The Monolith Music Festival, '08

Once again Matt Fecher took it upon himself to force a sort of health regiment on the hip kids of Colorado by setting up the Monolith Music Festival at Red Rock Amphitheater, which, apparently, has a amazing acoustics.

Lets get this out in the open first off: I hate Red Rocks. I have since my first show there, which I think was with my sister and her then boyfriend (now husband) to see John Mayer and Maroon 5. They offered me free tickets and I got to hang out with my sister, so, despite the fact that it was John Mayer and Maroon 5, I went. We were about halfway up, maybe a little closer, and I hated it. Now, I've never been a fan of Maroon 5 or John Mayer, though Maroon 5's song Harder To Breathe actually is a fun son, and John Mayer put on such a good show that it made me have a bit of respect for him. That said, I must again state that I hated it. The sound was, in my opinion, terrible. The sound bounces off the huge red "Monoliths" on either side of the stage and slam together creating a warbled sound that is describable, again, only as terrible. It was not loud at all (and I like having to wear earplugs. It kind of makes me realize that I'm actually at a concert), and the venue is so big that it's less personal than ... well I could come up with a myriad of different and ridiculous analogies but I assume you get the point. I ended up watching the gigantic television screen so I could actually see what was happening (all the while wondering why, if they were going to invest in a giant projection screen, they wouldn't just get 2 and even out the stage. the whole thing feels lopsided because of there only being one screen. even when there's nothing on it your eyes are drawn to it. hecka annoying). So yeah, I'm not a fan of Red Rocks.

I will, however, go there when acts that I feel like I need to see perform there, such as The Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem show, or the upcoming Sigur Rós show.

Last year I knew the Monolith was something I couldn't miss, so I went, and had a great time. Any band on the Mainstage almost entirely failed to grab or keep my attention, including the bigger names, but all the other stages made everything such an enjoyable experience that I couldn't possibly miss this year's Monolith.

Well my assumption (that this year was not to be missed) was correct. I had an amazing time this last weekend, and all thanks to all the people involved with the Monolith Music Festival. I saw just under 50 bands, got to do 1 or 2 things that I'm going to surprise you with after I'm done with talking about the bands (give me like 2 days and I'll be done), and got to experience all this with amazing friends (last year no one went with me, this year it seems like all my friends were either going, or wanted to go. My friends are the most.).

I'll write about the bands starting at the beginning of the first day and ending at the last. Pretty simple. Expect the first one to go up soon.

Oh, and, as a side note, I took almost 1000 pictures, and some bands got a lot more photos than others. This is because I was dumb and didn't think about the fact that my camera's battery doesn't have a 13 hour battery life, especially when it gets dark and needs to use the flash a lot. I wish I could have taken more photos of some bands, but I do admit that it will seem a little lopsided. Just a warning.

The Arcade Fire is the "Led Zeppelin" of Our Age

(there were many CO bloggers at the show, and I'm sure if you go to their sites, they'll have even more amazing pics. this one came from Wyoming Beat, a wonderful blog)

1) After accessing Jimmy Eat World's wiki page, I've found out they do not have a new lead singer after all ... did any one else think they did after hearing their new album?

2) Helloween's new album leaked, and I'm one of very few people I know who actually care. In case you're wondering, it rocks, and I can't wait to buy it. You should to.

3) Radiohead's new album dropped, and it's good. ... duh.

4) The Darjeeling Limited ... movie of the year. Period.

