Lollapalooza 2012 Must-See Artists Pt. V

Today we'll continue our Lollapalooza countdown with part five.

#2: Sigur Rós
There have been very few artists as consistently remarkable as Sigur Rós throughout the years. With every new album (and side project), the band's enigmatic status continued to grow, with hauntingly emotional expansiveness made all the more surprising considering the fact that they sing in another language. 

There's a distinct fan-fare for the band, despite its Icelandic roots. In a niche entirely its own, Sigur Rós exists as an anomaly. The songs are lengthy and touchingly atmospheric, without connecting any certain meaning to its large English speaking fan base. But that insatiably memorable sound on standout tracks like "Hoppípolla" from 2005's Takk... and "Svefn-g-englar," the song most of us were introduced by from the group, is what keeps the legendary status of the band growing.

Word of the band's live performances sound almost cult-like in their absurdity. One description heard fairly often when viewing Sigur Rós is that it brings fans to tears. Literal tears. Would you miss an opportunity like that? I won't.

The band will be performing at 4 p.m. on the Red Bull Soundstage, Sunday, August 5.



#1: Justice 
Sitting at the top of my "must-see" list even before Lollapalooza became a staple in my life, French electro duo Justice could easily be the show of the weekend. Known for their chaotic light shows and live experiences, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay are the next in line to the fellow France natives Daft Punk  (not quite there yet) for their crowning live electronic music experiences.

The only unfortunate circumstance of Justice performing this year is that fans will have to decide between them and Jack White, who will be performing at the same time Sunday night, August 5. Considering I've seen White in various live forms already, I'll venture to the North side of Grant Park for what's sure to be a memorable party.

The band will be performing at 8:30 p.m. on the Budlight Stage, closing the festival.

Lollapalooza 2012 Must-See Artists Pt. IV

Today we'll continue our Lollapalooza countdown with part four.

#4: The Tallest Man On Earth
Obsession doesn't necessarily explain my recent fascination with The Tallest Man On Earth. Of course, I have an absolute urge to hear anything and everything Kristian Matsson creates, and I'm fairly confident saying that he's my favorite new artist in the past several years - but obsession is a strong word. In reality, I'm just very sure that he's one of the best artists working today and his ultra-romantic folk music is otherworldly.

Matsson will be performing at 5:15 p.m. on the Playstation stage, Saturday, August 4.



#3: M83
Even before 2011's utterly spectacular Hurry Up, We're Dreaming was released, M83 were something of a joyful enigma. The work of Anthony Gonzalez hasn't appeared at Lollapalooza since 2005 - the first official year the festival was stationed in Grant Park, standing with smaller festivals and venues for a few years.

However, after the band's last album and standout single "Midnight City," the band has become a full-tilt must see act, growing in popularity faster than ever before. And after their celebrated performance at Coachella, it's hard to say that M83 isn't one of the biggest non-headliners this year.

Gonzalez and the band will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on the Sony stage, Friday, August 3.



We'll continue with Part V tomorrow ...

Lollapalooza 2012 Must-See Artists Pt. III

Today we'll continue with our Lollapalooza countdown with Part Three.

#6: Frank Ocean
He may not technically be a headliner, but no single act at this year's festival has received more of a media push than Frank Ocean in the past few weeks. This month's studio debut Channel Orange was a mega critical and commercial hit, which made even more news considering Ocean's recent coming out.

As one of the festival's very few R&B acts, Ocean's upcoming performance should be one of the more unique experiences of the August weekend. He'll be headlining the smaller Google Play stage at 8:45 p.m., Saturday, August 4. Catch him before it becomes impossible.



#5: The Shins
Remarkably, James Mercer managed to completely reform The Shins from 2007's Wincing The Night Away to this year's Port Of Morrow with the same stellar results. While it may not be the same band that indie-philes fell in love with during the intro of "Caring Is Creepy" on Oh, Inverted World, 2012's version of The Shins still captures Mercer in the same romantic light.

