PREVIEW: Governors Ball 2012

June 21. 2012 | By Nick Williams

As we inch closer to this year’s Governors Ball 2012 on Randall’s Island in NY, we Owls thought it best to put together a playlist to highlight the incredible lineup for both Saturday and Sunday’s festivities. While we cannot highlight the entire lineup, we chose three acts for each day to try and entice you to join the fun next weekend! Try to resist, we dare you. We’ll be in the trenches the day of to bring you reviews of each day’s impeccable shows, but in the meantime, scroll through the playlist with us and get your Governors Ball pre-game on.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd

PASSION PIT
Passion Pit has just burst back on the scene with stellar single “Take A Walk,” and will provide a sure-fire blowout set featuring songs from their forthcoming sophomore effort Gossamer, out July 24th. Check out the video for “Take A Walk” here and let the sunny summer air take you over.

SANTIGOLD
With the release of her much anticipated sophomore effort Master of My Make-Believe last month, Santigold has returned with a vengeance as a bonafide pop star. With her famous back-up dancers and knit-tight band (as seen at SXSW + Coachella), there’s no doubt Santigold’s set will be one to remember. Check out her smash video for single “Disparate Youth”:

WALK THE MOON
Buzz band Walk The Moon are one of the up-and-comers from the lineup that will surely bring a high energy show to the festival. Check out their “Anna Sun” video and try not to get up and dance around. We rattle this town is right! (And we hope they bring their ’80s back up dancers and face paint.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 24th

MODEST MOUSE
When we heard Modest Mouse was headlining day two, we jumped at the opportunity to see them live – especially since their last LP was in 2009. With a forthcoming Big Boi-produced album in the works, we cannot wait to see what these Portland-based funk doctors have to offer – even if they just play a slew of past hits – it would be enough. Check out their “King Rat” video here:

FIONA APPLE
Fresh from her successful stint at SXSW and with a new album The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw, And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (say that three times fast) out now, Fiona Apple has the buzz and resonance to triumph Sunday. Check out her bizarre video for “Every Single Night” – octopus hat and all. (We hope she brings the critters on the day of.)

PHANTOGRAM
We’ve been fans of Phantogram for years – and think their trippy sunshine funk will be the perfect remedy for our second day Governors Ball blues. Check out the incredible track and video for “As Far As I Can See” and get amped for their inevitable slaying of their set Sunday.

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