Phish Fans Are Stoked, Rest Of The World Is Like, "Whatever"

Well, it's been the worst kept secret in the music world for several months, but America's favorite reunited hippies (read: Phish) are headlining two nights of the eighth annual Bonnaroo festival. (Which, you know, is completely neccessary.) The Boss is joining them, hoping to emulate his crotch-tastic Superbowl performance from Sunday, as are the Beasties, David Byrne, Wilco, Nine Inch Nails, Al Green, SNOOP DOGG, Elvis Costello, Animal Collective, MGMT, Bon Iver and a billion others. You have to give the organizers credit: minus the whole Phish thing, the lineup looks pretty okay. 

We'll be trying our hardest to make it down to Manchester this year, after last year's soiree left us awed and hung over. Tickets go on sale exclusively through the festival's official Web site on Saturday (2/7) at noon. Check out a video of the announcement featuring something called "stratostencil animation" (whatever that is) after the jump. Not as good as Lewis Black, unfortunately.  

Lewis Black Is Down With Bonnaroo

Mark your calendars, indie-rock fans and drug enthusiasts: the eighth annual Bonnaroo launches June 11, 2009! (Has it really been eight years? Or is it more like four great years preceded by four annual Trey Anastasio benders that nobody but hippies gave a shit about?) Yup, the fine folks at Superfly Productions and A.C. Entertainment announced this morning that tickets for 'Roo '09 go on sale this Thursday, December 4 through the end of the year. Snatch them up now. As Vince can surely attest, you're in for the experience (and subsequent hangover) of your life. There's a nifty payment plan for the tickets, but don't listen to me about it: Let Lewis violently explain in the video above. We're psyched... and only a little bit scared.

Bonnaroo Hangover

Yes, I went to Bonnaroo. Yes, I made it to work this morning. And yes, I have a Bonnaroo hangover. What does that consist of, you ask? Combine heat stroke, a regular hangover and sleep deprivation, add sore joints from sleeping in odd places, mysterious cuts and bruises and sensory overload. Then you're about there.

I can't complain. I went to Bonnaroo for free, had press access and procured an artist pass. Here is a little recap as I come down from the 'Roo:

Who I encountered:
-Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers, Beatle Bob , The Wood Brothers w/John Medeski, Battles, MGMT, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Amie Mann, Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power, who winked and smiled at me), Sigur Ros, De Novo Dahl, Alia Shawkat (Maeby from Arrested Development) and Samuel Beam from Iron and Wine.
Best of performances:
-Metallica, MMJ, Superdrag, Battles, The Felice Brothers, The Avett Brothers, Levon Helm, Adele, M.I.A., The Wood Brothers, Two Gallants, Comedian Louis C.K., Cat Power, Sharon Jones, Sigur Ros, Chromeo and others.
Not the worst, but not the best:
-DBT, The Raconteurs, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, didn't stay up for it but Kanye, and Rogue Wave.
Best extracurriculars:
-Swag in the artist area, Sunday morning mimosas, free food and drinks in the radio tent, backstage access, clean Port-o-potties, air conditioned press/artist tent, the photo pit, watching the silent disco, the fire exhibit, comedy tent and more.
Worst extracurriculars:
- The coffee in the press tent, mud, security personnel, $6 for everything, the sun, not getting back stage, the main stages, press bleachers, dodging golf carts and more...