The Catskill Chronicle

The Starlight Ballroom on Sunday, September 13, day 3 of ATP New York and the Super Furry Animals are on stage. 

Story and photos by Jason Dole

[Monticello] – I just got back from ATP New York, and boy, are my ears tired. Same goes for the rest of me. It’s been one hell of a weekend. It’s been one hell of a trip, although the show was only 25 minutes from home.

Yes, the New York edition of All Tomorrow’s Parties happens right here in Sullivan County, but going there is like traveling to another world. It’s a hidden world, but those in the know can find it still… Listen, up in the sky! It’s Planet Loud, it’s Planet Weird, it’s Planet ATP!

What a planet. I’m glad I intersected its orbit. As the Devo graffiti in one Kutsher’s bathroom read, “It’s a Wonderful World,” and I say that now without any of Devo’s irony. ATP is a strange, wonderful world. I saw Caribou roaming free and Deerhoof getting down. I ran “Rings Around the World” with Super Furry Animals, then I battled pink robots with the Flaming Lips.

Boredoms, a band from Osaka, took the oldest, simplest instruments known to man (voice and drums) and blew my heart wide open with primal joy. Another Japanese band, Tokyo’s Boris, crushed me like a spider under the weight and volume of their heavy, heavy psych rock.

The music was great but, best of all, I also talked to people from all over the Earth who, like me, left their lives behind and flew off to Planet ATP. They were all wonderful: eager to talk about music, more eager to experience it.

Some of these travelers suited up and ventured into the wilds of Sullivan County. They patronized area businesses (especially along Route 42 in Monticello) and attractions (like the Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods). Locals who encountered these intrepid concertgoers raved about them as polite, honest individuals.

There is so much more to say. I have dozens of band reviews to write and many interviews to transcribe. I even got to sit down with Wayne Coyne of festival headliner and co-curator The Flaming Lips.

Keep an eye on this space for post-All Tomorrow’s Parties updates. For now, here’s a collection of photos from the final day of ATP New York. They document life on Planet ATP in Monticello. Check it out and sit in wonder. Your eyes may lie, but believe them this time – it all really happened at Kutsher’s……

Flaming Lips front-man Wayne Coyne (right) welcomes Daniel Victor Snaith (in the blue shirt) and the Caribou Vibration Ensemble. Snaith’s band Caribou, usually a four piece, swelled to 17 musicians for ATP New York.

The lineup for Sunday, the third and final day of All Tomorrow’s Parties New York. Schedules were posted at key locations within Kutsher’s. These were located outside the pool next to the Deep End bar.

ATP New York Survival Tip #17 – Take the time to play some ping pong in the corridor leading to Stage 1.

A sign of the times, seen on a bathroom mirror on Sunday Morning. Note the implication of financial reimbursement via the image of a money bag, and the promise not to “take up much space.”

Black Moth Super Rainbow brought along their own Yeti to terrorize the crowd into having fun. The man in the suit is Noah Klein, and he mainly walked around the crowd and held up the band’s logo flag.

ATP New York Survival Tip #312 – Grab a fellow member of the stage crew and play some mini golf. The only trick is finding the course.

Boris rocks the crowd at Stage 2, the “Grand Ballroom.” Of the loudest three bands (Black Dice and Suicide being #1 and #2, respectively) I heard, Boris is the one that I wished were a little more quiet. But for the sheer volume, they sounded amazing.

Intrepid reporter Jason R. Dole (yes, me) previews the Flaming Lips upcoming album Embryonic, due out October 13. (photo taken by the Lips’ friendly merch lady)

Concertgoer Corin came from London for ATP New York. Following a tip from this reporter, he had a pleasant stay in Roscoe on Saturday night. Note Corin’s snazzy new “Trout Town, USA” hat, which he wore proudly to ATP on Sunday.

Santa welcomes you to Kutsher’s.

I saw this guy at the last Flaming Lips show I went to, wearing the same Santa suit.

You can check out his Lips and Life – loving internet venture at myspace.com/psychexfutureheart

The Flaming Lips closed the festival in fine form. Wayne Coyne even stayed after to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. This picture was taken earlier in the day by another concertgoer. Check back soon for my interview with Wayne and my review of the Lips’ set.

To view the photos or to purchase prints visit Transmissions from Planet ATP at the Chronicle on Zenfolio.