Heavy on electronica, jam bands, and groups with majorly intense cult followings, Outside Lands 2011's just-announced, three-day lineup looks like it will finally get people excited again after a few lukewarm years.
My bet is that with all the rabid Phish (who are playing two sets!) phriends, Deadmau5 nuts, and STS9, Big Audio Dynamite (ex-Clash member Mick Jones' band from the 80s and 90s) and Warren Haynes Band superfans, tickets will disappear as soon as they go on sale this Thursday. These seasoned festival circuit bands bring with them an astoundingly loyal fanbase that will be either in ecstasy or on ecstacy during these crowded, sweaty sets. And that's not even taking into consideration the heavy indie rock hitters like the Arcade Fire, Muse, the Black Keys, Girl Talk, Best Coast and MGMT, who are sure to bring an entirely different set of fans (with far worse dance moves) to Golden Gate Park. Clash of the titans, indeed.
Rounding out the edges are Erykah Badu, Big Boi, the legendary R&B songstress Mavis Staples (if you haven't heard her latest You Are Not Alone, co-produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, get on it), The Original Meters and The Roots, who will add some much needed flavor to this batch of usual suspects.
Last year, there was a glaring lack of local talent in the OL lineup, during a time when Bay Area music was riding on a particularly strong wave of awesome weirdness. This year, we'll see how Ty Segall, Tamaryn, Vetiver, the Stone Foxes, Lyrics Born and the Fresh & Onlys fill out the festival stages. We have a feeling they'll bring the ruckus and rep hard for the home team.
