Congrats to this week’s Sunday Funday playlist winner, Mark Bender of Pittsburgh.
Tune in to Radio Bonnaroo this Sunday at 6pm EST to hear Mark’s playlist featuring “Bonnaroo Bands That Changed My Life“. Mark shared some pretty great reasons for his choices, which we’ve shared below.
Next week’s playlist theme is “Favorite Roo Icons“. Compile your playlist of the best music icons who have played Bonnaroo (any year), and submit to radio@bonnaroo.com by EOD April 10th, for you chance to be heard on Radio Bonnaroo!
Mark’s Playlist
1. Jimmy Buffett – “Son of a Son of a Sailor”
There is something special about surprise sets at music festivals. Make a surprise one of the most iconic names in the music industry, a man who sells out amphitheatres in minutes, and have him open up the Which Stage, and you are bound to have a set that will change any landshark’s life.
2. Buffalo Springfield – “For What it’s Worth”
Continuing with the pop-folk vibes, Buffalo Springfield was a life-changing experience (for those who could hear it!). I worked my way up during Mumford and Sons, and ended up with a spot right on the railing to see this wonderful reunion. The fact that these guys LOVED Bonnaroo made it all the better. It’s worth noting that they have yet to book their promised reunion tour; could Bonnaroo have been their last show ever?
3. Gogol Bordello – “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher)”
While Gogol has rocked my socks off numerous times at Bonnaroo (in the 2008 Bonnaroo DVD, the camera even zooms in on me in the crowd!), and Eugene fronted a memorable SuperJam, Gogol Bordello’s late night 2011 set was truly life changing. When I first saw the “2:00-???” listing in the schedule, I knew it would be a show for the ages. They kept the tent moshing and dancing for two straight hours!
4. Hanggai – “Wuji”
Continuing with the gypsy-punk, it’s hard to forget Hanggai opening up Eugene’s stage in 2011. Probably one of their first shows in the US, it’s obvious that most people were unfamiliar with their music. However, they brought so much energy to the crowd, that the tent started filling up at an exponential rate, and everyone was dancing and cheering without any knowledge of what was being sung or mentioned in between the song breaks.
5. My Morning Jacket – “One Big Holiday”
Need I really explain myself with this choice? They are the house band at Bonnaroo for a reason. My lifechanging experience with them came in 2008, during my first late night set ever, when they brought the Which Stage down for 4 hours in the pouring rain.
6. Sigur Ros - “Hoppipola”
Man, 2008 sure had some great late night sets. Sigur Ros playing under the stars and moonlight is one that will never be forgotten. At some point, I think I drifted off into a very deep sleep, using Sigur Ros as my lullaby.
7. Dawes – “When My Time Comes”
This is an interesting selection seeing that I did not go to Bonnaroo in 2010 (work kept me from going!). However, having fallen in love with Bonnaroo, I still sifted through the lineup for gems. I found Dawes, and quickly fell in love. Because I could not make it to Bonnaroo in 2010, I was ecstatic when I found out Dawes was playing the same weekend in Pittsburgh (where I live). They only had great things to say about the festival, and were actually sold out of cds from the high demand while on the farm. I have recently gotten my entire 2012 Bonnaroo group into Dawes, and I am SURE they will be our favorite show of the summer.
8. “Back in Your Head” (Tiesto Remix) – Tegan and Sara
Another 2008 late night. You would think this was the only year I went to Bonnaroo. I spent the Friday night running between Tiesto and MMJ. It paid off when Tiesto did something most DJs wouldn’t think of doing; he brought the singers out to sing over the remix. He did this with Jose Gonzalez, Tegan & Sara, and Cary Brothers. Surely an unforgettable show, and one of my first doses of late night EDM music.
9. “Call Your Girlfriend” – Robyn
In 2011, I went with one of my good friends who had recently returned from a trip to Australia. I had the biggest crush on her, but didn’t want to ruin our friendship. For the majority of the weekend, we went our own separate ways (with our other mutual friends). However, on Sunday, we finally worked our way into the same tent. Having introduced her to the wonders of Robyn, she worked her way up to the front row (where I had acquired a nice spot). We were able to dance to the sweet synth sounds of Robyn. We would start dating 2 weeks later.
9. Rilo Kiley – “With Arms Outstretched”
Another set I managed to work my way to the front row to see. Rilo Kiley brought out their acoustic jam “With Arms Outstretched” and everyone sang along. I would later have friends at home tell me they saw me belting my heart out on the Fuse broadcast.
10. Bon Iver – “The Wolves”
Did I mention I like to see shows up front? Bon Iver was no exception. This concert is why Bon Iver can now be listed 5th on the Bonnaroo lineup. He stole the show. He had the fans clamoring for more. On “The Wolves,” he had the fans hauntingly sing the backup vocals as the band surged around the echoes in the tent.
11. Of Montreal – “The Past is a Grotesque Animal”
It’s fitting that I end with this song. I was front row for of Montreal. Being front row would make it memorable enough. However, they played “The Past is a Grotesque Animal” for their last hurrah. Midway through the song, they decided it would be best to trash every single instrument on stage; drums, keyboards, guitars. I have never seen so much energy and destruction ever at a rock show. I left the set with a souvenir; a tiny wound from some of the guitar shrapnel that made it into the audience. Truly the best show I have ever seen.