Picking Up Crumbs: Basilica Block Party

Yes we went. Yes we partied. Yes there was brilliant reunions, the “Best Band in America” and lots and lots of white people from Cities97′s target demographic milling around.

Despite the long haul between stages and the maze of State Fair schtick between the two, it was worth it. Strike that, the local bands were worth it, the rest of it was Cream of Wheat. Yeah, it was titteringly good to hear the first word out of Matt Nathanson‘s mouth- “Fuck”- but nothing of substance there. Walking around by myself during Tapes ‘n Tapes‘ new track “Hi-Di-Ho” was both a re-affirmation of how good T’nT are and why they were really an odd choice for the Basilica. As the air bent from Jeremy Hansen’s low banging and the keys fuzzed up the sky none of the kakhi-shorted backwards-hatted Miller Lite fans knew what was going on, and only really payed attention when Josh Grier paid the weather a compliment. But what are you going to do? Not too much. Sing the harmonies, shout the chorus, lift your hands, get wounded for the cause and receive your blessings from the bands.

Staciaann and cas were there for Decider, you can check out that writeup (so that I don’t have to fawn and fall all over the Jayhawks and Hold Steady again) here. Also, because we remembered Saturday, here are some videos for you look at!

Tapes ‘n Tapes- Cowbell from CakeIn15 on Vimeo.

The Hold Steady- Don’t Let Me Explode/Stevie Nix from CakeIn15 on Vimeo.

I should take this opportunity though, to bow down before the throne of Kubler. Tad- you are a phenomenal guitar player. You play like angels laughing late in the night telling stories and taking whiskey shots. You get better each time I see you, because each time I am paying more and more attention to how good you are. Thank you for that. That is all. Now take a look at some weird footage of Counting Crows from way for out in a crowd who really couldn’t seem to care less. There were Mardi Gras beads, girls on shoulders, stumbling- the only thing that was missing was a beach ball and flashing. Oh well. So much for respectful nostalgia.

Counting Crows- Encore Medley from CakeIn15 on Vimeo.