Free Times braved the elements all day, skipping what we heard was an incredible crab bisque at the VIP area to catch the impressive (and diverse) array of bands on the official and unofficial stages.

Best Band You Didn’t See: Alberta Cross
The Playlist counted, at most, 20 people at Alberta Cross’ biggest swell. Perhaps it was the weather that kept the crowd away. Big mistake: Alberta Cross — comprised of two Brooklynites, two Brits and one Swede — ripped through what was easily the best set of the day. The Playlist and Free Times freelancer Kevin Oliver were in two feet from the monitor, in awe of guitarist Sam Kearney’s impeccable tone (his voicing and phrasing, not to mention the coke bottle glasses and scarf, were reminiscent of Blur's Graham Coxon) and Petter Ericson Stakee’s fantastic, drawling vocals. We only wish more folks could have seen it. A great surprise get by the organizers. Bonus points: The Alberta Cross boys were SUPER nice dudes.

Best Band That Everyone Saw: The Heist and the Accomplice
Though festival headliners Mute Math and Ten Years turned in energetic sets and support act Manchester Orchestra played better than ever — or at least better than The Playlist has seen — The Heist stole the show, ast it with its impeccable indie rock. Even sweeter: Some brand new jams.

Best Exercise: Sprinting across Five Points from seeing Alberta Cross at the Five Points Association stage — at the corner of Saluda and Blossom — to catch The Heist at the Free Times stage — at the corner of Harden and Pavilion.
Just made it, too, and rocked out with No Way Jose!’s Aaron Graves and Chris Gardner (brother of Heist skinsman Cameron Gardner), WUSC’s Marcy Bozek and Alejandro Florez and scenesc.com’s David Stringer.

Best Cover Song Selection: The Thirsties
Television’s “See No Evil” and The Stooges’ “Search and Destroy” back-to-back? Wonderful! Kudos to Thristies drummer Josh Green for living up to Billy Ficca’s high standard.

Most Mesmerizing Performer: Mute Math drummer Darren King.
Man can hit those skins.

Biggest Question: Did I hear Villanova sampling bagpipes?

Biggest Regret: Not getting to see The Reformation, Daniel Machado and Adam Corbett’s new band.
Corbett says the Jungle Jim’s side stage ran into some fire marshal troubles — what gives?

Second-Biggest Regret: More Misses
The set by So Hush Hush — of which I admittedly am a member — was timed in such a way that I missed much of Airborne Toxic Event, Marry a Thief, Hot Lava Monster and Josh Roberts and the Hinges.

Biggest Disappointment: Henry Clay People
The L.A. quartet canceled its performance. The Playlist caught the last few songs — including an incendiary version “Bear Bear Bear Shark Attack” — from Battle of the Bands winner Shallow Palace instead. A better call.