Download Festival - 2008, LA Lineup.

Here's the lineup for the Download Festival 2008 in Los Angeles. The event will take place on July 20, 2008 at the Gibson Amphitheater.

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN
GANG OF FOUR
BRAND NEW
MUTEMATH
YEASAYER
GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY
M83
CARIBOU
FLOSSTRADAMUS
RJD2
MATES OF STATE
THE DUKE SPIRIT
THE NIGHT MARCHERS
BLITZEN TRAPPER
TAPES 'N TAPES
DATAROCK
THE PARLOR MOB
KAKI KING
VEDERA
WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS
DE NOVO DAHL

The event also takes place in San Francisco on July 19th and in Philadelphia on August 2.

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Etymology of Datarock

When the New York Yankees lose a game in the playoffs, it usually means the rest of my day goes quite poorly. I understand that's not something many non-sports fans can understand, but it happens. In general, I would disappear into seclusion and it is nearly impossible to get me back into a good mood. On Friday, however, I was committed to willing myself back into a good mood so I would be able to make it to a show on Friday. This was the data used into swinging me back into a good mood:

Fact: many great musical acts were in town,
Fact: it was the beginning of a long weekend,
Fact: the impending shit-show, Fleet Week, was on the horizon,
Fact: F-14s were delivering good vibes
Fact: the weather was pleasant
Fact: I had tickets to go see Datarock at the Rickshaw Stop

Conclusion: Snap out of it. It's just a game.

Datarock is a Norwegian band who describes their sound of a mixture as musical styles that they like. Simple enough. Their Wikipedia entry classifies them as Dance-punk, Electro Rock, and Post-punk revival. Clearly this is an odd combination, but it is true. It is nearly impossible to bundle their sound into one contrived definition. So, let's analyze what we know about Datarock and see if they are worthy of the name.

DATA //
da·tum [dey-tuhm, dat-uhm, dah-tuhm] noun, (singular)
da·ta [dey-tuh, dat-uh, dah-tuh] (plural)
1. a single piece of information, as a fact, statistic, or code; an item of data.

ROCK //
rock [rok]
1. to move or sway to and fro or from side to side.
2. to be moved or swayed powerfully with excitement, emotion, etc.
3. to dance to or play rock music.
4. (of popular music) to have the driving beat characteristic of rock.
5. to shake or disturb violently

They opened their set with 'New Song' and rocked it hard, loud and fast. After that, they proceeded to touch a variety of musical genres. It was like going to a concert festival where one band played every stage. And they delivered an impressive performance.

Fact: I moved and swayed to and fro or from side to side.
Fact: I was moved powerfully with excitement, emotion, etc.
Fact: I danced to rock music.
Fact: The music being played had the driving beat characteristic of rock.
Fact: It shook and disturbed me violently (when I tripped up the stairs.) Yes. up. shut up. It was a long day.

Conclusion: Datarock maintains a musical backbone as they explore the limits of their versatility and creative innovation while melding a variety of genres into an extraordinarily unique collection of songs that truly rock.

Concerts For Everyone

If you are even remotely into seeing live music, there's a concert for you on October 5th. In fact, five bands spanning three decades will be playing at 5 different venues, and I probably wouldn't judge you if you went to see any one of them. Maybe.

Early 80's enthusiasts can go see the original members of the Go-Go's at the Independent. If you prefer hearing something from the late 80's and early 90's, well, you can go see the Black Crowes at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. How about the original members of The Beta Band who formed in the late 90's? Their new project is called The Aliens, and you can see them at Slim's. Still not your fancy? Well, possibly The Shins who rose to fame in the early 2000's might tickle your pickle. As for the me, I'm going to the Rickshaw Stop to see a band called Datarock whose freshman release was just two years ago. Here's a video of one of their songs, Computer Camp Love.


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UPDATED 9/22 - HONEYCUT is also playing on 10/5. They will be performing at Bottom of the Hill. Might have to double up Honeycut and Datarock...

San Francisco Live Music
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