This year's lineup proves to be an interesting mix of artists, which is good for a mass audience with different tastes...and I have to say, I'm pretty excited. This is my first year attending Bonnaroo and I would love to see about 3/4 of the lineup.
Here's who I'm interested in seeing this year:
(First off...I want to apologize because I'm probably going to repeat myself a lot)
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band- "The Boss" This year's Super Bowl artist and now Roo's headliner. I'm interested in hearing his set list...wondering if he will play all of his top hits or play, perhaps some newer stuff...or maybe a mix. We'll see.
Phish (2 Shows)- Now, I know everyone is excited to see that Phish will be at Roo this year...but not only do they have the chance to see them once, they get two shows (I know a few of my friends who are dying to see them). I personally do not listen to a lot of Phish and therefore cannot comment much on their music, but I do know that they will put on a great show and have everyone jammin' in the hot Tennessee sun...(so I stand corrected...apparently Phish will be playing at night both times because, and I quote...my friend Brian says it would be a "smack in the face" if they didn't).
Beastie Boys: Johnny Ryall! ha...this is going to be a good show.
Nine Inch Nails
David Byrne: If no one else is playing during his set that I want to see, I would definitely love to check him out. I love the Talking Heads and Byrne's solo stuff is pretty damn good as well. "The Other Side of this Life" and "She Only Sleeps" would have to be my favorites from Byrne.
Wilco: I haven't had the chance to see Wilco live yet and definitely will be seeing them.
Al Green
Snoop Dogg: Now, I've seen Snoop Dogg once already at the Download Music Festival in Chicago in 2007, so if he's playing during another show I will probably have to miss out on him. However, he puts on a really good show and gets the crowd involved. By the end of the show you will have chanted his name probably over 20 times, flipped the bir and yelled profanity probably just as many times.
Elvis Costello Solo: I've also already seen Costello. He came to IU last year with Bob Dylan, so I've already had a chance to hear his solo stuff. He's got good stage presence and plays a good show, but I will probably be missing out on this show.
Erykah Badu: "Back in the Day"...my favorite song of hers. I didn't actually even know who Badu was until I saw Dave Chappelle's Block Party. Her stuff is good, so I will definitely try to check out her set.
Paul Oakenfold
Ben Harper and Relentless7: I would be interested in seeing Ben Harper...but he's not a top priority.
The Mars Volta: I would be interested in seeing them. I don't know a whole lot of their stuff but from what I know, I like.
TV on the Radio: VERY excited to see TVOTR. Their newest release, Dear Science, is amazing. This is a show that I will see no matter what. "Staring at the Sun", "Dancing Choose," and "Family Tree" will be my most anticipated songs to hear.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: I haven't listened to this band in a while, but like their stuff. This is another band that will be one that I will see if no one better is playing.
Gov’t Mule: AH. Gov't Mule. I've heard/read that they put on a good show and would be willing to bet that what I've heard is right. Without a doubt, I will be seeing Gov't Mule this year.
Andrew Bird: Bird came to IU earlier this year and I,unfortunately, was unable to make his show. His music is amazing and I am looking forward to catch at least part of his set.
Band Of Horses: There is NO WAY I'm missing this show. I've heard a lot of people talk about how they don't like Band of Horses, but personally I think they are too full of themselves and haven't really given the band a chance. While "Is there a Ghost" may be annoying to some, the band actually produces amazing music, not to mention they put on an amazing show. They were definitely my favorite band at Download Music Festival.
Merle Haggard
MGMT: MGMT....this band is on my top 5 to see this year. I cannot stop listening to "Electric Feel." There's just something about that song.
moe.: I was fortunate to see moe. once already and was impressed by their set. I had never heard of them before seeing them..I actually only went to the show because Gomez was opening for them. Glad I got to see them, though and would love to see them again.
The Decemberists
Girl Talk: Hopefully this is a night show, because there's nothing better than having a loud band that you can dance to at night-it's like one huge party.
Bon Iver: LOVE him. "Blood Bank" and "Skinny Love" are probably two of my favorite songs right now. Even though his songs aren't exactly ones that you can dance to, and are even somewhat depressing...it would be amazing to see him live.
Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Galactic: Depending on who else is playing, I will definitely try to see these guys play.
The Del McCoury Band
of Montreal: I've liked this band for a while and would love to see them live. They have this quirky electronic thing going on that could make them good for both day and night shows.
Allen Toussaint
Coheed and Cambria
Booker T & the DBTs
David Grisman Quintet
Lucinda Williams
Animal Collective: Let me just say I am obsessed with "My Girls." Anyone who has seen my Last.fm account would know this. I wouldn't miss this show for anything...not even a headliner.
Gomez: Like I said before, I've seen these guys play and they put on a great show. What's great about this band is that they don't just have one main singer; they have 3. This gives the band a lot of versatility in its sound which makes it really interesting to listen to.
Neko Case: So, Cat Power isn't attending Bonnaroo this year...I guess I can settle for Neko Case. Her sound is unique and she's a really talented singer (kind of reminds me of Joni Mitchell). She's definitely someone I'd like to check out.
Down
Jenny Lewis
Santogold: Not missing this show either. She's only released one full studio album, but her music is great. "Creator" and "Shove it" are great songs by her...she'd also make a great night show.
Robert Earl Keen
Citizen Cope: I can't even remember how long it's been since I've been listening to Citizen Cope. This band is great. Top 10 to see.
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
The Ting Tings: I'd only want to see this band to get my kicks before seeing another show..."Shut up and let me go, HEY!"
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear: I recently just started getting into this band, so Roo would be a great time to check out their live performances. "Eavesdropping" is a great song...reminds me of The Big Sleep at the beginning.
King Sunny Adé
Okkervil River: I like this band but don't really have the urge to see them at Roo.
St. Vincent
Zac Brown Band
Raphael Saadiq
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Crystal Castles
Tift Merritt
Brett Dennen
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Toubab Krewe: Hopefully this is a night show as well.
People Under the Stairs
Alejandro Escovedo: I'm so glad they he was added to the lineup this year. His stuff is great. I wouldn't want to miss this show. "Died a Little Today" is great...check it out.
Vieux Farka Touré: I would be very interested in seeing him play...Ali Farke Toure is an amazing guitarist and I'd like to bet that Vieux is as well.
Elvis Perkins In Dearland
Cherryholmes
Yeasayer
Todd Snider
Chairlift
Portugal. The Man.: SOOO excited this band is going to be playing again this year. I had the opportunity earlier this year to see them play live at the Bluebird in Bloomington, IN and interview them after the show. Their music is great and they put on one hell of a good show. If you didn't check them out last year, I advise you do this year.
The SteelDrivers
Midnite
The Knux: I don't know a whole lot about this band but all I hear are good things...if nothing else is going on, I'd like to check them out.
The Low Anthem
Delta Spirit
A.A. Bondy: "There's a Reason" why I'm going to see him live...his music is great.
The Lovell Sisters
Alberta Cross
Looking at the lineup, and knowing that there are still more bands that are going to be added later....I'm pretty excited. I have a feeling that this is going to be a good first Roo. I'll have to let you know how it goes afterward in June.
