Bonnaroo 2011: A Preview (Part II)

We may have mentioned once or twice that we’re headed to Bonnaroo next week (cue the panicked holy cow, next week? freakout over my lack of preparation). Disorganization notwithstanding, we’re pretty damn excited about it. Here’s our second in a series of features on the bands that we’re looking forward to seeing:

Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins is one of our five Ruckus Heroes (the other four are Abraham Lincoln, Frank Turner, Steve Martin, and Casey Lee). It probably goes without saying that we’ll be front and center for his set, along with everyone else who wants to fuck on the floor and break shit.

The Knux

I’m really looking forward to seeing The Knux, an LA based (New Orleans born) alt-rock / hip-hop duo who sound a bit like “The Stones mingled with The Clash, ZZ Top meet Joy Division, and The Smiths chopped up with PM Dawn.”

J. Roddy Walston & The Business

I was lucky enough to catch J. Roddy Walston & The Business live a couple of months back when I went to see our friends Casey Lee, John Berna and Meadow. It was one of those strokes of luck, you know? This time I’ll be seeking them out and if you’re smart, so will you.

Junip

A cosmopolitan three piece from Gothenburg, Sweden – featuring Tobias Winterkorn (keyboards), Elias Araya (drums) and José González (vocals & guitar), the latter of whom you’ll be familiar with from his solo work – Junip have existed since 1999, maybe even 1998. It’s so long, frankly, that none of them are quite sure. FIELDS, however, is the album that they’ve been itching to make ever since, and I’m itching to see them play it live.

Best Coast

Ah, Best Coast, purveyor of enjoyable low-fi alt surf rock. I really dig their fuzzy rock & roll, and front woman Bethany Cosentino is completely delightful. So excited.

The Black Keys

Needs no further comment. At all.