The Long Road

Well, we are back and are catching up on our rest after a great time at the Sasquatch Festival. Man, it is a beautiful setting for a concert; the Columbia River gorge as the backdrop. It was an epic concert, one to remember for a variety of reasons. The day started well, great music and great weather - if even a bit too hot!

photos courtesy of Chris Loewen

Little did we know that soon we’d be wishing for a little heat! Just into Neko Case’s set the skies opened up and pelted us with large hailstones!

Everything shut down for close to 2 hours.

When Mother Nature allowed us to continue, Neko had gotten the hook and The Hip went on, warming us with a truncated but killer set of smokin’ rock tunes.

The Canadians went wild while mostly the Americans proved what we’ve always thought; they just don’t get The Hip. Probably at the best I’ve ever seen them, Gord and the boys are getting very little mention (a sentence here and there) in the Blogosphere and media coverage of the event. Oh well.

For me there were several mind blowing moments. Gomez’s set was awesome. I’ve always liked them, but now I’d say I’m a fan. I’m mentioned the Hip already - ’nuff said. Bedouin Soundclash opened the day and we missed most of their set standing in line waiting to enter the grounds (moooooo, mooooooo), but their last 3 songs were great, including a good cover of U2’s New Year’s Day. Steve Malkmus was good, though I only saw a few tunes. Sufjan Stevens was a disapointment. We just didn’t quite get what he is about. Seems to be popular though. The Shins too left a lot to be desired (we were surprised by that…). Iron and Wine as well as Band of Horses really impressed. We didn’t really know them, but will certainly be looking up some of their music. Big disappointment - Sam Roberts was cancelled due to the storm. Mich and I didn’t go see him last week here in Kamloops as we would be seeing him just days later… Ha! Guess you can’t win ‘em all!
Ben Harper showed why he was the night’s headliner with an ecclectic and deep two hour set that showcased his and his band’s skills. These guys are on a whole other level. Bravo!

Certainly we hope to see future Sasquatch Fests. Whaddya say Simon, Kath, Millie and Chris? Might choose to camp in a nicer, more cowpie free spot though…

So I’ve mapped out our day! I’m hoping to see Bedouin Soundclash, Gomez, Sufjan Stevens, the end of Malkmus’s set, Neko Case, a touch of the Constantines, The Hip, Flaming Lips and end with Ben! I think we’ll all sleep well after that!

Well, we just got back from an awesome weekend of visiting with old friends, new friends, eating, camping, getting dirty, and, of course, paddling. There were a few nerves, and the highest water just about anyone can remember on the Nicola River during May long weekend, but we had a few good runs in our long neglected canoe. Patty and Richard were there to remind us of stuff, Kev and Rachael to ram our boat from behind (actually, that was just Kev), and Kath and Simon to be introduced to this cool river and yearly traditional trip that we’ve found ourselves becoming a part of. Oh yes, Stuart and Jeannie made it! All bets were against this happening, but they dug deep and made the trip, even though they just got back from five weeks in Sri Lanka. Nice. AND, they brought the hookah from Damascus, which was packed with a wonderful apple mint mix. Smooth!

Thanks to Kathleen and Simon for the pics!

Well, our buddy over in China, Craig Engleson, has dusted off his Vic 20 and used it to enter the Blogosphere! Welcome dude - we are very much looking forward to your contributions. Check him out over at The Engleson Files.

Don't have XM Satellite Radio? No worries. Click the radio below to download Episode 3 of Dylan’s cool new show (in one handy zip file). This week’s theme is Drinking! Bob seems to have lots of insight on the subject. Hmmmm.

Thanks to I am fuel, you are friends for the download!

Well this weekend saw my Ma and Pa visit. Was awesome to see them and relax together. And by relax I mean go to garage sales, antique stores, install lattice, eat, drink and catch up. Ken and Madeline Robertson joined us for dinner on Friday too. As well it was nice to be able so spend at least part of Mother’s Day with Mom for once . All in all, a great weekend! Thanks for coming Mom and Dad!

Well, I just finished for the second time one of my favorite books of all time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. I don’t know if it is the plot, the characters or all the cool comic book stuff in it, or if it is just so darn well written (won the Pulitzer Prize for Lit), but I think this book is awesome. If you know it, good on you. If you don’t, do yourself a favour and read it.

I just found out that finally Chabon has finished a screenplay adaptation that is going into pre-production. Yay! Here’s hoping it gets made.

Man, I’m on this sharing music thing! See last few posts… Anyway, do you like Radiohead? Well here are some live tracks, rumoured to be part of their next album which could or could not be out this year depending on which rumour mill you believe. Blake, these are 4U!

Radiohead - “Arpeggi” (live)
Radiohead - “Bodysnatchers” (live)
Radiohead - “Cymbal Rush” (live)

MP3s courtesy of The Rawking Refuses to Stop!

Wow, I’ve now heard one of the “rehearsal shows” of last week in Asbury Park, NJ with Springsteen’s new band. Stunning. Mostly it is songs from or inspired by the new album. But Johnny 99 as a dixieland rocker? This you’ve gotta hear! You can get the whole show right now on San Diego Serenade.

Download Johnny 99
mp3 courtesy of San Diego Serenade