Photos by Jay and Laura; words by Anna.

Outside Lands 2009 could have been a lot of things: a failure, a disappointment, a misplaced attempt to draw a wider range of music fans. The slightly off-kilter lineup largely paid tribute to the ’90s (Pearl Jam, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, Q-Tip and The Beastie Boys — before they were replaced by Tenacious D) and wasn’t dominated by the most Pitchfork-friendly acts (because, well, they have their own festival for that) – a choice that could have resulted in poor attendance and enjoyment by few.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

None of the above applied, however, and if anything, Outside Lands 2009 was an overtly satisfying, slow-burning delight. The stressful urgency of the 2008 rendition (”Must see Radiohead! Will tear down fences to see Thom Yorke!”) was replaced by homespun enjoyment and easygoing appreciation. Not only that, but many pleasant surprises were thrown into the mix — a mix that also included fabulous food and drink (Philz mint mojito coffee? Andalu crispy mac & cheese? Maverick’s pulled pork sandwich? Zepaltas pinot noir? Yes, please, and thank you) and the absolutely beautiful Golden Gate Park setting.

For example, the head-scratching addition of Tom Jones to Friday’s lineup was just plain weird . . . until you saw him perform. Evidently, the Welsh singer of fame circa 1965 still puts on a hell of show, and apparently inspires white people to dance. He didn’t shy away from his most classic of tunes (”What’s New Pussycat?”, “She’s a Lady,” “It’s Not Unusual,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” and his cover of Prince’s “Kiss”), he danced as much as he could at 69 years of age (that is to say, quite well), he made several perverted references and actually pulled up his shirt to show off the Tom Jones areolas. There was a woman in the audience with a garbage bag filled with panties that she periodically threw on stage. If that’s not amazing, then I don’t know what is.

Other festival highlights included one of only two 2009 live performances (thus far) by Jack White’s new band the Dead Weather, and (believe it or not) Dave Matthews‘ hilarious drunken banter and dance-off with the Black-Eyed Peas. Pearl Jam delivered as Friday night headliners; Deerhunter electrified; Raphael Saadiq was classy and phenomenal; TV on the Radio took “melting faces” to a new level; and Q-Tip proved wrong anyone who thought his best days were behind him. The Morning Benders, The Dodos and John Vanderslice made their hometown proud, Bettye LaVette sang her heart out, Mastodon cracked eardrums (as well as the sky) and M.I.A. played a Beastie Boys medley in tribute to the ailing former headliner.

Overall, Outside Lands 2009 proved that the festival has staying power. This year’s rendition ironed out any wrinkles from 2008, and managed to deliver another unique, noteworthy music and arts event. We’ll be ready for it yet again in 2010.