Bands for 2017

[xxialac]

42 minutes ago, rhg_99 said:

its not really that surprising, most UK festivals have been making uninspired headliner bookings for years.

I saw Mac deMarco playing in a park in Barcelona a few years back. He was likable and clearly had some musical talent but never in a million years enough to be anything more than a third tier guy.

Agree it speaks to the lack of musical brilliance coming through that he gets a shot at the top.

 

 

[Guy Incognito]

Just now, xxialac said:

I saw Mac deMarco playing in a park in Barcelona a few years back. He was likable and clearly had some musical talent but never in a million years enough to be anything more than a third tier guy.

Agree it speaks to the lack of musical brilliance coming through that he gets a shot at the top.

I'll admit I like his music, always have. I do think he's improved since his first couple albums but he is definitely not a headliner, not in the typical sense. Sure he's getting pretty popular and has sold out some big shows like Brixton Academy but to me he is the perfect mid afternoon/sunset act but he's probably too now to do that at EOTR. He's a pretty underwhelming headliner but I thought the same when Bat For Lashes was announced last year.

[xxialac]

2 minutes ago, rhg_99 said:

I'll admit I like his music, always have. I do think he's improved since his first couple albums but he is definitely not a headliner, not in the typical sense. Sure he's getting pretty popular and has sold out some big shows like Brixton Academy but to me he is the perfect mid afternoon/sunset act but he's probably too now to do that at EOTR. He's a pretty underwhelming headliner but I thought the same when Bat For Lashes was announced last year.

I agree.

Think a lot of his popularity is linked to his personality and charm. He seems like a fun slacker kind of guy and is willing to act the clown.

Although that's nice, I think musically he is quite lightweight and there are lo-fi bands from the past like Sparklehorse and Eels who have so much more musical depth but didn't headline in their heyday. 

[Guy Incognito]

2 minutes ago, xxialac said:

I agree.

Think a lot of his popularity is linked to his personality and charm. He seems like a fun slacker kind of guy and is willing to act the clown.

Although that's nice, I think musically he is quite lightweight and there are lo-fi bands from the past like Sparklehorse and Eels who have so much more musical depth but didn't headline in their heyday. 

Definitely! His persona has made him quite famous, it's also the reason his gigs are always full of mini-me version of him, glad that won't be the case at EOTR.

I agree with you on that, one of my first predictions of a headliner for this year was Slowdive, they have much more musical depth than Mac Demarco but aren't headlining this year.

[wolfamongwolves]

like Mac Demarco a lot. like his new album. do i think he should be headlining the woods. no way. 

[edwardjc14]

5 hours ago, RustySpanner said:

Serious question for discussion - when and how did modern music get to the point where it is possible for someone as mediocre as Mac DeMarco to get to headline what is a fairly major UK festival?

Theirs been a lack of headliners at  a lot of festivals last couple of years, I really like Mac but can see where you're coming from but the rest of the line up this year is fantastic so loads to see 

[Swanmob]

I watched him at green man a few years ago and was surprised the extent to which the quality of the performed material didn't correlate with the crowd reaction. I didn't see the appeal then and still don't. 

[dirty_dog]

yep I don't get him either, will look elsewhere I reckon 

[GimpSquadObvious]

Bill Callahan was amazing at Hoxton Hall on Saturday night. I am very jealous of you lot.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/may/07/bill-callahan-smog-live-hoxton-hall-london

I guess his headlining must have raised a few eyebrows. But whilst he isn't the biggest name, those who do like him tend to be really into him. I image that he will be the #1 must see for a small but sizeable minority. It's nice to see EoTR sticking their neck out and giving a platform to an artist they love.

Enjoy what looks like it will be a wonderful festival.

Edited May 8, 2017 by GimpSquadObvious

[shoebox]

I went to the matinee show on Saturday and it was outstanding. I would imagine he will be backing with a full band (like he was the last time I saw him at the QEII Hall at the South Bank Centre), otherwise I fear that he will get a bit lost on the Woods Stage.

I have to say, I don't get the whole "uninspiring headline" bookings line. EOTR has always been about showcasing the best talent, rather than blowing their load on the biggest names and it's what makes it unique to many other festivals of a similar size. I would argue that the headliners they've put on ARE inspiring, they've taken a punt on three acts. One who is riding a rich wave of appreciation (Misty), one who's popularity appears to be steadily growing (two sold out nights at Brixton Academy for Mac -that's potentially 9000 punters paying to see him) and one booking that has been a bit of a pet project for the curators for many years and is critically acclaimed, albeit without the commercial success. It's these sorts of bookings that differentiate EOTR from the rest. Sure, they're not going to appeal to everyone, but there is a wealth of great music outside of the main stage headliners.

Personally I will going to watch all three (unless there's an unmissable clash during Mac's set) and I cannot wait.

[wolfamongwolves]

what may be uninspired booking for some. may be inspired for others. i dont think we have to understand reasons for ones opinon. 

but what makes life interesting  is that we are all different . and that we have an opinion. 

