So I got up to the Hideout Block Party later than I had planned and I was pretty pissed at myself for missing The Jon Rauhause Sextet and Honey Boy Edwards with Devil in a Woodpile – BOO!!!
But I made it in time to hear Ugly Suit – which I absolutely loved. So first off, let’s get the facts out of the way. This Oklahoma band just signed to my hometowns favorite label Quarterstick/Touch n Go, which is fantastic. I was especially excited to see this band because I, like so many others, had heard their single “Chicago” fell completely in love with it and wanted to hear what these guys were all about. And they were amazing. They have this early Verve-bass feel to them and sound similar to Band of Horses, but neither of those descriptions do them justice. Either way, I’m definitely a fan now and stay tuned to hearing them in the future hear on One Kind Radio.

Next was a break in pop rock with some hip hop from Tim Fite, who blew me away. Apparently normally at their shows they have these backdrops to go with each song, but with the sun shining as brightly as it could, that just wouldn’t work out. So they took a bunch of watermelons made them into props and away they went. I’ll definitely check out Tim Fite next time they come to town, because I always feel like dancing and it’s rare in this city to go out dancing to someone that doesn’t suck. (I hate dance clubs.)

Then came a lull in the day for me. Dark Meat. At first, I didn’t think they were so bad. The music sounded good, but they had this schtick. Indian tribal makeup? But it’s not like they went full out, they just threw some primary colors on their face and the girls wore their cutest hipster dresses and the boys threw on half assed costumes. Only the drummer went into full mode. And the thing is, this. Their half-made costumes were entertaining, they were so annoying that it completely took away from the music, that was until my fellow staff members showed up and distracted me from looking at the stage. Then I really heard the music. And the music itself was great. The actually music minus the vocals was fucking on, you know? But the vocals… well… not for me. And here was the last straw for me. The lead sing with his full on Lynard Skynard persona said, “BTW”… yeah, that’s right, Mr. Rocker said, “BTW.” Was he joking? Maybe, but it didn’t come across that way. So yeah. I wouldn’t recommend Dark Meat, sorry guys.

But that was all forgotten for the night because then came Robbie Fulks. Now I love that guy when he does his normal set, he’s fun, outgoing and his music country greatness. But at the Hideout Block Party he surprised everyone by doing a slew of Michael Jackson renditions. (To celebrate the King of Pop’s 50th birthday of course!) He started off dressed in his usual garb of and old style suit and did his own version of The Jackson Five’s “Going to Indiana.” And halfway through the song, the show started. A skit later and an odd strip show Robbie Fulks and his band were dressed in brightly colored leggings and clown like shirts and went through the King of Pop’s life from The Jackson Five to Thriller. Nora O’Connor (who is cute as a fucking button, by the way) joined in on the fun (wearing only one white glove, of course) and were also joined by some youngsters. They had hundreds of people dancing and singing along. Then I missed a big part of the show… The zombies dancing to Thriller with Rhymefest in the mix. I had to though, because if I wanted my front spot for my most favorite band in the whole world, I needed walk across the parking lot and leave the greatness that was the Michael Jackson tribute.

I also missed seeing Rhymefest, but I heard as he did even more MJ tunes. But like I said, I had to miss it… Because the weekend ended with…

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS!

OK, so if you listen to the station you’ll notice a little trend. Every show has a New Pornographer’s song. And if you read this site then you’ll notice that I, your station manager, wrote a little love tribute to them. Why? Because I fucking love them, they are one of the greatest bands around and I will go as far to say in the top twenty bands of all time. That’s right. I said it. And I won’t ever take it back.
I could go on a twenty page rave about The New Pornographers, who they are, where they’ve been, the other bands they’re in, but I won’t. I’ll stick to the subject at hand.
That The New Pornographer’s show was amazing. They started off with “My Right Versus Yours” and went through just about every song I wanted to hear – except what’s up with not play “Mutiny, I Promise You” live?!?! Carl Newman is a great front man as he jokes not only with his band mates but the crowd as well. And I absolutely adore Kathryn Calder who is electric on stage as she smiles and dances around while shaking a tambourine, pulling out the accordion or hitting the keys. And of course, no need to mention Neko Case and no need to mention that Dan Bejar was not in attendance. They ended their set with Electric Light Orchestra’s “Don’t Bring Me Down” which was a perfect end to a perfect weekend.

What else besides the bands that made the weekend perfect?
Aside form being able to draw all over the parking lot in fun colorful chalk, donating to a number of charities including, Rock for Kids and discovering what will be our new button people, Busy Beaver Button Co.?
The helpful cats in the Hideout Crew of course!!!
Big huge thanks to Katie and Mike for not only providing us with two passes but also with helping out me, who has never really covered a festival before. Also Lily (our bartender in the VIP area) and Jen (the artist check-in crew) who helped answer some of our weird questions, hehe and Joe the VIP attendant always ready with a show schedule and smile.
Seriously, this festival could have gone all bad for me, I had no clue about anything and these guys took some time from their insanely busy days to help us out, so we are forever in their debt.

And I can not stress enough to all of you Chicago kids or any of you planning a visit – hit up the Hideout. It’s at 1354 W Wabansia (just northeast of North Ave and Elston). They have the most amazing bands playing. Every Tuesday you can check out Devil in a Woodpile (which is a must see.)

You catch us at the Justin Townes Earl show on October 11th at the Hideout and then later that night for my very favorite DJs – Life During Wartime.

The Hideout (check out their schedule here)