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Okay, well, welcome to the Pitchfork 2006 Recap. The first two of five nonconsecutive days of great music in a nine-day period. And with it over now, I can say that it did live up to the hype, despite being… yes, fucking crowded and hot. But that didn’t detract from an otherwise great lineup of indie’s greatest acts.

The layout of the festival was almost identical to Intonation’s. With a lack of re-entry and shit-hot weather, water was an issue, but it was dealt with well (read: not charging more than $2 for a 25-ounce. bottle of water). Food was pricey but good. Like Intonation, Pitchfork decided to go with Goose Island as their official beer supplier, which meant that 312 Urban Wheat Ale was on tap. Overall, it was another festival that was able to handle the heat wave well.

So let’s see what I remember.

Day 1

The Mountain Goats

Probably the sole reason I loved this festival, even though a lot of people (looking at you, DeRogatis!) seemed to dislike the Goats in general. I guess Darnielle is an acquired taste. As with most festival sets, I felt it was a bit too short. Luckily, he played some classics such as Cubs in Five, Dance Music and Terror Song (the finale).

Destroyer

Great show that kept everyone mesmerized. Was hoping for him to make two weeks in a row worth of festival appearances; I was wrong. Luckily his show was good enough here.

Art Brut

Probably the biggest sensation of this year’s festival, the Formed a Band band was lights-out exciting. Their catchy lyrics are really making me love them.

Ted Leo / Pharmacists

Unbelievably good live. I missed their show here in… February, I believe?... in favor of another show because I knew I’d see them here, and they didn’t disappoint. They played most of their best songs in a really great way. More hilariously vague description to follow.

The Walkmen

Saw part of the Walkmen’s set last year at Lollapalooza, and they weren’t as good as I’d hoped. This set was slightly better, but I’m afraid they’re not the best live band. Too bad. The Rat was a good live translation, though.

The Futureheads

These guys switched places with the Walkmen on the lineup at the last minute, which was a good idea, because they were another slightly harder rocking band, like Ted/Rx, that translated well to the live show. So finally…

Silver Jews

I’m certain half the crowd wanted Malkmus to show up. Oh well, no soup for you. Nevertheless, the Jews had a great day-closing set, with plenty of their catchy songs. Encouraged the crowd to stop emulating Brian Wilson in their own bands, because his shit’s played out. (Paraphrase.)

Overall, good day 1, good to see a lot of bands I love live, even though they weren’t as exciting as hoped.

Day 2

I can only really pick and choose some great shit from day 2. First off:

Jens Lekman

Now THIS was a great set. Unfortunately, I cropped out the horn section. Sorry. But it was an energetic and spirited set from one of my favorite crazy songwriters. Sad part is that I think he omitted the Rocky Dennis love. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Yo La Tengo

These guys are great, but their set was largely boring. Man, that sucks.

Spoon

Tied with Jens for my favorite set of Day 2. Their songs go well with the liveness, especially I Summon You (which has now become one of my favorite songs ever). I missed these guys at Lolla last year, but this made up for it. Too bad I can’t take pictures in the dark.

So finally…

Os Mutantes

Devendra Banhart (who had an okay set earlier) joined these guys for a few minutes. Lots of people decided to skip out this final set and get on the Green/Pink Line, but they missed a great show from some guys who practically never play in America. Like Roky Erickson/Blue Cheer at Intonation, it was a privilege to see these guys, and even though their music was thirty+ years old, it still sounded very modern and relevant.

In conclusion, the Pitchfork Music Festival is a land of contrast.

But seriously, of the big three music festivals, Pitchfork had the best continuously good lineup. Although a lot of the bands didn’t play to potential, it was still great to see a huge number of indie’s best in one park, without the unnecessary politics or dumb intros of Intonation or all the walking of Lollapalooza. But it looks like that eventually this fest might outgrow its West Side setting, especially since the United Center couldn’t lend parking.

Tim Tuten would like to thank SKEEEEEEEEYON for this update. The next update will be Day 1 of Lollapalooza, and will be worked on shortly.

~A.

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OFFICIAL CHICAGO SUMMER FESTIVAL RECAPS

Intonation (July 9 update) | Pitchfork (August 1 update) | Lollapalooza (forthcoming)

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