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I don't think the Rachel Price selection was in poor taste, just not quite sure I understand the decision.
If she wanted to sing that song in a set of hers then I'm all for it, but as the "title track" of a set focused on equality/discrimination problems, choosing the whitest girl from the whitest band just doesn't seem logical when you've got a list of musical gems sitting in the sideline.
I agree though that it was likely Jon's choice and wasn't forced upon him.
War and Treaty would’ve brought the house down on that song...
They were probably my biggest surprise of the weekend. Was thinking I’d do Twain or Pres Hall because none of War and Treaty’s studio stuff really grabbed me. But after Low Cut Connie, I liked the idea of something high energy to start the day and figured they’d be the best call. Holy fuck they destroyed. Wow. Thinking they’ll be back next year or 2020
Damn, I had a feeling I'd regret missing their set.
We hopped into the museum for some open mic (my usual Sunday routine) and by the time we got out the Quad was already packed full so we sat next to Charlie Parr up on the little hill near the Harbor and listened to Twain before seeing some of Pres.
I don't think the Rachel Price selection was in poor taste, just not quite sure I understand the decision.
If she wanted to sing that song in a set of hers then I'm all for it, but as the "title track" of a set focused on equality/discrimination problems, choosing the whitest girl from the whitest band just doesn't seem logical when you've got a list of musical gems sitting in the sideline.
I agree though that it was likely Jon's choice and wasn't forced upon him.
War and Treaty would’ve brought the house down on that song...
They were probably my biggest surprise of the weekend. Was thinking I’d do Twain or Pres Hall because none of War and Treaty’s studio stuff really grabbed me. But after Low Cut Connie, I liked the idea of something high energy to start the day and figured they’d be the best call. Holy fuck they destroyed. Wow. Thinking they’ll be back next year or 2020
Also...first time that I’ve seen them push a product so hard...
The mountain water was heavily promoted this year. Almost to the point where you were waiting for each artist to grab the water and drink it during each set. I saw this many times...
This 3.00 water was everywhere...even the aftershows.
War and Treaty would’ve brought the house down on that song...
They were probably my biggest surprise of the weekend. Was thinking I’d do Twain or Pres Hall because none of War and Treaty’s studio stuff really grabbed me. But after Low Cut Connie, I liked the idea of something high energy to start the day and figured they’d be the best call. Holy fuck they destroyed. Wow. Thinking they’ll be back next year or 2020
Damn, I had a feeling I'd regret missing their set.
We hopped into the museum for some open mic (my usual Sunday routine) and by the time we got out the Quad was already packed full so we sat next to Charlie Parr up on the little hill near the Harbor and listened to Twain before seeing some of Pres.
I saw Charlie Parr floating around all day that day, but didn't recognize it was him until he took the stage for what was easily my favorite set of the weekend. I'm probably projecting slightly, but I can't imagine how cool of an experience this whole fest was for him. Walking around catching Nels Cline and Twain, etc, then playing to a completely silent, packed out Harbor crowd that finishes with one of the longest standing ovations I can remember being a part of at Newport. God damn, this festival rules.
I think I noticed more people telling the audience but I definitely recall them doing this plenty in years past (more at the Quad than the fort) regarding Video recording. Still, a reasonable response and there were plenty of people who weren't on the edges who were taking video.
Must have not been standing back there as much. I definitely noticed them being very diligent with the standing / fire zone lines at the Quad and Harbor, though. They've done that for a few years but they were really on top of it this weekend. Thankfully, most people are understanding and not too many get pissed off.
Anyone else notice the more stricter rules this year as well?
Beer Pier / Prison Camera Video Usage Standing in the back of the fort on the cement. Yellow Barricades in Parking Lot
I didn’t notice difference with the beer prison except one guard always thought I was trying to walk out with beers in my hand. I saw a couple people being told not to take video but that’s fine with me I can’t stand when people hold there phone up in front of you forever and almost force you to watch the set through the camera. The other stuff didn’t really catch me at all.
