What's so good?
By hmcclure | November 12th, 2012
I’ve been to a whole bunch of festivals in my time, but at 28, my time might be coming to an end. Creaky knees, pale skin and general grumpiness have lead me to start turning down festival invites in the hope that my favorite bands will be playing a sideshow.
But Harvest Presents is different. “Harvest is not a festival, it’s a feeling.”
Held for the first time last year in Melbourne, Brisbane and (my home town of) Sydney, the festival was one of the best musical days of my life. Even before the bands were announced, I knew I’d be back this year. While Australia is often graced with amazing festival line-ups, it’s the overall atmosphere and which separates Harvest from the rest. There’s none of the aggressiveness or pretentiousness which have lead me to rethink my festival obsession, and my creaky knees are just fine sitting under some of Parramatta Park’s ample shrubbery.
Last year, attendees were treated to performances from the likes of Portishead, TV On The Radio and The Flaming Lips, and this year the festival’s line-up is even more spectacular. Alongside acts like Beck, Ben Folds Five, Santigold and Beirut, I’ve (just) managed to pick the five bands I’m most excited to see this coming Saturday (the full line-up can be viewed here).
"Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks"
My favorite band is back in Australia, and I couldn't be more excited to see them live again. While their new material is amazing, "Two Weeks" brings back so many good memories.
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Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Sigur Rós - Ekki múkk"
I stood there in absolute amazement watching Portishead close last year's festival, and I have absolutely no doubt that Sigur Rós will leave me feeling exactly the same way. I'm not afraid to say that this track got me a little weepy when I first heard it, and I can only imagine what I'll be like on Saturday.
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Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Silversun Pickups - Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)"
Indie Shuffle posted this track (off the band's this album Neck of the Woods) from L.A.'s Silversun Pickups earlier in the year. I was a big fan of their previous LP Swoon, so hearing this track gave me faith that their new music would be just as potent.
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Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You"
Harvest attracts bands you loved when you first started listening to music, and the Dandy Warhols were just that for me. After 18 years together, the Dandys recently released their eighth studio album, but here's hoping they play some of their old faves too!
Download from:
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Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The War On Drugs - Baby Missiles"
The band, originally formed by Kurt Vile and current member Adam Granduciel, is a newish love of mine. I only actually realized they were playing a few weeks ago, much to my delight. Their laid-back Americana rock will be perfect for a festival like Harvest.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Hugh is based in Sydney, Australia, and lives in a world where music helps him function. He attends up to four gigs a week, and ...learn more →
