Lollapalooza: Early Sets to Check Out
August 5th, 2009I’m always tempted to skip the early sets at Lollapalooza. Grant Park is just an el ride away and it would be easy enough to show up at 3 or 4pm and see a solid run of kickass sets for the rest of the night. However, I’ve been burned by that a few times – a few years ago I missed Be Your Own Pet and Midlake because I was too much of a weenie to brave the crazy heat for a few early sets.
But not this year. This time I’m bringing my A-game, researching the early sets and showing up earlier to get the most of the festival. Here’s a few of the artists I hadn’t heart of before a few weeks ago, but that I might catch live.
Other Lives
Pretty mellow stuff, but with a distinctive sound. A bit like Andrew Bird – the string section fills out the songs and the tunes are understated in a way.
The Low Anthem
The Low Anthem has elements of Joseph Arthur (acoustic guitar and harmonica), Tom Waits (gravely voices) and Iron and Wine (nearly whispered vocals). Plus, they’re on the Nonesuch label, which means they have to be solid.
Living Things
A bit more of a straightforward rock band that I’m used to, but there’s hints (just hints, don’t get excited) of Nirvana here. Plus, after The Low Anthem I’ll be ready to rock the hell out.
Amazing Baby
I think Amazing Baby wants to be David Bowie when they grow up. They rock, they’re danceable – and it sounds like they’ll put on a vigorous live set.
Ra Ra Riot
I’m really looking forward to these guys – they remind me a little of Vampire Weekend and Arcade Fire. This should be a solid set and I’m surprised they’re going on as early as they are.
The Airborne Toxic Event
These guys have really grown on me, but it’s gonna be a hike across the park and back for them. We’ll see if I’m that committed to catching their performance. They have solid guitar and synth hooks and edgy vocals too.