2013 Governors Ball Review | NYC | 6.14.13
MONSTER’S BALL
No festival is the same. Even when you’ve been attending the ones for years on end, each one is made up of a specific musical DNA. Some special, some absolute garbage, but they’re all experiences to learn from. As Monsoon Andrea made her way to NYC, she made sure to get our attention. Challenging music lovers of all kinds, Andrea tested our intestinal fortitude and begged the question: stick or bail? This review is for the people who stick.
DAY ONE
For the sake of this article, let’s call the people who stayed and toughed out day one “Storm Troopers.” Not knowing that June 7-9th is Tropical Storm season in New York City, we took off on our 3rd annual voyage deep into the abyss that was the Governor’s Ball Music Festival. Arriving just in time to catch us some Holy Ghost, which one, rocked; and two, along with being the first band we saw, gave us the first sense that Andrea was going to be relentless in her pursuit of raining on us. Holy Ghost was a total dance party and mos def a band to be experienced (shake it people), but in our mission to get dry, we moved on. Next up: The Local Natives. Having just seen them at Coachella, let’s just say these cats are hitting their stride. Fuck a rain storm, we’re at a festival! It’s the attitude we all had and as they rolled through “Airplanes,” “Colombia” and “You and I,” they reminded us that we were here for the music. And after a stellar set with them, we were inspiredly determined to face the elements the rest of the weekend. There’s no going back from the point of no return. “Party on Wayne.”
After the Native Local, we sought shelter. Wet waters run deep. In our siesta the hurricane force winds and precipitation forced us to take this seemingly weak action. And as we (myself andDitto) got to talking, Ditto decided this year’s Gov’s Ball was the “Tough Mudder of [FILL IN FAVORITE MUSIC GENRE HERE.]” For him, Holy Ghost was the Tough Mudder of house music. And after missing some key bands, Erykah Badu graced us with her presence. And let me tell you, she’s still got it. That being said though, even for us Storm Troopers, it was time to call it a night, as we had a feeling day two would present it’s own set of challenges. Due to the weather Pretty Lights and Kings of Leon had to canceled their sets. Kings of Leon played on day two.
DAY TWO
The first thing we did when we got up for day two was purchase rain boots. This choice proved wise, as we prepared for the muddy jungle gym the festival grounds had become. As shades of Woodstock filled the air we set foot on day two with the Dirty Projectors. They were chill, we heard Paper Diamond killed it, but the band that really got our juices going that day was Alt-J. As the sun began to creep it’s beautiful lil face, Alt-J got the day going for us with their smooth indie rock steelo, harmonies and piano play. It finally felt like we were in festival mode. Hearing a dope Dr. Dre cover of “Still Dre,” and their songs “Matilda” and “Buffalo” only solidified that notion. Well played gents, well played.
After that we breathed in the trifecta of Cut Copy, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros and Azealia Banks before arriving at up and coming, high rising superstar,”My name is Kendrick Lamar.” Brother Kendrick wasted no time substantiating this thought, as he banged out “Bitch don’t Kill my Vibe” and “Money Trees,” before absolutely destroying Governors Ball with “Backseat Freestyle,” followed by real freestyle to end the set. Kendrick Lamar is on a serious mission.
Our mission didn’t stop though, as we hit up Animal Collective. Now they’re not really my jam, but Ditto was dancing his happy Puerto Rican ass off. At times they sound like Pink Floyd, at others like a musical house music machine. I’m not sure what the were going for, but in looking at the crowd, they sure know who to make people move. Perfect set up for our next artist on the dynamic: NAS. Now if Mr. Lamar destroyed his set, the rap legend obliterated his. There’s no doubt that in the hallowed halls of hip-hop history, Nas is going down as one of the best rappers of all time. Production wise, he may not have a Kanye in his corner, but by sheer lyrical fury – his catalog crushes most. Crushes. Dropping classics like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Life’s a Bitch,” and “The World is Yours,”
off his classic Illmatic – he only endorses our claim. After that, we were left asking, Guns and who?
DAY THREE
Sunday Funday. Some people speak of Sunday Funday, festival goers live it. And with a lineup that included the best conflicts (Portugal. The Man vs. Cold War Kids, Foals vs. Gary Clark Jr., Beirut vs. Yeasayer, Grizzly Bear vs. The Lumineers), the tightest bands and a closer in the highly controversial Kanye West – last Sunday was one of the most epic in our festival history. First up in this battle royal, the Cold War Kids. Older, wiser, and seasoned vets, these guys played favorites, “Hang Me Up to Dry” and “Rubidoux” to fans new and old. And with that, we were off!!!
We were jonesing for good ole rock and roll, so we picked Gary Clark Jr. over Foals. Foals def kicks ass, but Gary is the pure unadulterated soul that you need to get you by in this life. At that point of the day, we were just happy to shut up and listen, as Gary played his Gibson Electric Spanish guitar to perfection. On to Yeasayer as a serious dance party ensued. “Ambling Alp” went off and at we can tell you at this moment, Gov’s Ball lost it’s mind. It was complete pandemonium there after.
We choose Grizzly Bear over Beruit. It was closer to our position and they were on the big stage. Rocking a lot of tracks from their new album, they were an exquisite set up for the man who would no undoubtedly turned New York City on it’s head and stole the show.
Kanye West.
If you follow us, you know, we love America’s favorite asshole Kanye West. And as his album prepares to drop (it actually got leaked today), we can tell you this man has never been more on top his game. Showcasing five new tracks, Mr. West was came out guns a blazing. Focused, energized and pumped, Kanye primed the crowd with an essential mix of his most powerful tracks, “All of the Lights,” “Flashing Lights,” “Heartless,” “Clique” “Stronger,” and more; while also showcasing new songs and musical range with “Black Skinhead,” “New Slaves” and “Send it up,” for what we’re saying is his best performance to date. He’s evolved into an artist unlike we’ve seen, and love him or hate him – you can’t deny his place in music. Dissing the radio probably didn’t help his image, but at this point in his career it doesn’t matter. His new tracks were welcomed with a grand embrace and he had every soul in the house jumping around, dancing and begging for more. To say people were satisfied is an understatement. And if his Governors Ball performance is a sign of things to come, prepare to get your mind blown.
Writer + Photographer | Rene Ramirez
Film | Caitlin Harsch
Grizzly Bear
Gary Clark Jr.
Twin Shadow
Animal Collective
Azealia Banks
Grizzly Bear
Twin Shadow
Kanye West
