Lollapalooza 2010 Must-See Artists, Pt. V

And finally, here's part V.

#2: Spoon
No, Spoon aren't one of the six headliners at Lollapalooza this year, something that speaks volume to the festival's plethora of solid mid-tier acts, or their maybe weak-ish headliners. The Austin, Texas indie-alterna veterans, now 12 years into their critically-amassed studio career, have become a staple for summer music festivals, appearing at Pitchfork Music Festival two years ago, Coachella in April, Lolla (for the third time) and Austin City Limits later this year.

It seemed that the release of 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga, that the band would be poised for an enormous breakout, similar to what Phoenix has experienced since the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix last year. While things didn't exactly pan out in the same manner (they never really do), the band is still is at the peak of their long career.

Spoon will be performing at 6:15 on the Budweiser stage, Saturday, August 7. Fans can also meet the band at 8:00 in the F.Y.E. Tent.

Spoon - The Mystery Zone (Live on KCRW)



#1: Arcade Fire
Six years and only three studio albums to their credit, the Arcade Fire are in a unique place - too big for the indie scene and still too small, obscure and profound for the big markets. While it remains to be seen that this will be the zenith of their careers, the band has certainly reached a point of critical profoundness.

I guess it's somewhat ironic that I ended up posting this today, the same day the group releases their third album The Suburbs. I've heard bits and pieces, but have to get my hands on a full copy of the release. But from what I've heard (and numerous others have) the band does not disappoint. Surely, during Lollapalooza, for those who aren't obsessed with Lady Gaga, the Arcade Fire may end up being the biggest thing all weekend.

The Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait - MP3

Well, that wraps up this year's top ten list. I'll be heading off pretty soon, so Bears and Bullets will be on its annual hiatus. Stay tuned next week for my in-depth review of the festival.

Stay cool kids ...

Monday Bears: Lollapalooza 2010 Must-See Artists, Pt. IV

The final day before my departure is here, so I better be quick with this whole list thing. Here's part IV.

#4: Phoenix
The French quintet has basically been everywhere since the release of the critically and commercially successful Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix release last year. The group, however, has pumped out several LP's since their 2000 debut United. While it has been a slow and steady climb, the band has seemed to reach their surprising peak.

Phoenix made appearances at Bonnaroo and Coachella in the past, but 2010 will be the first time in the group's ten-year history at Lollapalooza. For a band that seemed to be so underrated by many for the better part of last decade, Phoenix are now sharing the headlining spotlight with five of the festival's biggest acts - likely for the largest show of their career.

Phoenix will close out the second night of the festival on the Budweiser stage at 8:30, Saturday, August 7. Fans can also meet the band at 5:30 at the F.Y.E. Tent the same day.

Phoenix - 1901



#3: The Strokes
A band I'd begun to think I'd never have the pleasure of seeing, The Strokes (and not just Julian Casablancas or Albert Hammond Jr's solo work) are over four years-removed from their last produced work as a cohesive unit. First Impressions on Earth, the group's third studio record, seemed for a while to be the last anybody would hear from the suddenly iconic New York garage-rock group.

News of the quintet have been low, aside from various solo and side projects, since their last release. In 2009, word of a new album from the whole group had been rumored, but nothing was made official until earlier this year. Along with news of a new album (expected release some time next month), the Strokes also announced they'd be playing their first shows in the states in nearly half a decade. Though new shows are few and far between, the group is set to be one of Lolla's primary headliners.

The group will close out the first night of the festival on the Budweiser stage at 8:30, Friday, August 6. You can also catch the band at the Outside Lands and Austin City Limits festivals later this year.

The Strokes - You Only Live Once



Check in Later for Part V ...