the importance of being (a touch less) earnest

[stephenm]

In the course of The Indy's (5-star) EotR review there's these summations of four separate acts:

'..his voice wails, it comes from a deep, desperate place..' (Josh T)

'..he sings, of his own hard times..' (William Elliott Whitmore)

'..sings old songs of suffering..' (Alasdair Roberts)

'..does the same with hard luck songs..' (Steve Earle)

'..playing their beautiful losers' songs..' (Richmond Fontaine)

Move over Rough Trade, I reckon the Dignitas clinic should apply for a trade stall next year! This is an top weekend but blimey some of the booking policy does seem designed to bring everyone down. And it seems at odds with the atmosphere (esp when the sun's out).

There's just a bit too much of this bleak country/blues/Americana (which I'd also argue is 'guys' music). Not saying it should all be happy clappy but think the balance could be tipped away from plaid-clad sturm n drang in favour of a bit more sweetness and light? More experimental pop, indiepop and general loveliness, says I .. like..

the real tuesday weld (UK)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bv8hdL1eS8

the innocence mission (US)

james william hindle (UK)

the go find (belgium)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL74OpGVHQo

mates of state (US)

[Swindlebiscuit]

In summary, bring back I'm From Barcelona.

[Sipperana]

As I've said elsewhere, the music at EOTR reflects the tastes of the organisers, and they happen to like Americana. The presence of many of these chilled-out bands (a lot of whom, I actually found to be less chilled out and more upbeat live anyway) keeps the indie-chasing View fans away, which can only be a good thing.

EOTR has its share of more fun acts - Bob Log, Misty's Big Adventure, Billy Childish and the perennial Brakes spring instantly to mind. And I'm sure they will have more next year - my money's on Let's Wrestle

[Swindlebiscuit]

..Leisure Society, Mumford and Sons, Broken Family Band, Loney, Dear, The Hold Steady...

..I'd say there were a fair few more upbeat bands on the main stage, though I have to admit that Sunday seemed did seem a folk too far. If Steve Earl had his band with him, it would have been a different story.

[Better Late...]

As I've said elsewhere, the music at EOTR reflects the tastes of the organisers, and they happen to like Americana. The presence of many of these chilled-out bands (a lot of whom, I actually found to be less chilled out and more upbeat live anyway) keeps the indie-chasing View fans away, which can only be a good thing.

[GTG]

In the course of The Indy's (5-star) EotR review there's these summations of four separate acts:

'..his voice wails, it comes from a deep, desperate place..' (Josh T)

'..he sings, of his own hard times..' (William Elliott Whitmore)

'..sings old songs of suffering..' (Alasdair Roberts)

'..does the same with hard luck songs..' (Steve Earle)

'..playing their beautiful losers' songs..' (Richmond Fontaine)

[GTG]

Interesting photo accompanying that review! Must have missed him .......

[stephenm]

'Fun' isn't quite it. I'm From Barca. are fine but ultimately too simplistic and child-like. I'm thinking of more grown-up loveliness (of those just listed, Loney, Dear definitely but the rest? not really) and interesting melodic indie which doesn't come in plaid. So:

Shearwater yes, Okkervil River, no

The Tyde yes, Beachwood Sparks no

Jenny Lewis, M. Ward, Benoit Pioulard, matt pond PA, Gentleman Reg, The Innocence Mission, A Camp, Haley Bonar, The Be Good Tanyas, they'd be on my list in addition the others listed earlier.

Another thing is who gets to play which stage - seemed odd that very direct acts like The Boy Least Likely to and The Tallest Man on Earth who really project were shunted off into the chilly darkness of the Big Top - they should have been out in the sun on the Garden Stage changing places (i'd argue) the likes of Alela Diane, Whispertown 2000 and The Low Anthem. But maybe that's a contractual thing...

Edited September 23, 2009 by stephenm

[Swindlebiscuit]

Low Anthem should have been in the Big Top?

Okay, you've lost me.

Plus, Loney Dear was my least favourite performance on the list I mentioned, so I guess we just differ in terms of taste.

The joys of music!

[MattL80]

The main reason I was first attracted to EOTR was the line up. In my opinion it is by far the best of all the festivals, because that's the kind of music I mainly listen to. The organisers should continue to book the bands/artists they like.

It's not as if there's a shortage of festivals to choose from, people should attend which ever one best suits them rather than expect every festival to have the same types of music.

[sadwitch]

I don't think there was anything wrong with the line up though I do agree that in previous years there have been just a few more upbeat and lively bands on the Garden stage which was nice.

[Swindlebiscuit]

Jeez.

Just read that Independent review. Nice that they liked it and all, and I hate to be harsh...but it is terrible writing.

Plus, not content to have Ryan Adams as their main festie photo, they add this nugget:

"The Duke and the General offer blowhard, over-sung "soul" more than their fine debut album's early 1970s Californian pop sheen."

I also liked the Fast Foxes, The Recreation Collective and Charlie Thomas Whitmore Tillman.