John Vanderslice

Rogue Wave courtesy of Spencer Crooks

In true Noise Pop fashion, the first couple nights are always a bit hectic, and you never know what you're going to get. Unfortunately, due to communication problems, we were forced to enjoy our two favorite openers (Two Sheds and Man/Miracle) from the cold cement outside.

Passion Pit

Elizabeth Weinberg

Leave it to a group of San Francisco music fanatics to compile an impressive list of artists together for engaging, well-produced videos and a booming original series called "Dusty Fingers." Enter our latest music blog obsession, Yours Truly. It's what we like to call a perfect combination of self-produced material and breaking news of up-and-coming musicians.

John Vanderslice

Through the foggy haze of talented musicianship at Outside Lands, there are a few standout highlights that just happen to be from our wonderful Bay Area. We’re not saying that the local talent here is the only thing worth seeing, but we are saying it’s a damn good reason to go. We have an excess of artists in these parts, and we’re thankful for each and every one of them. Here are our picks for the best local bands at Outside Lands.

M.I.A.

Quite a bit toned down from the extreme energy pulsating on Saturday’s stages, Sunday features a lot more nostalgic favorites than up-and-comers. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of choices in terms of genre options and less time conflicts than the previous days. Just remember to savor your last day of tunes in SF’s gorgeous Golden Gate Park and choose wisely! Here are Sunday’s top picks in hierarchical order.

John Vanderslice

Just mere blocks away from his local Mission residence, John Vanderslice took to the stage showcasing his brand spanking new album Romanian Names. Officially available yesterday, and the first to be released under Dead Oceans’ label, Vanderslice called upon Bay Area sweethearts The Morning Benders to open up his warmly welcomed and nearly sold out show at the Rickshaw Stop. 

The Decemberists

Summer festival season is well underway, and luckily for us, most of the big names are stopping by the Bay Area before taking to the big stages. If you can’t make it to Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, Rothbury or our very own Outside Lands this summer, check out some of this summer’s must-see artists this week:

Photo by Autumn de WIlde

http://tinyurl.com/q8csm8

Prolific San Francisco producer and pop singer/songwriter John Vanderslice's latest full-length album, Romanian Names, is out today, and NPR has the whole album available for streaming. John and band officially kicked off the tour last night with a free show at Amoeba, and will hold the album release party tonight at Rickshaw Stop with The Morning Benders (7:30 p.m., $16).