Fun.
Fun. has been one of those bands that I’ve crossed paths with too many times to not have seen them yet—with that being said they were a solid start to the last day at Outside Lands. Walking in from the entryway at the end of the Polo field was a much easier experience making the decision to catch a few of their songs a lot easier. Coming to San Francisco from Arizona I have to admit, there was also a sense of obligation to see the former front man to The Format. Though the rhythm may have leant itself more to pop-rock the lyrical styling of Nathan Fuss did well to stir up that small sense of nostalgia that resides deep down.
Big Gigantic
Big Gigantic in the early afternoon just didn’t sit right, I understand you can’t always accommodate the sound and performance of an artist/ band to the schedule of each festival, this didn’t detour the public at large, and as I was beginning to leave the Land’s End stage and walk to Twin Peaks, there was a large mass of bodies beginning to fill the tiny alleyway. I caught what best I could, but it was a lost cause.
Trampled by Turtles
There was something about being in Golden Gate Park at the end of summer that appealed in the folk-rock follower within, perhaps this is also what I was feeling during the Of Monsters and Men set. Though I’ve frequented enough shows with their fair share of folk-rock bands, inevitably I generally find myself at another stage; Outside Lands lends itself to the perfect atmosphere creating a sense of nostalgia that is deeply entwined with the hippy love from decades earlier.
Franz Ferdinand
The last day of any festival brings with it a portion of the schedule that is just too much to handle. Burning the candle from both ends has its negative effects and it always catches up with you. Fortunately there’s a large field, and music loud enough to fill the space. If you have to be lying down preserving energy Franz Ferdinand isn’t the worst to do it to. This isn’t to imply that their lackadaisical in their musical prowess, on the contrary, it was merely an enjoyable set to zone out too and once again watch the cloud create fun shapes in the summer sky.
Regina Spektor
Following Franz Ferdinand in the rest and recover period of the festival was Regina Spektor. Her minimalistic stage presence is offset by her powerful voice, and even more powerful lyrics. It took me back listening to the likes of “Samson,” and “Fidelity,” and though some of the memories that come rushing back with Regina’s music aren’t the best, I still deeply appreciate an artist that can trigger an emotional flood with the power of just a familiar arrangement.
Rebelution
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of Rebelution; this isn’t to imply that I hold any disdain for them; they just have no residency in my music collection. After watching them this isn’t something that will likely change. I did feel a sense of social obligation, as there were close compatriots who couldn’t attend OSL but are old school Rebelution fans. So I did what any good friend would do and I went, bounced around, and shared in some of Northern California’s homegrown. If that’s too much a cliché, I make no apologies.
Santigold
After fighting the surging crowds I was able to make my way back to the Twin Peaks stage to catch the last half of Santigold’s set. Santigold has consistently been able to create an insane dance atmosphere. Her spirit is contagious, and her choreography is so ridiculous I’m constantly in awe. This was enough to rile the crowd into frenzy, as multiple mosh-puts began to erupt throughout the area, an odd response in my opinion, but hey, maybe San Fran is currently lacking in its punk outlets.
Bloc Party
Having been a Bloc Party fan for a while, and seeing them several times before, it can safely be said, that this was a very interesting experience. Throughout the set there seemed to be these vortex’s created at intermittent periods where large mosh pits would sporadically erupt. Granted Bloc Party’s new record is a bit on the grungier, faster pace, I just hadn’t anticipated it warranting the necessity for the mosh pits, but I guess when the collective gets the urge, they get the urge. All the while Kele, Bloc Party’s lead, stood there eating it up, if not egging everyone on.
Stevie Wonder
Of course having grown up in America my entire life, I would be lying if I said I didn’t know who Stevie Wonder is, or never had heard his music. At the same time I never thought I would be as drawn to his show as I was, but really that’s a ridiculous thought… I mean its Stevie Wonder… On his birthday… OF COURSE it was going to be a spectacle. The perfect way to end Outside Lands 2012, and from such a kind hearted man like Stevie Wonder, to close a festival on his own day of celebration. Being able to frolic in a field and dance along to, I Just Called to Say I Love You, was something I can cross off my bucket list, one that I didn’t even know that was on there, but it should be on everybody’s…seriously put it on there.
I didn’t know what to expect on my first OSL experience. I tend to stray away from city festivals, logistically they often turn into more hassle than enjoyment without any of the fun of the campsites. Perhaps it was the forest that hides the festival grounds, or maybe it’s the personalities of the Bay Area people, but whatever the case may be this is definitely a festival to experience. Unfortunately its not a task that can be done in just one visit, or maybe that’s just my excuse to go back.