Intonation Festival 2006 - Union Park, Chicago

On Sunday, June 25th, 2006, I attended day 2 of the Intonation Music Festival at Chicago's Union Park. My reasons for going to Intonation this year can be counted on one hand. Concerning bands, I wanted to see Bloc Party and Jon Brion. Other than that, it was a chance to start helping the Chicago Innerview magazine with their street team.

I arrived at Union Park (via bus, since mass transit is one of the only things I enjoy about Chicago) around 2 pm on Sunday. Union Park was an excellent location for the festival. Two stages were set up (for quick set changes), and people had ample space to watch the shows, throw a frisbee around, or lay in the grass under a tree. The line-up for my time at the festival was The Constantines, Rhymefest, Annie, Lupe Fiasco, The Sword, Blue Cheer, Jon Brion, Robert Pollard, Dead Prez, and Bloc Party. The Constantines were, in comparison to many acts I would later witness, respectable. After reading that they're from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, I have more respect for them. Guelph is an extremely boring place, and their music is decidedly entertaining with that in mind. Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco were both bling rap acts, which in my mind is no different than seeing Backstreet Boys or any other mindless trash. In fact the only difference is the crowd, for a Backstreet Boys crowd would have been a rather enjoyable gathering of teenage girls.

Moving on, Annie was a dull Norwegian, The Sword was Pantera-like southern metal, and Blue Cheer was (according to Chicago Innerview) a supposedly important band from the early seventies (although their live show provided no proof of this claim). At least during these sets I could pass the time handing out the Innerview as people entered the festival grounds.

Finally Jon Brion took the stage around 6:30 pm. Before the set, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I did know that Brion had created the soundtrack for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I Heart Huckabees, and other movies, as well as worked with many up and coming artists such as Fiona Apple. Brion began simply by playing electric guitar and singing and captured the audience attention after a single song. He then set out to employ the “trouble” installed on stage, by which he meant loopers attached to drums, keyboard, and guitar. Instantly he became a one-man band. He created a drum track, then a keyboard track, and finally played guitar and sang. By the time people figured out what he had done, they were completely hooked. Wilco drummer Glenn Kotch joined Brion for a few songs, including a cover of the Beatles’ song “Baby You’re A Rich Man.” Brion finished with another one-man song, complete with scorching guitar solo. Watching him, it’s obvious that you’re in the presence of a musical genius. I feel fortunate to have seen him live.

After Brion’s hour long set Robert Pollard, ex-Guided by Voices player, took the stage. His hour on stage was unexciting, so I sat in the grass and relaxed for a while. Next was Dead Prez, the third bling rap act of the day. Don’t get me wrong. I can appreciate any music with talent and creativity. I like alternative hip hop groups like Jurassic 5, MF Doom, and even Aesop Rock (who will be gracing the stage at the Pitchfork Music Festival in July). Dead Prez consisted of 4-6 guys on stage, talking more than rapping, with an entourage of 20 or so men standing around them at the back of the stage. It was pompous and deranged. One song proclaimed that you “Can’t Sell Dope Fo Eva.” This was truly a wasted hour of my life, except that while some idiots watched them perform I was able to acquire a great viewing spot for Bloc Party’s set.

When Bloc Party finally went on stage around 9:30 pm, it was completely dark out and everyone at the festival had turned their attention at the stage. When they started playing, I immediately knew that the wait had been worthwhile. They were just as explosive and captivating as on their album, Silent Alarm. Some bands can’t overcome the hype attached to them, but Bloc Party meets and surpasses all hype. They opened with “So Here We Are,” a spacey track that slowly builds to a beautiful wall of sound. Next they played “Positive Tension,” my favorite song of theirs. The angular structure tightens up until the full release of fiery energy. Other song highlights were “Banquet” and “This Modern Love,” but the whole set was excellent.

My thoughts leaving the festival were that I should have researched more of the bands before coming. Nonetheless, Jon Brion and Bloc Party were worth the $20 admission. Now, I have a month to carefully prepare for the Pitchfork Music Festival, taking place at the same park on July 28 and 29. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.

My Summer Mix

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. I unleash upon you my SUMMER MIX. Two discs of sunshine, laying in the grass watching clouds pass by, lounging in a beach chair with your toes in the sand listening to the waves crash and seagulls fly overhead. I'm talking about pure easygoing bliss. Forget your daily grind for a while and remember what it was like to pass the time riding bikes, playing tag on the playground, and running through sprinklers.

