#TuesdayTop10: Governors Ball 2015

Governors Ball Music Festival is happening this weekend on Randall’s Island in New York. As the Surviving the Golden Age team descends to cover the festival, we look at the top 10 hardest scheduling decisions we have to make.

10. The Decemberists vs Florence + The Machine
This is sort of a battle of “remember what these bands used to be?” Prior to 2006, there would have been no band that would make me miss the Decemberists but recent efforts have disappointed. Similarly, if this was the tour after Lungs I would be all over Florence + the Machine. But with her last effort Ceremonials being a bit disappointing and her new album being released in a matter of days, one can imagine her set will be split between new and old tracks. In the end, it might be worth sneaking off to the Decemberists and hoping they play a set full of hits.

9. Atmosphere vs. Future Islands
After Future Islands‘ huge year in 2014, this shouldn’t even be a question but a hip hop veteran like Atmosphere has to be respected. Don’t forget that his album last year, Southsiders was nothing to scoff at.

8. Clean Bandit vs White Lung
Two very different female fronted bands playing at the same time on Saturday. You have house hitmakers Clean Bandit coming up against post-hardcore band, White Lung. Preferring to deal with dancers rather than moshers and crowd surfers, I’ll probably take my chances with Clean Bandit.

7. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds vs Big Gigantic
Big Gigantic was one of the best acts I saw at Governors Ball in 2012 but they come up against Noel Gallagher. If it were Oasis playing, this would be a no brainer but for just Noel the decision is a bit tougher.

6. Flume vs SBTRKT
Two incredible remixers. Two separate stages. One big decision.

5. Hot Chip vs. Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus is so critically acclaimed that I know I should want to see him but how do you pass up dancing with a few thousand of your closest friends to “Ready for the Floor”? I think Hot Chip will win out for me.

4. Future vs Charli XCX
This was not even a question as of last week this was not an issue but with Twin Shadow having to cancel his set as he recovers from a bus crash. That cancellation has added Future to the line up on Friday at 3pm, at the same time as Charli XCX.

3. Tame Impala vs A-Trak
Tame Impala‘s “Let It Happen” is on my short list for song of the year but the other leaks from their upcoming album, Currents have not excited me. A-Trak on the other hand is always exciting as he proved when he rocked Governors Ball in 2013 as part of Duck Sauce.

2. Bjork vs Conor Oberst
Most folks are going to choose Bjork for this one but I grew up listening to a lot more Bright Eyes than Vespertine. I might catch a little Bjork but I’ll probably sneak away for some Oberst.

1. St. Vincent vs Ratatat
Under most circumstances St. Vincent would be a no brainer. After four critically acclaimed album and one huge collaboration with David Byrne, who wouldn’t want to see St. Vincent? But Ratatat pose an interesting challenge. The duo is on the comeback trail and haven’t played their home state of New York since 2011. This one will be a game time decision for sure.

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