flying Lotus (Carrboro, NC 2014) - A must-see for me this year. He brought a live band (including Thundercat) and amazing visuals, blending his entire catalog into a brain-melting soup of sound. I didn't stop moving the entire set. He integrated a good amount of Captain Murphy material and current hits that drove the crowd wild. Giving him a late night slot with no curfew is the stuff of dreams. A+
My Morning Jacket (Roo 2011) - Chilled in the Arcade Fire pit line relaxing during this set. A little too jammy for me but good music to zone out to. There is something to be said about hearing James' voice echo over the field as the sun sets. Started sounding repetitive to me but I also didn't know any of the songs. C
Childish Gambino (Roo 2011) - Was towards the back for this set but it was a great time. His diction was on point and crystal clear and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Set was broken up by some weak slow songs, mimicking his albums' flow. Not the greatest rapper but his positive energy is infectious. Worth catching at least a song or two. B-
Pokey Lafarge (Boston, MA 2007) - He opened for The White Stripes and from what I can remember the performance was mediocre, mostly due to terrible acoustics. He wasn't very enthusiastic or interactive but had a tight backing band and nailed the old-time sound. Would be a rad way to start Sunday off. B-
Twenty One Pilots (Roo 2013) - My friend dragged me to their show and it was atrocious. Every song sounded like the same headache-inducing radio pop-rock. The frontman knows how to rile up a teenage crowd with "crazy" on-stage antics. To me, they just came off as desperate and contrived. At least their big-stage premiere will draw fans away from the stuff I want to see! F
Bluegrass Situation Superjam featuring Ed Helms (Roo 2014) - Very laid-back Southern way to end the weekend. Some excellent choices in covers and really dug how the last 3 bands on the stage bled right into the Bluegrass Superjam. I went in expecting more comedic banter from Ed Helms but it was refreshing for him to take a backseat and let the music speak for itself. A-
Post by Daniel My Brother on May 2, 2015 1:41:20 GMT -5
Saw Ben Booker in Detroit recently. He played with a trio, got the crowd going with some catchy riffs, seemed like he was having fun on stage, and was energetic in his performance. I was in the back but even from there it was a good time. Spoke to the drummer after the show and he said they were looking forward to playing Bonnaroo. Should be a good act to catch.
Moon Taxi (Nashville 2014): Amazing show, bring so much energy. I always love bands that just seem like they're having just as much fun as you and Moon Taxi definitely fits that profile. Played a couple covers, IIRC one of them was Killing in the Name Of. I'm having a really tough time deciding between them again or Dawes for the first time. A-
Gregory Alan Isakov (Birmingham 2015): Sound just like the album, which is not a bad thing. They played a Springsteen cover for the encore, and hopefully if they do it again they will have practiced more, because it was definitely the low point of the set, but it was also the only bad point. B
Post by llamaoftime on May 6, 2015 16:40:05 GMT -5
disclaimer- i first really started going to shows in late 2009/early 2010
Deadmau5- Voodoo 2010. First half to two-thirds of the set was pretty fun. Then the whole last part of the set kind of sucked. Wish I had left early to see all of My Morning Jacket. This was kind of at the height of me being a Deadmau5 fan and it was kind of disappointing overall, i stopped listening to him as much then and haven't listened much at all in a while Kendrick Lamar- Opening for Kanye, December 2013. For an opener he brought it. Had his own video screen and live band and it was cool. I wouldn't say it sounded quite as good as I would have wanted but he was just an opener. Would see again My Morning Jacket- Voodoo 2010 (last third of the set) and Houston in December 2011. I didn't know them very well at the time, saw the last part of their set at Voodoo and was converted into a fan for life. Naturally I saw them as soon as they came to town and they were really good then too. Bassnectar- Free Press Summer Fest 2013. Mind you, I'm not a big fan of dubstep and EDM in general, but I thought this was awful. Only watched a bit of it and it was just take a song, add in a generic dubstep drop, repeat. Completely uninteresting. Never delved into his stuff and only saw a bit of it so i dont know if it gets any better, but im staying away from this set at Roo Slayer- Fun Fun Fun Fest 2011 and 2013. Both sets were great. The 2011 one was cool and my first Slayer set, but the 2013 one felt arguably tighter and better. Will