3 posts tagged “sunset sounds”

Yes, I know that was a few days ago now but that's where I'm up to, alright?

Day 2 of Sunset Sounds was decidedly more laid back. No fancy outfits and very Short queues at the beer tents! CM Squared had to go and check out a rental option so I was Nigel No Friends for a bit. First up was Kat Frankie. I'm sure she was very good but I just didn't get into her. Then out of sheer laziness I stayed in exactly the same spot and listened to CW Stoneking play their brand of jazz from afar.

Again, still sitting in the same spot some 2 hours later we watched Skipping Girl Vinegar. If they were selling cd's at the event I would've bought one off these guys.

As our arses were getting a little sore we actually stood up, walked and watched Ash Grunwald, grooving up and down at appropriate moments. We've both seen him before. I have no idea how to describe his music except raw. He makes you want to jump up and down and punch the air.

Then strangely we found ourselves back in our old spot watching Barons of Tang. Kind of Russia meets Poland meets Eurovision.  Good live entertainment!

After our usual kebab dinner we headed back to the Riverstage. Santogold was still playing and the crowd really liked her (whatever she was doing). She even got the audience onstage to dance at the end. Crowds love that shit.

Then came The Grates - I think they are a Brissy band? The lead singer had her leg in a cast from doing something athletic on stage so she was propped up in a big throne type chair. Even that couldn't contain her - she was up and down on that good leg! I'd like to see her in full action actually as I reckon she'd be manic on stage. They also had all these people dressing up as animals on the stage dancing around from time to time. No idea what that's about!

Then came Franz Ferdinand. I think they were impressed by the size of the crowd we came up with. I know they were definately impressed byt the guy lit up like a christmas tree in the mosh pit! First time at the event that I saw some crowd surfing even though FF don't seem to be a band to inspire such activity. But hey what do I know - after they played their last song one of the guitarists launched himself out there as well! I'm glad I got to see them even though they didn't play Jacqueline - the first song of theirs I ever heard. Oh and they were the only band at the whole event to do an encore so obviously they were considered top dogs of the whole shebang.

I think the next concert is Pink - quite a way off, I think it will be a dry year for concerts.

We've got a lady coming round this Friday to help us with our ongoing doggie issues. There will not be one more battle scar in this house! It's the Amichien Bonding technique which roughly translates from French into something like doggy-friend. Can't wait to see what we are doing wrong (because it wont be the dogs)!

DM started a new job today. She's been very low key about it which is good. I still have another week off and a long list of things to do during that time! Yeah whatever!

So CM Squared and I survived our first day. It was hot and steamy and airless and I loved it! They had three stages set up in the Botanic Gardens. We saw the first person thrown out before 4pm. Didn't see what she did but she was a young happy thing just bouncing around prior to getting walked out by 2 security guards. Apart from that there were absolutely no issues. Lots of daggy and groovy people there of course - people watching is half the fun! what was surprising is the number of boy groups in coordinated outfits! At least they can spot each other in a crowd!

So we saw Tinpan Orange first - the lead singer has the most beautiful voice and I saw the afro guitarist later in the night - that's a lot of hair!

Then we saw Soko. She was a bit freaky for me and most of the crowd seemed to just be waiting for her to sing Ocular.

Next we headed up the other end and watched Tegan and Sara. I'd never heard them before and based on the crowd numbers and reactions they are very popular.

Then we watched Faker of This Heart Attack fame.

Next was The Kooks!!!!!!  I love those guys and you would not believe how full the area was! I think they were shocked how many fans they have after their stupid Zoo gig last year. That was the fullest I have ever seen that concert area and the majority of the crowd were all on their feet. They played most of my faves so I was a happy girl.

We were going to stay and see The Hives but we decided we needed a bit of a danceathon and headed up the other end to Cat Empire. The organisers underestimated how popular they were as the crowds spilled right back to the second sound stage. I had to leave the crush half way through - beign short and getting no air was making me feel like a sweaty blob. Theres a guy in Cat Empire who has an amazing voice and even more amazing brass playing skills but he is so unattractive! I don't know what nationality he is but he's short and hairy and was wearing track pants and a singlet. Actually I saw a lot of guys wearing singlets - I think it has broken my lust for men in singlets big time - not everyone can carry off the look....

Here are some photos of CM Squared, Tegan and Sara, Faker and The Kooks so you can see the crowds.

MC Squared and I are off to Sunset Sounds tomorrow and Thurs and I finally get to see The Kooks play live! I still haven't gotten over missing out on a ticket to see them last year. Lots of other cool bands playing as well but The Kooks and Franz Ferdinand are my two must see acts. I actually like music festivals as it is a chance to check out other bands you've never heard of - you never know, they may just become your new favourite! Plus I think there would be nothing better if you were a band to get to play live to a bunch of carefree souls at an open air event.

The other thing is that I will be taking my SheWee out on its maiden voyage! I have a thing about portaloo's. The hygiene factor causes me considerable stress. More stress than a squat toilet in a third world country for some reason. So I intend to stand in a portaloo like a man and pee standing up! No hems of pants hovering in the floor phlegm for me anymore! Hope I develop a shake system that doesn't see me smelling of my own urine for the rest of the event!

In the paper on Sunday was as story about travellers biggest annoyances. Globally the most hated annoyance is children kicking the back of your seat. This was followed by people taking too long to stow their luggage, talking loudly on mobile phones, armrest hogs, people eating smelly food and people who read over your shoulder.

It got me thinking about what bugs me. For short distances (like catching the bus to work) it is people who ask the driver oodles of questions and THEN get out their purse/wallet to buy a ticket. Hello! Information boards! Ticket sellers! Just get on the freaking bus you tool! The next issue for me is people who have eaten something very smelly for breakfast, something that is simply oozing from their pores. Nope, I need oxygen to start my day with, not your leftovers. Then there is the nutter who decides to speak to you out of the blue.  I try not to catch their eye in the first place. Lastly I can never understand the people who sit in the outside seat and make people ask them to move, like they can't see that they have a spare seat right beside them on a peak hour bus.

Long distance air travel is different. I hate those people who jam all your possessions into the back corner of the overhead locker just so there's can live in luxury and be accessible during the flight. My stuff is just as important as yours you know! Next is probably the smelly people whether it is BO or bad breath or even smelling like their last meal. It makes me feel oozy. Then I guess there are those people built like small trucks who ooze out of their own chair into yours the whole flight. Their legs are in your space (your penis isn't that big!) and their arms are over both armrests. And they stupidly get middle seats so they have to get you out of your seat everytime they want to get up or down.  Preplan and get yourself a more practical seat will ya! Lastly I think I would like to kill those people who during the middle of the night on a darkened plane need to have their little light on so they can read. Normally this little light is pointed in my direction, even if I am sitting 6 rows back.

I must admit that seeing kids or babies board a plane doesn't bother me. People who don't stow their luggage, put their seats upright and seatbelt on when the sign says to do. If you've ever been in an emergency landing then you will know why - these safety procedures are there for a reason. I don't want that airborne Gucci bag or its owner hitting me!