This was by far the most difficult mix for me. Of course there has always been music that I associate with summer, or some albums that I listen to far more often in the summer. But summer has never been my season. I was a winter baby. Although, I think summer is a difficult time for everyone. Now before you all scream in disagreement, let me explain.

Summer is the season of our youth. The day that school let out and summer vacation began was incredible. Those two and a half months meant freedom from school, homework, classes, etc. When we grow older, summer is just another section of the year. You have to go to work just the same as everyone else. The "real world" requires that you stay responsible and pay the bills. In this process, many people can't stay connected with the youthful essence of summer. Most people, although they enjoy summer and all the warm weather activities, don't remember how fun it used to be to just sit in a sand box and make miniature villages intended only for destruction by stomping.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, some things inside us will die. Human suffering is inescapable. We all go through different ways of hurting, and no hurt should be downplayed. It is all valid, and it all needs to be explored and worked out. What I'm trying to say is that it's important to make an effort to stay connected with our inner child. For some people, this will only happen once they've had children of their own, to spend time with and relate to. But I challenge you, take strides to connect with that child today. They don't have to be living and breathing in front of your face. The child is inside of you. This task is just as difficult for me as for anyone, which brings me back to my first point of how difficult it was to compile this list

On the first CD, I tried to include songs that are without a doubt summer music. You'll find songs ranging from reggae, to drunkard sing-a-longs, to Ace of Base. These songs are classic, but, I admit, still quite eclectic. Some of them remind me of my childhood and some I could just imagine being played in a tiki bar on a tropical island. Some of the songs you may have never heard before (The Smiths), but still fit in better here than on the second disc.

So on the second CD, I grouped all the songs that I'm currently listening to that feel like summer. I'm proud to include a few Michiganders (Stevens, Saturday, Pas/Cal). You may laugh at the fact that almost all of my mixes include Yo La Tengo. What can I say? They are a timeless band for all seasons. This disc closes with a Columbian (Banhardt), and a few Brazilian tracks, including Jorge's "Life on Mars?" cut from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

In conclusion, I enjoyed making this mix and I hope you enjoy listening to it (I have it in iTunes if you'd like it sent to you). Remember my challenge, but also remember that summer isn't a quest. Summer isn't something you have to work to find. You've already arrived. So enjoy it.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. I unleash upon you my SUMMER MIX. Two discs of sunshine, laying in the grass watching clouds pass by, lounging in a beach chair with your toes in the sand listening to the waves crash and seagulls fly overhead. I'm talking about pure easygoing bliss. Forget your daily grind for a while and remember what it was like to pass the time riding bikes, playing tag on the playground, and running through sprinklers.

This was by far the most difficult mix for me. Of course there has always been music that I associate with summer, or some albums that I listen to far more often in the summer. But summer has never been my season. I was a winter baby. Although, I think summer is a difficult time for everyone. Now before you all scream in disagreement, let me explain.

Summer is the season of our youth. The day that school let out and summer vacation began was incredible. Those two and a half months meant freedom from school, homework, classes, etc. When we grow older, summer is just another section of the year. You have to go to work just the same as everyone else. The "real world" requires that you stay responsible and pay the bills. In this process, many people can't stay connected with the youthful essence of summer. Most people, although they enjoy summer and all the warm weather activities, don't remember how fun it used to be to just sit in a sand box and make miniature villages intended only for destruction by stomping.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, some things inside us will die. Human suffering is inescapable. We all go through different ways of hurting, and no hurt should be downplayed. It is all valid, and it all needs to be explored and worked out. What I'm trying to say is that it's important to make an effort to stay connected with our inner child. For some people, this will only happen once they've had children of their own, to spend time with and relate to. But I challenge you, take strides to connect with that child today. They don't have to be living and breathing in front of your face. The child is inside of you. This task is just as difficult for me as for anyone, which brings me back to my first point of how difficult it was to compile this list

On the first CD, I tried to include songs that are without a doubt summer music. You'll find songs ranging from reggae, to drunkard sing-a-longs, to Ace of Base. These songs are classic, but, I admit, still quite eclectic. Some of them remind me of my childhood and some I could just imagine being played in a tiki bar on a tropical island. Some of the songs you may have never heard before (The Smiths), but still fit in better here than on the second disc. Also, my current love affair is with bossa nova, and I included a track from the indispensible Brazilian jazz album Getz/Gilberto.