The band will be leading into the Friday, August 3 headline performance of The Black Keys on the Red Bull Soundstage at 6:15 p.m.



We'll continue with Part IV tomorrow ...

Lollapalooza 2012 Must-See Artists Pt. II

Today we'll continue our Lollapalooza countdown with Part Two.

#8: Bassnectar
Lorin Ashton has become a regular electronic mainstay for major music festivals in recent years, performing at Lollapalooza as recently as 2009. Despite his career beginning over 11 years ago, the San Francisco native has been riding the ongoing wave of popularity that basically any big name in the electronica scene has been getting. Now, with tremendous stage shows and seizure-educing light extravaganzas, Bassnectar has earned a reputation as one of the genre's 'must-see' acts.

You can catch Bassnectar headlining at Perry's, on Friday, August 3 at 8:45 p.m.



#7: The Weeknd
Because I haven't talked enough about Abel Tesfaye over the past year and a half, now I finally get my chance to catch the much-hyped Canadian singer in a huge setting.

The Weeknd has no immediate plans to release anything new following up his super-acclaimed three free mixtapes; House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echo of Silence. But since his April performance at Coachella, he's been getting even bigger, selling out shows with relative ease.

You can catch Tesfaye performing at the Red Bull Soundstage, Saturday, August 4 at 6 p.m.



We'll continue with Part III tomorrow ...

Lollapalooza 2012 Must-See Artists, Pt. I

By the fifth year in a row, I'm used to this.

With less than two weeks to go before the August 3-5 Lollapalooza festival begins in Chicago, I'll be providing my annual top ten countdown of 2012's Must-See Artists. Last year, headliners My Morning Jacket and Deadmau5 rounded out the top two, with regular Bears and Bullets favorites Black Lips and Titus Andronicus also landing in the countdown.

As it is every year, seeing every act - notable or otherwise - is impossible. So for those waiting through the list to see Jack White, unfortunately, won't be seeing him. Regardless, let's start with #10.

#10: Jeff The Brotherhood
Despite officially beginning their careers in 2001, Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall didn't really catch anything close to buzz until their 2009 album Heavy Days. Pulsed with fuzzy blues and cool garage punk, the recently released Hypnotic Knights LP finally gave some more ground for the band to walk on. Amid an extremely extensive touring history, the band has finally reached the major festival circuit. And, more than likely, they'll be returning very soon.

You can see Jeff The Brotherhood early Saturday, August 4, at 1:30 p.m. on the Playstation stage.



#9: At The Drive-In
The first project of Mars Volta figureheads Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López made huge news earlier this year after announcing their 2012 reunion. Rodríguez-López has already declared that At The Drive-In would not be recording new material, despite finally returning after more than ten years. Their April performance at Coachella marked one of the very few appearances for the band, so having them perform at Lollapalooza should be considered extremely rare.

Catch the band one last time (probably) Sunday, August 5 at 6 p.m. on the Red Bull Soundstage.



We'll continue with Part II tomorrow ...

Friday Bears: Lollapalooza 2011 Must-See Artists, Pt. V

And finally, here's part five.

#2: Deadmau5
Love it or hate it, no electronic act has exploded as much as Mr. Deadmau5 has in quite some time. For only the second time in Lollapalooza's history (Daft Punk performed in 2007), an electronic act will be headlining one of the main stages. The Toronto-based solo act has a pretty tough act to follow (albeit four years ago) with Daft Punk's show, which is highly regarded as the best show Lollapalooza has ever put on. Not coincidentally, Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) shows have become increasingly more elaborate, to the point where Zimmerman's label has said that this year's show will outdo Daft Punk's. Far be it from skepticism that he'll actually pull it off, but the boasting is fairly enticing.

Deadmau5 will be headlining the festival's final night, Sunday, August 7, at 8:30 p.m. on the Bud Light stage. Zimmerman will also be signing autographs at 6 in the f.y.e. tent.

