I was suppose to write a Father Knows Best post today but a couple of things are still in flux that I want to include so I promise I'll have one out in the next 2-3 weeks.  I hope that doesn't step on anyone's toes.  In its place here is a recap of my time at Riot Fest this past weekend.

Riotfest Recap

Riot Fest was a blast.  I saw the good portion of 18 performances of bands I sought out, and a bunch more that I came across for a song or two.  Having never been to a 3-day long, 5 stage rock and roll festival I have to say I was a little unprepared on how much you have to think about logistics, especially if you want get close to a stage.  Getting from one place to the next, especially on Saturday when there some 30,000 people there was a chore.  We ended up skipping the Pixies altogether because no way would we have seen the Replacements if we had hooked up with the Pixies.

Anyway here is a short synopsis of what I saw:

Friday:

Dessa – We started off the whole thing with an awesome Dessa performance.  Not only is she easy on the eyes, her 40 minutes set was a favorite.  About 250 people there, and I was right up front.

Bad Religion.  We were up front but moved to the side when the mosh pit started.  Never one of my fave bands, their followers seemed to like them however.

Joan Jett – She was fun, basically what you’d expect.  The crowd had the cutest women who were “age appropriate.”

GWAR – I did not like this and bailed to Atmosphere after 2 songs.

Atmosphere – A lot of fun.  There were probably 20,000 people there, some who were waiting for that nights headliner Fall Out Boy.  Nevertheless a lot of fun and Atmosphere definitely made a lot of new fans.

Danzig – I checked them out a little but it was late and we were getting tired and there was nothing compelling me to stay to the end.

Saturday:

X – This was a big surprise.  It was all original members and they delivered.  They played mostly songs from first two albums and were great.  A weekend highlight

Dinosaur Jr. – As usual a solid performance from J., Lou and Murph.  Could’ve used a longer than 45 minute set.

Selector – They were a lot of fun, as ska bands typically are.  They rocked out the end of their set.

GBV – Was actually pretty disappointed in this performance.  Kind of sludgy and given that it’s a festival, relied too much on obscurities rather than fan faves.  Could have taken a lesson from X.

Blondie – Kind of watched from afar.  Not the greatest performance and would rank it pretty low.

Public Enemy – Wow!  Great show and a blast.  These guys know how to put on a performance.

Violent Femmes – Maybe I was tired and a little drunk but I bummed out at this show and we left to go home mid-way.  Gordon Gano is fat and looked like he operated a bowling alley.  I just couldn’t wrap my head around these guys playing songs about teenage angst at a festival setting.  Biggest disappointment by far of the weekend.

Sunday

Peter Hook – bass player from New Order playing some Joy Division and New Order songs.  Nice entry into the day.

Best Coast – Nice performance in the rain.  I really like these guys and they didn’t disappoint.

Suicidal Tendencies – We watched from a safe distance as there was a massive mosh pit.  These guys can jam and the lead singer was fun to watch.  Another pleasant surprise.

Rocket From the Crypt – Kind of tired so we didn’t get close but they were tight.  Slow start but by the end they were rockin!

The Replacements – We made strategic decision to make the effort to get close and it paid off.  We were about 5-15 feet away from stage.  The biggest thing I noticed, especially with the incendiary beginning was how loud and forceful the sound was.  This was full rock show amplification and man could you feel it.  Great show, everyone was having fun and there is nothing like singing We Are The Sons of No one – Bastards of Young with 25,000 other people.

The Festival organizers deserve a shout out too.  This was very well run.  Porta-potties were plentiful and cleaned every day.  There was lots of room and everything was spaced out nicely.  This was important on Saturday as it was a gorgeous day and some 30,000 plus people were there.  Lots of food trucks and a variety of options for eating.  Bands started on time and ended on time.  Crowd was great too.  Didn’t see any bad behavior and there was absolutely no police presence inside the festival grounds.  The beer selection was pretty lame, but this is Chicago -- not a great beer town.

First show 250 people, last show 25,000 people – both performers from Minneapolis.  Nice way to bookend the festival.  Sore feet, less money, great people watching, dirty wet clothes and a whole lot of fun.  Couldn’t ask for anything more.  Don’t ask me to do it again, however.  :o)

Ranked fave performances

Replacements, Dessa, X, Public Enemy, Atmosphere, Dino Jr., Best Coast, Suicidal Tendencies