So on the second CD, I grouped all the songs that I'm currently listening to that feel like summer. I'm proud to include a few Michiganders (Stevens, Saturday, Pas/Cal). You may laugh at the fact that almost all of my mixes include Yo La Tengo. What can I say? They are a timeless band for all seasons. This disc closes with a Columbian (Banhardt), and a few more Brazilian tracks, including Jorge's "Life on Mars?" cut from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

In conclusion, I enjoyed making this mix and I hope you enjoy listening to it (I have it in iTunes if you'd like it sent to you). Remember my challenge, but also remember that summer isn't a quest. Summer isn't something you have to work to find. You've already arrived. So enjoy it.

CD 1 – Classics

1. bob Marley – buffalo soldier
2. steel pulse – ravers
3. the drifters – under the boardwalk
4. otis redding – (sittin’ on) the dock of the bay
5. seals and crofts – summer breeze
6. stan getz/joao Gilberto – so danco samba
7. van Morrison – moondance
8. jimmy buffet – margaritaville
9. stevie wonder – my cherie amour
10. the beach boys – all summer long
11. led zeppelin – d’yer mak’er
12. the outfield – your love
13. the police – de do do do de da da da
14. the smiths – there is a light that never goes out
15. tears for fears – everybody wants to rule the world
16. pet shop boys – west end girls
17. blind melon – no rain
18. ace of base – all that she wants

CD 2 – My Summer Songs

1. gorillaz/spacemonkeyz – slow country (strictly rubbadub)
2. sufjan stevens – come on! Feel the Illinoise!
3. kings of leon – king of the rodeo
4. pas/cal – the bronze beached boys (come on lets go)
5. Saturday looks good to me – meet me by the water
6. the essex green – rue de lis
7. jack Johnson – staple it together
8. broken social scene – pacific theme
9. caribou – Hendrix with KO
10. the avalanches - two hearts in 3/4 time
    
11. destroyer –watercolours into the ocean
12. pete yorn – life on a chain
13. the elected – would you come with me
14. the new amsterdams – past the pines
15. yo la tengo – season of the shark
16. devendra banhardt – santa maria da feira
17. seu Jorge – life on mars?
18. bebel Gilberto – august day song

(note - the picture above is one that I took of my brother Jeff on Spider Lake in Traverse City, during Memorial Day weekend 2006)

My Apologies

I feel that I owe a sincere apology. Has it really been over two months since I posted anything on here? Time flies so quickly now. Adopting a dog has been vaguely similar to adopting a child, which makes me vaguely similar to a single dad. On top of that, I've been hard at work on my new career goal (yes, I've finally given up on veterinary school). I'm working on an application to MSU's Masters of Journalism program. My goal is to one day create my own independent music publication. I don't know yet if I will make it printed or solely online. The environmentalist in me would like it to be online. Anyways, if all goes well I will be back at MSU by January.

Now that it's summer, I'm also back in Michigan a lot, specifically Traverse City and Troy. Little Jeffy just has his high school graduation party last Saturday. I hadn't been to Troy in about 6 months. It was nice. I got real messed up. Plus, suburbia isn't so bad, but Detroit desperately needs mass transportation. Damn you, Big Three. They have trains in Japan, and they still make better cars than you.

Anyways...add your general weekly errands and outtings, and that leaves me with hardly any free time lately. That absent free time is what I used to fill by writing CD reviews. Now I exhaust the little free time I have keeping up with music, and filling my iPod with the 10,000 songs it now contains (that's ten thousand, if you were confused). So I'm a little obsessed. At least I care about something.

So hopefully I'll be able to get a CD review up here once in a while. But that's not what's most important to me anyways. What's most important is getting into the professional world ASAP doing something that is fulfilling to me and helps the community around me. Hopefully that will be southeastern Michigan, but who knows. For now, I recommend you check out the bands at Chicago's Pitchfork Music Festival this summer. (http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com). Also, check out the Chicago Innerview magazine. I'll be helping out with their street team this summer. (http://www.chicagoinnerview.com). The picture above is the Chicago skyline as viewed while driving back after Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy!