Festival Spotlight ::: #BLAM Bonnaroo Lineup at Criminal Records

A quick look at this year's B.L.A.M. (Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon) and the lineup overall... This year saw many changes to BLAM in year two of the megathon. The biggest change was the night time shift to a 7pm start and the lineup drop at 9. In 2013 BLAM took place midday and cause headaches for those at work, not near a computer, or stuck in class. The 2014 addition also saw the inclusion of XBOX as a sponsor adding another dimension to view the show.

BLAM part two connected the active bonnaroovian to their local record stores. Over ten record stores across the US took part in showing the announcement, show combo live. This is where you could find YOTHT, at Atlanta's Criminal Record. As part of this each location gave away a limited amount of t-shirts and mini posters along with a chance to win two VIP tickets to this year's Bonnaroo.

 The preshow included past performances from Portugal. the Man, the Lumineers, Superjams, My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon, and many more. During these performances 'Bonnaroo Alerts' appeared on the screen revealing such Bonnaroo artists as Disclosure, The Wood Brothers, Jonathan Wilson, Sarah Jarosz, White Denim, Robert DeLong, Seasick Steve, Umphrey's McGee and James Blake.

Nine o' clock saw the start of the bigger announcements as a mashup of comedy with Hannibal Burress and Taran Killam with a superjam of The Flaming Lips and Ben Folds. Between bits and jams (including a fan submitted song, 'Pancakes') 2014 Bonnaroo artists were announced. At Criminal Records the biggest cheers came followed the unveiling of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Slightly Stoopid, Kanye West, Skrillex, and Jack White. There were many cheers and gasps throughout the drop.

Along with the excitement the viewing parties helped connect past attendees sharing past stories and potential newbies calming their fears that have kept them off the Farm in the past. This was a great addition to the overall experience. Another plus was people who haven't entered record stores before to see what it's all about and what they have to offer. Now...what about the overall lineup?

Highlights ::: Elton John (First American festival), Jack White, Skrillex (big name returning two years later), 

Misses ::: OUTKAST, Childish Gambino, Death Cab for Cutie, Lorde, HAIM, Bassnectar, White Panda, Jagwar Ma, Foxygen/Diane Coffee, Volcano Choir, any members of OFWGKTA, Phantogram

YouOughtToSeeThem ::: Ben Howard, Cut Copy, Haerts, The Head and the Heart, Bobby Womack, Washed Out, Damon Albarn.

Where did that come from ::: Ice Cube, Lionel Richie (4th billed?), Kanye West (how will bonnaroo respond?)

Tickets go on-sale Saturday at Bonnaroo.com