Anyone else notice the more stricter rules this year as well?
Beer Pier / Prison Camera Video Usage Standing in the back of the fort on the cement. Yellow Barricades in Parking Lot
I actually thought they were less strict this year. Most notably with the fire lanes. In the past they kept the 100% clear and you had to be on the other side of the orange line entirely. This year as long as you had a foot within 6 inches they didn't seem to mind.
Also...first time that I’ve seen them push a product so hard...
The mountain water was heavily promoted this year. Almost to the point where you were waiting for each artist to grab the water and drink it during each set. I saw this many times...
This 3.00 water was everywhere...even the aftershows.
This I agree with 100% I kindof assumed they partnered with the festival and were donating proceeds or something like that, but I have no idea because I just filled up for free and didn't pursue it further.
Post by jumpinjamesbrown on Jul 30, 2018 16:45:19 GMT -5
So top 10 sets no particular order
Glorietta Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite St. Vincent also couldn’t help but day dream about having Trent Reznor play the piano for her Low Cut Connie Hiss Golden Messenger Phoebe Bridgers Jenny Lewis The War and Treaty Jen Cloher Nicole Atkins
The lady from War and Treaty in tears because of the audience's reaction and the lady beside me in tears because of her reaction. Who was in tears first? It's chicken and egg, we may never know.
My teenage son almost falling off his chair laughing at Cheech and Chong.
My buddy's bemused expession watching the performance art during Lucius.
Falling for an incorrect rumor going around the fort yet again.
St Vincent ripping the cord off her microphone by accident then calmly reconnecting it while amusingly explaining to the audience she must have been too rough with it.
Glen Hansard chilling out next to the audience watching Toots and the Maytals.
Watching the love been shown to Mavis by everyone way back in the corner as they waited to go on stage.
Realizing that Isbell was way better than I expected.
Being annoyed that certain performers ruin their otherwise amazing set and their fans hearing by blasting the speaker volume up way too high.
Bumping into Shakey Graves and Phoebe Bridgers separately on one walk from the Quad to the main stage.
Being surprised by how big the crowd got for Passenger's busking performance and by how funny he was.
Loving the room full of chimes.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite ending their set by playing 'When The Levee Breaks' in a drop the mic moment.
Wondering if Darlingside's kid tent crowd was bigger than their main set crowd.
Post by matthewgroehl on Jul 30, 2018 19:44:36 GMT -5
Top 10 Sets of the weekend: 1. The Cook Brothers After Show -Surprise John Prine and Mumford and Sons mini sets... the Seaweed Sisters dancing right in my face during the Lucius set, Phil covering Randy Newman as he was born to do 2. The Deer Tick Sunday After Show Sunday -The Covers! Kam on All Apologies, Brandi on Creep, The Lone Bellow on No Diggity, and obviously Goodnight Irene 3. Charlie Parr -Was one of my top 5 most anticipated going in. There were only a few artists that were new to me that I started listening to a lot of throughout the last few months (Really only Charlie and Colter Wall). Colter Wall was good but not as good as I was hoping and Charlie blew me away. 4. Mumford & Sons -I am a fan of this band - The writing is a little one-dimensional but I don’t think I would have gotten into the current folk/bluegrass/folk rock scene if it wasn’t for them... I really never listened to the genre growing up except for a few favorites - Neil, Bob, S&G, CSNY. I know people were worried about them but they clearly “got it”. It was my first time hearing Maggie Rogers and she was fantastic. Mavis is a national treasure. 5. Glorietta -I only really knew Heatstroke going in but I was hoping this would still be a good set. The entire set was great but that Gundersen song Lincoln Creek was one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. I’m very upset this song isn’t on YouTube or anything so it looks like I’m gonna be buying the album. 