Deadmau5 - Ghosts N' Stuff (ft. Rob Swire)



#1: My Morning Jacket
Is it a surprise? The music festival veterans will be appearing at their third official Lollapalooza, but their first since 2007 and first as a headlining act. Extremely well-regraded as one of the absolute premiere live music experiences, My Morning Jacket have rightfully exploded in recent years, even garnering their own American Dad episode (one of the show's best, if I can add). In short, the band is an absolute cannot miss.

My Morning Jacket will be performing Saturday, August 6, at 8 p.m. on the Bud Light stage.

My Morning Jacket - Wordless Chorus (Live)



My Morning Jacket - One Big Holiday (Live)

Thursday Bears: Lollapalooza 2011 Must-See Artists, Pt. IV

Today, we continue our Lollapalooza 2011 countdown with part four.

#4: Local Natives
Los Angeles five-piece Local Natives took a very, very slow rise to their eventual position in the alternative music sphere - one that seemed surprising, given their instantly likable vocal harmonies and often enriching material. Each member of the group is more than just an instrumental set in the band, with every member contributing in one way or another to songs' vocals. Their 2009 album Gorilla Manor is still the group's most recent studio work, but even with limited material the group as unmistakably thrilling live.

After playing last year's Pitchfork Music Festival, the band is making their first ever appearance at Lollapalooza, performing Saturday, August 6, at 5:30 p.m. on the Sony stage.

Local Natives - Who Knows Who Cares (Live on A Take Away Show)



Local Natives - World News



#3: Titus Andronicus
Ahhh, pure New Jersey civil-war era modern art punk. It's a tough description to pin to a band that's really tough to categorize. My affection for Titus Andronicus probably stems from the local tie-ins and the band's frequent appearances in the area, but there's something really different about these guys.

There last album The Monitor was a critical hit, bit broadly speaking, the group's still pretty small (hence the early Sunday slot). Regardless, check them out. Especially if you're from around the area.

Titus Andronicus will be performing Sunday, August 7, at 12:45 p.m. on the Music Unlimited stage. The group will also be signing autographs at 2 p.m. at the f.y.e tent.

Titus Andronicus - No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future



We'll continue with Part V tomorrow ...

Wednesday Bears: Lollapalooza 2011 Must-See Artists, Pt. III

Today, we continue our Lollapalooza 2011 countdown with part three.

#6: Black Lips
The Atlanta punk band makes their second return to the festival this year, but a bit different from last time around. Back in 2008, the somewhat lesser-known Black Lips bounced onto a major label the year prior, performing most of 2007's Good Bad Not Evil in a very early afternoon show. Four years later (although with a few different members), the group is a little more refined following the release of their Mark Ronson-produced Arabia Mountain.

You can see the band on the Playstation Stage, Saturday, August 6 at 3 p.m. In addition, the group will also be signing autographs at 4:30.



#5: Beirut
Zach Condon's enormous project will actually be making their first ever appearance at the Chicago music festival weeks before the release of their third full studio LP The Rip Tide. For those unfamiliar, Beirut is an incredibly unique piece, comprising of a dozen members, the Condon-led group perform a whirring blend of accessible world, folk, pop, electronica, and a litany of other potential genres.

To make the appearance even more special, they'll be closing out Saturday night, August 6, on the Google+ stage at 8:45 p.m.

Beirut - Nantes (Live on Take Away Show)



We'll continue with Part IV tomorrow ...

Tuesday Bears: Lollapalooza 2011 Must-See Artists, Pt. II

Today, we continue our Lollapalooza 2011 countdown with part two.

#8: Ratatat
One of the more impressive acts of last April's Coachella, Ratatat will carry the torch as the first act in a new Lollapalooza tradition - closing out the night on a sub-stage. In previous years, two opposing large headliners and a Perry's Place headliner were the only three options for festival goers. However, with the continual expansion of the park's perimeters, organizers added a fourth option.

