Something Like Sound

The Fray’s Isaac Slade // Photo by Tim Weilert

So here it is. After 2 incredible days (both incredibly musical and long), it’s time to look back on what stood out at this year’s Mile High Music Festival.

Saturday

From the first set I saw, I knew it was going to be a good day. Gregory Alan Isakov was a nice way to start, a sort of maudlin Bob Dylan, with a classy approach to playing music. The good vibes kept going as I went to see Rob Drabkin play his funky brand of pop-music. I got to see most of Matt Nathanson‘s set, although I missed “Car Crash” (he played it as I walked away). I took a bit of a break to interview Big Head Todd and the Monsters, then it was time to catch the end of the Gomez set (the few songs I saw were quite enjoyable). After talking with Rob Drabkin, I caught some of Ani Difranco‘s politically-charged brand of folk music. After taking a break for some much needed shade and water, I set off to see Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and was thoroughly impressed with the solid rock music I heard there.

The rest of the day was a bit frantic. After interviewing Dead Confederate, I rushed to catch up with the photographers for the Incubus set. I enjoyed hearing “Megalomaniac,” and I thought their cover of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” was the best way any band could end a set. I snuck away from Incubus for a quick listen at G. Love and Special Sauce, and I thought his hip-hop inspired alternative rock sound played well with the mood that afternoon. The lighting for photography was excellent as the sun set and Ben Harper and Relentless7 took the stage (anyone who can play lap steel that well has my respect).

I caught some of The Black Keys, although not enough to really get a grasp for their sound. Tool was interesting. I’m glad to say I’ve seen them (as are most of the people who were there), I was simply not a fan of their photo policy. Sure, they haven’t played a show in a few years, and this was a big event, but a little more humility would have gone a long way. Other than that, it certainly was trippy (the audio/visual experience was really indescribable).

Widespread Panic was definitely a good way to end the night. The down to earth, organic sounds those “old guys” made were simply mind-blowing. I doubt I have ever seen such amazing musicianship. Their set, however, was at the end of what was a very long day. So I stayed as long as I could, but soon had to head home to rest up for day 2.

Sunday

If I thought Saturday was packed, I didn’t even see Sunday coming. Straight out of the gates I saw alterna-rockers Strange Condition (first time I saw them play since opening for Love.45 4 or 5 years ago). It was a little too rowdy for a Sunday morning. Paper Bird was definitely what I was looking for. Self described as makers of “joyful” music, I was certainly feeling good listening to their beautiful harmonies and folk instruments. Honeyhoney was also a nice surprise, although I must say that they should consider picking up a few more band members, it would make for a better live set.

I listened to the first part of Jack’s Mannequin and they played the 3 songs of theirs I really like, so I was content with it. From contentment to utter amazement, my demeanour changed as I watched Dead Confederate unleash a wave of sound. Their grunge-tinged southern rock was what really woke me  up that day. I proceeded to see Jet play through a number of catchy tunes, and I stuck around just long enough to hear “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” I took some time off to recharge my batteries (both electrically and phyically), and do an interview with Paper Bird. I wandered a bit, catching some of Gogol Bordello, then headed off to see Buddy Guy.

It’s not every day that you can say you saw a blues legend. Buddy Guy certainly held up his reputation as he interwove raspy vocals with blues guitar. He was incredibly animated as he sang songs that unfolded more like stories from a book. I left a little early so I could catch DeVotcKa play some of their gypsy-inspired folk music. I found their use of theremin to be absolutely charming. Up next was the sexy, smooth dance beats of Thievery Corporation (I stayed long enough to hear “Lebanese Blonde” then I was off again. I tried to get in to 3Oh!3, but it was simply too packed. I ended up at Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and once again was impressed by the steel guitar. At this point I took another break to hydrate and prepare for the barrage that was the rest of the day.

I briefly saw Matisyahu and Gov’t Mule before ending up at Pepper. The storm clouds by this point were looking rather ominous, everyone was praying for the storm to pass. Pepper began to play, the wind picked up and the crowd rocked out. Fortunately the storm quickly turned south and there was no serious rainfall. Finally it was time for The Fray. Going in to the festival weekend I had my doubts about this group. My presumptions quickly faded away as they took the stage. Not only were they right-on music-wise, but also visually. Their set (which I believe they bought from U2) was absolutely stunning, with lights matching the mood of the music incredibly well. As The Fray finished up I decided to head home (I opted to skip Widespread Panic’s Sunday set, since I was simply exhausted and had seen them the night before).

So what’s the takeaway? Denver is a music city, with some rather eclectic tastes. It makes sense that the Mile High Music Festival would have the lineup it had, because it reflects well on the city’s roots. Throughout the entire weekend, the experience was colorful and uniquely Coloradoan.

Tomorrow I’ll do a formal write-up and begin posting interviews (I talked with Paper Bird today)

Paper Bird

HoneyHoney

Jack’s Mannequin

Dead Confederate

Jet

Buddy Guy

Devotchka

Thievery Corporation

Gov’t Mule

Pepper

The Fray

All photos by Tim Weilert

I don’t have time or space to talk about everyone coming to Mile High Music Festvial this year, so here are some of the highlights, and acts I will personally try to see:

Saturday (7/18)

Gregory Alan Isakov (11:15 am, Westword Tent): This guy has some incredible singing and songwriting talent. A recent addition to the festival, Denver-based Gregory Alan Isakov is sure to be a good show for fans of Rocky Votolato, so show up early to support this local.

Rob Drabkin (12 noon, FirstBank Stage): I’ve already talked about Rob, but if you didn’t want to spend your time reading my last posts just know he’s a great listen for fans of Dave Matthews, and he really fits well with the vibe of the festival.

