Outsidelands Overload

Just got home from a long weekend in the SF Bay Area where I had tickets with some friends to Outsidelands. I’m not normally a big fan of these massive festivals with endless crowds of highly intoxicated teens and overzealously costumed post-ravers, however, this was a truly awesome event. Just a few highlights included Michael Kiwanuka, Bomba Estereo, Santigold, Sigur Ros, Amadou & Mariam, Die Antwoord, Antibalas and a very uplifting Sunday night sermon from living legend Stevie Wonder. Honorable mentions are due to Beck, Electric Guest, Fitz & The Tantrums, Passion Pit, and Big Boi. Sleeper hit of the weekend award goes Dustbowl Revival– a grassroots band who started a legitimate hoedown on a tiny side stage in the woods. SO MUCH MUSIC! There’s still bands I’m forgetting and others I didn’t manage to catch. It’s San Francisco in August, so there was way more fog than sun, but honestly it kind of added to the ethereal/surreal atmosphere (especially during Sigur Ros‘ epic Asgardian sounding set). Not much time to write since I have a ton of work to get crackin on, but I’m using today’s playlist of oldies to help come down from clouds 10, 11, and 12.

Wanda Jackson :       Whirlpool

Muddy Waters  :       Tom Cat

Ruth Brown :       I Don't Know

Pastor T. L. Barrett & the Youth For Christ Choir :       Like A Ship... (Without A Sail)

Wendy & Bonnie :       Five O'Clock In The Morning &       It's What's Really Happening

Paul McCartney :       Dear Boy &       Ram On

Travis Biggs :       Tibetan Serenity

Penny & The Quarters :       You & Me

Precious Bryant :       The Truth &       Morning Train