Few music festivals can be defined by just one word. Sasquatch! 2013 was nothing short of pure debauchery both day and night. That might surprise you, as folk music was king this year — Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers stole the show. An impressive hip-hop lineup also came out, as did some non-relevant ’90s bands and a solid set of producers/DJs that kept the drunk sorority chicks tucked far, far away in the dance tent. Once again, the festival topped itself from the year before. Here, let’s quote Seattle’s Macklemore: “Sasquatch! – You just shit all over Coachella.”
Best Overall: Mumford & Sons
“If I die tomorrow and it was just the 25,000 of you and this music, I’d be happy.” Marcus Mumford had both the ladies and gents in the crowd swooning on Sunday night. Very rarely does an acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and a piano bring people up on their feet, dancing with the same energy as if it was Danny Brown hours earlier. But it was the combination of elements that made this performance so special. The Gorge backdrop, Marcus Mumford’s voice, a dimly light hillside crowd, and a perfectly executed set gave me chills that had nothing to do with the weather.
Best Comeback: The Postal Service
The last time I saw Ben Gibbard was in 2008 on the main stage with Death Cab for Cutie. Back then he seemed shy and a tad soft around the edges. Gibbard has lost the teenage emo haircut, and gained dance moves and — dare I say it — sex appeal. The newly remixed album of Gibbard’s project came out 10 years ago. Yep – ten. Feeling old yet?
Most Likely to Remember: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Whatever else anyone thinks of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, these guys put on a show. The circus lights and ’80s costumes were a little tacky at times, but you can’t knock these guys for effort. Their energy was infectious. Just when you thought you couldn’t hear Thrift Shop one more time without wanting to jump off the cliff — you sang and danced along once again. And that’s exactly why these guys have gotten to where they are at in the first place.
Biggest Disappointment: Honda Bigfoot Stage
Unless you don’t mind being a complete asshole and pushing your way to the front — or have superb hearing capabilities — the Honda Bigfoot Stage was a total bust. Vampire Weekend, Grimes, Alt-J, and Empire of the Sun all seemed to have sound issues, which has been a common theme for this stage. Vampire Weekend — with a brand new album and a mainstage act only three years ago — looked out of place. Having to choose between Alt-J and The Lumineers was just sooo cruel, (according to every person there.)
Best Dance Party: Disclosure
These guys lived up to the hype. I didn’t want to like them. I didn’t want to be another house music fan. I especially didn’t want to like two baby-faced brothers that look barely legal. I didn’t want to pump my fist and dance along with the group of bros in neon tank tops next to me. But I did. And it was awesome. And I’d do it again.
Best Comedy: Nick Offerman
If you are a fan of Parks & Recreation, or know anything at all about THE Ron Swanson, all you need to know is that…
- He sang “Bye-bye, Li’l Sebastian” with his wife’s band, Nancy & Beth.
- He opened the set with his shirt off, and also ended it with his shirt off.
- He shared a story about becoming a born-again Christian as a teenager so he could hook up with the prettiest Christian girl in school. They did “it” all over his parent’s living room.
Oh — and Offerman is also a talented rapper. Google it.
Best WTF Moment: TIE. The entire Danny Brown set or Edward Sharpe deciding it was a good idea to ask the inebriated audience to share stories over the microphone.
Most Likely to be a Headliner Next Year: Atlas Genius
Best Up & Comer: Wild Belle
Other bands to take note of: ODESZA, Capital Cities, Bear Mountain, and Youth Lagoon.
What can you always depend on at this music festival? Half of the attendees being Canadian, the banana brigade, a nightly party train, a bruise and no idea of where it came from, and a long list of bands to listen to upon return.
Until next year, Sasquatch.