6. Tank & the Bangas -Perhaps the largest ovation I’ve ever seen/heard at the Quad. If only I could go back and compare to the Rateliff ovation for his first time at the festival. I didn’t know any of their songs and was only there because I had too good of a seat to give up for whatever was after (Beneath the Sacred Mountain?) so I was happy they threw a couple covers in - Smells Like Teen Spirit and Hey-Ya. 7. Courtney Barnett -I didn’t like her set in 2015... probably because I was in the back of the Quad and couldn’t see a thing. This time I loved every second of her set. Need a Little Time is my favorite song of the year so far so I was losing my mind during that one... and pretty much every other one. 8. Passenger -This one was just a filler for me because I didn’t really care about anybody else in the time slot. He clearly “got it” - perhaps more so than Mumford. I only knew Let Her Go, I Hate, and Sound of Silence but he had my attention the entire set. Jay was loving this set as well so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back. 9. Preservation Hall Jazz Band -Solid set. This was my favorite of my three opening sets (Darligside, Low Cut Connie, Pres Hall). I hope they never stop doing the Sunday Groove. 10. Nicole Atkins -I listened to her a little bit leading up to the festival and wasn’t entirely sure if I would end up seeing her or not. Getting front row at the Harbor stage with Charlie Parr coming up next made this an easy decision. Her voice is insane. There were a lot of musicians sitting side stage including Courtney Barnett, Rachel Price, and Bedouine. Normally you see the artists filter in and out and go to other sets but those three stayed the entire time because this set was so good.
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
Post by happyhammer on Jul 30, 2018 20:20:32 GMT -5
Looks like a lot of people missed Glen Hansard judging by the fact that his set is not on people’s top lists. He absolutely killed it. An amazing set. Just a pity he was in a tough time slot.
womble - what was the incorrect rumor? I have to say, I thought the rumor train was solid this year. Mumford and Sons was started a few days before the fest, and panned out. Crosby w/ Isbell was started on Twitter a while back and then reconfirmed with his sighting; turned out true. People were whispering Leon w/ A Change is Gonna Come for a while. The weakest rumors I put faith behind was Warren Haynes with Nels Cline and then Leon Bridges at the Deer Tick after show on Sunday and those turned out to be true too.
I loved this set but can understand some of your minor complaints. Though I didn't have a problem with some of them.
I'm glad we got their version of Ohio (even though it was played a few days earlier it's not like it's the only time I heard a song repeated by multiple bands over the weekend). I would have liked more Leon focus, for sure, though. One or two songs from his catalog would have been awesome considering he didn't play an actual set but I figure they were doing what they chose and that's fine.
Wouldn't be surprised if some of the songs seem under-rehearsed. Like Superjam at Bonnaroo they seem to put these things together and do a little bit of practice beforehand. But they also will just go with the flow and improvise (like Moses Sumney being coaxed into singing at the Phil Cook after show).
As for the Rachel Price choice? I don't really mind it and don't think about it being in poor taste. I don't think it was something forced upon Batiste and the other acts by Newport so I have to assume Jon played a part in inviting her and her song choice. I definitely thought we'd get Leon singing this but in the end it was just about spreading the song. I doubt the artists sharing the stage were bothered by her singing it. Seems like everyone playing is of the same kind of mindset/vibe.
And who cares if she's not born by a river? Dylan didn't ride the rails, Leon Bridges isn't from Ohio, and I bet Valerie June has, at some point, let somebody "turn her around" lol
I don't think the Rachel Price selection was in poor taste, just not quite sure I understand the decision.
If she wanted to sing that song in a set of hers then I'm all for it, but as the "title track" of a set focused on equality/discrimination problems, choosing the whitest girl from the whitest band just doesn't seem logical when you've got a list of musical gems sitting in the sideline.
I agree though that it was likely Jon's choice and wasn't forced upon him.
