Quick Lollapalooza Top Ten Preview

I am so excited about Lollapalooza 2006, at Chicago's Grant Park August 4 - 6, that I thought I'd write up a TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD BE AT LOLLAPALOOZA list. So here it is, as quick as my fingers will type it:

10. Sybris - Chicago dreamy indie rock quartet Sybris is set to play Saturday at 1:00. They sound a little like the Pixies, a little like My Bloody Valentine, and a lot like GOOD MUSIC. The female lead vocals are obviously a selling point for me, since I am apparently a sucker for a sexy voice.

9. Anathallo - This group from Mount Pleasant, MI (what?!?) could actually be amazing live. Their lush orchestration and interesting arrangements have been compared to Sufjan Stevens and the Decemberists. Show your support on Friday at 1:00, especially if you're from the Great Lakes State.

8. Manu Chao - Screw Kanye. Across the park from that giant-headed monster, a world music dance party will take place. His music contains elements from British rock and French music, but also sounds from Spain and South America. Forget the hype of that hip hop hooligan. The cool kids will be partying with Manu from 8:30 to 10 on Saturday night. (p.s. - followers and/or members of Kanye's entourage, please don't murder me)

7. Feist - Oh why do you have to be performing during The Go! Team's set??? Canadian vocal vixen Feist will be performing Saturday at 1:30. She recorded her album in Paris, which makes her even hotter. It's for the best that I miss her set anyways. She'd probably break my heart in that short hour on stage. Trust me, Feist can't wait to quit her job so we can get married and have babies. Then one day we will start a family band and we will tour the countryside and you won't be invited! (Sigh...I'm a dork)


6. The Shins - The Shins broke out with two songs on the Garden State soundtrack and a huge college following in the last couple years. For some reason I always thought they were British. Anyways, see them serve up their summery indie rock at 4:30 on Sunday. It should be a good time.

5. Sonic Youth - These days Sonic Youth plays like Yo La Tengo playing like late 80's Sonic Youth (anyone that follows that deserves a pat on the back). The reality is that their new CD is actually good! Make sure to check out these legends of noise rock Saturday at 4:30.

4. The Go! Team - I am actually skeptical as to whether or not the Go! Team can pull off a live act with the same fervour as their live album. But I'm completely willing to find out. See them combine hundreds of samples with live instruments and vocals on Saturday at 1:30. Get ready for a Motown-kung fu-western-cheerleader-indie rockin good time!

3. Of Montreal - Their live shows have the same capacity for fun and excitement as the Flaming Lips (read below). Alternating intstruments and switching between real and electronic drums, this is acid indie pop like you've never heard (or seen) before. Kevin Barnes is hilarious at the mic. You will leave their set (Sunday at 5:00) feeling happy. Trust me.

2. Broken Social Scene - I think this group, with their miniscule 45 minute set on Sunday at 7:30, will emerge as one of the more memorable of the festival. Call it a hunch. At least Feist will only be breaking my heart once this weekend while she provides the powerhouse vocals on songs like "7/4 Shoreline." Be there, or be Canadian.

1. The Flaming Lips - Their set at All Good Fest 2005 in West Virginia was hands down one of the coolest acts I've ever seen. I wish they had a headline slot. At least they get an hour, at 6:30 on Saturday (Saturday's gonna be a good day huh!?). Be prepared for fake blood, giant balloons, strobe lights, confetti, and....oh, wait....I'm giving away the surprises!!! GET EXCITED!!


Wow, I'm exhausted already. Go to www.lollapalooza.com for more info or to buy tickets. Hopefully I'll see you there! (read more of my work at the Head Dress Tattoo blog)