The all-time list of Sasquatch! performers is an impressive
read. The decade-long roster includes enduring legends, such as the Beastie
Boys, Beck, the Foo Fighters, Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails and Public Enemy.
Current indie darlings like Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Death Cab for Cutie,
The Flaming Lips and Kings of Leon have taken the stage, as well.
In addition to well-known acts, the festival has hosted dozens of indie label artists and groups since the inaugural show in 2002. Many gain some much-needed momentum following their Sasquatch! set. As bad luck would have it, other (often, more-deserving) performers never achieve the same level of fame as their less talented contemporaries. In the wake of the 2012 festival's lineup announcement, let's look back at some musicians that deserve a second look from the public--and others that should just be left alone altogether.
UNDERRATED: Wheedle’s Groove
Seattle is a funk-lovin’ city, so it’s strange that this homegrown ensemble of 60’s and 70’s soul pioneers doesn’t have a huge underground following. While we await a follow-up, pick up a copy of the group’s 2009 debut, Kearney Barton. If it doesn’t get you moving, nothing will. Played Sasquatch!: May 29, 2011
UNDESERVING: YACHT
If you’ve ever wondered how ineffectual vocals sound when accompanied by a Casio, YACHT can be found on iTunes. Definitely preview before you buy. Or just preview. Played Sasquatch!: May 30, 2010.
UNDERRATED: Fences
There’s no rule that says mellow alternative/folk-pop needs
to be whiny. Seattle-based Fences has proven this rule on their first two
albums. It helps that they can rock out when the occasion calls for it, but
thoughtful ballads are where they really shine. Played Sasquatch: May 24, 2009.
UNDESERVING: Gogol Bordello
For the sake of Eastern Europe’s musical reputation, let’s hope Gogol Bordello’s “sound” isn’t as authentic as the band claims it is. I have a hunch it’s not, though, and that these self-described "Gypsy punks" just like to play dress-up. The costumes are pretty cool. Next time they come to town, bring a pair of earplugs to the show and you’ll have a blast. Played Sasquatch!: May 25, 2009.
For the sake of Eastern Europe’s musical reputation, let’s hope Gogol Bordello’s “sound” isn’t as authentic as the band claims it is. I have a hunch it’s not, though, and that these self-described "Gypsy punks" just like to play dress-up. The costumes are pretty cool. Next time they come to town, bring a pair of earplugs to the show and you’ll have a blast. Played Sasquatch!: May 25, 2009.
UNDESERVING: The Polyphonic Spree
If you didn’t have these guys in your MP3 folder back in ’05, you didn’t listen to “important” music. Hard to imagine hipsters of my generation enjoyed listening to a choir of 24 robe-clad men and women sing about world peace. Then again, we were wrong about Ralph Nader, too. Played Sasquatch!: May 27, 2007
If you didn’t have these guys in your MP3 folder back in ’05, you didn’t listen to “important” music. Hard to imagine hipsters of my generation enjoyed listening to a choir of 24 robe-clad men and women sing about world peace. Then again, we were wrong about Ralph Nader, too. Played Sasquatch!: May 27, 2007
UNDERRATED: Electrelane
Led by vocal chanteuse Verity Powers, this all-female group from Brighton, U.K., combines the girl power grunge of Sonic Youth with the metronomic catchiness of Stereolab. Every day, millions of college kids fall in love with girls like these. Played Sasquatch!: May 26, 2007.
UNDESERVING: Jason Mraz
Any Millenial can tell you that, in the early 2000s, Mr. A-Z had a notable underground following. Fans of other acoustic outfits, such as Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson, embraced the goofy singer/songwriter as one of their own. Then, he put on a trucker hat and no one cool has seen him since. Top 40 sure has, though. Played Sasquatch!: May 24, 2003.
UNDERRATED: Maktub
In another life, Al Green sang in a funk/blues band—and Seattle’s own Maktub effectively channels this spirit. Together since ’96 and still going strong, these guys played the first Sasquatch!, sharing the bill with Ben Harper, Blackalicious and String Cheese Incident. Maktub’s frontman, Reggie White, is also a noted solo performer and beat-box artist. Played Sasquatch!: May 25, 2002.
In another life, Al Green sang in a funk/blues band—and Seattle’s own Maktub effectively channels this spirit. Together since ’96 and still going strong, these guys played the first Sasquatch!, sharing the bill with Ben Harper, Blackalicious and String Cheese Incident. Maktub’s frontman, Reggie White, is also a noted solo performer and beat-box artist. Played Sasquatch!: May 25, 2002.
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