The first day from Union Park, Chicago was all about looking back with Slint, the GZA, and Sonic Youth -- they all played their seminal albums front-to-back (in cooperation with the British outfit, All Tomorrow's Parties.)
As would be expected, it felt like Williamsburg took a charter flight to the middle of Chicago. But, more importantly, everyone in the park was there for one reason: reverence. The albums performed were/are the real deal.
Slint - Spiderland
Slint only recorded two albums in their history and 1991's Spiderland is widely regarded as a major influence on the post-rock bands that followed in its wake.
Tonight the reformed band (they've been back together since 2005 and threaten that this reunion isn't going to last a long time) faithfully recreated the six track album...apparently ignoring their own advice that it should only be listened to on vinyl.
Once you go to Brian McMahan's voice, you never go back.
GZA - Liquid Swords
I wrote a poem:
On a beautiful summer day last summer, my friend (Calamari40oz) and I were walking through Washington Square Park when we stumbled upon none other than the GZA playing chess with the experts and hustlers. We kicked it with him for a bit and both creamed jeans with excitement. Proof?
Don't understand why the Bobby Fischer encounter was such a big deal? Observe:
Yes, it's a big deal. Liquid Swords is a big deal (as I remind certifiedmatt on a daily basis, much to his chagrin I'm sure.) And the GZA's performance here tonight was a big deal. (He missed a Boot Camp show in Amsterdam for this for cryin' out loud!)
My mothafuckin'...
...style is...
...mad murderous.
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation Well, we all know this is the one that sold the tickets.
For all of my photos from the festival, click here. Stay tuned for updates from Saturday and Sunday.
