Wanderland Festival 2013

I love music festivals. 

Coachella, Roo, Lolla, Glasto, SXSW, etc. I love it all. More like, I'd love to attend it all. I die a little every time a festival passes by and I'm miles away, probably watching the livestream if it's available. I've had a taste of it earlier this year but that just made me want it more. The day I finally get to be at either one of these festivals will be the pinnacle of my existence. 

So, generally, when I found out about Wanderland Festival, I got really excited. Nada Surf, Neon Trees, and The Temper Trap. These are bands that I listened to... about 3 years ago. That meant I was bound to be a bit rusty with the singing along. Being the cheapskates that we are, we opted on buying Gold tickets from groupon. Maybe next year if the line-up is better, then we might upgrade to the VIP section.

This festival wouldn't have been that much fun if it weren't for the great friends I was with. Well, that goes for everything else in life, I guess. But, I loved the vibes all through out the day. Chill with an inkling of a thrill. Also scorching hot and very clammy. Nonetheless, it was a great music-filled day. I really enjoyed Avalanche City's folk sound. Definitely going to be listening to more of their music, that's for sure. As for the "headliners", Neon Trees was absolutely amazing. The band was able to get the audience dancing to their tunes and @tylerinacoma is oozing with energy! But The Temper Trap's Sweet Disposition was a great way to end the night. [I couldn't help but find their music similar to Local Natives. Please tell me I'm not the only one. Speaking of Local Natives... That's a band I'm dying to watch live.]

Some thoughts on the festival:

• VIP and GA sections should've been separated at the middle or not at all, especially since it's a relatively small festival
• Start on time next time, not 2 hours later
• And more food choices/stalls please
• And if better bands will be in attendance next year, do not increase ticket prices (it already is a wee bit expensive)

Read More.

Let's Talk

So, I guess it's been awhile.

And it's quite obvious what we have to talk about first... Modern Vampires of the City! After 3 long years of waiting for the next Vampire Weekend album, it's finally here and it's their best yet. If you were like me and couldn't resist the temptation of the leak, then you've heard a masterpiece in itself. This lp shows how much they've matured as a band and as people. They're no longer kids who just graduated from Columbia; they're almost 30s who are pros at what they do. Plus, this band is so smart and a total smart-ass at the same time. I mean, they're clearly playing with us when they sing about Diane Young when they really mean Dying Young. And what about with their song, Ya Hey? Don't be disappointed when you realize it's not a response to OutKast's Hey Ya because they're actually calling out, Yahweh. Clever, right? And that's why I love them so much. It's still very much a Vampire Weekend tune and one that's worth "annoying" your neighbors with by blasting it through your speakers all day. I highly doubt anyone will be annoyed with the Dubs' music. But hey, look out your window sometime if you hear their music. You can never be too sure. They might just be there playing 'round your backyard.

I'm not here to bore you with the details of how MVOTC became a guessing game of what it meant and was dubbed as lp3 for the longest time and then called Lemon Sounds but was actually fake. And how they revealed what it meant thru a New York Times classified ad. Or details about how Unbelievers was New Song #2 at first upon playing Pitchfork last year. But I guess I already did. I mean, I could still bore you with some more but only if you want me to.

The truth is I just really want you to listen to their new album and vibe with me. Is that too much to ask?

*Totally avoiding writing about how I'm working now...*