Lollapalooza 2008: Grizzly Bear Play Four New Songs
By Scott Lapatine & Amrit Singh
In a sense yesterday was the first show of the Grizzly Bear/Radiohead trek (aka The Best Tour Of '08) -- the Brooklyn faves hitting the Citi stage two hours before Radiohead's day closer -- so we were psyched to steal some time and wander the grounds with them. The hour we spent was a snapshot at where things are headed for these guys: approached by little kids for autographs, interviewed by John Norris for an MTV feature, Chris Taylor being asked to talk production with fellow multi-tasker Chris Walla. One thing that came up was Grizzly Bear's revisiting the lost art of debuting new songs on television, months in advance of a new album, Ed sharing our thought that it was a welcome throwback. But we didn't need to wait to set our TiVOs to hear the next crop of new cuts.
Grizzly's set was powerful. They drew a strong crowd, members of other bands (Rogue Wave, Yeasayer, etc.) lining the sidestages for purposes of observation (and maybe awesomeness osmosis). The weather played along, a bright sun blaring down throughout, hitting hardest for the sun-drenched, Letterman-approved "Two Weeks" and the instant vintage "While You Wait For The Others." Along with other Yellow House faves, we got first listens at a new Dan song "Fine For Now," and an untitled new Droste tune. Both were ... we'll save the gush. Hear for yourself.
UPDATE: Audio streams removed by request, sorry!
Here are photos.
[Photos by Amrit]
Here's your setlist -- half old, half new:
01 "Two Weeks"
02 "Little Brother"
03 "Knife
04 "Fine For Now"
05 "Untitled"
06 "Fix It"
07 "On A Neck, On A Spit" (Abridged)
08 "While You Wait For The Others"
For the Grizzly Bear fan who thought he had everything, the band was peddling some animalistic new tees. They sold out before we got to see them in person (they'll have 'em at APW and Music Hall Of Williamsburg next week), but here they are modeled by Dan and Bear. Quite stylish.
Posted at 4:45 PM in Concert, MP3
Tags: Grizzly Bear | Lollapalooza
they were
utterly
amazing
Score = 0
soooooooooo wish i was there!!!!! songs are great!
Score = 1
Do the members of Grizzly Bear's family run this site.
Score = 6
Does anyone know when this new album is supposed to come out?
Score = 2
Definitely a highlight for me; the timing of their set was perfect and the mood in the woods was all about chilling. Definitely my kinda band. I hope they don't get too big before I get to enjoy them on the smaller stages...
Score = 1
Check out the live-ish video blog from Lolla:
http://weblogs.cltv.com/entertainment/tv/metromix/lollapalooza_2008/
Score = 0
I have yet to hear one negative comment on these guys anywhere.
Score = 0
I have yet to hear one negative comment on these guys anywhere.
Score = 0
i heard next april for the new album, but we are all hoping for sooner than that. But there is that Department of Eagles side-project
Score = 0
The slower passages of a 25 minute Yes song meets The Association meets Human League crooner? Sure, if done in a truly inspired way.... thats something. I always thought the Association was creepy good and "Close To the Edge" is what I do instead of going to church.
Score = 0
Audio quality makes me sad. :(
Please tell me someone there recorded a clearer version. I can barely pick up anything behind Dan/Ed's vocals or Chris Bear's drumming.
Also, looking at John Norris trying so hard to dress and look like a 20s or so-year-old scene kid makes my soul hurt...scratch that. Looking at John Norris in any setting makes my soul hurt. That interview was absolutely awkward and pretty much terrible I have to say.
As for the album release, last I heard the band was aiming for next April. 8 months too long.
Score = 0
what's more amazing than grizzly bear's music is the fact that they seem to eternally escape all backlash and vitriol. I mean I love their music, but shouldn't the haters be out in full effect?!
Score = 0
i dont mind being the lone dissenter - i dont like them. but i dont have the hatred for them i do bands like vampire weekend or the hold steady.
Score = -2
fair enough annie.
I'm with you on hold steady. Can't think of a more annoying band
you should perhaps give the new grizzly bear more of a chance though
perhaps you'll come around?
perhaps not
Score = 0
i want to punch who ever is talking during Fine For Now.
that's the think i hate most about festivals, how people unfamiliar with a band will just stroll in during their set and talk during it, obvious to the people that came with this specific band in mind.
Score = 0
Lucky enough to see the guys debut those new tunes in front of a much more intimate crowd of about 300 at Mercy Lounge in Nashville on Thursday. Radness.
Score = 0
This was my first time seeing Grizzly Bear and I wasn't that huge of a fan, but I am definitely converted now. Can't wait for the new album.
Score = 0
in nashville at the mercy lounge show god showed up at the end of "fine for now"
Score = 0
gah, the end of fine for now isnt on here. just realized it. best part. shit.
Score = 0
fuck my internet. grats me.
Score = 0
god had it pulled for copyright reasons.
Score = 1
yeah, you guys should have come to nashville. It was mind blowing.
Score = 0
I saw them yesterday in Louisville, in a small former church, basically the opposite venue from Lolla. They were awesome, although their opener sucked hard.
Score = 0
that untitled song is just beautiful live. they opened their opening set for radiohead last night with it.
Score = 0
that untitled track killed me
love it
Score = 0
These pictures make me think that "Chris Bear" is really Casey Affleck's stage name. "Little Brother" was terrific.
Score = 0
I saw them in Bruges, there was maybe 25 people...great show it's been one year now. they are still underground here in europe soooo that's great to me anyway
Score = 0
umm that was at least 250 people actually unless it was ANOTHER brugge show that I wasn't at
Score = 0
As one of the Chris's Dads, I appreciate the family photo album. Much better than the cell phone shots the band's family normally sees. Oh, and by the way, buy their merchandise, tickets, and CD's, Chris has to be supporting his old man, pretty soon!!!
Thanks for supporting a great band of great guys!!
Score = 0