The 2014 Hangout Music Festival kicks off today in Gulf Shores, Alabama. However, veterans of the festival know that the fun really starts on Thursday at the Hangout Pre-Party.The pre-party lineup featured performances from Bombay Bicycle Club, Bonobo, Dumpstaphunk, Danny Brown, Wolfmother, Iron and Wine, and Girl Talk. Take a look yesterday's highlights, and check back tomorrow see our favorite things from Day 1.
Band That Got The Party Started: BLEACHERS
Hangout Music Festival kicked off with the summer-pop sounds of the relatively new band, Bleachers. Helmed by the guitarist of fun., Jack Antonoff, Bleachers featured insanely catchy hooks in every single song of their set. The crowd was also treated to the first cover song of the weekend when a synth-tinged version of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" was well placed near the end of the set. Bleachers also brought the first sing-a-long of the weekend with their single "I Wanna Get Better." The crowd came to life and shouted back the lyrics at Antonoff and Co. during the anthem.
Band That Got Everyone Dancing: GIRL TALK
Girl Talk put on an hour-long mash up of '80s, hip-hop, pop and rock thrown into a huge party. Girl Talk's sets are always a blast, and Greg Gillis' opening night set at Hangout was no exception. Featuring dance versions of Rod Stewart, Pixies and Arcade Fire, Girl Talk's set was as fresh as it's ever been. With a new album due to be released this year, it's clear that the mash-up DJ is at the top of his game and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The Best Stage Production: GIRL TALK
Girl Talk had all of the ancillary production factors that add so much to the music. Featuring multiple balloon drops, disco balls and a huge team of fans dancing on stage, Girl Talk went unmatched during the Hangout pre-party. Another fun aspect production element was the cannon that shot toilet paper over the crowd during a majority of the set — definitely a great addition to the dance party.
Best Performance of a Cover Song: BLEACHERS
Bleachers took on Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More," adding a good blend of their fresh pop sound with the classic Petty sound.
Up-and-Coming Band to Watch: BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
We absolutely adore the band's new album So Long, See You Tomorrow that was released earlier this year, so we had been anticipating this set ever since they were announced as a late addition. The band transitioned their new tracks flawlessly. The percussion and bass lines from Bombay Bicycle Club have always been a point of interest that separates this band from others in their indie genre, and it really translated well in a live setting. Set highlights include "Luna", "Whenever, Wherever," "Lights Out, Words Gone" and the fan-favorite, "Shuffle".
The Best Outfit:
To the dude walking around a beach in a full orange Ghostbusters jumpsuit, we applaud you. Hope you're wearing that the whole weekend.
The "The Tall Guy" Blocking Our View:
To the guy wearing a massive sombrero and holding a green inflatable: It was funny for about five minutes, then got in the way of everyone behind you. However, we thought that your idea to throw the sombrero on top of the inflatable midway through the set was a nice touch.
Worst Offenders of Concert Taboos:
Dudes, stop bringing your iPads to shows. No one wants to watch your shaky 45-second video of you in the back of the crowd. You look ridiculous taking the videos, and you're annoying everyone around you. Just enjoy the show and disconnect. You don't need to get video of everything!
