If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. Marlon covering “Apologize” by One Republic:

Apologize cover, One Republic

The Hook Up

All told, 2/3 of SoulFix was at the fest for all three days (I outlasted all and did all 3 days, Mitch Friday & Saturday, Marlon just Saturday; most importantly, we all got to see Tool). This year, Mitch had done some IT/Network work for the fest, so he totally hooked up the VIP tickets. The VIP tickets got us access to two tents, one at the north end and one at the south end. The south end was WAY better than the north end; larger, better views of the stages. Also included with your VIP package was all food and liquor. Yep. Only thing was, they wouldn’t let you take any drinks with you out of the VIP areas, which I guess makes sense, cuz otherwise you’d be carrying out 20 beers for all your friends.

The Bands

Right on:

Tool, Jane’s, Thievery Corporation, Ida Maria, Snoop, Rise Against

Living Things I describe as such: a nod to the Ramones+Brian May+tight pants+Ampeg bass cabinets=solid American rock ‘n’ roll.

Meh:

Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode. And also, Gomez, which brings me to:

Frat Rock

Gomez is frat rock. Which made me think: how does one define frat rock? My friend and I came up with this description: Mediocre music, with lyrics that are easy enough for trixie girls to “get.” It’s not overly engaging, so it allows you to stand around and bullshit, while pounding 8-10 Miller Lites.

Also, one of the Gomez dudes played a shaker app or something on his iPhone. To quote my mysterious friend, “Play a real instrument, not a phone.”

Overheard and Quotable

“The problem is YOU’RE not drunk enough.”
“I think I’m gonna take 2 showers when I get home.”
“Whippets, only 5 bucks guys.”
“Why are they getting off here? Stupid bitches.”
“I can’t hear you, Mom.”
“I wonder if the carpet matches the puuuuubes.”

Overall, a great time, and kudos to the promoters for a very well-run show.