So this post is long overdue, but many other things going on have kept me from taking the time to get it down... but enough excuses.
My music thoughts from Firefly
1) The Killers did not disappoint.
Spectacular live, we stood for 5 hours and were still some 15 rows back. Brandon looked like he was enjoying himself immensely. Guy beside me caught a drumstick. Musically they are better than you would know. They nailed every song, but at the very end - after overrunning the cutoff time by 5 mins or so, Brandon finally left the stage and the other 3 stayed out jamming for several more minutes. Musically quite good. All in all the highlight of the weekend.
2) The Head and The Heart
Best "discovery" for me. Had heard of them, but didn't know their music. Raw, honest, lovely music. Quite impressed with them. They brought tears to my eyes, and that's a little hard to do, especially when it's new to me.
3) Imagine Dragons, Walk the Moon
Awesome to see bands on the rise and both of these really gave the impression that they were pinching themselves and super excited to be there. Great set from Imagine Dragons, looking forward to their debut album - out next month. Walk the Moon was good, loved seeing the wives / girlfriends racing around the wings snapping pictures of the crowd. They looked astonished at the crowd response.
4) Death Cab for Cutie
My opinion of Death Cab changed completely because of this set. Ben Gibbard is awesome - that is enough. In addition, they played an excellent set including some impressive multi-instrumentalism from several different members. Quite impressive musically.
5) Jack White, The Flaming Lips, Silversun Pickups, OK GO.
All Awesome shows. But then we knew they would be.
6) Bassnecter, Girl Talk, Trampled by Turtles, Bombay Bicycle Club, Heartless Bastards, Ra Ra Riot
The ones I didn't see that I completely wish I had. Sacrifices had to be made. Maybe next year!
7) AWOLNation, Grouplove, Polica, Tinie Tempeh
The disappointments. Some like Grouplove and Polica were solid but I just didn't feel connected to the music as much as I hoped. Tinie Tempeh was terrible and AWOLNation just wasn't working for me.
8) Blind Pilot, Modest Mouse, The Black Keys
Still trying to decide. Blind Pilot was good, I'm not sure I get their lyrics or their energetic chillness. Modest Mouse seemed like they used to be insane, and are now a shadow of their former selves... they didn't blow me away. The Keys were excellent at what they do, it's just not my forte. But man they can make a hell of a lot of noise. The crowd loved them, so I give them the benefit of the doubt there.
9) The grounds
Amazing first year festival. Terrific execution. Lovely crowds. It was full but not crowded. If the festival grows, the grounds will need to grow as well.
10) The experience
Planning to be there next summer. That says it all. The Live Festival experience is wonderful. I found myself completely at home there like very few other places.
If you are anywhere close to Dover Delaware in June of 2013, come visit me at Firefly. You won't regret it.
Jesse