be seeing them again at Roo, they are great Spoon- FFF 2011 and Houston in April (i think) 2012. Solid but not spectacular both times. I feel like you can count on them to do a solid set. Would see again, specially after the new album which i really love, though im split since they conflict with Sturgill simpson. Flying Lotus- FFF 2014. His stage set-up was super cool and I told myself id see him again next chance I get, and Roo is that chance. Didn't get to see all of the FFF set because of a conflict so im excited to see a whole set Run the Jewels- FFF 2014 (also saw El-P and Killer Mike on tour together back in 2012 before RTJ). One of my favorite live acts nowadays and an absolutely cant-miss at Roo. So good Courtney Barnett- Twice at SXSW 2015. One set was a regular set, one was her performing the new album in full. Helps that I love her music but both sets were very good (despite a shitty crowd at the first show I saw) and im very excited to see her again Iceage- Houston in June 2013, FFF 2014, and 3 times at SXSW 2015. Houston show was so fucking good, though it was in a crazy small venue. FFF show was solid. First SXSW show was pretty good, second was fucking awful (they really didn't wanna be there), third was my second favorite show ive seen from them and all around great, so they rebounded well. will be seeing them for a 6th time at Roo. Assuming its a good day, they should be great Unlocking the Truth- FFF 2013. they were pretty funny but past the spectacle of seeing little kids playing metal it wasn't anything great. granted i would not be surprised if they've gotten a lot better now
This is the first year I have seen multiple acts heading into Roo so I figured I would get around to reviewing them finally
Bassnectar- Maybe one of the most fun shows I have ever seen. Non-stop energy for 2 hours with great visuals. This show is going to get even weirder on the farm and he is my #2 act to see this year. I know he isn't everyone's cup of team and honestly I think his studio stuff is pretty meh, and doesn't do his live show justice and I highly recommend going to this show if you are in doubt. My only complaint was how fast the show seemed to go. I could easily see Lorin playing 3+ hour set. A
The War on Drugs- Really solid show and my local House of Blues. These guys are not the most high energy but, they are great musicians and they sound just like albums in their live show(which I really enjoy). It was a little bit of an older crowd so I am looking forward to seeing how their show at Roo. I will be at their show this year and hopefully in the pit. B+
Twenty One Pilots- I have seen these guys twice once at Roo in 2013 and then again this fall. Their show in 2013 was my first show at my first Roo and I was really into them at the time. I loved their energy and it ended up being one of my Top 5 shows that weekend. I saw them again this fall and it just wasn't the same. I am not as much of as a fan as I used to be and it was a very young crowd (I felt out of place at 25) and they kept talking to a stupid disembodied voice, which was corny and screwed with the flow of the show. They were still high energy and went all out, but I just didn't feel it. I am most likely skipping them for Shabazz Palaces this year. At Roo '13 A- and this fall C
Tycho- This is a kinda of incomplete grade. I saw them a few weeks ago opening for Alt-J and the show was in a theater and only lasted 45 minutes. Since they were in a theater and they were an opener the crowd was sitting and not into it at all. They were pretty sharp live and had amazing visuals. I think this show will be much better in a late night Roo crowd and their Coachella show looked more high energy. I will be at their show this year at Roo. B-
Gramatik- Pretty solid show which I saw about a year ago. He plays a nice variety of his catalog and I enjoyed the show. It was a week night show so the energy suffered from that. I was bummed he didn't have a live guitarist with him like I saw in other shows, but Russ Liquid(who opened for him played some trumpet). I enjoyed myself, but wasn't blown away. I am catching the end of his set after Mac Demarco B
Temples- I saw these guys last fall and had a good time at there show. They sound just like their albums (which I enjoy). They definitely go all out with their look to get a certain vibe. I plan on catching them between Dopapod and Glass Animals B+
The Districts- These guys kicked-ass when I saw them open for Temples and can't wait to start my Friday with them. They have a ton of energy and I can't wait to see them perform the new album. A-
Between now and Bonnaroo I will be catching My Morning Jacket, Rubblebucket, and Mini Mansions (opening for Tame Impala) and will come back to review them.
