Real to reel

Local observations from a movie, music buff

By Dan Ochwat

Hip hop sets the tone at Intonation Festival

The summer’s first serious music festival might have been a bit too serious if it weren’t for the hip hop acts that came through and brought some needed life to the party. Rhymefest, Lupe Fiasco, Devin the Dude, Ghostface and Lady Sovereign all stood out at the Intonation Music Festival on June 24 and 25, and confirmed an exciting time in hip hop right now.

Dead Prez and The Streets also put on nice sets, and for me, I left this year’s Intonation almost wishing the whole thing was full of underground hip hop artists all opening up for Bloc Party. The British dance rockers were pretty much to thank for the upturn in the otherwise lacking attendance and really had the only shoulder-to-shoulder performance. They, of course, didn’t disappoint, but we already know everything about Bloc Party.

The promise is in Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco. Rhymefest, who wrote “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West, ripped the mic. He is the real deal, a bit grimey, a bit sensitive, and a true lyricist. Lupe is more playful, even bringing some skaters to the stage during his performance of “Kick Push,” an ode to the skateboarder. The song is infectious. My favorite, though, is his cover of Crucial Conflict’s “Hay.”

Devin the Dude revived that Rap-a-lot Records vibe that has been missing for some time. Ghostface immediately had the crowd in a roar as they all threw up Wu signs. He tailed off once he corralled a bunch of women on stage, including the BBC America tent’s Benny Hill gals, but at least he was fun for a little while. Lady Sov rocked it with hilarious songs like “Blah, Blah,” and her hit “Random.” The midget, Brit-rapper is feisty as hell, and equally entertaining. As someone who grew up on ’90s hip hop, these performances, along with some fantastic new artists like Murs, really have me confident in hip hop right now. Could this be the end of Lil’ John? Let’s hope so.

Overall though, Intonation was kind of a disappointment. The crowds were much smaller and less enthused than last year’s fest, curated by www.pitchforkmedia.com (the company is now running its own music fest July 29 and 30), and the lineup that held so much promise turned out to be a bit forced.

I praised this fest earlier for its diversity, having acts like Jon Brion, Jose Gonzalez, The Sword and others represent all facets of underground music. In the end, it felt disjointed.

On both Saturday and Sunday, my beef came from what I call, “the early-evening lull.” Around 6 p.m. each day, the festival forced down our throats a couple of bands that no one under 40 really cared about. I know I sound like an ungrateful kid, but it brought the fest to a screeching halt. And I don’t think I’m alone here, especially among my age group, who really are the ones who are making the trek out to these festivals.

On Saturday, following a light and fun set from The Stills, who even threw out a little dig toward the pitchfork crew while tuning their new single, “In the Beginning,” the dancing stopped. Roky Erickson traveled from Austin, Texas, to play for the first time in Chicago. He’s a legend from the ’60s, no doubt, but c’mon, I was just dancing. I don’t need psychadelic blues/rock. Just get me to Ghostface. After Erickson was the loud Boredoms, taking on their name. Just get me to Lady Sov.

On Sunday, Blue Cheer played at 5:30 p.m., following an insane metal set from The Sword, which I could have done away with too. We had just been pumped up by Rhymefest, dance-pop songstress Annie, and Lupe Fiasco. After the weathered Blue Cheer finished, Jon Brion and Robert Pollard played. Both of these sets were actually really good. I enjoyed them. I’m a huge Brion fan, but I can still admit that he may be better at his club in Los Angeles rather than a music festival with Dead Prez and Bloc Party waiting in the wings.

Coming up July 29 and 30 is the Pitchfork Music Festival. This should be indie rock down the middle of the fairway. Lollapalooza then brings every band you’ve ever wanted to see Aug. 4-6. See you there, after I donate sperm to raise money for the admission.

 

Other upcoming shows:

I really like the peppy, mainstream sound of Panic! At The Disco. They play with The Dresden Dolls at the House of Blues 7/7. On 7/10, British rockers The Rakes play the Double Door.

On 7/20, Four Tet spins at Sonotheque. If he plays “Smile Around the Face,” you will be sore from dancing. Another one of my favorite songs, “How It Ends,” is from Eastern European-sounding DeVotchka, who play Subterranean 7/21. Make it three fine concerts in a row with a great, under-the-radar double-bill with Bound Stems and Human Television at Schubas 7/22.

With a new classic album released, Camera Obscura plays Logan Square Auditorium 7/28. Phenomenal Sub Pop band Rogue Wave is back in Chicago (they were here just a few weeks ago) 7/28 at Charter One Pavillion at Northerly Island. And speaking of incredible hip hop, The Pharcyde play House of Blues 7/31.

Keep sending me your music or anything else on your mind at danochwat@hotmail.com. I’ve also joined the MySpace army, so give The Real Chicago some love at http://www1.myspace.com/danochwat

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