Tapes n’ Tapes ::: Photo by Josh

It seemed like everyone I talked to who was headed to Bumbershoot was excited about Tapes n’ Tapes. Of course I had a major 2006 flashback. “Tapes ‘n Tapes! Really?!” I would ask. Their first record The Loon was (and is) a great record, one that bursts with personality and energy, but I had forgotten that they had released their second record this year. Apparently it’s pretty good, and everyone has been taking notice. Except me. Hmmm…

And then for a set that was up against that night’s main stage headlining appearance of Stone Temple Pilots (does anyone care?), a healthy crowd filled the lawn at the Broad Street stage. New (to me) songs mixed with old songs, and I found myself unconsciously tapping my foot a number of times, unable to resist the rhythmic tug of lead singer and guitarist Josh Grier’s cherry red Fender or decide why I hadn’t gone out and got this record already.

These guys always look and sound like they are having so much fun performing, and I’ll admit I envy the hell out of ‘em for it. Not so much for the rock star status (although that might be cool), but for the enjoyment they’re able to spread to other people day in and day out and the enjoyment they’re able to get from just doing their job. They’re “living the dream,and being able to do that really is something special.

Flickr: Tapes n’ Tapes at Bumbershoot 2008