Were I to grade ATP NY 2010, I'd give it a straight "C" -- or perhaps a "B-" with a disapproving look. I think Jarmusch's "curation" composed a line up of far too similar sounding/feeling acts: Sludgerock and Stoner Rock ruled.
I've seen some strings floating around slamming ATP's lineup this year because many of the bands had booked NYC shows immediately before or after the weekend. While I think these critics are missing the point, this fact did cross my mind as well. Especially for my favorite, Sonic Youth, who play NYC at least 4-6 times a year including the free show they played in Prospect Park just weeks ago. I think aligning the festival closer to Labor Day might have been a factor in terms of band availability.
Despite dry weather this year, the food court was noticeably lacking (AsiaDog can suck a cock), although the new addition of local BBQ grillmasters with their military grade grill plunked poolside was a good idea. Any of the ancillary bullshit like the book club, discussion panel, nameless DJs, or even the film selection just didn't makeup for homogenous band roster.
I think a simple fix would have been to check the festival sprawl from 3 to 2 days, thus resulting in a much "tighter" experience.
That said, these bands (or aspects of the ATP NY 2010 "Experience") ruled, in order of ruling hardest to least:
The Breeders
Sonic Youth
Bardo Pond
Iggy Pop
Altar (thanks for busting my fucking G9, Sunn O))) bass player!)
Sleepy Sun (only caught the end, and am coasting on memories of them from last year.)
Hope Sandoval (thought she sounded 'too much like Mazzy Star', until I was set straight, wheeeeee!)
These bands (or aspects of the ATP NY 2010 "Experience") blew, in order of blowing hardest to least:
Girls
The Black Angels
Raekwon
Sleep
Ricky Powell and His Little Hip-Hop Slideshow (didn't blow per se, but learn how to load a fucking silde carousel you douche.)
Todd Barry (zzzzzzzz...)
Explosions In The Sky (are great, but I've seen their schtick once too many now; therefore, fuck em'.)
Ron Jeremy
I didn't know Todd Barry and Ron Jeremy were "bands." You really know your stuff! Also, stunning photographs of the ATP wristband and postcards. Did you take those yourself?!
Good point, Barry and Jeremy are not "bands" — "acts" or "attractions" or "aspects" may have been more appropriate. Regarding the photography; thank you, I did take these myself.