Mini Mansions- Solid opening show for Tame Impala(who were amazing). Nothing mind blowing, but a good time. I will be checking out Moon Taxi rather than see them again, but I think they would be fun Cafe show. B-
Rubblebucket- Really fun high energy show. This is going to be an under the radar dance party Thursday night. I am going to try and hustle from Glass Animals to catch the end of their show. B+
9-4 to 9-6 SummerDance Festival 9-20- St Paul and the Broken Bones 9-30 Ott 10-21 Emancipator Ensemble 10-22 ATB 10-23 W&W 10-28 STS9 11-18 Dan Deacon 11-21 The Werks/ Twiddle 12-4 Darude 12-8 The Revivalist 12-30 & 12-31 Decadence NYE (Denver) 1-17 Mr. Carmack 1-28 Yo La Tengo 2-9 TAUK 2-27 Lotus and Michal Menert 2-29 Beach House 3-3 to 3-6 Okeechobee Festival 5-9 King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard 5-23 DIIV
Courtney Barnett - I've seen her twice before but her show in Boston last week was miles above the past two times. The new songs all sound incredible and the success of the album seems to have invigorated her and her band. One of my top shows of the year so far. She's gonna kill it at Roo.
My Morning Jacket - finally popped my MMJ cherry at Boston Calling this past weekend. What a fucking great live band. They all seem to be at the top of their game and a lot of people I talked to who had seen multiple shows said it was the best they'd seen Tom and Carl. They played straight through their set, no encore, which was nice. A couple of songs I was hoping to hear that they didn't play but that's to be expected with a band like them. I'm hoping their Roo set will include at least one of the following: "Mahgeetah," "It Beats 4 U," "I Will Sing You Songs," and "Gideon"
Run the Jewels - Saw them open for Jack White earlier this year, and their Boston Calling set just reinforced how great they are. Just great performers with great chemistry doing great songs. I really wish they weren't playing at the same time as EW&F at Roo, because I'll probably miss them for that.
Tove Lo - Also at Boston Calling. I love me some fun pop music. She's a good performer and really knows how to use sexuality well. It feels very honest to who she is. She flashed the crowd, which, from what I know, is a pretty regular occurrence at her shows. I'd definitely see her again if she wasn't at the same time as Courtney Barnett (and Benjamin Booker).
MØ - Fairly similar to Tove Lo, although her performance goes for more cool than sexual. I had a great time at her Boston Calling set. Scandinavia just knows how to make great pop music. I'll probably stop by her set because I was looking for something to do during that time slot.
Billy Joel - Saw him back in 2011 when he was touring w/Elton John. He stole the show from Elton and had a much more upbeat set. His voice was good and he played ALL the hits. - A
Deadmau5 - Watched his set at Coachella in 2010, very energetic and had the entire crowd moving. I'm very interested to see how he'll do on the What Stage. - A
Kendrick Lamar - Watched his Bonnaroo set in 2013, I thought it was fairly typical for a hip-hop set, seen much much worse but also seen a ton better (Kanye, RTJ, Nas). He had the entire crowd going off so it will probably only be crazier this year as he has blown up. - B-
Florence + The Machine - Saw her first US festival appearance at Coachella in 2010, from that moment you knew she was going to be a star. Saw part of their roo set in 2011 but having her close a tent was an awful idea, it was near impossible to see her due to the crowd size. - A
My Morning Jacket - Casual fan I guess, saw their Roo set in 2011, liked it for the most part. Nothing mind-blowing, doubt I'll see them this year as the new record sounds kind of "sleepy". B
Bassnectar - Saw him in Oct 2014 and he absolutely crushed it. The new material sounded amazing live and his production was top-notch. Have a feeling this will be the best EDM set in 2015 at roo. A+
Childish Gambino - Saw him at Roo in 2013, he had some sound issues but the set was pretty good. I didn't like his last 2 releases so it'll depend on the setlist if I stick around for the whole show. B
Post by FlowerFaeryDee on May 26, 2015 12:59:05 GMT -5
Florence and The Machine~~~~ Saw her at Jones Beach NY, drop dead amazing! She is a Goddess! A whirling dervish of energy and beautiful sounds!!
Hozier~~~~~ Just this month at Beale Street Music Fest. His sound was flawless, as was everything else about his set. The entire crowd young and old alike went bonkers for Take me To Church, singing along at the top of their lungs.
AWOL Nation ~~~~~ Also at Beale Street Music Fest. Hmmm... I liked them BUT their sound really sucked that night. So much bass you couldn't hear the vocals. I like bass as much as anyone but when it physically hurts your body, it's too much. That said, I loved the newer songs, and the crowd went wild for Sail. My husband was "mehh" and thought they were nothing special.
