The 5 Best New Bands at Bonnaroo 2012

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After my amazing SXSW experience I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this year’s Bonnaroo lineup. I went through the list from the bottom up. I tried to focus on bands that I have never seen live and that I expect big things from. I tried to pick from different genres but some crossover with each, they are too good to pass up. My common theme always seems to be my love of a good rock band, which you can definitely see from this list. All set times have been pulled of Bonnaroos website check there for the most up to date information.

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The Staves – Sunday The Great Taste Lounge 6:40 p.m.

I only caught wind of these three gals after SXSW and was bummed  I might not be able to see them again for some time since they’re from Watford, England. However, I am being given a second chance to catch these sisters. Their set is scheduled for Sunday evening and am looking forward to closing out my weekend with their angelic voices. Watching a video they recorded while in Austin with several members of various bands, I was blown away when I heard the soulful female vocals and had to find the source. BAM, The Staves and I haven’t separated since. If you want simply beautiful folkie songs played by three very talented ladies then make sure to check them out.

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Fly Golden Eagle- Sunday Great Taste Lounge 12:00 p.m.

This band’s name alone makes me want to see these guys. Tagged on their bandcamp as garage, rock, soul, psychedelic, Nashville, was what sold me on them. After checking out a couple of songs online, I can only expect to hear amazing things live. Having an early slot on my Sunday line up at noon, I am beyond ready for a sunny lo-fi psychedelic rock experience.

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Black Box Revelation – Sunday That Tent 11:15 a.m.

This garage rock duo from Belgium had me hooked the second I heard the opening of “High on a Wire.” Obvious comparisons to The Black Keys are sure to made also with the added flare of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. From everything I have read, these guys put on a kickass rock show that will be the perfect start to my last day at Bonnaroo.

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Alabama Shakes – Thursday This Tent 11:30 p.m.

This band makes amazing Southern rock, plain and simple. Having received accolaides from critics across the board, I’d be stupid to miss this group. I chuckled the other day when I saw another band’s tweet stating how they were bummed they were missing Alabama Shakes’ set at the festival they were both playing, to me that says a lot. Having  vocals compared to Janis Joplin should be enough alone, but these musicians mean business with each perfected note. Once their Thursday night set begins I’ll officially know my weekend of amazing music has begun.

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Ben Howard – Friday That Tent 1:45 p.m. & Friday Sonic Stage 5:30 p.m.

I couldn’t finish this list without a kick butt storyteller with an acoustic guitar. They are certainly doing something right over the pond. The soulfulness in his voice carries throughout the songs. With a song like “Keep Your Head Up”, you know he’s talented, but give the song a minute or so for the harmonizing chorus to join in, That’s what separates him from everyone else. I am thrilled to put this man on my list and am hoping for a lovely Friday afternoon in the shade enjoying his beautiful songs.