A fan during Slayer’s performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest. Photo by Bryan Parker.
We’re killing all the birds with one stone. Today, the fest is upon us. To celebrate and send you off with the knowledge you need, we’re bringing you a list of six bands you can’t miss. If you don’t see any other acts at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2014. These are the ones to catch. If you still haven’t bought a ticket, you can get them at the door, and we highly recommend doing so. Listen: we write about a lot of music we love. We write about music we like and respect but don’t necessarily love. Fun Fun Fun Fest is far beyond and of that. We adore and treasure this festival. It won’t be oversold. It won’t be annoying. And every band booked is solid. Seriously, as a genuine plea out of love of all things music, you should be at this fest. We hope to see you there. Below are links to our previously run preview posts, followed by today’s list of the six you can’t miss.
FFF 2014: Courtney Barnett Interview
Eight Must-see Bands Only Playing Nites
Seven Acts Playing Early You Might Miss
Lukas Read’s Ultimate Can’t Miss ’em List
Streaming Soundcloud Playlist of FFF 2014 Artists
And today’s list of the six bands you absolutely should not miss.
1. Neutral Milk Hotel – Sunday – Orange Stage
These creators of weird and wonderful indie-rock vanished from music for a decade. It could very well happen again, so seeing them should be a must. Not to mention the fact that their shows are cathartic and beautiful. These songs belong to everyone.
2. Iceage
This Danish punk band doesn’t come this way much and their new record is phenomenal.
3. Nas
Are you kidding? A rapper this legendary celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever released. Don’t be stupid.
4. Run the Jewels
This is one of hip-hop’s most exciting acts right now. Classic sounds with excellent lyricism that empowers individuals and challenges political structures. Killer Mike and El-P know what they’re doing.
5. Yo La Tengo
Something of a personal favorite here–they had to be on the list. Yo La Tengo has given us some of the most diverse and consistently astounding records released in the last decade or so. These folks are legends.
6. Majical Cloudz
For a while I kind of hedged my recommendation on this band, whose stark stage performances reflect their austere, minimal pop. But there’s something in frontman Devon Welsh’s intense, immediate deliver that’s undeniably transfixing.