Post by paintedhighway on May 26, 2015 13:22:15 GMT -5
I've seen a surprising number of this year's artists, and for the most part they've been pretty damn good, some of them among the best live bands I've seen
Kendrick Lamar- Twice right before he dropped "Good Kid," both short, high energy sets, but he's obviously come a long way B+
My Morning Jacket- Seen these guys nearly a dozen times dating back to '03, and they never fail me. A+
Alabama Shakes- Anyone at the Thursday night This Tent set in 2012 knows what's coming. This was a rave-up I can't wait to repeat A-
Belle & Sebastian- Fun for the die-hards (like me), but nothing transcendent. Go see 'em if you haven't. B
Spoon- Very professional, polished live band, spectacular career-spanning setlist right now. A-
The War on Drugs- Easily one of the best live bands working today. This will be my third time this tour, fifth overall. Do not miss this set A++
Caribou- Caught a short set opening for Radiohead three years ago, can't say what's in store this round. B+
Punch Brothers- Technical prowess is unimpeachable, and Chris Thile is an engaging performer. Got a little lost in the heat of the day, but this is perfect tent fare- B+
Run the Jewels- Caught them at Pitchfork on their first tour and almost died in the pit. I regret nothing. Maybe the best live rap act I've ever seen A
Trampled by Turtles- They're fun. I have nothing bad to say about them, and I'm glad I've seen them, they've got some great songs. B
Sturgill Simpson- Boy, did this one blow me away. I can't even pinpoint what was so great about this show, but it was thrilling start to finish. His guitar player is a god among mortals. A-
Moon Taxi- I understand why people love them, but it failed to move me. Definitely talented and fun, but nothing I need to see again. B-
Against Me!- Raw, powerful, aggressive--absolute monster of a live band, currently touring some of their best songs. Forecastle set was a revelation A
Freddie Gibbs (& Madlib)- Haven't seen this tour, but caught Gibbs solo a handful of times 2010-2012 and he's a beast. Intense and focused, the Tupac comparisons are understandable A-
Woods- Sunny summer music. Caught these guys at Pitchfork and really enjoyed them, definitely worth an hour of your time B+
Hurray for the Riff Raff- They opened up the Saturday of Forecastle last year. Fun if a bit unmemorable, and I knew the album going in. B-
Strand of Oaks- Saw him in a bar last summer, went in with no expectations and was positively knocked on my ass. Astonishing guitar player, great lyricist, and from what I've heard his live shows just keep getting better and better A++
So Percussion- Go in prepared for a classical percussion ensemble and you won't be disappointed. These guys are pros, and I've seen them do the Bryce Dessner piece before--let's pack this tent. A
Christopher Denny- Great songwriter, pleasant if a bit boring onstage. B-
All Them Witches- Caught them last fall opening for Liturgy, I mostly just remember "loud" but they've got a prime spot in the On Tap Lounge and I'll be giving them another shot B
Billy Joel- New Years Eve 15: More fun then I anticipated. Voice is still solid. Doesn't have the catalog of Sir Elton, but really who does haha. More exciting and lively of a show however. B+
Gramatik- Black Water Fest 14: Nothing spectacular stood out to me. Just an overall average show. Maybe he just had an off day. C-
RTJ- Big Guava 15: Best rap show I've ever seen live. They're energetic, get the crowd moving and this might the only time RTJ will be around for Roo since it was originally just a 1 record collaboration. I'd see them again in a heartbeat if my #1 wasn't conflicting (EW&F) it's goin be a blockbuster night! A+
The Growlers 2013 San Francisco, California - I'm a huge fan of these guys. The crowd was quite large and totally into it. They are from California, so this review could be a little skewed, but I had such a great time dancing and you can tell they really enjoyed the back and forth with the crowd. I would recommend this show.
Slayer 2006 Hamilton, Ontario - They played a bunch of newer songs that I wasn't familiar with, but I had an awesome time anyway. I'm not a big metal fan, but I do love Slayer so I could be a little bias in thinking the show was great.
Mac Demarco 2014 Montreal, Quebec & Toronto, Ontario - What can I say about Mac that hasn't already been said in countless YouTube live videos. The guy is a legend in the making.
Bassnectar 2011 Bonnaroo - He knows how to throw a party. Not my favorite edm show by any means, but if you wanna rage like an idiot, this is the show for you.
Florence & The Machine 2012 Toronto, Ontario - One of my all-time favourite shows. Her energy and voice were majestic. Band was tight. Crowd went crazy the whole time. A truly captivating concert.