The Brooklyn duo with four albums to their name will be playing Friday, August 5 at 8:45 p.m. on the Google+ stage.

Ratatat - Neckbrace



#7: Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77
Another Perry's Place and Friday act to keep an eye on, the Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77 (who were originally just the Bloody Beetroots and only consisted of the two original members) previously appeared at the festival in 2009 (I obviously missed them). However, that won't be the case this time around, seeing as how as the new Death Crew their shows have grown from big to extraordinary. And with an entirely revamped Perry's, it's a must.

The crew will be performing Friday, August 5 at 5 p.m. in the tent.

Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77 (Live at Crossover Festival 2010)



We'll continue with Part III tomorrow ... 

Monday Bears: Lollapalooza 2011 Must-See Artists, Pt. I

My annual vacation is almost a week away. But, like always, I give a top ten countdown to my most anticipated acts of Lollapalooza. And, as it is with every year, there are certain preferences that make this list. For instance, regardless who all the headliners are, it's impossible to see them all. So, not every giant act will be here. Let's start with #10.

#10: The Glitch Mob
As I learned last year, Perry's Place has a lot more to offer than the usual festival-goer would suspect. The music is nearly non-stop, with solid fun all the way through the three days. And with the 20th anniversary of the fest, Lolla organizers have made Perry's all the more worth it, expanding the area to literally "the size of a football field."

The Glitch Mob, who recently released their We Can Make the World Stop EP, will be performing at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. I think it's fitting that I show the same video that got me into them.

The Glitch Mob - Street Warfare (XLR8R TV)



#9: The Vaccines
I talk about the Vaccines enough as it is, but now that I actually have the opportunity to see them, I'm fairly excited. The group caught on late last year with the release of their Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)/Blow It Up 7", they've been steadily garnering more and more attention as the months have gone by, including headlining their own tour in the fall.

You can see the group early on the first day, August 5, at 12:45 p.m. on the main Music Limited stage. The group will also be signing autographs at 2:00 p.m.

The Vaccines - Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)



We'll continue with Part II tomorrow ...

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 ...

Friday Bears: Lollapalooza 2010 Must-See Artists, Pt. III

Another day, another day closer to departure. Here's part three of Bears and Bullets Lollapalooza 2010 countdown.

#6: Hot Chip
As with The New Pornographers, English pop-dance-whatever group Hot Chip are making their first Lollapalooza appearance since 2006. Since the group's first appearance, the sounds of Alexis Taylor and a small amount of revolving members have achieved a slow progression through 2008's Made in the Dark and this year's One Life Stand, with songs like "Ready for the Floor" and "Shake a Fist" that we in the blog world have heard about probably a thousand times over.

Regardless, the group's dynamics and well-regarded live prowess push them to the middle of this year's list. Plus, I haven't seen them. Hot Chip will be performing at 6:00 on the Parkways stage, Friday, August 6.

Hot Chip - I Feel Better



#5: The National
If it hasn't been mentioned enough this year already, The National have become a pretty big deal. For the band's first studio release since 2007's The Boxer, 2010's High Violet have all-but affirmed their continuing climb up the indie music echelon.

On a short return from their last Lollapalooza performance in 2008, The National are set again to finish off the last night of the festival on the north side of the park, on the Playstation stage at 7:15, on Sunday, August 8. Side note; fans can meet the band at 4:30 on that Sunday for autographs at the F.Y.E. Tent.

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio



Check in Monday for Parts IV and V ...

Thursday Bears: Lollapalooza 2010 Must-See Artists, Pt. II

As the days to Lollapalooza 2010 swiftly approach, we continue the list of my top ten must-see acts of the festival. And now, here's part two.

