Just when I thought I couldn't be more excited for the Matador At 21 show

[Kim Kelly]

I caught a glimpse of Bishop Pablo Fontana.

[not that clay]

I caught a glimpse of Bishop Pablo Fontana.

When are Jon and Tom going to appear? I thought they'd introduce Ted Leo for sure.

[Kim Kelly]

I caught a glimpse of Bishop Pablo Fontana.

When are Jon and Tom going to appear? I thought they'd introduce Ted Leo for sure.

I don't think they're showing their bits. Not intentionally, anyway.  NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT, MATADOR. You could even say, I'm MADador.

[Kim Kelly]

Oh, hey! Scharpling just took the stage with a representative from Shovelmedia.com

[Martin]

Tom and Jon introducing some stuff:

Liz Phair - "Supernova" / "The Divorce Song"
(with Ted Leo)

Yo La Tengo - "Our Way to Fall"
(Jon as Gene Simmons)

Guided By Voices - "A Salty Salute" / "Tractor Rape Chain"
(Jon as PBR)

[lpme]

What a great time.  I am so bummed to be home.  I know a lot of people were upset before hand with having to stay at The Palms, but it made the experience so much more fun.  I saw both Mark Ibold and Tobin Sprout at the food court coffee shop the morning after they played.  I saw Tom at the pool on Saturday and got to see his big sunglasses in person.  I stood behind Rob Corddry in line to get into the pool.  Getting to talk to all the people at the pool, or in the elevators and just having the place infested with indie kids was awesome.  My only mistake was getting into the karaoke after party and stepping out for a minute and not being able to get back in.  Did anyone have any real complaints about the weekend?

[Stupornaut]

Oh, hey! Scharpling just took the stage with a representative from Shovelmedia.com

Clearly revenge for this total hatchet job.

[LesSavyFan]

Well I'm finally back and I had a blast.

I very briefly introduced myself to Tom in the food court and most likely stammered like an idiot. He couldn't talk much because his voice was hurting from Fridays late night show but he was extremely cordial. I'm not usually into stopping anyone but when I saw him I couldn't help myself. I was kicking myself for not having worn my Best Show t-shirt that morning though. I had it in my hands and everything!

As for the shows there was just so many good ones. Yo La Tengo were a personal favorite mainly because the setlist was so inspired and perfect. They played all the songs I wanted them to play and all the great songs I never would have expected them to play.

One fun moment was wandering into and being embarrassingly under-dressed in the schwanky N9ne restaurant until mercifully Scott Kannberg walked in looking just as grubby as we did. Hopefully the other patrons assumed we must have also been in a band.

All in all I thought the whole festival had a great atmosphere despite the greasy place it was held in. Being able to stand next to a member of your favorite band while you watch The Clean in a Las Vegas ballroom is a pretty unique experience and one I'm not going to forget anytime soon.