in this day in age, I would never hire someone that was too dumb to figure out how to use basic networking site.. some say it is a waste of time.. but really, if you can not set up a cute tumblr, you are pretty useless.. frankly, I dont think I could really even be your friend.. 

It has been 20 years since the first Big Day Out, and it was my first. This is my full review. I was alone most of the day, and I have to write this down since I have no one to remind me later on. 

In 20 years Big Day Out has certainly made a name for it self, that even being from America, I had definitely heard of it. I figured that since I was here, I should check out this legendary event even though the line-up wasnt as stellar as I would have hoped. So, I got a ticket and said I would make the best of the day and see what happens. Also, it would be good prep work for Coachella. 

In the days leading up to Big Day Out it had been pouring, so I was rather nervous it was going to rain. It was pretty cloudy when we left the house so I put boots, light pants, and a tank-top/sheer shirt. We got to the event, and it was lightly cloudy and the sun started coming out. Which typically I would be happy about except my outfit didnt go with the weather. Ugh. I just had deal with being in boots and pants in threating rain weather + sun = aweful humidity = sluggish valerie. Add Nat going for the morning and well.. hmm.. I just had to deal but i definitely was not in my usual high festival spirits. The humidity of the day also made me think that I dont think that I could ever survive a Boonaroo(im sure at some point I will try before Im too old).

Ok on to the Music.

Best Coast were not as magically as I suspected but it was awfully hot and I think my expectations were a bit high, so hmm, I would definitely see them play again for their next album and do it in LA.

Battles and Boy and Bear were cool. I want to check out more from both of these bands. The Battles were electronic with live guitars, it was all intriguing.   The Boy and Bear dude is cute, and I like the whole vibe. ——>A this point Natalie left and missed all the good stuff. 

Kimbra’s voice live was strong and powerful and she has a cute sparkly personality on stage. I can honestly say I was impressed and surprised because her album does not really reflect how great her voice is. It was also fun because she was really excited to be playing Big Day Out cause she went to it when she was young and it was a goal for her. I love seeing musicians that are excited to be preforming for you. 

Mariachi El Brox was so much fun. They played in this mini amphitheater area so when the crowd did the wave it was like right in the bands face and it totally entertained the band.  All these big muscle guys were dancing and there was a conga line at some point. The band said they were rather hung over, and you kinda got the picture that they were just like WTF, these Australians are crazy MF’ers, this is awesome. So, Im sure even the band will go home and tell their friends about BDO Sydney. Dude, and one the guys is from Whittier. I kinda want to throw up LM but I resisted. 

On to Bassnectar. I am normally not that impressed with DJs but I have to say that Bassnectar was very impressive. His graphics were really cool and I love that his beats werent over done or familiar. Randomly Lupe Fiasco, came out and preformed with him. It was pretty fun, and he was preforming in the Boiler Room which was a pretty rad place. Ferris wheel and all. 

At this point I had some nachos, watched the end of Kasabian, who I just have to say really arent my thing. Then Soundgarden, which had great sound and still can do it. I have to say that you know a band has been performing for a long time when their sound in concert is distinctively clear and moves you. It is one of those things you can describe but you know it when it is happening cause you can feel it in your body. I can to this realisation last year during Portishead.  

Then there was Kanye.. hmm.. I figured I would give in to the experience to see how it went.. So I waited in the pit during Soundgarden and then was right up there for the beginning of Kanye. I have to say everyone around me was a good 5-10 years younger than me and when Mr West came out they just went crazy banana nuts. These kids knew every word.  After a about 5 songs, I fled cause well Im too old for this and it just wasnt my thing. I went to see Noel Gallagaer who was quite the rock star as expected. 

I kinda wish I would have choose Girl Talk and Foster the People over Soundgarden and Kanye but you live and you learn. You make choices at a festival, and they make your experience. 

Oh the experience Big Day Out. It is like a carnival over run by those crazy kids and music. Carnival rides and those big carnival looking food trucks and the way all the stages are set up like exhibits. I thought that gave it’s own twist, and make it more of relaxed. 

Per my Itunes Account here are my top songs from 2011. 

1. 48 Roses- Mariachi El Bronx
2. Walking Far from Home and Me and Lazarus- Iron & Wine - and pretty much the entire “Kiss Each Other Clean Album” 
3. Shell Games  and Beginner’s Mind - Bright Eyes- Bright Eyes
4. Private Lawns and Babylon - Angus & Julia Stone
5. No Sleep - Wiz Khalifa 
6.  Little Miss- Sugarland
7. Girls Girls and Wine and Chocolates-  Theophilus London
8. Video Games- Lana Del Ray
9.  Dont you want me and Raise your Glass - from Glee.. I <3 blaine. 
10  Eyes Wide Open and Somebody you Use to Know - Gotye

Top Albums (In no particular order)

1. Iron & Wine- Kiss Each Other Clean

Angus and Julia Stone- Kiss Each Other Clean
Bright Eyes - The Peoples Key
Adele - 21 
Beirut  -  The Rip Tide. 
Black Keys- El Camino
Black Lips - Arabia Mountain 
Gotye - Making Mirrors
The Stokes - Angles
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Im with you

Still collecting my thoughts the cults, the Rapture, the Weeknd, Tom Waits, and Kimbra. 

I also fell in love with The National, Best Coast, Tv on the Radio, Ellie Golding, The Country Strong Soundtrack, The XX, Neon Trees, and Sleigh Bells (all with albums from 2010 and later)