#8: The Walkmen

A relatively under-billed, for some reason, act at this year's festival, The Walkmen are on the cusp of releasing what is expected to be another stellar album to their frequently filled catalog. Five years after the group broke into the hearts of indie-philes everywhere with their dynamic, and all-engrossing single "The Rat", The Walkmen, led by lead-singer Hamilton Leithauser are on the cusp of yet another studio release, Lisbon.

The new album, scheduled for release in September, via Fat Possum Records, is a continuation of the matured sound from 2008's You & Me, with plenty of modern saloon-esque horns cascading the slow decadence of Leithauser's surprisingly booming voice. For more on Lisbon, you can read an NPR highlight on the band's new works here.

The Walkmen will be performing at 1:00 on the Adidas Mega stage, Friday, August 6.

The Walkmen - Stranded - MP3

#7: The New Pornographers

Canadian super-group The New Pornographers - led by singer-songwriters AC Newman, Dan Bejar and Neko Case, who made her own appearance at Lollapalooza last year - will be making their first appearance at the festival as a whole group in four years.

After a successful string of critically acclaimed albums released in the first half of the 2000's, The New Pornographers, coupled with their various side projects, took a bit of a side-step with their somewhat disappointing 2007 release, Challengers. Fast-forward three years, and you have Together, a collective reshaping of the band back to the enduring sounds fans first experienced with Mass Romantic.

The group will be performing at 4:00 on the Budweiser Stage, Friday, August 6. Together is out now via Matador Records.

The New Pornographers - Crash Years (Live on Fallon)

Check in tomorrow for Part III ...

Wednesday Bears: Lollapalooza 2010 Must-See Artists, Pt. I

That heavily-anticipated time of year has finally drifted within the week. Next Tuesday, August 3, I'll make my annual departure to Chicago for Lollapalooza. If you don't know that by now, well, now you do. And as with the coming days, I'll give out my list of my ten most anticipated acts of the festival.

Now keep in mind, because of schedule restrictions and conflicts, that seeing literally every act I wish would be utterly impossible. So, there will, unfortunately, be some omissions in this list; including: The Black Keys, Grizzly Bear, and others.

So to start my list, we'll highlight two artists that made my first official top ten list, Gogol Bordello and Yeasayer.

#10: Gogol Bordello
Eugene Hutz and Co. are somewhat frequent here (considering how much I adored them in 2008), so me seeing them as much as I can always ends up being a must. The group, an eclectic mix of European, Asian and American gypsy punks (the only title that works) are well-known for their electric live shows and rampant fan base.

Fresh off the release of their fifth studio album, Trans-Continental Hustle, Gogol Bordello will be performing at 3:45 on the Parkways stage, on Saturday, August 7.

Gogol Bordello - Immigraniada (Live on Jools Holland)



#9: Yeasayer
Another act I first saw at Lolla 2008, Yeasayer have gained a little more recognition in the past few years, especially after the release of their Odd Blood last February. Over those years, the group's sound has evolved from slow, psychedelic jams from their All Hour Symbols album in 2007, to a more flexible electro-pop.

The group will be performing at 4:00 on the Budweiser stage, Sunday, August 8.

Yeasayer - O.N.E.



Part II will be continued tomorrow ...

Official Lollapalooza 2009 Countdown (Pt. V)

Continuing the countdown of my Top Ten Must-See Lollapalooza Acts we take a look at the legendary Lou Reed.

#2: Lou Reed

The fantastically fascinating Lou Reed started his historic music career with The Velvet Underground with their 1967 debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico, which by now is well-established as one of the most, if not the most, important record in the history of alternative music.

Three studio albums later, The Velvet Underground disbarred with Reed turning his route to a solo career that saw such impeccable albums as 1972's Transformer and the heroin opera that was 1973's Berlin. In all, Reed is without a doubt the most seasoned and legendary music act at this year's Lollapalooza.

Reed will be performing on Sunday, August 9 (Day Three) at 6:30 on the Budweiser Stage. Suspicions still are high for a Lou Reed cameo during the Killers 8:30 show later that night at the Chicago 2016 Stage.

