Changes of Faith, Bucket Lists Bands and Reigns of Blood [Fun Fun Fun Fest Memory]

Descendents (Photo by Pooneh Ghana)

For me, Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 brought about what amounts to a change of musical faith. I used to be the guy who hates large outdoor festivals. I thought that they were far from ideal situations for bands and audiences, and that in large, vibrant music communities like Austin, music fans should just stick with seeing great artists perform in smaller venues. Fun Fun Fun turned me into a true believer in the value of large, outdoor, multi-day music festivals. I had one of the best live music experiences of my life, and look forward to this year's Reign in Blood at Auditorium Shores.

I had a blast seeing great bands like Dwarves, who’d previously played shows in Austin that I’d been unable to attend. I was blown away by artists that I would have overlooked if not for insistences from friends. Thanks to them, I’m now a Valient Thorr fan. As most everyone in the body surfing mosh that covered the full width of Waterloo Park will attest, Descendents delivered an incredible performance that brought Fun Fun Fun 2010 to a much-celebrated close. Being up front for their set definitely will remain one of my most cherished music experiences.

This year, Fun Fun Fun presents even more artists who long ago earned esteemed places in the annals of music and popular culture history. My pick from that category has to be Public Enemy, who brought social and political awareness to the forefront of mainstream hip-hop. They’re what I call a “bucket list band.” You have to see these guys at least once in your life or you’ll probably regret it, even if you’re not a hip-hop fan. Chuck D, Flavor Flav and the rest of the crew blew me away at Auditorium Shores during SXSW 2007. Spin magazine just placed them second on their list of the “Best Sets at All Tomorrow’s Parties” that took place in New Jersey earlier this month, and they had a lot of major competition.

The genre-bending experimental rock, metal, and pop psych minder melters, Boris, are guaranteed to be among the best of the fest, and I’m also very excited about seeing Omar Souleyman for the first time. Four Tet (Kieran Hebden) is one of the most appealing electronic music artists working today. His studio work has landed him on the college radio charts, but he really shines in live performances. I'd hate to miss seeing him again.

Hum is this year’s most promising comeback underdog. Many think of them as one hit wonders because of heavy airplay for their 1995 single, “Stars.” But their much-overlooked 1997 album Downward is Heavenward is one of the greatest, most glorious albums of the mid 1990’s. Every time I saw Hum vocalist/guitarist Matt Talbott’s later band, Centaur, I couldn’t help but wish that I was seeing Hum instead. This year, the band finally reunited, and I’ll thank the folks a Fun Fun Fun Fest in advance for having both the hindsight and foresight to book these guys.

Of course, the icing on the cake this year is Slayer; a bucket list band that I have never seen. I really hope I don’t need to explain my anticipation for a great show from them. Let the blood rain on Auditorium Shores!