i gotta say, i was really looking forward to seeing m.i.a., but i found her set highly disappointing. i have to disagree with whoever said the DJ did an admirable job of replacing diplo. i thought the beats were boring and generic. as for m.i.a. herself, i was expecting something a lot more wide-ranging and different, but it was really no better than most electro-clash. i've read all this fascinating stuff about her life and ideas, but it didn't translate into anything substantial to me. the hype machine is in full effect. i hate to say it -- and it will probably make me sound like an asshole -- but if m.i.a. was a white chick from chicago, there'd be no hype at all (this is purely on the aesthetic tip).
granted, knowing diplo's skills, if he were DJing, it likely would've brought out the best in her. despite that, i still found her vocals weak. the best part of the set was the animation (which she makes herself). i suppose i was just expecting something more pancultural and more reflective of her sri lankan background.
on the other hand, lcd soundsystem were excellent and far exceeded my expectations. the drummer was pat from an early incarnation of les savy fav, and that guy can throw down. i really dug the minimal musicianship, and that little moog the dude had in the back, and james murphy's vocals were impassioned if a bit cliche. nice to see him wearing a can shirt, and they captured the can ethos better than most who claim them as an influence (it's all about the minimal rhythms/polyrhythms).