This, exactly. “Poor choice” wasn’t the best worded phrase for me to use. It makes sense from a musical standpoint; she can belt. And I assume the invite was made by Jon. But I would have loved to have seen one of those special Newport moments, where the person singing the song had actually lived the life that was originally described in the song, and we could learn about the hardships from the emotion the singer put into the tune. Instead, it became the most forgettable song of the set (IMO).
OMG, folks, this was my first year and I plan to go back every chance I get. My highlights: Fantastic Negrito: he had a tough spot opening up the fest and killed it. I am SO GLAD I passed on Darlingside to catch his whole set. Got everything off to a banging start for me. Ben Harder and Charlie Musselwhite caught the whole set and loved it Sturgill Simpson: only caught the last bit but totally was not expecting him to rock like that. Hadn't been able to get into his albums, but plan to give them another listen soon Low Cut Connie: no words. It was fire Befriending one of the chefs manning a food booth and scoring some free eats all 3 days Tank and the Bangas: hadn't really been able to "get" their songs, but luckily watched their tiny desk set so knew they should not be missed in person. I was not wrong The War and Treaty: along with Low Cut Connie a brilliant way to open up the Quad. I loved them the first time I heard them and made up my mind to see them, though I know Pres Hall must have been amazing as well The volunteers keeping everyone out of the walkways. Always with a smile and a dance. Never saw a tense moment. Excellent people who added so much to the whole experience Passenger: so unexpected, so moving and sincere. Caught most of set and also his busk in the quad Glen Hansard: oh my god. So amazing and that girl he pulled up on stage to sing with him was over the moon. Excellent fiddler/dancer also. Al around foot stomping good time Loved all the closing sets, but have to admit I was a little disappointed by Jason Isbell. The set felt too... polished? I guess? Idk. Still enjoyed seeing him, though. Maggie Rogers was a lovely surprise and I plan to keep an eye on her. Never been much of a Mumford and Sons person, but they just kept ratcheting up the level as the set went on and that ending with Mavis was a dream.
More than anything, though, the whole vibe of the fest was so refreshing and nourishing. If ever there was a clear example of preaching to the choir, this was it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a mystical, even at times sacred and holy experience. Cried, laughed, danced, sang and now feel full to the brim. It was an important reminder of why it is so important to gather with like-minded people to commune once in a while. Thanks to everyone here for your tips and general music commentary. I came away feeling that I made the best choices possible about who to see when, but I also get the feeling that the festival is curated in a such a way that pretty much any choices are the best choices.
My regrets, if I can even call them that, are not catching more of Sidi Toure (only caught the tail end of the last song) and not seeing Chris Smither; the line to get into the Museum stage was just too long.
See you all next year!
ETA: ahhh! Can't believe I forgot to mention Toots and Courtney! 2 of my faves! Honestly I could probably include everyone I saw all 3 days...
I know I was cynical of this year’s lineup. And my cynicism carried to the boards, and with it, some negative energy. I’m all for holding Jay accountable; he asks us to invest in the fest, so, in the tiny off chance he reads these boards, I think it’s worth having critical discussions about the lineup.
With that said, sometime Sunday morning (likely after having a catharsis at the War and Treaty set), I realized some of you had been right all along: “In Jay We Trust”. Once again, even with a seemingly weaker lineup, he delivered a festival for the ages. One, in which emotions were felt at the end of each day. I witnessed Phoebe Bridgers - who likely woke up without any idea what was about to unfold - take stage during the headlining set with Mumford and Sons and then again with Mavis Staples. I saw Caamp almost break down at the end of their set in appreciation of what just unfolded between them and the audience. War and Treaty. Passenger. Many, many unique guest collaborations.
This fest is so much more than the lineup, and I think each year this will become even more so the case as artists learn about the magic and want to be fans themselves (still can’t believe Sharon Ban Etten was there and didn’t even play any sets at the fest, only to pop up for Deer Tick after show).
I’ll let this post serve as a reminder to myself, to allow critical judgment of the lineup, but to avoid negative vibes until they are deserved. This fest, no matter the initial announced lineup, is going to be special. Something that a Forecastle, or Mountain Jam, etc., will never be able to create.
