Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Moogfest 2010 reviews are rolling in from big media arts and music writers. Here’s a round-up:
-From the New York Times:
The comeback of analog synthesis has been accelerated by software that simulates the interactions of the old oscillators, filters and amplifiers. Instead of pampering some aging (and increasingly expensive) equipment, computer users can, if they wish, turn an infinite number of virtual knobs and plug in an infinite number of virtual patch cords — and then, if they wish, output the digitally generated voltage through analog components. Moog Music recently released an iPhone app, Filtatron, that looks like classic Moog modules and creates similar sounds. “This is actually the best time in human history to be into analog synthesis,” said Mr. Gaynes, the applications engineer.
At Moogfest what once seemed primitive was claiming its own future.
-From Spin magainze:
If you were in Asheville, you might have confused the scene with Star Trek convention at times. But the clubs and auditoriums around this mountain town were rocking and thumping with synthesizers, guitars, and drum machines. Here are ten of the fest’s best moments. …
It took no time at all for Big Boi to prove unequivocally that he doesn’t need his flamboyant OutKast sidekick Andre 3000 to get a crowd going. Pressed against the barrier at the front of the stage in the Asheville Civic Center, the costumed geeks and geekettes mouthed the words to everything from OutKast oldies like “Rosa Parks” and “Ms. Jackson” to such recent solo songs as “Shutterbug,” from his new album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. He gave a shout-out to the reefer man and told the audience it had “good energy.” But the highlight came when Big Boi brought a gaggle of ladies from the crowd onstage to dance (and stagger) along as he delivered a smooth and funky “The Way You Move.”
-From the Wall Street Journal:
In addition to Clare and the Reasons’ sophisticated chamber-pop perfection on Friday, there were multiple moments of brilliance. With his intensity and thrilling falsetto, Jónsi held in his sway an exuberant Saturday-night crowd that listened in silence to his soaring ballads as the Icelandic singer, best known for his work with Sigur Rós, waited nearly 40 minutes into his set before unleashing an uptempo song. Later on Saturday, Massive Attack pounded out their relentless, threatening mix of electronic music and purposeful modern rock. .. School of Seven Bells came out strong, adding a raw edge with the music from their very fine album “Disconnect from Desire” (Ghostly). As fans careened among venues, snippets of conversations echoed in their wake, praising Mountain Man, RJD2 or Omar Souleyman.
Moogfest may have strayed from its original focus, but it joined the other major festivals in offering too much of a very good thing.
-From Consequence of Sound:
There’s an idea to Asheville. You could say it’s a small town with the heart of a city, but you’d be wrong. It’s not a city and it’s not a town. The most obvious word to use would be “community.” At least judging from its downtown area, there appears to be a sense of pride towards ownership. Dozens of independent shops and restaurants litter the area – everything from creative vegan eateries (Rosetta’s Kitchen) to southern-fried goodness (Tingles Cafe) to snazzy bars (Sazerac) – and yet they all work. People flock to them. Items and goods are sold. Smiles filter everywhere. The stores appear happy rather than desperate. It’s great, it’s inspiring, and it’s 100% American.
That’s why Asheville and MoogFest make such a great couple. Despite being the hometown of Moog Music, the overall mission of Robert Moog’s fascinating experiments and technology fully embodies the spirit of community and positivity that pervades the area.
