Sasquatch!’s 2012 lineup is officially one day old and that means it’s time for some post-reveal analysis. In the pages that follow, we run through the biggest highlights and surprises appearing on this year’s bill, in addition to the most glaring omissions. We also highlight five names worth knowing as you prepare for Memorial Day weekend at the Gorge.
Highlights
Beck
Stalk enough festival forums and you’ll see Beck’s name pop up every now and then. Shortly after these wishlist proposals there’s typically a textual scoff and/or write off – and with good reason. Too many times has Mr. Hansen gone unlisted on many a festival lineup. This year, however, Sasquatch! puts the doubters to shame. Whatever magic Adam Zacks used to get Beck on his lineup, he should share. Otherwise, how the hell are we to ever see Bowie on a lineup? -Michael Roffman
Jack White
It’s only been a week that we’ve really known Jack White as a solo artist. Producer? Sure. Band leader? Of course. But, he’s yet to really branch out on his own. With Blunderbuss due out April 24th, he’ll have a collection of tracks fresh and new for Memorial Day weekend. Let’s be real, though, do we really expect him to stick only to his solo album? Absolutely not. Fans should expect something special for this set, whether it’s dipping back into his diverse back catalog(s), or knocking out a slew of covers both favorite and new. He’ll have a full band in tow, so anything is possible. We’d be willing to bet that several artists might want to jam out with him, too. Who wouldn’t? -Michael Roffman
Spiritualized
Photo by James Goulden
With a new record due out this spring and a pretty extensive support tour lined up for later this year, Spiritualized looked like a likely candidate for a sub-headlining slot on every festival this summer. Kudos to Sasquatch! then for being the first and only festival (so far) this year to book J Spaceman & Co. for a performance. -Möhammad Choudhery
Portlandia
No better place to dream of the ’90s than at the Gorge – well, except for Portland. Still, given the awe-inspiring terrain that surrounds Sasquatch!, Portlandia‘s Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein should have myriad characters that love or hate the festival’s vibes (with or without a dose of irony). Also, it offers a chance to the hundreds of fans who couldn’t get tickets to their recent sold out tour. Much like Mr. White, we’re thinking Fred and Carrie will have plenty of pals joining them on-stage. So, if you’re planning on going, be sure to charge up your camera, and pickle your snacks, and wear that Eddie Vedder tattoo of yours without shame. -Michael Roffman
Mogwai
Scottish five-piece Mogwai announced last week that their upcoming U.S. tour would be their last before an extended hiatus and Sasquatch! would serve as the kick off. Disclaimer: It will get loud. -Möhammad Choudhery
