en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal The Last.fm journal for lykesorad. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2009/07/28/2wfiaa_wanderlust_music_festival_2009 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:50:07 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2009/07/28/2wfiaa_wanderlust_music_festival_2009 Fri 24 Jul – Wanderlust Festival 2009

A brand new festival that just finished it's first year on Sunday, the Wanderlust Music Festival took place in Squaw Valley in Tahoe over the course of three days, Friday to Sunday. I had the pleasure of attending Sunday, during which I saw The Honey Brothers, Amanda Palmer, Mates of State, Broken Social Scene, Andrew Bird, and Spoon.

The festival is a brand new idea arranged by three friends who wanted to create a new kind of festival. Indeed Wanderlust is very unique in many ways. Perhaps the main way that it differs from other festivals is the fact that it aims to combine music, yoga, nature, and enviromentalism; during the entire festival, there is music and yoga at the same time. You can go to the music stage and dance or head to the yoga stage and do some Sun Salutations. In addition to this harmonic mixture of activities, the festival takes place at the very top of a gorgeous mountain in California's Tahoe State Park. In fact you have to take a gondola to get up to where the music is, just as if you were skiing. The stage is positioned on a ski slope (the ski lifts in the summer make for an interesting atmosphere), and because of this, the back drop for all the artists playing is a gorgeous and vast veranda of mountainous valleys.

As Amanda Palmer said when she walked onstage: "What the fuck. We're on a mountain."

Probably the only festival to be located at 7000 feet, Wanderlust did an amazing job in it's first year. While the crowds were reasonably small, it was a strong turn out, and those who did come were dedicated to the cause Wanderlust presents. The bands seemed skeptical at first, but by the middle of their sets, all of them gave into the fabulous atmosphere of the crowd.

And really this crowd was fantastic. Ranging from teenagers, to college students, to old hippies, new hippies, young moms, and yuppie yoga fans, the crowd was receptive of each and every music act that came onstage, even if they didn't recognize them at all. I of course knew them all and had come for the sole purpose of hearing some fantastic music; but whether they were there for yoga or music or just the insanely beautiful scenery, all the people danced and cheered and yelled for the band onstage.

And I have to say, this was the most solid festival I have ever been to. The bands all palyed great sets. Amanda Palmer was witty and wry and even did an emotional cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", rendering it ballad style. Mates of State played a dancey and catchy set that got everyone into a good mood despite the 85 degree weather and high altitude. The entire crowd was jumping up and down for all their tunes, including "Get Better" and "Now", off of their new record.

Broken Social Scene might have been the best of the day. I heard from a source that they had been the most skeptical of playing the festival, and who can blame them? It sounds like a nutty idea. But once they were onstage, hitting songs like "Fire Eye'd Boy" and "KC Accidental", they were all into it (all eight of them that were present). They smiled when people cheered and really got into it. They even came back for an encore, exclaiming "I'm loving the vibe here."

Andrew Bird, solo onstage with nothing but a guitar, keyboard, loop pad, and violin, played a gorgeous set, despite the fact that most of his equipment had not arrived and he was borrowing from other bands that played the festival. He covered a few songs, played some of his old favorites, and generally had such a strong presence on stage that the crowd stayed silent and transfixed for the whole hour until between songs when they would scream as loudly as they could for the solo troubadour. Near the middle, Bird looked happily into the crowd of people on top of the mountain and said "This may be one of the best festivals I have ever played."

Lastly, Spoon brought the house down with a set of all their biggest hits and a Paul Simon cover thrown in. The entire crowd was moving the whole time they were playing: I was shocked at how responsive and into it the crowd was. No one was shy to show off their moves or throw their hands in the air with joy. Britt Daniel was really on top of his game as he syncopated some of the lyrics, jumped around, and joked with other band members. All seemed in the highest spirits possible. When they clapped, the whole crowd clapped. When the jumped, everyone jumped. I have never seen a better crowd in my life at a festival. Spoon played two encore songs, thanking everyone profusively and cracking a couple subtle jokes about the yoga part of the festival: "A lot of healthy people out there today!" Britt exclaimed with a great smile. "I'm thinking of changing my lifestyle."

Overall, Wanderlust was a great success. The presenters came out to talk to the crowd just before Spoon and promised to continue doing it if people were supportive. "This festival has no fences around it!" Jeff Krasno, the main presenter, exclaimed. "You can listen to music, do yoga, go hiking, go swimming..." Indeed, looking around from the stage, the landscape continued for miles and miles without any fence. The possibilities felt endless. What an amazing sensation, to be witnessing some of my favorite music in this atmosphere and scenery. Next year, I am totally swimming in the giant pond by the main stage, gazing at the sloping Tahoe mountains, while some up and coming indie band plays in the background.

Where else can you do that?

Other bands that appeared that I did not get the chance to see: Common, Kaki King, Rogue Wave, Girl Talk, Jenny Lewis, Gillian Welch, William Fitzsimmons, Rachel Godrich, Wendy Darling, Big Light, and a plethora of DJs for night sets.