I know I was cynical of this year’s lineup. And my cynicism carried to the boards, and with it, some negative energy. I’m all for holding Jay accountable; he asks us to invest in the fest, so, in the tiny off chance he reads these boards, I think it’s worth having critical discussions about the lineup.
I think all of your posts were fine and didn't contribute to any negative energy about the fest. You were never really harsh or negative about the festival or lineups or anything. And I will be the first (but likely not only) member here to say that I've felt the exact same way after coming a few years. As the lineup rollout is happening there's some weird part of me that will think "Okay, that's good....but it's not amazing" for a lot of the names listed. And there are many years where I'd think "Last year was the best...there's no way it can be topped". And yet....I continually get blown away. A big part is the collaboration between artists AND the love of the festival FROM the artists themselves. It really does seem like it just takes one visit to convert even the biggest of names (Beck, Jack White, Roger Waters, possibly now Mumford & Sons) to being Newport lovers.
This year, like most years, was fantastic from beginning to end. I'm sure we would all love to tweak a few minor things to make it almost perfect but in the end we got a lot of great music from great people and shared it with a great audience.
While at the Father John Misty after show I kept running a phrase through my head that I felt encapsulated the festival: "It's a once in a lifetime event that happens every year".
I know I was cynical of this year’s lineup. And my cynicism carried to the boards, and with it, some negative energy. I’m all for holding Jay accountable; he asks us to invest in the fest, so, in the tiny off chance he reads these boards, I think it’s worth having critical discussions about the lineup.
With that said, sometime Sunday morning (likely after having a catharsis at the War and Treaty set), I realized some of you had been right all along: “In Jay We Trust”. Once again, even with a seemingly weaker lineup, he delivered a festival for the ages. One, in which emotions were felt at the end of each day. I witnessed Phoebe Bridgers - who likely woke up without any idea what was about to unfold - take stage during the headlining set with Mumford and Sons and then again with Mavis Staples. I saw Caamp almost break down at the end of their set in appreciation of what just unfolded between them and the audience. War and Treaty. Passenger. Many, many unique guest collaborations.
This fest is so much more than the lineup, and I think each year this will become even more so the case as artists learn about the magic and want to be fans themselves (still can’t believe Sharon Ban Etten was there and didn’t even play any sets at the fest, only to pop up for Deer Tick after show).
I’ll let this post serve as a reminder to myself, to allow critical judgment of the lineup, but to avoid negative vibes until they are deserved. This fest, no matter the initial announced lineup, is going to be special. Something that a Forecastle, or Mountain Jam, etc., will never be able to create.
I think you brought the right amount of skepticism. Without skepticism and critical observation the festival could become something entirely different. Newport needs people who care and think of ways it can improve.
This lineup excited me the least of any year I’ve attended other than 2013 but either way, even the worst Newport lineup was still better than any other festival I’ve attended. Because of that, I’ll always live by the “In Jay we trust” mantra but at the same time I’m not going to be convinced to like a musician if they’re simply not my taste... which a lot of the music this year wasn’t.
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
- This was a lot better imo than last year. I had a mostly great time this weekend. Good music, good people, weather held up.
- Considering the previous two nights and how the other headliners set incredibly high expectations - A Change didn't meet it imo. It wasn't bad, but I expected much more out of it. Yeah Leon Bridges and Chris Thile are good, but I was expecting a much bigger surprise and it never came. K2B covered a few other issues here better than I could.
- Jason Isbell should of ended with Ohio, and played Vampires between Cover Me Up and bringing out Crosby.
- I don't remember having this many schedule conflicts compared to the last few years.
- I saw about 20 minutes of Glen Hansard. Wasn't familiar with him beforehand, but he really got screwed being in that time slot. Wish I could have seen more.
- I've never seen the Quad as dead as around 6:05 during Cheech and Chong. That place cleared out big time when Jenny Lewis ended, then again around 6. The seated area was at least half empty when I left for Mumford.