[Yokel Again]

6 hours ago, shoebox said:

I went to the matinee show on Saturday and it was outstanding. I would imagine he will be backing with a full band (like he was the last time I saw him at the QEII Hall at the South Bank Centre), otherwise I fear that he will get a bit lost on the Woods Stage.

I have to say, I don't get the whole "uninspiring headline" bookings line. EOTR has always been about showcasing the best talent, rather than blowing their load on the biggest names and it's what makes it unique to many other festivals of a similar size. I would argue that the headliners they've put on ARE inspiring, they've taken a punt on three acts. One who is riding a rich wave of appreciation (Misty), one who's popularity appears to be steadily growing (two sold out nights at Brixton Academy for Mac -that's potentially 9000 punters paying to see him) and one booking that has been a bit of a pet project for the curators for many years and is critically acclaimed, albeit without the commercial success. It's these sorts of bookings that differentiate EOTR from the rest. Sure, they're not going to appeal to everyone, but there is a wealth of great music outside of the main stage headliners.

Personally I will going to watch all three (unless there's an unmissable clash during Mac's set) and I cannot wait.

Before the capacity increase, had these 3 headlined on the Garden Stage (when it was the 'main stage') - no-one would bat an eye lid.

 

[xxialac]

Girl Band have pulled out.

[RustySpanner]

"Before the capacity increase, had these 3 headlined on the Garden Stage (when it was the 'main stage') - no-one would bat an eye lid."

Maybe. But then Mac deMarco was only deemed big enough to sub the garden stage just two years ago. To me, his booking smacks of desperation - they couldn't find a proper headliner for the Woods stage and so just asked one of their good mates to do it. Watch out for Ezra Furman headlining 2018 and then Perfume Genius in 2019.

[Swanmob]

1 hour ago, xxialac said:

Girl Band have pulled out.

Balls. Was looking forward to them. 

[Swanmob]

9 hours ago, shoebox said:

EOTR has always been about showcasing the best talent, rather than blowing their load on the biggest names and it's what makes it unique to many other festivals of a similar size.

Good points but this is the part I have a problem with in regards to Mac. I think he's pretty light in the talent department. 

[Swanmob]

Any word on the last announcement? 

[ljsawyer]

I enjoy listening to Mac DeMarco singles but his sound is so unsubstantial that I can never really get through a whole album without finding it a bit monotonous and repetitive. I'm also really not a fan of his Connan Mockasin-esque cheesy synth songs that wouldn't sound out of place in a 70s porno. Chamber of Reflection and On the Level spring to mind.

That said, I have no doubt that he'll attract a massive crowd and will put on a decent show. I think he is the main draw for a lot more people than many on here are probably anticipating.

[Yokel Again]

Have to say, I am finding the new FJM album underwhelming. I would say 3 great tracks, but far too many mid-paced numbers of ballads. Not anywhere near as good as Honeybear, nor Fear Fun. 1st 2 tracks are great and then they are much of a muchness.

Still looking forward to his set though.

[Dylan's Big Toe]

24 minutes ago, Yokel Again said:

Have to say, I am finding the new FJM album underwhelming. I would say 3 great tracks, but far too many mid-paced numbers of ballads. Not anywhere near as good as Honeybear, nor Fear Fun. 1st 2 tracks are great and then they are much of a muchness.

Still looking forward to his set though.

Agree - I've given it a fair few spins and find it bloated, over-long,  and one-paced.   I've seen him touring Honeybear and thought he was great, but I'm not sure how the new record will come over live.

 

That said "I'm growing old on magic mountain" has quickly become one of my fave FJM tracks. 

 

Headliner-wise I cannot wait for Bill Callahan.  Reckon his set could be pretty special.

[dirty_dog]

2 hours ago, Yokel Again said:

Have to say, I am finding the new FJM album underwhelming. I would say 3 great tracks, but far too many mid-paced numbers of ballads. Not anywhere near as good as Honeybear, nor Fear Fun. 1st 2 tracks are great and then they are much of a muchness.

Still looking forward to his set though.

I've squeezed 4 or 5 I like of the new album but Fear Fun is still way out in front as his best 

[Swanmob]

2 hours ago, Yokel Again said:

Have to say, I am finding the new FJM album underwhelming. I would say 3 great tracks, but far too many mid-paced numbers of ballads. Not anywhere near as good as Honeybear, nor Fear Fun. 1st 2 tracks are great and then they are much of a muchness.

Still looking forward to his set though.

Can't get into it, same with the last one. Fear fun I really liked. 

[Yokel Again]

Glad it's not just me. Loved Pure Comedy when I first heard the single, but there's not much on there as good as that track.

[wolfamongwolves]

loved fear fun, honeybear, new one so bloated. so long. one paced bit boring. gave it a few listens early on. not gone back to it. 

[Guy Incognito]

it seems like I'm the only one who loves Pure Comedy! Only gets better the more I listen.