the end of summer
I couldn't say it any better than Metallica: It's sad but true, but summer's over. That is: If what we had really was a summer. The weather sucked, you know. Anyway, I just returned from a CampingFlight to Lowlands Paradise, a music festival I'd only been to once before... 12 years ago. Compared to the Rock Werchter and Pinkpop festivals we usually go to, this festival was huge. There was so much to do, see, eat and party that we -Aukje, Monique and myself- barely had time to catch some zzz. Apart from the usual extras, we were given the opportunity to:
- exchange clothes on the spot
- debate with politicians, pop stars, and CEOs
- climb a wall
- use the sauna
- watch (great) films both inside and out
- make buttons
- attend tai chi and/or jump courses
- attend university
- ride rollercoasters
- be a part of a birdcage
- go to church
)
But for every upside there's a downside. E.g. on Sunday we weren't possibly able to go and check out the complete sets of Kings of Leon, CocoRosie or Nine Inch Nails, who were scheduled to perform AT THE SAME TIME. So we decided to skip CocoRosie, and from what I understand, we missed out on a great performance. I was a bit hesitant to check out Kings of Leon, but, based on what KoL served us, they're not bad at all on stage. I'm not saying their act was among the very best of Lowlands 2007, but hey, they cannot all be as awesome as Arcade Fire's. Here's my top 11 (Why 11? Because I think Interpol has to be in my list of favourites, but they just weren't good enough to be in my top 10. Thát's why.)
- Arcade Fire - one huge bunch of energy, that's what they give ya. they're so cool, they're so cool!
- The Killers - a fantastic start of our festival weekend. great to see the Killers play the perfect setlist.
- The Good the Bad and the Queen - I liked the intensity and intimacy in their performance, even though they played in front of a large audience.
- Basement Jaxx - oh, how I'd kill to have those big black mommas sing for me every morning... and one more thing: Where's your head at is one crazy song.
- Kaiser Chiefs - even though mr Wilson said he had voice issues, and, therefore, wasn't able to hit the high notes!
- The Shins - Mercer's got an awesome voice on stage too. you might wanna check them out in small or medium-sized concert halls though. no biggies for them.
- Moke - how a small Dutch rock band (playing s short set) can finally sound like they're suitable for mass consumption. play it loud, people.
- LCD Soundsystem - actually, I'm not an LCD S fan but they're pretty darn impressive on stage.
- Nine Inch Nails - but he sounded like he was just about to score a homerun and grab a Big Mac while he did what he did. next time, add a little more industrialism while you're at it, Trent!
- Alpha Blondy - that's right: there's a reggae act in my top 10! that must be the morning sunshine and refreshing opening beer speaking. to me every reggae act is virtually equal.
- Interpol - it's a damn shame Banks sounded like he was wearing too tight a necklace.
To this I have to add that we just weren't able to watch the shows of The Editors and Kasabian (who performed when we were still at work), CocoRosie, Kate Nash, M.I.A., Goose, Just Jack and many more.
It goes without saying that this festival wasn't the only thing in our agendas this Summer holiday. You may have read my report on our trip to Anse, France, below. We've also prepared our attic to become our new computer room (so our current study room can be used as Sam's new bedroom). On 1st August it was time to hit the Amsterdam Zoo, because I guess that's what people do on their anniversaries. Well, at least that's what we did on both of ours. Funny detail: If you ask Sam what his favourite animal was in that zoo, I'm positive he'd say: "The power shovel". He sure digs those machines (and I like the way I used these words). Other weeks were spent doing 'the usual', as Nicole had to get back to work. She didn't take the 6 whole weeks off, so she can add her remaining holidays to her maternity leave.
Speaking of which, we had the last ultrasound of our pregnancy yesterday. Apparently 'It' didn't quite feel like getting filmed, cuz It turned its back to us. So, at least now we know It's got a very handsome back and at least one leg and a hand. And then, the midwife's always told us, that Nicole's womb is high and narrow, but It didn't seem to bother: It positioned itself horizontally instead of head down. So, I guess you can't say It's spineless.
Well, that's it for now. It's time to get back to work. Next holiday: Autumn recess in week 43 (if not earlier, in case mr or ms Fetus decides to pop out before its due date). Next concert: the Editors in 013 on 29th October (I hope no one decides to be delivered that night).