While some of you may have been partying it up at this year’s Bamboozle (which was this past weekend in case you didn’t know), we were too busy rocking out to the best show in upstate New York.

Slope Day is an event held by Cornell University to celebrate the fact that another torturous year has come to an end (at least until finals begin). It’s held on the last day of classes which typically fall on the first Friday of May. Each year, three bands are scheduled to perform on “the slope” (i.e. the biggest hill you will ever seen in your life). This year was extra special, as the headlining band hooked us up with an extra artist.

This year’s lineup included Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Hot Hot Heat, Tyga, and our favorite “middle-of-no-where-upstate-New-York” band—Gym Class Heroes!

I definitely don’t want to bore you with a long winded entry as to why this was the best Slope Day we have had since I’ve been an undergrad here. You see, Jenn and I tried to do this simple task via a video blog on Friday night and we failed miserably. So be thankful that we’re sparing you of that video. Besides, I know people are more interested in photos anyway, so I’ll try to get to the point quickly…

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists is an amazing live band. Streaming their music online doesn’t really do this band any justice, as their live material is pure quality. They have a ton of energy, they know how to keep the crowd wanting more, and they perform the best songs to keep all you indie kids dancing until their set is over (which, at least during Slope Day, was about an hour long). Jenn didn’t approve of their false British/Scottish accents since they’re from NJ, but to each her own I guess!

Hot Hot Heat

Hot Hot Heat unfortunately brought some wet wet rain during this year’s Slope Day. They started out just as strong as Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, but their set was ruined by typical Ithaca rainy weather. It’s unfortunate that many people missed their set, as they were too busy running to the nearest tree, tent, building, or in my case, the nearest person with an umbrella. I’ll reserve judgment on their performance, as I have yet to actually see them in all their glory.

Tyga

Tyga—the opening act that Gym Class Heroes brought. We’re glad they did! He opened the show with his song “Gettin Gettin”, which samples Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. He also did a remix of “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s. Everyone was immediately hyped, dancing along, and having fun—the only question was, who is this?! (Tyga was not properly introduced until after his set, when everyone learned he is Travis’ cousin).

Gym Class Heroes

Gym Class Heroes brought the same energy you know and love from their days on Warped Tour. Everyone was singing along to every song and it was pretty clear that they were better than the hip hop acts that had performed at Slope Day the two previous years (that is, Talib Kweli and T.I.—although I personally enjoyed both of them…I guess it’s just not everyone’s “flavor”). And while some may claim that Travis did a bit too much talking and not enough rapping, I say that’s the reason why Gym Class Heroes is such an amazing band to see live. They know how to work the stage and reach out to fans on a more personal level—as well as a physical one, as Travis was parading in front of the baracades for a few songs.

Basically, this year’s Slope Day 2008 was amazing. Despite the horrible weather, the fact that I missed Hot Hot Heat, and the over priced pretzel I barely ate, it was a day of fun and it will be a miracle if Slope Day 2009 can top it!