Trapt didn't particularly appeal to me.
Maybe you really like rock cliches. i don't. Next!

The BSMF is great for weird people in funny t-shirts. I can't really talk about the best ones i've seen without jeapardizing my newfound relationship with the CA. But i think i found one that's clean.
"you looked better on myspace."
Seen that one several times today.

I stopped in to see Hubert Sumlin, but it looked like G.E. was stealing the show a bit. So, i took his picture.

Then, i walked down to Gov't Mule and ended up staying a while because i saw some good friends.

I think we can chalk that up as another set i enjoyed slightly more than i thought i would. It's nostalgic just to listen to Warren Haynes' tone for a minute. But i would say i'm not nearly as sentimental as the majority of the audience. I saw several grown men who looked like they were going to cry during "Soulshine."

We retired to the Flyer tent for Amstyl Light and BBQ sandwiches.
(btw, you people that drink a lot of free beer, and don't tip your "bartenders" deserve to be shot)

On the way there i reached an impasse.

This placed smelled really bad.

I bet these girls smelled really bad, too.

Then my choice was thus: Shinedown, Yellowcard, or Chicago.
I know. i went to see Shinedown because i freaking hate Chicago and i didn't want to see that other stuff either. And i'm tired of walking around. And i thought there would be "more interesting" people there. I was right. But my little powershot doesn't work so well at night so you're just going to have to trust me on this one.

They played what i understand to be a pretty standard set. Old stuff and new stuff and Simple Man. Apparently they play in Memphis pretty often. (i would look it up and tell you, but i don't really care and i'm just too tired)

They obviously have a very strong audience here.

I can't dig it though. Really overdone and overblown vocals and some lowest common denominator rock licks. If you don't agree with my opinion, that's too bad. It's what i'm here to give. I'm sure you'll get over it someday.

It did sound true to their stuff on the radio, but chances are if you don't like that, then you won't like them live. I also don't appreciate stupid audience participation exercises and annoying questions like "Who here has seen us before?!" and "Who bought our record?!"
Who the hell cares? Play a song.

And i can't like Stained either. (Sorry guys)
Not for a lack of musicianship or production or anything.
It's just not compelling to me. I just don't get it.
And James Brown was about to start.

"The eighth wonder of the world,"
"Mr. Magnificent,"
"Mr. Showtime,"
"Mr. Please, Please..."

I'm sorry i called it the Last Legs Fest earlier. If James is on his last legs, he had me fooled.
J.B is not a young man, and he's been crazy for a long time. I've seen a decent amount of footage to prove it. (thanks Drew)
But the godfather of soul looked fabulous.
His band was pimp tight (this was established way before he took the stage)
And when he was there, he was right there holding the reigns.

I remembered that i was supposed to be having a good time, and felt myself stuck with a really dumb smile on my face.

And now i'm tired.
I'm going to crawl into the Hightone for the Pre-Ponderosa Stomp party.
You should already be there by now.