Note: Michael Franti was set to headaline Saturday night, but his appendix exploded (jeez!) the day before and Common replaced him last minute.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2009/07/18/2vkuqs_some_tidbits Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:51:57 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2009/07/18/2vkuqs_some_tidbits OH CONCERT GOINGS AND SUCH

How many different bands have you seen live?
144

How many shows have you been to?
71

How many festivals have you been to?
8, will be 9 after next weekend

What band have you seen the most live?
Jack's Mannequin (6 times)

Runner-ups?
The Arcade Fire (3 times)
Modest Mouse (3 times)
Motion City Soundtrack (3 times)

How many different venues have you been to?
28

What's the farthest you've traveled for a show?
To Indio on a plane for Coachella 2007 OR to Boston for Animal Collective

One band that's still around you want to see live?
The White Stripes, please dear god

One band that's gone you wish you could see live?
The Beatles

Best show?
I really can't choose. But Dan Deacon was incredible, as were The Books and Man Man

Worst show?
The White Stripes at Not So Silent Night...they were horrible and only played for half an hour. SOME DAY I WILL SEE YOU JACK WITHOUT MEGS FUCK UPS

Favorite small venue?
Great American Music Hall

Favorite big venue?
Greek Theatre

Necessary concert items?
Phone, ticket, 20 bucks

Concert attire?
Jeans and dancing shoes (comfy shoes)

What was your first concert?
Evanescence...shut up. Shut up! PLEASE SHUT UP

How old were you?
13 about to turn 14 in a week

Who did you go with?
Vivi!

Last concert you went to?
Haha Warped Tour! Fuck yeaaah

Who did you go with?
Vivi and Phil

Best concert experience of all time?
It is a close strong tie between Coachella 2007 (so amazing), Treasure Island Music Festival, and Animal Collective in Boston. I really can't choose.

Concert friends?
It's almost always Vivi, Sophie, or Mia at home. I guess at school that would be Ethan and Noah officially.

Biggest concert you've ever been to?
Probably Coachella (100,000 people) or Radiohead at Outside Lands (I got squished to the ground)

Smallest concert you've ever been to?
Clues with Elfin Saddle at my school. 10 or 15 people were there.

Before the concert?
Eat food, drink coffee, or chill out

After the concert?
We either go out to eat, drive around, or fall asleep. Or we do all three at once. Yeah we drive and sleep. Very safe.

Merch?
Depends. Is it 20 bucks or less and is it cool? Then yes.

Upcoming shows?
of Montreal and the Wanderlust music festival]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2008/10/27/28twhk_top_twenty_five_yo Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:47:29 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2008/10/27/28twhk_top_twenty_five_yo What was the first song you ever heard by 6? Something Corporate
I think that was Punk Rock Princess

What is your favorite album by 2? Elliott Smith
x/o

What is your favorite lyric that 1 has sung? The Beatles
You just cannot make me choose


How many times have you seen 11 live? Jack's Mannequin
6 times

What is your favorite song by 7? Modest Mouse
Tie between The View, Lives, and Gravity Rides Everything

What is a good memory you have involving 20? The Beach Boys
Childhood in GENERAL

Is there a song by 3 that makes you sad? The Arcade Fire
My Heart Is An Apple

What is your favorite lyric that 14 has sung? of montreal
"We made love like two black wizards!"

What is your favourite song by 19? The Format
Tie The Rope orrrrr Snails

How did you first get into 22? Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I don't remember

What was the first song you heard by 21? Yann Tiersen
Amelie's Waltz

What is your favorite song by 4? The White Stripes
There is no way I could ever choose

What is a good memory you have involving 13? Sufjan Stevens
Friends

Is there a song by 23 that makes you sad? The Shins
Not really. Maybe getting KICKED OUT OF THEIR SHOW? FUCK

What is your favorite album of 15? Simon & Garfunkel
Soft spot for Bookends.

What is your favorite lyric that 9 has sung? Sunset Rubdown
Oh oh so many...but I especially love "I am embracing the cold rushing in like ice to a diamond...it's a new kind of rush you can find me in"

What is your favorite song by 8? The National
A lot but I've always loved City Middle

How many times have you seen 5 live? Regina Spektor
Once

What is your favorite album by 12? Death Cab For Cutie
Transatlanticism. Typical sorry

What is a good memory you have involving 25? Anathallo
dancing

What was the first song you heard by 18? Wolf Parade
Maybe Dear Sons and Daughters I think

What is your favorite song by 17? Xiu Xiu
Bishop, CA

What is your favorite album by 24? Cat Power
You Are Free

How many times have you seen number 10 live? Beirut
Once

When did you start listening to number 15? Simon & Garfunkel
when I was born

How many of your top 25 have you seen live?
All of them except The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and Yann Tiersen And four of those are understandable, being I'm only 18.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2007/06/20/595s_10,000_songs Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:20:32 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2007/06/20/595s_10,000_songs YAY!
Thats awesome. I'm proud of myself.

