Originally posted to wluw.org on 7/23/19
Jay Som:
When Jay Som graced the stage, the sun was beating down on festival goers as they swarmed the Blue Stage to catch some of the California band’s signature DIY indie rock. Frontwoman and singer songwriter Melina Mae Duterte kicked off the set mostly with tracks from her 2017 Polyvinyl release, Everybody Works. Melina’s soft bedroom pop centers around melodic guitars and breezy vocals. The pace of each song grew with intensity, making for a dance-worthy daytime show by the end of the performance. Melina also teased the audience with two new songs, announcing a forthcoming album later this summer, which contributed even more to the exciting energy in the audience. About midway through the set, however, gloomy clouds rolled through Union Park, foreshadowing a brutal thunderstorm that would later cancel performances from Kurt Vile and Amber Mark. As sun glasses came off and the temperature finally backed off, Jay Som concluded her performance with the synth powerhouse Baybee. WLUW was stoked to catch Jay Som play new and old hits before the storm evacuation.
Belle and Sebastian:
Walking around Pitchfork on Day 2, I overheard several people mention that they were most excited for Stereolab and Belle and Sebastian. I even caught long-time fans sporting old merch from the 1996 album If You’re Feeling Sinister, which sent the Glasgow college group from local heroes to international sensations. Lead singer Stuart Murdoch and the 12-piece band cut straight to the chase with their setlist comprised of the entirety of the 1996 sonic debut. Merdoch narrated the ten tracks with intimacy and devotion to the crowd of folk-rock fans, joking that “the rock and roll gods have smiled upon us” after the rain subsided. There was something enchanting about being apart of thousands of people singing and nodding along to “Seeing Other People” and “Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying.” Isobel Campbell equally shared the spotlight onstage with her pensive cello alongside glimmering ‘60s-inspired guitars. The finale song, “Judy and the Dream of Horses,” sparked electricity with its eclectic lyricism and grand trumpet solo.
While Belle and Sebastian certainly made their name in the 90s, they are hardly a “90s band.” Primarily, the band sounds all-too-similar to current trends in folk rock today to throw them into a genre of either retired or forgotten punk bands. Instead, Belle and Sebastian continued on through the 2000s with several LPs worthy of their cult-like following. In fact, the band is planning for a new album this year called Days of a Bagnold Summer. Their Pitchfork performance was a great way for them to reconnect with their Chicago fanbase.
The Isley Brothers:
So… WLUW might be a little biased with this one, seeing as three members of the executive staff found themselves dancing onstage with the Isley Brothers for the headlining performance. Nevertheless, we are giving our honest opinion when we say that the Isley Brothers totally rocked Union Park on Saturday night. The performance began with purple lights and a nod to Prince’s eulogy (“Dearly beloved… we are gathered here today to get through this thing we call ‘life’”) from the track “Let’s Go Crazy.” No doubt, the Isley Brothers deeply influenced Prince as much as Prince influenced the Brothers.
Surviving members Ron and Ernie then appeared on stage sporting their groovy all-white suits. Immediately, the Ohio brothers dove into their discography of hits that dates back to the early ‘60s. Ron shared stories with the audience about meeting Bob Dylan, talking with The Beatles, and collaborating with Jimi Hendrix. It was truly astonishing to learn more about the band’s deep and rich history in the industry and pop culture at large. Whether or not you frequently listen to the Isley Brothers on your own, their songs are literally embedded in American society. Whether it’s “Between the Sheets,” sampled by Biggie, or party-favorite doo-wop song “Shout!,” the Isley Brothers have left their mark on music in an incredible way.
Joined by a crew of professional back-up dancers and a few audience members themselves, Ron and Ernie put on a show meant for dancing. From disco to gospel to R&B, the Isley Brothers showed variety throughout the night, reminding us all of their expansive influence.
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