Lou Reed - Vicious (Live in Paris, 1974)


#1: Animal Collective

There's very little debate about whether Animal Collective have become the indie-alternative music scene's most polarizing, original, and oddest act in recent memory. The collective efforts of the group members Avey Tare, Panda Bear, and Geologist (all have real, more boring names) from one of this year's most aesthetically superior albums, Merriweather Post Pavilion, proved to be an even larger step for the band whose 2007 album Strawberry Jam was already one of the best albums of the decade.

The group will be performing on Saturday, August 8 (Day Two) two times. First, they'll be at the Perry's Tent for a DJ set from 2:30 to 3:30. Later that night they'll be at the Vitaminwater Stage putting a regular performance at 7:30.

Another added bonus, you can meet Animal Collective at 4:00 at the autograph tent, also on Day Two.

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes

Official Lollapalooza 2009 Countdown (Pt. IV)

Continuing the countdown of my Top Ten Must-See Lollapalooza Acts we take a look at Brooklyn's TV on The Radio.

#4: TV on The Radio

Since the release of TV on The Radio's Young Liars EP back in 2003 it has been considerably difficult to pinpoint exactly what the band sounds like. Alternative is too easy; it's a solid collaboration of indie rock and electronic fusion, with influences of punk, funk, and jazz to round the sound out.

The band's 2006 landmark release Return to Cookie Mountain (named album of the year by Pitchfork and Spin Magazine) and the single "Wolf Like Me" (a must-see performance here on Letterman) continued to launch the band's name in the music stratosphere. Their 2008 album Dear Science (named album of the year by Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine, again) solidified the band's position in music today.

The band will be performing Saturday, August 8 (Day Two) on the Budweiser Stage at 6:30. The band will also be performing a sold out aftershow with Chairlift at the Double Door August 7 at 10:00.

TV on The Radio - Dancing Choose


#3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Yeah Yeah Yeahs were a late addition to the Lollapalooza bill as a desperate last-second measure taken by the festival's organizers to replace fellow NYC act Beastie Boys after the group had to cancel all of their remaining summer tour dates. Yet, as it stands, Yeah Yeah Yeahs still standout as one of the can't miss acts of the weekend.

The group's recent album release, It's Blitz!, was a maturation from the band's previous efforts. Although while Karen O and Co. sound has definitely changed since the group's astounding 2003 debut Fever to Tell, and 2006's Show Your Bones, the band remains one of the biggest staples in indie and alternative music.

The band (as one of the six headliners) will be performing Saturday, August 8 (Day Two) on the Budweiser Stage at 8:30.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll

Official Lollapalooza 2009 Countdown (Pt. III)

Continuing yesterday's countdown of my Top Ten Must-See Lollapalooza Acts we take a look at my number six selection, Los Angeles noise-punk duo No Age.

#6: No Age

Since the release of 2008's Nouns LP off Sub-Pop, No Age has earned quick acclaim their frenetically quirky sounds from fans and musicians alike. The duo of Randy Randall and Dean Spunt, only with a guitar and drums, created a sound akin to early Sonic Youth and Deerhunter. From that, one could conclude that it also sounds nothing like them, as is the appeal of No Age.

The duo will be performing August 8 (Day Two) on arguably the biggest night at Lollapalooza on the Citi Stage at 5:00.

An added bonus; No Age will be performing with Deerhunter and Dan Deacon at Chicago's Logan Square Auditorium August 9. Tickets available here.

No Age - Eraser


#5: Passion Pit

Passion Pit have, in a very short time, become one of my favorite up and coming artists. The easily accessible indie-pop group's 2008 EP debut Chunk of Change and spectacular single "Sleepyhead" brought the group into the easily recognized indie-universe.

