Summerfest 2010 - The Rankings

As I've previously mentioned, my friends and I normally do some sort of post-Summerfest ranking of the bands that we saw. Mark decided to 'be like Mike' and blogged his rankings (there's a link to his blog from this blog). Chad emailed his minuscule rankings for the last weekend. Joe decided to update his rankings as each day passed, but I think he forgot his final rankings. So where are mine?, you ask. I actually have a hard time ranking all of the bands that I see, mainly because they are from different genres and I listen to and enjoy them differently (or not at all). For example, it's difficult for me to compare the Scorpions to the Silversun Pickups.

Well, in what is becoming traditional Mike-fashion, I am doing something just a little bit different this year. I am NOT going to rank all 34 bands that I saw. You've read my daily recap for each of the bands that I saw. I thought I would try something a little more fun this year and award my first-ever Summerfest Superlatives. You remember those, don't you?  From high school? Well, here they are:

BIGGEST DISASTER
12 Stones - In 2009 they spent a majority of their 6:30 performance yelling at the crowd, telling us how to cheer. In 2010, they didn't bother to show up. Probably a blessing in disguise.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
The Last Vegas - I had touted this band as my 'must see' of Summerfest 2010 based on their album, which I like. Turns out they are a band that is better on cd than in reality. Go back to the 80's.

BAND THAT PISSED ME OFF THE MOST
Beatallica - Seriously, this band angered me. I love the Beatles and I love Metallica. Mixing them together was a musical travesty.

UTTERLY FORGETTABLE
Terrible Things - Band name says it all
Shorelines End
The Blakes
Niki Barr Band - Except for the 7-foot tall bass player

BUCKETLIST BANDS (SAW AND NEVER NEED TO SEE AGAIN)
311 - Just not into, nor greatly familiar with their music. Glad I got to see them
Flyleaf - Another good show, but didn't do much for me

BANDS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD SEE
Lovehammers - I finally saw their complete show and was not disappointed. I would definitely see them again
Pepper - Opened for 311. Lot of energy and lots of fun
Here Come The Mummies - Even if only for the costumes, props, and hilarious lyrics

BANDS WITH MOST POTENTIAL

Paper Tongues - Great album. Great live performance

Cinder Road - Good sound. Good luck

American Motherload - Good heavy rock band

BIGGEST SURPRISE and BEST PERFORMANCE

Skillet - They are the biggest surprise because, well, Mark and I were not prepared. We did not have nor listened to any of their newer material (older stuff isn't that good). They also get the top award, beating out every band I saw at Summerfest to date. Never have I seen such a tremendous stage show on one of the free stages - smoke, flames, fireworks, lights, banner, elevators, energy, and a HOT FEMALE DRUMMER!! I'm a Skillet fan now!

Okay, maybe a quick Top 5...

TOP 5
5.  Hawthorne Heights
4.  Red
3.  The Offspring
2.  Papa Roach
1.  Skillet

BEST OF THE REST
Chevelle
Scorpions
Lovehammers

But wait, I did promise you pictures, right?  If you are my friend on Facebook, you have already seen these. For the benefit of those who are not, check them out.

PARTING SHOTS

There is a definite correlation between how much you enjoy a concert and how close you are to the stage. I will absolutely make a better effort to get closer seats for all future shows. Showing up last minute is not acceptable. Also, taking pictures at concerts can be difficult, especially in the evening and when the bands have back lighting or use a lot of red lights. I take a lot of pictures just to get a few good ones. I'll get better. I'm working on it.