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Pitchfork Festival (day one)

Pitchfork Festival (day one)

The best festival in Chicago is the Pitchfork Music Festival, putting it in the running for best festival nationwide. It’s not about the size of the crowd or the popularity of the bands, it’s about a new hope and sincerity amidst a presently dying industry and cynical society. More thoughts to come as the weekend goes on, but I figured I should share a few of my pics from tonight’s event.

I was only 4 years old when Public Enemy released “It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,” but after seeing Chuck D and Flavor Flav perform the album in its entirety tonight, I am certain that it is one of the most important albums of the past 50 years. One that stapled hip-hop into American culture, taking the political intentions of rap to a mainstream level. But, as a perfect anthem for the kickoff to an independent music festival, every one should remember their words: “don’t believe the hype!”

Chuck D and Flavor Flav, getting ready to take the stage. This was a great time. A really fun show. Even though rap has changed a lot in 20 years, Public Enemy can still bring the noise. It was worth coming out for the night.

20 years ago, Public Enemy set the stage for countless artists to come, and tomorrow/sunday, i’ll find out if there are any bands making music today that might be setting another stage, for another era of artists…

Dylan Peterson is a recently married bicyclist from Chicago. He provides internal help to Sound Opinions (check your local NPR station for times, or subscribe to the podcast). And he made an official muxtape for the Relvant Music Blog.

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