DeVotchKa
In just one half hour the band convinced me that they were the most exciting thing to hit me in a long while. They wed eastern European folk and jazz, creating a sound not unlike the Decemberists. What sets them apart from The Decemberists is vocalist Nick Urata, who's aching vocals sound like equal parts David Bowie and Morrissey. It was an incredible set from a band that makes visceral and emotional music.
Bright Eyes
Emo wunderkind Conor Oberst's set was mediocre at best. Relying heavily on material from 2005's "I'm Wide Awake," "It's Morning" and unreleased material, Oberst never really got his footing. For the most part, Bright Eyes set seemed lethargic and boring. One highlight came when Oberst invited Super Furry Animals singer, Gruff Rhys, and My Morning Jacket's singer, Jim James, on stage for a rousing rendition of "Singing a Song in the Morning." It was all downhill from there.
Elvis Costello and the Imposters featuring Allen Toussant
While Costello's collaboration with New Orleans pianist Allen Toussant was strictly a jazz affair, Costello still brought out the hits, playing some his best material from his earlier punk period, including "Watching the Detectives," "Pump it Up" and "Alison." Toussant's subtle but effective piano-playing injected new life into Costello's songs.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - One of the great joys of Bonnaroo 2006 was seeing Stephen Malkmus, the singer of one of my favorite bands of all-time, Pavement. Malkmus proved that despite his reputation as a musician willing to shred ears with a lo-fi assault of bar chords, he can still jam with the best of guitarists. Songs like "Baby C'Mon" stuck to the verse-chorus-verse format before shifting into an extended jam.
My Morning Jacket
Before My Morning Jacket took the stage, I felt like I was going to die. I'd seen four shows that day, and had been standing for the better part of 12 hours. Have you ever tried standing in one place for seven hours in Chuck Taylors? It is painful, trust me. My Morning Jacket was like a shot of adrenaline. All my pain disappeared when the band took the stage. The climatic guitar solos of "One Big Holiday" made for one of the best musical memories of Bonnaroo.
Radiohead
Radiohead was, quite simply, an out-of-body experience. From my position 20 feet from the stage, the band members seemed loose and, surprisingly enough, looked like they were having fun. Highlights are tough to pick from a show this phenomenal, but "Fake Plastic Trees" sent chills down my spine.
Beck
Beck's set included a dancer dressed like a science teacher, puppets crafted to look like Beck and his band, a video featuring the puppets satirizing hippie culture, Beck and bandmates dressed as grizzly bears and a solo acoustic set played while band members ate dinner on stage. All this hilarity made for Bonnaroo's most entertaining set. Beck's sense of humor provided a perfect opener for Radiohead's more serious performance.
Sonic Youth
Even 25 years into their career, Sonic Youth is still having fun. As the band's latest disc, "Rather Ripped," proved, the band members have remained relevant and influential. Shades of Sonic Youth were evident everywhere at Bonnaroo. Drawing heavily from "Rather Ripped," Sonic Youth's live show should be mandatory viewing for all guitarists. Older material like "100%" was delightfully chaotic while newer songs like "Incinerate" bristled with calculated precision.
Death Cab for Cutie
Opening with the piano ballad "Passenger Seat" might have been a bad move for Death Cab for Cutie, were it not for the uninhibited energy the band brought to its set. Songs like "Title and Registration" and "The New Year" were rousing anthems that easily filled the second-biggest stage at Bonnaroo.
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