This year the grouped took another step forward with the May release of Manners. While the album still had a lot of what made Chunk of Change so good, it also added even more dance-able tracks like "The Reeling," including the aforementioned "Sleepyhead."

The group will be performing August 9 (Day Three) on the Citi Stage at 5:00, following Gang Gang Dance's 3:30 performance.

Passion Pit - The Reeling


Continued Tomorrow ...

Official Lollapalooza 2009 Countdown (Pt. II)

Continuing yesterday's countdown of my Top Ten Must-See Lollapalooza Acts we take a look at my number eight selection, Wisconsin's folk-group Bon Iver.

#8: Bon Iver

Bon Iver's July 2007 debut For Emma, Forever Ago (which was not released until February 2008 on Jagjaguwar) was instantly well-received from the foray of regular music outlets that have become the norm of indie criticisms; Pitchfork, The Village Voice, The A.V. Club, etc.

The group's 2008 Blood Bank EP was more of the adorned same - a well-received collection of North American folk that culminated with the eponymous single "Blood Bank."

Bon Iver will be performing August 7 (Day One) at the Playstation Stage (before Fleet Foxes) at 3:00.

Bon Iver - Wolves (Act I and II) (From La Blogotheque)

#7: Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird's name has always been jumping around Bears and Bullets since its inception over a year ago. I first came across the Chicago native back in 2005 with his sophomore album The Mysterious Production of Eggs and his single "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head." The acute blend of subtle folk and heartwarming indie-pop was instantly enticing to me and I imagine anyone else who's a fan of his work.

Over the past three years Bird has released two more records, 2007's Armchair Apocrypha and last year's Noble Beast. While still keeping his notable soft-sounding, violin infused, whistle-friendly music that showed so much promise with his 2003 debut Weather Systems, Bird has sustained a comfortable maturity over the past several years making his newer music more and more memorable.

Bird will be performing Friday, August 7 (Day One) at the Playstation Stage (after Fleet Foxes) at 7:00.

Andrew Bird (ft. Dianogah) - Lull

Continued Tomorrow ...

Official Lollapalooza 2009 Countdown

Continuing the annual Bears and Bullets tradition, we'll be counting down my Top 10 Must-See Acts of the Chicago Festival for the remainder of the week (as well as new music news).

We'll start with ...

#10: Dan Deacon

For the most part, Dan Deacon stands alone as the most strange/curious act of the festival. His lite-brite electronica is well-known to cause a cavalcade of fans and on-lookers to participate in such wild acts of jubilation in group settings that they've become almost legendary in scale.

Deacon's latest album, Bromst, is a pool of electronica's fastest and most imaginative works, polarizing some and enchanting others. As was with his 2007 debut, Spiderman of the Rings, Deacon's music collection is a materialization of children at play through a whirl-wind of pace and careful carelessness. His music stands alone as a cement block between the club crowd and the indie, tempering a minimal bridge from one side to the other.

The bald and chubby Baltimore native will be performing his crowd-moving collection August 9 (Day Three) at 3:30 at the Vitamin Water Stage. He'll also be signing autographs at 5:30 at the F.Y.E. Tent.

Dan Deacon - Crystal Cat


#9: Fleet Foxes

While Dan Deacon may be a curious anomaly for Lollapalooza, Fleet Foxes may just be Grant Park's least daring opposite. The accessible branch of indie folk from their landmark 2008 eponymous debut will be more than enough to attract the listlessly enjoyable crowd (not to mention they'll be following Bon Iver) with endearing singles like "Mykonos," "White Winter Hymnal," and "Blue Ridge Mountains," among others.

The 5:00 August 7 (Day One, Playstation Stage) performance may not have been organized more perfectly, as the minimal acoustic cascades of the band settles the early-night crowd immediately before Andrew Bird's sun-setting performance.

The band will also. be performing at Jersey City's All Points West this Friday.

Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant/Blue Ridge Mountains (Via La Blogotheque)


Continued Tomorrow ...