Last year's Outside Lands was pretty great — I mean, Radiohead played the first ever night-time show in Golden Gate Park to open up the fest. Know what I mean? That can't be bad.
Except, it sucked. It was SO damn packed. It was madness. I almost got in a fight with this fat dude just for walking past him — I mean, he tried to lock his arms out to his sides and prevent any more people passing him, so I pushed past him, which is what pissed him off. But still. It was way too fuckin crowded. And of course the sound cut out all together — more than once — during Radiohead's set.
Despite all this, it was an experience I'm glad to have had. I mean, Radiohead, in the park, at night, as I mentioned. But I didn't want to go back this year, cuz, man, I hate crowds.
Then I saw the lineup for this year...
I mean, damn. Sure, you got a vanilla headliner again (Dave Matthews Band; Tom Petty headlined last year, as did Jack Johnson, which I found less than impressive), but Pearl Jam and Beastie Boys are pretty solid, if way past their prime.
And of course the headliners aren't even who I'm excited about. TV on the Radio, Mastodon, Deerhunter, and Silversun Pickups are easily four of my favorite bands out there right now. Throw in old stalwarts like Ween, The Mars Volta, Thievery Corporation, Modest Mouse, and Q-Tip, and shit, you've got one hell of a solid show.
Damn you Outside Lands! I don't want to spend another $200+ on you!
Luckily, I don't have to. If I learned anything from last year, it's that you can hear just fine from outside of Outside Lands. Sure you can't see, but I couldn't see shit from inside either. So I'll be catching all these sets, and I won't be dealing with those crowds or blowing a couple hundred smackers.
Except, it sucked. It was SO damn packed. It was madness. I almost got in a fight with this fat dude just for walking past him — I mean, he tried to lock his arms out to his sides and prevent any more people passing him, so I pushed past him, which is what pissed him off. But still. It was way too fuckin crowded. And of course the sound cut out all together — more than once — during Radiohead's set.
Despite all this, it was an experience I'm glad to have had. I mean, Radiohead, in the park, at night, as I mentioned. But I didn't want to go back this year, cuz, man, I hate crowds.
Then I saw the lineup for this year...
I mean, damn. Sure, you got a vanilla headliner again (Dave Matthews Band; Tom Petty headlined last year, as did Jack Johnson, which I found less than impressive), but Pearl Jam and Beastie Boys are pretty solid, if way past their prime.
And of course the headliners aren't even who I'm excited about. TV on the Radio, Mastodon, Deerhunter, and Silversun Pickups are easily four of my favorite bands out there right now. Throw in old stalwarts like Ween, The Mars Volta, Thievery Corporation, Modest Mouse, and Q-Tip, and shit, you've got one hell of a solid show.
Damn you Outside Lands! I don't want to spend another $200+ on you!
Luckily, I don't have to. If I learned anything from last year, it's that you can hear just fine from outside of Outside Lands. Sure you can't see, but I couldn't see shit from inside either. So I'll be catching all these sets, and I won't be dealing with those crowds or blowing a couple hundred smackers.
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