Sunday was overcast, cool, and just as dusty. The crowd was comprised of more of the Montreal alternative culture freakshow (or wannabe freakshow) than the previous day, which was mostly college kids and mall-rat types. Or so it seemed. I blame MIA and her “street cred” (read: hype). Regardless, I was way out of place in what are essentially my hiking duds…
Right. There’s no way I can continue with the Day One level of reporting, so I’ll just list the highlights and note that everything we saw pre-Sam Roberts was a disappointment. I’m not naming names, but they were pas bien bien…
Sam Roberts Band. After the nameless messes of the morning (alliteration!), Sam Roberts was a pretty safe bet. While Mr. Roberts lacks MIA’s cred, he certainly makes up for it in relate-ability, showmanship, visible drunkenness, and beard. Long psychedelic jams – I’m a sucker for them, and these guys had a-plenty. The clouds parted and blue sky appeared during Mind Flood – another weekend highlight. Things were looking up…
Miracle Fortress. While I totally dig this album, I have to admit that it didn’t translate so hot into a live show, which I guess could have been expected given the countless studio overdubs and effects, etc. These guys did seem very modest and personable though – albeit very frustrated with the sound guys – so they are still okay in my books…
Macy Gray. Hands up if you remember Macy Gray. Well, she was the surprise hit of Sunday, fer sure. An obviously seasoned performer, Macy had every manner of street punk, trust-fund hippie, scruffy student and security guard shifting from side to side and nodding their heads, if not flat out dancing. Costumes. Audience participation. Long medleys, cover tunes, giant bouncing back-up singers. After a full day of white dudes and guitar feedback, this was a nice change of pace, and once again – things were looking up…
Gotan Project. Boo. Why are you here?
Interpol. Interesting situation here as Interpol and MIA came on at the same time, so Terri and Lauren bolted halfway through to check her out. Me - I stayed and sang along to every word. I love Interpol. And I loved this show, as I knew I would. And as everyone else knew I would. MIA be damned! Evil. Obstacle 1. PDA. Slow Hands. Not Even Jail. When the girls were gone, I even danced (so I didn’t get any pictures)…
Bloc Party. Tight. Fun. Energetic. These guys had the crowd jumping. Highlights included, well, everything from Silent Alarm. Too bad I was so damn tired. And old. Yay 30!
Thanks Terri for the tickets…Drew and Colleen for the accommodations and the pack lunch…and Sandy, Cynthia, Lauren and Paco for hanging out and the tours of the city. Vive le Montreal!
Word.
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