Rankings for 2010
1. KOL--Yes, they are no longer Indie Darlings, but this performance was big-festival rock at its finest. They broke away from the hits, playing several new tracks that left the average top 40 fan motionless and confused. As an oldschool fan, I absolutely loved it. They sounded great, their setlist was great, and they even threw the 2 radio singles into the mix to keep the masses happy.
2. Strokes--First time I've seen them live, they blew me away! I own their albums, and never really got into their recorded material. I found a whole new appreciation for their music after hearing them live. Casablancas has an amazing voice and the band played crisp, tight songs behind him. They basically stole the festival in my opinion.
3. MMJ--This was my marquee band to see, and they put on a tremendous show, but unfortunately it felt as if they were dwarfed by the enormous Land's End stage (Main Stage). If they would have played the same stage and time as the Strokes, this may have been the best act of the weekend--the more intimate Twin Peaks stage seems to suit them better. Nevertheless, Jim James gave me everything I could have asked for on stage: passion, intensity, rocker wailing on the guitar and a great set list. The Dead Heads waiting for Further seemed too stoned to appreciate what they were witnessing.
4. Wolfmother--First time I've seen them live--they brought it. Musically, they are not innovative, but they rocked hard and brought great energy. Best Mosh Pit scene. True Rock Pros. I hope that they keep this band together long enough to develop.
5. Further--I'm not a dead head, but I respect the history and the significance of this band in GG Park. The music was great too.
Honorable Mention: Phoenix, Edward Sharpe, Pretty Lights
Biggest Festival Scheduling Mistake: Scheduling the Whigs at noon on Panhandle Stage (side stage). They have earned a better time slot and stage by now. Their jams were wasted on a crowd that was just warming up to the festival and by the time the crowd got warm, it was over. This should have been a Twin Peaks act in the middle of the day.
Woulda Coulda Shoulda: Split Nas and Marley. I like them both, but Nas is too intense for Ragae, and Marley is too chill for Nas hip hop. I know they were a package deal, but would've been better to see them each seperately.
Slightly Disappointed: Slightly Stoopid was so-so in what I expected would be a perfect setup for them: a stoned audience in the Bay Area with sunny weather.
One That Got Away... Chromeo. I missed it, but wish I could've seen this one.