Also, I sat next to a guy in his 50s complaining most of the time - about the raunchy jokes, how Tommy Chong's wife shouldn't say "retarded", etc... There's probably a few more out there thinking just like him. What were these people really expecting here?
- I got a high five from Low Cut Connie's lead singer.
Best sets of the weekend, time order: - Glorietta - Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite - Jason Isbell - Low Cut Connie - Beneath The Sacred Mountain - Mumford - Khruangbin - Brandi Carlile
Biggest regret missing, in hindsight: Passenger or War and Treaty
Last Edit: Jul 31, 2018 6:26:48 GMT -5 by LD - Back to Top
womble - what was the incorrect rumor? I have to say, I thought the rumor train was solid this year. Mumford and Sons was started a few days before the fest, and panned out. Crosby w/ Isbell was started on Twitter a while back and then reconfirmed with his sighting; turned out true. People were whispering Leon w/ A Change is Gonna Come for a while. The weakest rumors I put faith behind was Warren Haynes with Nels Cline and then Leon Bridges at the Deer Tick after show on Sunday and those turned out to be true too.
The rumors on here were correct. On Sunday I was enjoying Glen Hansard's set when a buddy of mine at the main stage texted that he was told by a group of people told him Neil Young and Willie Nelson were seen arriving. They were nice and genuinely believed it. Later at the main stage i remembered I'd read here that Willie was in California or somewhere and couldn't make it. I missed the end of Glen's set but least i got a great spot for the finale so it was all good.
Warren Haynes came out during the last few songs of his set.
I got tipped off on that, couple minutes later ran up to the Quad, and when I got there he just started the first song. Good timing on my end. Thanks to ilovethisgame
Fest Sets. 1.Daniel Norgren. I cried and wasn't really the same the rest of the day. 2. Sturgill. Hes a golden God. Still putting my face back together. 3. Batiste. He was a perfect choice to lead that set. I felt so Newport to me. 4. Brandi. I'd never seen her before. Her energy is contagious. Can't teach that 5. Negrito. We need more rock stars like him. If his songs catch up to his stage presence, look out.
First timers (for me) Norgren. Please go listen to him. Noah Gunderson of Glorietta. Wow. Maybe my 2 favorite songs of the entire festival. Golden Lonesome and the "Somewhere somebody's singing for free" song. Wow. Plus he looks like Chris Cornell. Tyler Childers. Loved his set.
After shows. We missed the Phil Cooke night. Dang The Glorietta Friday night show was really loose. Too loose. We saw MLV at the fest on Saturday and he admitted as much. He told us to come back on Saturday. We went to Misty and it just wasn't working for us. Loved seeing Honey bear, but we pulled the plug and headed back to the parlor. It was magic. Saw some old friends, gave Langehorne a hug and Glorietta crushed. Entire bar sang Don't let me down. Jay Sweet a hot pepper suit. Which brings us to Tick on Sunday. We saw them in Martha's vineyard on Wednesday and it was old scorched Earth Tick. Heard the Friday-Saturday shows were not up to par for DT after show standards. But Sunday..... Kam. Brandi. Money for Nothing. The Cocker duet with Nicole. Sharon von Ettan. And the crowd was epic. We had two first timers who admitted afterward that they felt like they witnessed a once in a lifetime event. As someone earlier so eloquently said...that's just Newport We are spoiled, folks. It's not gonna be this great every year.
Post by thevagabond on Jul 31, 2018 9:47:39 GMT -5
I thought about what a complete lineup poster would look like for this with all of the unannounced folks. Don't have time to make one but off the top of my head, here is everyone who was not initially on the lineup who played somewhere at some point over the weekend:
Mumford and Sons Mavis Staples John Prine David Crosby Leon Bridges James Mercer Warren Haynes Maggie Rogers Sharon Von Etton Kam Franklin