5) I like lists when I get tired, and I'm finally going to blog about the Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem show ... right now:

Monday rolls around, it being 1 day after Monolith, and come 2:00PM I'm back in my car, driving to Red Rocks, a route now well known. One thing lead to another, and I found myself finally arriving at the venue around 3:00PM. While walking to the (short [thank god!]) line, Julio comes walking up and says hi (apparently we got there at the same time ... fancy that shit :D). So Julio, his buddy John (who I also met at Monolith), some people I think John and Julio knew, and I just chilled out in line and BS'd about music. Sometime around 6:00PM they "opened the doors" (i.e. allowed our line to walk up the path to the gate), and basically the whole line bolted up the ramp, a few people from the back mixing in with a few from the front (much to the dismay of the rather unfit members of the front of the line). Being fit as hell, I secured my place basically at the front of the new line, Julio and co. right behind me. Gate opens, I jet, run up the long way (i had thought they closed off the short cut), bolt down the stairs, and find myself 3 rows from the front, right in the center. The only people in front of me were people who had been there as volunteers and were guaranteed spots front and center. My spot was the best in the house, in my opinion (by the way, I'm not usually a front-row-whore, but if you read anything I wrote about Monolith, then you understand that, at Red Rocks, unless I'm up to my eyes in noise, I'm not going to have a real great time., and the only way for me to be submerged in noise at Red Rocks is to be hella close). Yay for fitness. I am proud that I not only waited there for enough time to justify the good spot, but I didn't push anyone over or fight anyone for my spot.

Then Win came out and did a short little meet-and-greet, and then scurried back stage again. The dude has big hands and a warm style. Win for President. Aaaannnnyway, there was still a lot of time before LCD Soundsystem was to go on, and I wanted to check out the merch table, so I got to know the people around me, made temporary friends with them, and got them to watch my spot and my stuff. I went down, saw that the LCD shirts were really quite tame and not my style, and there was really only one Arcade Fire shirt that appealed to me, so I bought that and took a gander at this kind of righteous blue hoodie. The hoodie was pretty expensive, so I told myself that if, after the show, I still wanted it, I'd get it, and I went back to my seat, where I sat and chatted with the people around me for a bit, once or twice going and talking with Julio and co., who were in the front row, but all the way to the left.

Lights dim, show begins. I honestly have a hard time telling you about LCD Soundsystem's set. They were good ... so good I was worried that, realistically, few acts could follow it. You know those dance moves I got from Ghostland Observatory? I definitely put those to good use. Their music put me in such a trance. I was all at once the sexiest person I have ever been, and the most outragously weird dancer I have ever been (I suppose that's not that big of a stretch, is it? haha), and all because of the funky tunes of LCD. I bet that, for the first time since Daft Punk came through, the mountains shook like a poloroid picture. For god's sake the band had a dude who, at first, only played the cowbells. They had a freaking cowbell xylophone apparatus. Right on LCD, right on. The only let down was that, because of the altitude, James Murphy couldn't get as screamy, because he was afraid he would pass out. I'm glad he kept calm enough to perform, and was spirited enough to live up to my expectations. The live set I posted by them no longer works, so I'm going to re-post that shit right here, right now (now all I wish is that I had another live set by them):

Band: LCD Soundsystem
Date: 2005-09-04
Venue: Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland

Beat Connection
On Repeat
Daft Punk is Playing at My House
Tribulations
Movement
Losing My Edge
Yeah

extras:
Franz Ferdinand-All of my Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover)
LCD Soundsystem - Tribulations (Shallow Version)


LCD left the stage, and their things were slowly carted off after them. At this point some people started to, in the semi-confusion that comes with the between-set-bathroom-breaks-and-food/beer-gathering shuffle, try to sneak up and crowd the heck out of the people who, well, straight up got there first. I'm usually the kind of person who will push new comers out of my spot if I've got room, but really, we were packed pretty tightly, and these people didn't care at all, and seemed to think that because they were enormous, they could get away with anything. I asked if they were planning on staying in front of me for Arcade Fire's set, and they looked back at me, scoffed, and said nothing. I was incredibly confused, because I knew these type of people existed, but because I was having such a good time, I didn't think that anyone around me would be THOSE kind of people (jerks that is). And while I'm no novice to making one's presence known at a concert (I used to be really into Death Metal), I wasn't about to start throwing elbows at one of the best shows I've ever been to ... plus these guys were twice my size (not a relatively difficult feat, mind you, but still impressive) and, even if they weren't, I HATE to fight, for so many reasons (think of all the reasons fighting is dumb and you've probably got the jist of it). No sooner did they scoff and turn around did everyone around me started yelling at them to leave, and one of my temporary-concert buddies, who was three times my size, just grabbed a shoulder of one of the guys and used him to shove the other one out of our way. The two guys left without another word, and the stage because to flicker and light up.

