daveo1977
The missus and I treated ourselves to a day out listening to music on Saturday. What a great day! Weather-wise, it was damn hot in the afternoon, and I felt sorry for the bands facing into the sun. I thought we'd have some rain in the evening, but a welcome breeze blew all of that away. But enough about the weather.
First band I saw was Shortstraw. What a delight. They were dressed all preppy, sporting shorts and cardigans, and they're music is refreshingly upbeat.
CrashCarBurn really played to the crowd. As they got on stage, they launched rolls of toilet paper and massive balloons into the audience. One balloon survived most of the show, and one toilet paper roll made it into Prime Circle's set. I thought their 80's medley was a nice touch, and nice to hear their duo with Justin Serrao as well.
As the sun set, it was aKing's turn. If you were there, do you agree that they've got something uniquely Africa-sounding in their sound? They've got this great groove thing happening. Were it that I knew their music better, I would have sung along.
Prime Circle was the first band of the evening. Man, what a big rock 'n roll sound. Thoroughly enjoyed them; a very polished act. And then,
Springbok Nude Girls. To me, they were the perfect band just prior to The Pixies. Original lineup, and they rocked! I was pleased as punch when they played Genie. What a moment. And then they ended their set with "Bubblegum on my boots". I last heard that when I was a student in the 90's. And during the set, Arno Carstens is like, "What do you want to hear next?" to the crowd. So cool.
And the band we were all there for, The Pixies. AMAZING!!! They didn't speak a word to the crowd; song flowed into song for over two hours, and while I only know the songs we used to hear in the clubs ("Doolittle" is the only album I own) they played each one. Frank Black has such an impressive voice, and the guitarist, Joey Santiago is a tone machine. I loved this moment where he borrows David Lovering's drum stick to play his guitar. The song is already going - David keeping the beat with one stick - and when Joey finishes his drum stick trick, he throws the stick back at David who catches it - all the while keeping the beat - and then the song continues, not a beat missed! Paz Lenchantin, also impresses. Rock solid bassist, and she also contributed vocals on a number of songs. I remember her from Billy Corgan's "Zwan" back in the early 2000's. At the end of the show they put down their instruments, waved and bowed, and returned for one encore song, "Into the white". The stage was enveloped in white smoke, and then they disappeared. Magical.
The missus and I were thoroughly chuffed, having spent a great day out, and realising a dream: We saw The Pixies live!
Pirate
Sounds like the ultimate musician's date! I'm a little jealous, to be honest. I live close enough to have heard most of the commotion throughout the day, and I could tell it was an epic festival.
