Hopscotch 2012 Day 1: Matthew E. White, Deerhoof, Liars

All photos by Kevin Norris

In just three years, Hopscotch has become one of the most respected music festivals in the country. One reason for this is the truly unique sets its organizers put together. The first night of Hopscotch 2012 was no exception.

In Fletcher Opera Theater, Matthew E. White and 30 other musicians (including the Triangle’s own Phil Cook) recreated White’s adventurous new album, Big Inner, live. White stood center stage straddled by bass, drums and keys. Behind him were sections of strings, back up vocalists, and winds.

The Hopsoctch 2012 lineup is here with The Roots, Jesus & Mary Chain, Built To Spill & many more

One of the most anticipated annual local music announcements is the Hopscotch Music Festival lineup, and today is the day where we get to share it with you.

This year's lineup includes a whopping 175 acts. Influential rock bands The Jesus and Mary Chain and Built To Spill will play the City Plaza stage on Friday, September 7 and hip-hop superstars The Roots will headline on Saturday, September 8 with dance group Escort opening.

Other performers include Dan Deacon, The dB's, Deerhoof, Field Report, Hiss Golden Messenger, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Lambchop, Liars, Mac McCaughan, Roman Candle, Samantha Crain, Shark Quest, Shovels & Rope, Thee Oh See, Versus, Wye Oak, Yo La Tengo and Zola Jesus. Check out the full lineup below.

Album Review: Deerhoof - Deerhoof vs. Evil

Deerhoof vs. Evil is the tenth album from the influential San Francisco noise-pop group and for the first time in their career, Deerhoof seem content not to beat their listeners over the head with random sounds and unsettling noise just for the sake of saying "Hey, look! Aren’t we weird?"

There are still plenty of jagged rhythms, feedback, synths gone haywire and quirky vocals to keep the listener off-balance throughout the album, but they are more focused and purposeful than on any previous Deerhoof release. Now these ornamental elements help to embellish the foundation of a song rather than obfuscate it.

Deerhoof announces winter dates, coming to Raleigh

San Francisco band Deerhoof are gearing up for the release of their new album Deerhoof vs. Evil on January 25, 2011 via Polyvinyl Records. As is the custom, the band will be hitting the road for a month long tour following the release.

The band will make a stop at Kings in Raleigh on Sunday, February 6. Nervous Cop, Ben Butler and Mousepad will open the show. Ticket info is not availble yet, but we'll keep you posted.

[UPDATE: Tickets for the Kings show are now available via etix for $15.]

The band are streaming a song a week from the album until the release date via various online outlets. Stream the song "Super Duper Rescue Heads" from the album below and keep checking the band's site for new streams.