There were 6 or 8 stage large stage-light-looking things which acted as small projectors or, dare I say, television screens. Old black and white footage of a religious figure talking giving the "in order to get into heaven you must give money, so call this number and you'll be saved" schpeel, which lasted a good minute and a half. Then, slowly, the image of the Neon Bible began to show on the back of the stage, with the roar of static coming in (again) [lol], accompanied by the sound of pages flipping. 6 or 8 red, vertical, lights slowly turned on, giving the stage a kind of "prison in hell" motif. Then the band took the stage, and burst into Black Mirror.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Arcade Fire is the Led Zeppelin of our age.

It is hard to even think about without swelling up and getting emotional. Memories of outrageous stage antics come back to me most readily, like band members coming up to metal the stage barrier and hitting it with drum sticks to the time of the song, splintering their sticks, then running back to the stage, where they would hit strategically placed cymbals at the crescendo. Semi-terrifying images projected onto the back wall. the fact that the what was coming out of the speakers wasn't only sound, but pure emotion, blasting through me in ways I've never experienced. I feel awkward admitting it, but good god ... that show ... god it was astonishing. They were the most genuine band I've ever seen ... period. Now, I know people are used to hearing about this, but, at that time, I had no idea that this went on: after they played the last song in their main set, Rebellion (Lies), the entire crowd continued to sing the hooky backing vocal part until the band came back on stage. We freaking crooned the band back on stage. Not clapped, not yelled, not cheered, but crooned. It was religious. It gave me hope for humanity. All of Red Rocks (the place was full) coming together and singing ... it was like we were trying to get god in on the act. The Arcade Fire came back out, and gave Red Rock's it's "happy ending," if you will.

Maybe the best show of my life. Almost needless to say, I went back and bought the blue hoodie.

See them. Dear god see them. I can only imagine that the next time they come through they'll be playing the Pepsi Center, and, even though I hate the Pepsi Center, I will pay for the ticket, and I will see them, because I will never miss a (reasonable) chance to see them ever again (unless they become nazi's or something. EFF that noise. But I don't think that'll be happening).

Here are some rare tracks (loosely) by The Arcade Fire:

The Arcade Fire - Broken Window
Norah Jones - Ocean of Noise
Foo Fighters - Keep The Car Running
The Arcade Fire - Poupee de Cire Poupee de Son

If you're really interested in hearing more of them, go to The Great Arcade Fire Post, quite possibly the best resource for the Arcade Fire's rare-ass music. Plus the other stuff on the blog is really great :).

Man, good to get that off my chest. Not as well written as I would have liked, but whatev. I'm still super busy, so posting will be sparse, but full of words :). Expect a post on The Forecast and then, after that, French Quarter and Foot Ox.

I Was Kind Of Harsh To These Last Few Bands...

Monolith Fest day 2 wrap up:

Nathan and Stephen were the only band that I saw on the ... quaintly titled "Rock Room" stage. These local guys remind me of a Christian hardcore version of the Polyphonic Spree. These boys and girl danced and sang their way through the hearts and minds of the packed room. There were few bands at Monolith with more intensity than Nathan and Stephen, every spark of their spirit floating out with each note. I'd seen them a few times before, but this show is definitely the top of the pops.

Nathan and Stephen (their myspace)

From there I rushed down to the acoustic stage just in time to see William Elliot Whitmore take the stage. After announcing his gratitude for so many people showing up (apparently his set was one of the biggest draws for the Acoustic Stage), he told us he would only be playing requests. Feeling a little out of place, I awkwardly felt ashamed for not knowing his material better, because as soon as the thought that maybe no one there knew enough of his songs, everyone around me started requesting songs. William loves a good crowd of people who just want to sit around and hear him do his thing. He was probably one of the most outwardly appreciative artists that I saw at Monolith. If you don't have a grasp on his sound, just think of Roscoe Holcomb style banjo, Skip James style wailing, but with more soul than any man ought to rightfully have.

