I missed Dan Deacon when he played the Cactus Club in Milwaukee at the beginning of the month, but heard from plenty of people that it was a great night, some claiming it the “best night ever.”

As a result, he was tops on my list to see at the Pitchfork Music Festival yesterday. Choosing the first row instead of the stage, Dan’s music caused people to go as close to insane as I’ve seen in quite some time. He managed to clear a circle in the audience for an impromptu dance competition, which I realize is the norm if you’ve seen it before, but because of the spontaneity of those chosen to “perform,” I doubt I could ever grow tired of it.

The madness made people climb trees, press were clamoring to the tops of fences to get decent pictures, all while Dan politely begged for a little more room so he could “rock louder than four hundred dragons.” Unfortunately, the set was abruptly ended for safety and security reasons, and while everyone was disappointed, the moments that Dan held the audience in the palm of his hand were definitely the highlight of the festival for us so far.

Video:

Myspace: Dan Deacon
Video: Dan Deacon - Crystal Cat