Bottlerock

For the 7th year since it’s inception, I attended the Bottlerock Music Festival, in Napa, CA. And for the first time, I was not immediately impressed with the lineup (listed below). For one, I’d already seen all three headliners. What’s worse, Imagine Dragons had already headlined Bottlerock (2015). Still, like any festival I attend, I always make a point of looking for the best (especially the smaller upcoming acts). Here are some highlights from the festival.

• I didn’t bother going to Imagine Dragons on Friday night. Instead I checked out the silent disco with Paul Oakenfold. It was interesting to have a an electronic legend there, but he didn’t seem to comfortable with the silent disco format, and played safe pop songs throughout. As others have noted on social media, it would have been better if he had just performed a regular DJ set. Methinks the Napa locals want the sound reduction.
• While catching part of the Madison Beer set, people started rushing out, and she ran off the stage during her performance of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Turns out that there was a gun scare that ended up being nothing, and she returned to finish her set. Here’s her response: Madison Beer’s Reaction
• One of the livelier sets was by Too $hort, who had a packed stage, and made sure to ask the audience what is favorite word is (spoiler alert for those who don’t know, it’s ‘bitch.’)
• Going off the previous point, the Sunday lineup was definitely the strongest. In addition to Too $hort, the lineup included Mumford & Sons, Santana, Tash Sultana, Lord Huron, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bishop Briggs, the underrated Gang of Youths, Jeff Goldblum (both performing and cooking on the culinary stage). The biggest challenge this day was running between sets to make sure I caught everyone.
• My favorite sets all weekend? The Dandy Warhols, Neon Trees, Valley Queen, Dessa, Neil Young, Gary Clark Jr, Chevy Metal, The Regrettes (see an earlier post on here about them), Jared & The Mill, Santana, Tash Sultana, Lord Huron, Too $hort, Skylar Grey, and Bishop Briggs.
• Some names to check out, if you haven’t already, because they are getting bigger: Anderson East, Alec Benjamin, The War And Treaty, Sir Sly, Pink Sweat$, The Regrettes, Wilderado, Tash Sultana (blew up last year), Bishop Briggs, Gang of Youths,
• Finally some moments I’ll remember from the festival:
  • Getting glitter put on my face, not once, but two days of the fest.
  • Neil Young was 15 minutes late for his set, but sounded great. Also, he sang “Alabama” (from the album Harvest), within a week after the news about Alabama’s strict abortion law emerged.
  • Got nice and high during Santana, and it helped that he began his set with “Soul Sacrifice.” This was as close as I’d be able to get to Woodstock awesomeness.
  • Watching Jeff Goldblum and Too $hort cook together on a culinary stage was surreal. Also, got to see Hodor cook on that stage, since he was doing a DJ set somewhere at the festival.

Clockwise: Santana, Chef Morimoto, Ali Larter and Kelsey Barnard Clark, and Jeff Goldblum

Albums Currently Spinning

Getz/Gilberto – Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto, feat. Antonio Carlos Jobim // In honor of Joao Gilberto passing over the weekend. Also, bought this on vinyl for $2 at Rasputin in Berkeley, back in late May. Such a classic jazz/bossa nova album.

DJ-Kicks (Peggy Gou) – Peggy Gou // There’s an Aphex Twin mix here, which got me interested in the album.

Suspiria Soundtrack – Thom Yorke // I revisited the soundtrack, after finally catching the film on Amazon Prime. I prefer the music. “Suspirium” is classic Thom Yorke.

Weather – Tycho

BJ The Chicago Kid – Spotify Playlist // He’s doing a free show on Monday, at the Bardot in LA (see below). Got me listening to this playlist.

Tracks Currently Spinning

Redesigning Women – The Highwomen (Brandi Carlisle, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby) // I’m a fan of Brandi Carlisle and Amanda Shires, so I’m stoked this is happening.

Champion – Bishop Briggs// One of my favorite singers is back with her newest cut.

Peeps to Follow

This week’s edition focuses on Ryan Casey, a singer/songwriter I’ve known for over 25 years. He recently released an EP titled Late To The Party (see Spotify link below), showing off not only his countrified voice, but his badass guitar licks. My personal favorite cut? Check out the first track, “Where You Go After Midnight.” I dig the guitar, and those piano chops along the way. Reminds me of Waylon Jennings, and is in line with contemporaries like Sturgill Simpson. If you’re a fan of either, give him a listen. And if you’re not a fan of either, shame on you. Still check him out. And then give them a listen. Side note: I was at the ten year reunion Ryan references in his title song, “Late To The Party,” and I remember having the conversation with him about who was doing what. Cheers!

Ryan Casey @ Modesto Porch Fest, May 2018

Here’s my ongoing playlist, updated weekly with both new and old tracks I’m listening to.