Hidden Track Staff

At some point mid-afternoon on Friday, I received an instant message saying simply: “Power out at Echo.” I checked the webcast on iClips; it was down as well. So much for eco-friendly festivals — it appeared at that moment as if the inaugural Echo Project would be a total goatfuck of a disaster.

Then something strange happened. Intrepid reports from the festival grounds started rolling in to our headquarters, and the paying customers could not have been more ebullient, a cult-like enthusiasm emanating from Fairburn, Georgia.

The noise beaming from the Echo Project may have angered local residents, but the attendees have returned to their homes and showers with nothing but positive reviews. The clever lineup blending jambands, indie rock, electronica, reggae and hip hop, the grounds, the lacked of a packed-in crowd, the open-air narcotics trafficking…you name it, someone’s gushing about it. The music, well, apparently some melted faces remain in Georgia.

Our man on the scene is back as well, and we’re proud to host Dave Vann‘s incredible photo gallery from the festival. Dave not only photographed the live action on stage, but he set up a portrait booth backstage to capture the artists in various states of coolness. Photos from Saturday and Sunday will follow over the next day or two, but read on after the jump for a gallery of Friday’s events, complete with shots of The Duo, the Flaming Lips, the Disco Biscuits’ late-night set, The Polyphonic Spree, Stephen Marley, GZA and Slick Rick and many more…

Optimism reigned among the Particle People when the band convinced Scott Metzger and Ben Combe to come aboard in March 2006. But continued mediocrity trumped this renewed optimism, and Metzger

Andy Samberg’s Digital Shorts are about the only consistently funny parts of the otherwise lifeless Saturday Night Live program these days. And this past week’s I Ran So Far Away

It’s time for another end-of-the-workweek communique from Neddy: Are you feeling saxy? Here are some mighty fine blowers for your Friday listening pleasure. As always, you are free to ignore

My Sunday @ ACL partner in crime has returned to the comforts of the north, rested and ready, and he’s posted his own coverage of the Texas festival. But Neddy’s

Uncle Neddy is down in Austin with Ace right now for the festivities that’ll kick off shortly — and he offers us this musical olive branch for those of you

We couldn’t make it to Randall’s Island on Sunday, opting instead to watch the Patriots cheat up — er, sorry, beat up — against the Jets. But our friend Some Dude from Hits from the Blog attended the Farm Aid festivities in our stead…

The closest most New Yorkers get to a farm is the produce section at Whole Foods, so the idea of holding Farm Aid in the Big Apple seemed to have many people scratching their heads. But if anything, Manhattan is an island full of foodies and music lovers, so for the first time in its illustrious 22-year history, the organizers chose Randall’s Island to stage a day of music and social eco-activism.

In the days leading up to the event, four-packs of lawn seats were being offered at a discounted rate. So the big question really seemed to be: Could a concert headlined by the likes of red state favorites with blue state ethos draw a big enough crowd? The answer was a resounding yes.

We arrived mid-afternoon to find the grounds already packed with concertgoers and a shocking lack of NASCAR gear and beer cozies. I’m pretty sure the words “Dave Matthews” near the top of the bill probably helped along sales to the suburban, visor-wearing set. Read on for much more on Farm Aid…

Spielberg, Lucas, Harry Ford, everyone’s on this thing but Sir Connery. And, of course, the honor of revealing the closely held name of the fourth installment of the deservedly legendary

Our friend James Herrity (aka Eddie East) went down to the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza for last night’s Satellite Party show. Here’s what unfolded…

When Perry Farrell names a band “party,” that’s exactly what he means: Irving Plaza last night transformed itself into a full-fledged dance party. Perry’s back with his new band, complete with his hot Asian wife on backing vocals. It sure wasn’t Janes Addiction, but it was just as awesome.

I never did see manage to see Janes Addiction live when they were around. I was a little young during their heyday, and the reunion tours were just bad timing. This was the first time I had seen Perry, and I came away thoroughly impressed. He’s a big ball of drug-fueled energy. Bouncing around the stage like he were on a pogo stick, Perry’s vocals were spot on. The setlist was great, showing off a healthy mix of newer material and the “greatest hits” from Perry’s other incarnations.

Read on after the jump for more on last night’s Irving Plaza Dance Party…