Ice Cream Man

When I heard All Tomorrows Parties was returning to Long Beach, I literally fell to the floor and ran in circles like Homer Simpson. Ill never forget how happy I was. So naturally the only way to make ATP better was to add an ice cream truck that gave away a ton of free ice cream. I have been fortunate to be able to attend all of the ATP Pacific Festivals. I saw Big Star and Wilco back to back in 02, it was glorious. Then to ATP come to my home town of Long Beach the following year was the best thing to ever happen to the LBC (besides that kick ass roller coaster they use to have). I was blown away when the Shins took the sunset slot the first day. It was the first time I heard the first song off Chutes too Narrow. Then Modest Mouse rocked and Built to Spill was Perfect. Why it wasnt sold out was a mystery to me.
The party began before ATP started when I found out I had the privilege of driving Lou Reeds band and crew around as they arrived in town to play the fest. No, not in the ice cream truck. After convincing them it was my favorite festival, I was able to be the fly on the wall in the rehersal studio as they practices Satelite of Love and Venus in Furs. As my mini crew and I arrived on Saturday, Lou and the band were warming up and we were able to drive the truck to prime placement where we would be guaranteed to see all the action on the main stage.

What better way to begin a festival than with a rockin band youve never heard of. Wolf Parade kicked it off like true rock stars. And they didnt stop there. Rumor was the ended up getting escorted to the back deck of the Queen Mary at some ungodly hour that night due to having a little too much fun. Another highlight of the day were roaming around with a makeshift cooler handing out ice cream to all the security, staff, crew, and artist. Its fun to get ice cream but its just as great to give it away. The Walkemen, who I recently say open for Modest Mouse in Chico, continued the rock and roll spirit by supplying a need dose of energy to overly content crowd. Explosions in the Sky were surprisingly much more effective on the Big Stage here than at the small Koos cafe earlier in the year. I had only seen J Mascis play solo before so I have to say I wasnt quite prepared for the sonic revelry that was happening as he DESTROYED any remaining amount of sanity left in the crowd. We were a couple hundred yards from the stage and I couldnt believe how LOUD they were. Then I had to do a customary freak out when they broke into The Wagon. What else can do but jump up and down and scream.

Modest Mouse had a little too much on their plate and their set lacked because of it. That didnt stop them from rockin Interstate 8 though. The previous year was the first time I heard Float On and I remember being soooo happy that they were finally playing GOOD new material. I was very impressed they were willing to cut their set short to allow Lou Reed to get as much time in as he could before curfew called it a night.

Lou Reed rocks. Yeah, you might have to sit through some non-velvet hits youre not familiar with but give the man some credit. Half the bands on the bill might not exist if it wasnt for Lou. Really, who else sounded like the Velvets during their time. An extended version of Blue Mask kept the groove in full effect. Yeah, we didnt get to hear Perfect Day because of it but I think bands should utilize their freedom while performing and not be afraid to groove hard when its there.

Sunday started even better than Saturday. As we drove in from behind the stage, Flaming Lips was sound checking. They were rockin Sabbaths War Pigs so my friend Camille and I parked the truck promptly and jetted over center stage to dance appropriately. I was glad to see Isaac from Modest Mouse was playing with them. It helped fill out there sound. Its hard to produce the Flaming Lips sound with only three folks. Next they started to play a Sponge Bob song from the new movie. After the sound check Wayne walked over and I have him a Spong Bob popsicle. I told him I was giving away ice cream to all the people who make ATP happen and he said he wished more people thought like me. Thats gotta be one of the best compliments Ive ever had.

The rest of the day was loaded with more indie rock than you could shake a popsicle stick at. Constatines continued the tradition of starting off the day with an impressive Canuck inspired set. Steve Malkmus had some good licks but the whole catchiness never seemed to transpire live as I had hoped it would. The Shins scored another sunset slot and took full advantage of it. Built to Spill was perfect last year, The Shins were this year. I just really hope they start releasing some new music soon. Dave, the bassman, used to be an Ice Cream Man in Albuquerque, NM. Were forming a ex Ice Cream Man rock and roll collective. I just need to find the other 3 rock stars who used to sling the cream. Built to Spill played mostly new songs but the inspiration was lacking. Doug never seemed to be content with the noise that was coming from his guitar. They did rock Virginia Reel Around the Fountain which was the one song I wanted to hear most the entire weekend.

Everyone needs the Cramps in their lives. They may not no it but damn they still shred for how old they are. Not that they looked that old but theyve been putting out music for over 20 years. My baby does the hanky panky. What more can you say. Realizing I had a bunch of ice cream I didnt want to store for the winter, I went up to Wayne on stage and told him to tell everyone in the audience to come by the truck for FREE ice cream. I though he would mention it at the end of the set and was not prepared for the rush of hungry souls that bombarded the truck BEFORE they even started playing. I hope everyone liked the chili and tamarind popsicles. What did you expect for free?

Keeping the secret of War Pigs was a good call because even I didnt know Peaches was gonna join the Flaming Lips for the number. This was by far the best Lips set Ive seen. Isaac on guitar, lots of big balloons and dancing animals, had everyone dancing. One of the only kids I saw at ATP was dancing around the Ice Cream Truck most of the set. It helped keep the plastered smiles on all the Ice Cream Crews faces as it started to drizzle. And then the silence came and all the ice cream was gone and so were we. Thank you Goldenvoice for allowing me this unique opportunity to support my favorite music festival. Lets pray that theyll do it again.