Matt Nathanson (1:15 pm, Main Stage West): I picked up some Matt Nathanson records a few years back, and I must say his heartfelt approach to music and positive messages leave you feeling good.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters (4pm, Main Stage East): Also did a post about these guys already, see them for some of the best examples of a genuine Colorado band.

Incubus (5:30 pm, Main Stage West): I’ve heard quite a bit of Incubus on the radio, but never seen them live. Also, my roommate keeps telling me I must see them.

(I’m a little torn about who to see at 7pm, so I’ll cover both, who knows where I’ll end up)

Ben Harper & Relentless7 (7 pm, Main Stage East): Good ol’ fashioned rock music, enough said.

The Black Keys (7pm, Westword Tent): Heartland indie rock music, these guys mix banjos, guitars, and a healthy amount of reverb together to create something enjoyable.

Tool (8:45pm, Main Stage West): Their first show since 2006 (or maybe it was ’07, either way it’s been a long time). Westword, and my roommate, highly suggested this one, and since no one else is playing at this time, you MUST see them.

Widespread Panic (10:45pm, Main Stage East): On the flyers it says their set will go until 2 am, get ready for some intense folk rock.

Sunday

Paper Bird (12 noon, Rhapsody Tent): The recent winners of the Westword Music Showcase Awards Americana category, I love this local group’s folk sound and flurry of bluegrass instruments.

Dead Confederate (1:30 pm, Westword Tent): Also did a post about these guys already, remember, indie rock from Athens, GA.

Jet (2pm, Main Stage East): Are you gonna be my girl?

Gogol Bordello (3pm, Main Stage West): Gyspy punks, these guys always put on a fun show

(another toss up at 4pm, but I’m going with Buddy Guy, he’s a legend, and Devotchka is local, we can see them any time)

Buddy Guy (4pm, Main Stage East): Mentioned above, he’s literally a LEGEND, don’t miss him. I’d put him up there with B.B. King and Eric Clapton.

(Gah! another one at 5:30, well, I’m going with Thievery Corporation, since I’ve seen 3Oh!3 twice already in the last year)

Thievery Corporation (5:30pm, Main Stage West): I’ve always loved the track these guys contributed to the Garden State Soundtrack. They create musical gold.

Matisyahu (6:45pm, Westword Tent): What is there not to love about a rappin’ rabbi?

The Fray (8:30pm, Main Stage East): These hometown legends have returned to their roots to headline Denver’s newest, and biggest music festival, don’t miss them.

Background: Paper Bird is one of those local groups we’ve had a hard time classifying. Perhaps, rather than trying in vain to describe what eclectic mix of bands they sound like, or where they fit into the Denver-scene, I’ll tell a story. A few years back I had just read Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, and was fascinated with the prospects of taking to the roads and rails to patch my way across the great expanses of American countryside. In fact, I met several hobos and drifters who told me stories of their travels, it was quite the cultural experience. When listening to Anything Nameless and Joymaking, I was instantly brought back to those nostalgic feelings of Americana and a sort of renewed manifest destiny.

Memorable Song: The opener, “St. Louis,” typifies the rambling lifestyle I described above. A joyful mix of banjo and horns accompany lyrics describing a singing traveler who moves from town to town. The rowdy mix is reminiscent of old fashioned folk and spirituals, with a hint of cajun flavor. It’s like listening to Bob Dylan without the distracting Woody Guthrie impressions (especially on later tracks when they throw harmonicas into the mix).

Forgettable Tune: Despite the charming lyrics, the first time I listened to “Bumblebee,” I did not realize the song had been playing until it was over. Perhaps it’s the more chill and relaxed approach taken on this tune that makes it fade into the background. When I listened to the track again it reminded me of something you might hear in the background of a movie scene taking place in a park.

Final Thoughts: Paper Bird is definitely going to be a busy group for the next few months. This summer they’re playing the Mile High Music Festival, and they are currently in the studio working on new material. Also, they’re a part of this great music collective called “Long Spoon,” (which also includes the likes of Ian Cooke, Bela Karoli, and Pee Pee, to name a few). In closing, Paper Bird has an organic sound that resonates with nostalgic sentiments for simpler times, something with which I can easily identify. Check them out at http://www.paperbirdband.com/ and consider voting for them in the Westword Music Showcase.

Edit: It looks like the Hot IQs are breaking up after their June 19 show at the Bluebird (we learned the news from Backbeat Online here) I know we already mentioned this as a must see show, but we’re moving it up to “do not miss this show or you will never forgive yourself” status.

Further Edit: We took Fear Before, 3Oh!3, and Flobots off the list because you probably already know them.

So last month we had extensive coverage of one of my favorite DIY bands from Denver, Young Coyotes. This got me thinking, “Who are the other groups people should know about?” Well, then today Dave Herrera over at Westword asked us to send in our nominations for the 2009 Westword Music Showcase, here’s who we chose. You might have heard of some of these groups, some you don’t know. Hopefully we’ll be able to work with these bands to bring you the best new music from the Denver scene all summer long.

1. Young Coyotes
2. Hot IQs
3. Ian Cooke
4. Pee Pee
5. Bad Weather California
6. Born In The Flood / The Wheel
7. The Photo Atlas
8. Hearts of Palm (have apparently broken up too)
9. Meese
10. Andrea Ball
11. Richard Ingersoll
12. Danielle Ate The Sandwich
13. The Heyday
14. Paper Bird
15. Trace Bundy
16. Bela Karoli
17. Laura Goldhamer
18. Roe
19. Brave Saint Saturn
20. Rob Drabkin