Things I missed:

1. Pink Eyes’s beach-ball eating, baby doll-dismembering antics during Fucked Up‘s set. That was a massive oversight, and I regret not putting that in here earlier. As beach balls came in his direction, he’d bite them open, and even used one as a hat – sort of like a demented Chef Boyardee. Check it out:

The baby doll came out of nowhere. I just saw it going up and down in the air, and then the next thing I know Pink Eyes had it in his hands and was tearing it’s arms and legs off. One of the arms came in our direction.

2. Ponytail. I’ve never heard this band, but through acquaintances and friends at the fest, it sounds like they’re wildly entertaining and very weird. Reports of a stage dive, too? Nice. I’m going to check out their albums.

3. Not being closer for The Jesus Lizard‘s set. Maybe I’ll get the chance when they play two shows at Metro in November right before my birthday.

Best set:

Matt and Kim. I was initially dismissive when I first heard them, but I was roped in after hearing “Lessons Learned” and “Daylight”, two totally great pop songs. I suppose the appeal (or the turn off, depending where you’re coming from) comes from the rudimentary undercurrent that runs through both their stage personas and music. The ingredients are quite simple – keys and drums – but it makes this thrilling concoction that makes you feel like part of THEIR party. I love that kind of inclusiveness in rock music. It makes it so much more fun to feel that you’re dialed into it, and that the performers are getting as much back from you as you are from them. I got a similar kind of kind of joy seeing them as I do from seeing The Hold Steady. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Worst set:

Okay, I don’t know if there was truly terrible set, but if there was a band that needed a little more time to get it together, I’d pick Cymbals Eat Guitars. I alluded to this Saturday. Their album sounds great, live, they don’t quite connect. Put ‘em back in the incubator and they should be fine.

Band-I-Should-Pay-Attention-To-A-Little-Closer:

The Thermals. I was embarrassed that I didn’t know as many words as I thought I did. Runner up? Tortoise. Just kidding.

Best picture of the weekend:

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