10,000th song:
Mount Wroclai by Beirut

I. Adore. It.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/12/04/595r_5000_songs Mon, 4 Dec 2006 06:08:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/12/04/595r_5000_songs Hahahahaha
This was a mistake
But

5000th song - Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

Incredible :D

what is this song about anyway?]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/07/31/595q_2000_songs Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:55:10 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/07/31/595q_2000_songs The landmark point: Lyrical Lies by Cute Is What We Aim For

And now I am gone until August 18th so I will have no charts for a while. Haha. Laaame. xD]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/28/595p_1000_songs Wed, 28 Jun 2006 21:06:19 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/28/595p_1000_songs 1000th song: Rogue Wave - Publish My Love

:D]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/27/595o_%22citizen_kane%22_and_the_white_stripes Tue, 27 Jun 2006 02:54:48 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/27/595o_%22citizen_kane%22_and_the_white_stripes

Last night, my mom finally sat me down and made me watch the classic Orson Welles movie "Citizen Kane", which is based off of the life of newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst. It is an amazing film. I highly recommend it to everyone. It's powerful and the ending knocked me right out. But one part stuck with me because I remembered it from somewhere: Charles Foster Kane is fighting with his wife, Susan Alexander, in a tent while camping with many other people. As they fight, and Charles actually hits Susan, the others are outside dancing and laughing to two african american men singing a song, and the lyrics are "It can't be love, for there is no true love." Those words stuck with me.

At the end (which sent my mind reeling) and we were all going up to bed, it hit me: those are White Stripes lyrics from the song "The Union Forever" on their third album "White Blood Cells". Or rather, Jack White took the lyrics from the movie. I left my thoughts at that though.

When I woke up around eight in the morning, I spent the first hours before heading to a funeral listening to music, MOGing, and going on last.fm. The last song that played before I left was "The Union Forever" and I wasn't really listening to it more than it was playing in the background, like back noise for me as I just sat and thought. My mom called it was time to go and I turned off everything and put my computer on hibernate. I went downstairs and out the front door to the car, got in, then had a revelation. The moment at which I had stopped the song was where Jack White sings: "What would I liked to have been? Everything you hate" which is a direct quote from the movie "Citizen Kane."

At this moment, I opened my bag and saw I did not have my discman with me, so I told my mom to give me the house key and I sped back up, got my discman, but I also grabbed the CD case for "White Blood Cells." In the car, I opened it and read the lyrics. I was so excited. Jack White even said "CFK" in the song, Charles Foster Kane. The song was definitley all about the movie. This connection made me so happy. It was an exciting discovery for me.

Jack White sings about "But you gotta love me", which is very important because the entire movie, Kane just wants people to love him, but won't love back. He just needs to be loved. It's an important theme.

Jack also sings about how he's not interesting in oil wells, and gold mines...Kane says the same thing to a man who's telling him he's inherited all this. All he takes is one newspaper.

I've posted the lyrics below for comparaison if you've seen the movie. If you haven't...well, I strongly recommend it. It's an amazing film.



The Union Forever
by The White Stripes

It can't be love
for there is no true love
It can't be love
for there is no true love

Shure I'm C.F.K.
but you gotta love me
the cost no man can say
but you gotta love me

Well I'm sorry but I'm not
interested in gold mines,
oil wells, shipping or real estate
what would I liked to have been?
everything you hate

There is a manÊ
a certain man
and for the poor you may be shure
that he'll do all he can
who is this one?
[who's favorite son?]
just by his action has the traction
magnets on the run
who likes to smoke?
enjoys a joke?
and wouldn't get a bit
upset if he were really broke?
with wealth and fame
he's still the same
I'll bet you five you're not alive
If you don't now his name

You said the union forever
You said the union forever
You cried the union forever
but that was untrue girl
cause it can't be love]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/23/595n_upcoming_shows Fri, 23 Jun 2006 23:20:26 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/23/595n_upcoming_shows Warped Tour
July 8th
Pier 30/32

The Flaming Lips
July 22nd
Greek Theatre

The Raconteurs
July 23rd
Warfield

Panic! at the Disco, dresden dolls, The Hush Sound
July 30th
Warfield

Oh yes. Summer concerts bish. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. Especially can't wait to see Armor for Sleep, Motion City Soundtrack, Underoath, The Academy Is...at Warped Tour. So many other good bands there. I just wanna get out there and have an awesome time.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/10/595m_free_raconteurs_show Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:40:23 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/lykesorad/journal/2006/06/10/595m_free_raconteurs_show Thursday night I went and saw The Raconteurs for free at a music store near my house called Amoeba Music. It was really really great. I had an awesome time. They played the whole record and really knew how to work the audience.

And JESUS Have you seen Jack White's arm muscles? It's insane. They're huge. xD My friend and I couldn't get over it.

Anyway, it was a party. After they ended at 10:15, the store stayed open till 11, so I bought their CD (half off!) and some other stuff. They didn't have Sufjan. Damn.

Later. Lots of concerts coming up for summer, so be ready for my journals. xD]]>