Pitchfork!
Pitchfork Music Festival. Chicago IL. Union Park. Friday through Yesterday.
The first band we saw was a brass heavy octet from Chicago called 8 Bold Souls. They were good- jazzy and funky.
But then. THEN. Man Man. They all wore white and had pink and white war paint on their cheeks. They played in a circle, together, as a band. But somehow they were also completely engaged in the audience. And they were having so much fun- it just added to the crowd's energy. They played with found objects as instruments. At one point the keyboardist (sporting a wicked fu man chu) got up, placed a metal mixing bowl on his piano stool, and threw handfuls of spoons at it. The drummer got up and threw bags of feathers into the audience. And the music was amazing- so strange and good. I'd say Man Man put on the second best show I saw of the festival.
After several hours' break, we pulled ourselves out of the grass to see The Mountain Goats. Another spectacular performance. Jeff Darnielle reminded me of this quote about writing, "There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and open a vein." He came to the mic and slashed a wrist. He was so generous in his performance- no holding back. And I like when you can hear the lyrics.
With Franklin Bruno...
That night the last performance, and a much anticipated one was the Silver Jews. They were very serious, very heavy feeling. David Berman seemed very fragile- like Fiona Apple. Like if something weird happened he might go running off the stage at any moment. They played good stuff, some I knew and more I didn't. I think I was disappointed partly because I was so tired by that point and party because his wife and bassist, Cassie, had a quiet mic. And what I really love about the Silver Jews is the blending of their voices.
~~DAY TWO~~
The first band of the day was Tapes n' Tapes, up and comers from Minneapolis who I was extrememly pumped for. I reviewed them for the paper this year and it may be the best and most favorable review I've ever give. Just damn good dance music. When the gates opened, people ran to get to the stage first. I did not run, but I still managed to get very close. Because I am lucky. Onstage they struck me as a very honest band. They were up there doing an honest days work, no more or less. And it was cool because the lead said he'd been at the festival in the audience last year. Since then the band has played Austin City Limits, NPR, and gotten favorable reviews across the board.
Playing Slap Bass...
Then. THEN. We stayed put because the most beautiful voice of the festival would take the stage in one hour. Jens Lekman. My god.
And his band of lovely Swiss ladies.
He was so good. And he spoke in that Swedish accent. And he told stories to explain the songs. And he was so grateful to us. And the crowd just absolutely loved everything he did. And I swooned over him. He played Black Cab and Pocketful of Money, and started out with Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill. And everyone sang along at the right parts. I didn't know the last song but it was so good- when I realized the song and set were done it was like being hit in the gut. AhHh! So good! This was definately the highlight of the show for me. Let's see that beautiful face again.
The final band I cared much about was Devendra Banhart. AHHHHHH. Also really really good and amazing. Devendra made me feel like my dream of living in a commune could actually be a reality. And he was so..earthy. He just transcended all borders and was like, we are the earth, we are all brothers. He said "the sky swells and the sky recedes." And he drank Makers Mark from a flask. At one point he said, "This is our favorite part of the show. This is when you get to show us your music and share it with us. Who wants to share a song with us?" And this kid yelled and volunteered first, so up on stage he went. He was tall and thin and gangly. His name was Victor and he looked awkward. But damn if he didn't play a pretty good guitar. Devendra handed his to Victor and he played this song that was pretty decent. For the last verse Victor sang, "Thank you Chicago and Devendra Banhart. You have won my soul, and of course my heart." Then Victor bowed down to Devendra, who picked the kid up and gave his this big hearty shirtless hug. It was just so beautiful. So wonderful. That kid's dream come true and everyone was respectful and clapped along. It was just a wonderful moment. And the more Devendra drank the better he got. It was truly lovely.
And finally, on the El platform on our way home, the lovely Chicago skyline:
