We pushed into the gorge campsite at a crawl, albeit a very loud crawl, as the engine of our borrowed behemoth rumbled some declaration of its might. People stared. Our means of transport, as it happened, was a Ford F-350 power-stroke something or other -- basically, a well endowed diesel-guzzling grizzly bear of a truck. Additionally, there was the matter of the license plate frame. A shining expression of patriotism, the frame was one part bald eagle, two parts American flag and a whole lot of, "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN."
Fantastic.
Our worries were soon tossed, however, when we realized that our little plot of land was not surrounded by political-minded future senators, but by shirtless boys and girls whose primary concerns consisted of sunshine and beer.
Onward then, to the Download Festival. Come along now -- got to tell you about why The Thermals were the best act there -- and about the churro, of course. Oh, the churro! This way now. Plenty of photos to share...
Arthur & Yu.
We got to the plaza stage just in time to see this Seattle indie-folk duo start swinging some green whirly tubes for a cool sound that took us back to our own whirly tube twirling days. Arthur & Yu played a great set of folksy alt.country music that seemed to roll along naturally with the breeze that was starting to pick up. Our favorite song of theirs right now is "Afterglow" [myspace], with its Dylan-like lyrics and languid guitar strumming.
Apparently these kids won a radio contest. The prize: Hang out in a giant glass scrotum, swinging in the breeze. Don't they look excited?
The Heavenly States
We didn't get to hear much of this band. The speakers had become so loud at the plaza stage that everything became distorted and uncomfortable. So, we went and bought an $11 Heineken. Yeah.
The Thermals
A trio from Portland, Oregon, The Thermals were absolutely outstanding! It seemed someone must have fixed the sound problem at the plaza stage because, though not perfect, it had improved well enough to actually hear the music and enjoy it. Singer Hutch Harris was pitch-perfect, displaying just the right amount of rock bravado and awkwardness while bassist Kathy Foster's curly brown locks became a life all their own in the wind -- the effect of which was very rock and roll.
No one visited ZUNE.
Presidents of the United States of America
It can't really be denied (unless you hate people and happiness and people being happy) -- the Presidents are always a good time. Even if their newer stuff is kind of meh, you can always depend on standards like "Lump", "Dune Buggy" and "Kitty".
(Photo by Jason Green)
We wanted to ask this guy how he got to be so undeniably cool. But he probably wouldn't even acknowledge us. Sigh...
Incubus
Honestly, we haven't been into Incubus since the days of Morning View, but they alwasy put on a great show. Not to mention, guitarist Mike Einziger is a guitar god.
(Photo by Jason Green)
You just can't beat this view. Unless you're seeing it from space. That's probably pretty cool.
Exhibit A: Why Seattlest felt like a chaperon this weekend.
(Photo by Jason Green)
Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse actually played a really strong set. It was of those edge of your seat moments when they finally took the stage because it could really go either way. Last time we saw them live, they completely fell apart. This time, however, was a completely different story. Maybe it's the addition of guitar legend Johnny Marr, but for one reason or another, lead man Isaac Brock seems to have shaped up.
The Churro
This is the best churro in the world. Last time we were here, for Sasquatch, we had one of these churros and wanted to cry. It was perfectly crispy and sugary on the outside, and the inside was slightly undercooked just the right amount, so that it was all warm, doughy, gooey sweetness. We had another one this weekend... Dear lord, we're drooling just thinking about it!
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you didn't go nada surfing?
Ah, good catch, ozmafan.
I did actually see some Nada Surf, but wasn't into it at all.
Then again, I was hungry and thirsty and guilty of never having heard anything of their's other than "Popular."
What a shame..Nada Surf was probably the best band in this lineup..
@3: Um, probably not.
oh Jack, your loss.
No seriously, Jack. Nada Surf is the shit. Matthew Caws and Company are the BEST at crafting perfect pop rock gems. You should do yourself a favor and check out any one of their records, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I just hope you didn't skip their set for Incubus. ; )
OZMA rules too, ozmafan!
To the last posting,
Actually Nada Surf was the first band on the main stage followed by PUSA, which were freaking awesome! Then it was Incubus with a killer set and then a perfect evening ending showing by Modest Mouse. So no, he couldn't have skipped the Nada Surf set to see Incubus. He probbably skipped Nada Surf to witness Authur & Yu or The Thermals, which were both killer sets.
Thanks to all the bands for a rocking good time in the sun.
Actually, I'd already seen Arthur & Yu and The Thermals (for the record, Thermals were the best band there -- best performance anyway).
I didn't mean to come off like I was dissing Nada Surf. I've read some great things about there newer material. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to experience their new stuff for the first time. Like I said, I was hungry.
It was churro time, folks.
Simmer down now! It was a joke....
Honestly though, don't you think Incubus has fallen off a little since Make Yourself?
PS - I could see why you would say the Thermals were the best band there. They bring the rock to every single show they play. I love them almost as much as Nada Surf. ; )
I know you weren't dissing Nada Surf, Jack. I just think they get bad wrap for "Popular."
@9: Since "Make Yourself"? No, I thought Morning View was pretty damn good at the time. It's everything afterward that took a nose dive.
Jack,
Yes, a few of Incubus' tracks since Morning View and Make Yourself have not been all that great. But who gets to say that they "took a nose dive?" Just because the A Crow Left Of Murder and Light Grenades are different than what you would expect doesn't mean the albums do not deserve the respect you give their previous releases.
Long story short, as the band progressed in their career their sound changed.
Take another listen or two. It may take a little while until you fully understand the last two albums, but I feel you will be presently surprised.