William Elliot Whitmore (daytrotter set)

Art Brut. Hmmm... have I mentioned that I'm not a real big fan? I'm thinking I have. But, I recognize a live band that needs to be seen when I see one, and this is one of those bands. Basically, all I can say is that they're better live ... but not by much. Though, come to think of it, I really enjoyed the version of Direct Hit they did, and the banter that preceded it (the only song to go #1 in Space).

Art Brut (everything you'll ever need by them)

I was talking about Earl Greyhound with some people prior to seeing them live, and one line stuck with me: "I liked the album when it came out in 1968." I don't, and will never, claim to be any sort of expert on classic rock, but now, after seeing Earl Greyhound, I understand the sentiment behind the statement. Maroon 5 in the 60's/70's is what came to mind when I saw them. They really just felt like a rock band, through and through. I was bored, but, like I said with the Laylights, maybe I'm just to into looking for something innovative and inventive. Truthfully, their staleness wasn't what really turned me off, it was their bass drum. The damn thing was enormous, and just too bassy. It drew attention away from everything else, because every so often there would be this big annoying "Bloosh!" which didn't mix well with any part of the song. That shit annoyed me.

Not entertained by Earl Greyhound, I decided to go see Cameron McGill, someone I had previously decided to skip over because I had seen him last year at the South Park Music Festival, and I didn't want to see too many bands that I had all ready seen. But, seeming how there was nothing better, I decided to see how the old boy was doing. He is doing well. His music grabs you, sits you down, and makes you pay attention. He has lyrics that make you think "well I know what that means to me, but what does it mean to Cameron, or that guy over there, or that girl over there?" He has apparently been writing like a mad man, pumping out albums faster than Jandek, and the new songs I heard him perform only prove that he is only improving. Near the end of his set he brought up Leslie from Leslie & the Badgers to sing a few songs. He might as well asked Jenny Lewis. (that's a compliment). She was amazing. Check her stuff out too.

Cameron McGill - Love's Worst Day

Spoon was another band that fell victim to the lack of intimacy that I felt while watching a majority of the main stage bands. Everyone else seems to think they did really well. I'd go by what they say, because I'm just a bit biased to wanting my sound loud and in my face.

Bored with Spoon, I went upstairs to wait near the front of the New Belgium stage in anticipation for Cloud Cult. At one point I debated going downstairs and seeing Au Revior Simone, but since I'd been anticipating seeing Cloud Cult for the last year or so, I wasn't about to miss out on my amazing spot. Honestly, I have trouble describing their set, because throughout all of it I was screaming the lyrics, jumping up and down, and tearing up. Religious experience doesn't even scratch the surface. This is why I love music. Cloud Cult re-introduced me to myself. Cloud Cult is magic.

Cloud Cult - The Deaf Girl''s Song

I got to The Flaming Lips performance a little late, but I was okay with that, because nothing was going to keep me from seeing everything Cloud Cult had to offer. I got kind of close, so the whole "lack of intimacy" thing wasn't as bad. But, in truth, I just wasn't close enough and it just wasn't loud enough. Probably the most touching moments of their set (not counting everyone at Red Rocks singing Yoshimi) were when Wayne Coyne talked to the audience. At one point he talked about this interesting little instrument ... but I think that I want to keep that experience to myself. If you want to read about it somewhere else, feel free, but I'm not going to be the one to ruin it if you plan on seeing them any time soon. They were good, no doubt, but not exactly the show I had expected. Definitely worth it to see them though. Here's the newest Lips:

The Flaming Lips - I Was Zapped By The Lucky Super Rainbow

And then I went home, and slept forever, and then I got up, and went to class, and then went back to Red Rocks to see The Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, but that's a tale for anther day. Until next time peps.

The Ultimate Irony: Smoking Indie Kids Forced to Hike in Order to Enjoy Hipness

Aaaaaaand go!:

The drive to Red Rocks last Friday was, for me, a little stressful, as is every drive to an unfamiliar event or location. But, as with every stressful moment, there was a hint of excitement. I had been looking forward to the Monolith Music Festival for some time now. I finally got to a parking lot, and started the hike up to the venue, laughing internally at the ultimate form of irony occurring around me (smoking indie kids forced to walk a mile up hill to get to the hippest thing going on in our time zone).

Standing in line getting my stuff checked, I found myself being serenaded by the every loving Everything Absent or Distorted (A Love Story). The first time I'd heard them was, actually, just last year at the South Park Music Festival. It was either the year's worth of continuing to play together, or the amazing sound technicians at Red Rocks, but this time around they were one of the most convincing groups I saw at the festival, meaning: they seemed the most together, especially for being such a large group. I couldn't have expected a better welcome than EAOD's best performance to date (that I've seen that is).

Everything Absent or Distorted (A Love Story) - The Exit Parade

From the main stage I went up and then back down another flight of stairs to reach the WOXY.COM stage to see Mason Proper. They had kind of a slow start, performing a few songs sans a member (they kept saying things like "he must have wandered off into the captivating mountainous landscape"). I'd not seen them live yet (as was the case with a bunch of the bands), but from their live set reminded me much of the Weezer/Strokes/dash-of-Hives-and-Stripes early 2000's era of music. It was a nicely refreshing. On top of that, I loved their pop-and-lock minimalistic (though still inventive) drummer. I didn't stay through their whole set, and never got to see their arrant member perform along side his companions, but I'm sure it went over well.

Mason Proper - The World Is Smaller Than You Think

I jauntily walked upstairs to the New Belgium stage, where The Broken West was playing. They reminded me of a groovier Blitzen Trapper, riding the wave of "lets bring back 60's rock n' roll" type thing that seems to have been going on, and getting stronger, for a while now. Truthfully, they didn't hold my attention very long, and I was kind of bored with them. But, in all fairness, other people did seem to be enjoying their set, so they can't be all bad. Maybe I'm just not a big enough fan.

More to come

"My Body Is a Cage, That Keeps Me From Dancing With The One I Love"/"I Hear Everybody That You Know Is More Relevant Than Everybody That I Know."

(Photo by Elizabeth Weinberg)

So the Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem have been confirmed to play a Red Rocks show seriously 2 days after the Monolith Music Fest. That is going to be one hell of an extended weekend. Do I even need to say I've all ready got tickets? Anyway, because of this incredible development, I will now host a live set by each of these groups.

The Arcade Fire have somehow become living legends. I don't know if it's because they rarely play shows (anymore), or that when they do play, it's in venues that hold about 30 people, or, simply, because their music is radically spectacular. My money's on the latter.

If you don't know about them yet, you've all ready missed out. Here's a refresher course for those of you not willing to accept that you've missed out. But now, onward and upward. Here is a fairly recent live set from our Neon Bible-toting boys and girls in black, white and red all over:

Band: The Arcade Fire
Date:2007-01-20
Venue: The St. Michael's Church (Secret Gig), Montreal, Canada

(btw, I'm using mediafire for the time being, so left click of the files, the d/l from that page :) )

Intro
Black Mirror
Keep the Car Running
No Cars Go (Neon Bible Version)
Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
My Body is a Cage
Ocean of Noise
Rebellion
Banter
Intervention
(Anti-Christ Television Blues)
The Well and the Lighthouse
Haiti
Power Out


This live set is actually the first thing I ever heard by LCD Soundsystem, and was, thusly, rather disappointed with the group's studio recordings. There is so much energy and life in this recording that it feels as though LCD Soundsystem is playing at my house ... my house. This is what I consider the "best of" by LCD, even if it doesn't have their best studio stuff. Whatev, you get what I'm saying, enough jibber-jabber, on with the you know:



Band: LCD Soundsystem
Date: 2005-09-04
Venue: Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland

Beat Connection
On Repeat
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Tribulations
Movement
Losing My Edge
Yeah