Monday, March 9, 2015

The Toppermost of the Poppermost

Well, they have done it again. NYC Popfest, year in and year out, continues to be the best music festival on this continent. Last week, the 2015 lineup was revealed. Every March, like clockwork, I'm tempted to ask Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives to donate air miles to her devoted. It's the fest's balance of indie-pop rookies and relics that appeals to this, mmm, "mature" fan. Here's a quick look at some of my favorite bands from past years: the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Tender Trap, Allo Darlin', Sea Lions, the Pooh Sticks, Cats on Fire, Veronica Falls, the Orchids, the Hermit Crabs, BMX Bandits, Mitch Easter, the School, the Monochrome Set, the Bats, the Wolfhounds, Close Lobsters, the Popguns, the Flatmates.... and I could go on and on. Feels a bit like Indietracks without the trains, eh?

For me, highlights from this year's impressive roster include the Catenary Wires (that's the latest incarnation of Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey), Club 8 ("Shape Up!" is one of my favorite songs from last decade), the Darling Buds (big crush on Andrea Lewis back in the day), the Loft (never seen Peter Astor before!), Lunchbox ('Lunchbox Loves You' was my No. 4 album of 2014), Pale Lights (oft compared to Lloyd Cole and the Brilliant Corners) and Palms on Fire (first thing I have ever wanted to catch from Russia). Of course, this barely scratches the surface. Here's the lineup as of today.

It's more or less the same dates and places as usual, May 28-31 at four venues mostly in and around Brooklyn, and a four-day pass is a modest $70. Why wait? You can buy them now. Here are a few songs to whet your appetite.







7 comments:

Echorich said...

Worth it just for The Darling Buds and Peter Astor!!! And I was wondering when "The Buds" would realize that once again The Primitives had made it safe to come out and shine again!!!

Brian said...

Very good, Echorich. Once again they are paving the way for the blonde bands. Oh, and Primitives are touring Japan now with Catenary Wires opening.

Brett Alan said...

Still really upset with myself for letting the Close Lobsters show sell out without snagging a ticket. Gotta see the Loft!

Brian said...

Brett Alan,
Nice to hear from you. Such a rarity to ever see bands like the Loft on these shores. Catch 'em if you can!

Brett Alan said...

They've now added a second Peter Astor show, on Saturday, and it's free! Will definitely attend that, and just bought my ticket for the Darling Buds show, too. Anyone interested in a get together at/between the shows?

Brett Alan said...

Back from seeing both shows in Brooklyn today (Peter Astor and Darling Buds). Everything was fun, heard some good bands I didn't know, but Astor ruled all. He started solo, then was joined by a vocalist (Suzanne from Great Lakes), and then a pickup band (mostly members of Pale Lights). Everything worked. The solo set included a beautiful "Like Frankie Lymon", the duo stuff had wonderful harmonies, and they closed with "Almost Prayed", which was such pure pop bliss I can't find the words to do it justice!

I didn't see the Friday night Loft show, but I'm told that he did completely different songs.

Brian said...

Bret Alan,
Hiya. Just noticed your comment. Thanks for letting me know about those shows. I'm green with envy. If I had seen Almost Prayed I think I would have cried.