Lollapalooza Lineup Announced At Midnight

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While most of us slept, Lollapalooza rolled out it's 20th anniversary lineup at midnight. Headliners include the leaked big names of Eminem, Foo Fighters and Muse along with surprise the addition of Coldplay. Alternate mainstream acts and bigger draws include My Morning Jacket, Deadmau5, A Perfect Circle, Cee Lo Green, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley & Nas and The Cars. In addition, Perry's DJ stage will feature the talents of Girl Talk in a newly expanded and tented space.

Listed below are all of the other acts with asterisks next to the ones I think are worthy of a look. Note: No daily schedule has been released. Single day tickets go on sale June 7.

An Horse, Arctic Monkeys*, Atmosphere*, Beats Antique, Beirut, Best Coast*, Big Audio Dynamite*, Black Cards, Black Lips, Boy & Bear, Bright Eyes, Cage the Elephant, The Chain Gang of 1974, Chico Trujillo, Christina Perri, City and Colour*, Cold War Kids*, Crystal Castles*, Cults*

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.*, The Drums, Death From Above 1979*, Deftones, Delta Spirit, Disappears*, DJ Mel, Dom, Electric Touch, Ellie Goulding, Explosions in the Sky, Fences, Fitz & the Tantrums, Flogging Molly*, Foster the People, Friendly Fires*, Gold Motel, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Grouplove, Imelda May, Iration, J. Roddy Walston and the Business, The Joy Formidable*, Julia Easterlin, Kerli, Kids These Days, The Kills*, The Kingston Springs, Lia Ices, Lissie, Local Natives*, Lord Huron, Los Bunkers, Lykke Li*, Manchester Orchestra, Maps & Atlases*

Mayer Hawthorne & the County, The Mountain Goats, The Naked and Famous, Noah & The Whale, OK Go*, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart*, Patrick Stump, Phantogram, Portugal the Man*, The Pretty Reckless, Ratatat*, Reptar, Rival Schools, Ruby Jane

Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, Ryan Leslie, Sam Adams, Skylar Grey, Sleigh Bells*, Smith Westerns, TAB the Band, Tennis, Tinie Tempah, Titus Andronicus*, Two Door Cinema Club, Typhoon, The Vaccines*, White Lies*, Ween*, Wye Oak*, Ximena Saritana, Young Man, Young the Giant

Perry's stage: Girl Talk*, Pretty Lights, Kid Cudi*, The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew*, Afrojack, Modeselektor*, Skrillex, PerryEtty vs Chris Cox, Chuckie, The Glitch Mob, Busy P, Joachim Garraud, Super Mash Bros., Jay Electronica, 12th Planet, Daedulus, Feed Me, Jackmaster, Collie Buddz, Savoy, Kyle Lucas & Captain Midnite, Ana Tijoux, Midnight Conspiracy*, L1ght, Lady D.

The Joy Formidable - Whirring (edit)


Sleigh Bells - Crown On The Ground


Deadmau5 - Cthulhu Sleeps


Big Audio Dynamite - Rush


Arctic Monkeys - Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair


Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union


Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You


Wye Oak - For Prayer


Friendly Fires - In The Hospital


Ween - Push the Little Daisies


Girl Talk - All Day (full album)

Echo And The Bunnymen Launch Two Album Tour, Hit Chicago May 17

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The British new wave stalwarts Echo and the Bunnymen are one of many bands still releasing respectable material well into their fourth decade. Forming in 1978, the band's first four landmark albums in the early 80's are often cited as the best and most under-appreciated material from that era. Their most heralded LP from that group Ocean Rain was the subject of the full retrospective concert tour where the band played entire album in proper order. The reception (and ticket receipts) must have been great, because the Bunnymen have decided to do it again for not one, but two full albums at one concert. Their first two LP's Crocodiles and Heaven Up Here will be the subject of a back to back redux tour across the US starting in May. The show in Chicago will be on May 17 at The Vic with tickets going on sale on the January 29 at 10am. Give a listen to a sample from each album below.

Purchase Crocodiles here.

Purchase Heaven Up Here here.

Echo and the Bunnymen - Tracks from the new tour

Concert Review: The Walkmen/Japandroids - Metro Chicago 10/13/10

The following is an excerpt from my feature on Radio Free Chicago.

I have always enjoyed it when two bands tour together that are not an obvious listening match. The best thing about indie is that it is such a huge tent where all any artists have in common is a singular motive to do something different. The Walkmen, proud proprietors of popularity from a radio single a few years back and a critically praised album this year in Lisbon, are a band who trick you with their deceivingly lazy riffs and low-key delivery. Eventually the heady listener is slowly smothered by the weighty, swooning style and the reaching cries of lead singer Hamilton Leithauser.Japandroids cash their checks by simply hitting you in the face with a sledgehammer while wearing a big goofy grin. From last year's breakthrough album Post-Nothing to their consistently awesome 7 inch series this year, they are a duo that sinks themselves into their wistful lyrics about better days and longer nights as they precisely follow the Holy Trinity of Rock: drums, guitar, volume. When two bands like The Walkmen and Japandroids find enough commonality and mutual admiration to travel together and share the stage, it warms my heart and gives me renewed faith in music.

To read the full article, click here to go to Radio Free Chicago.

Angela Surf City - The Walkmen


The Walkmen - Blue as Your Blood


Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire

Lollapalooza Recap - Part Two

Since I did not arrive until later on Friday, the lion's share of music I witnessed was on the last two days. It was definitely for the better or I would have been crippled by the end of Sunday's offerings. Little did I know that the best was yet to come.

Saturday

Best Show Of The Day - Grizzly Bear
I have always found Grizzly Bear as a solid band, but that I may have too quickly written off because their more subtle cerebral nature and the drooling smooch fest they always receive from certain indie websites. However, I am now a fully converted fan finding that power and emotion that may get buried by a band possessing such a assured foundation of technical acumen. Although frontmen and guitarists often get the most obvious attention and instant adoration, the percussion of Christopher Bear was beyond the driving force, but the ardent inspiration for a surprisingly intense live band. The crowd gushed for the newest songs "Southern Point", "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait For Others" where the latter extended the CSNY-inspired harmony and made it the swollen crowd collectively unhinge their jaws. The delicate beauty consistently found in Grizzly Bear's tracks was there as well. An example was "Knife", aching with all of the reverberation from the studio recording. Their dynamics were on full display as "On A Neck, On A Spit" distracted you with homespun simplicity, then ran through the unsuspecting audience like a freight train with no warning. It was the show of the weekend, saying more in one hour and a dozen songs than fireworks and fancy stage sets ever could.

Honorable Mention - The Morning Benders
Again, there is a lot of hype surrounding The Morning Benders and their first LP Big Echo. I am happy that I got down to Grant Park early for the half hour set. Touching on all of the tracks that made this album one of this year's best such as "Promises", "Pleasure Sighs" and "Stitches", The Morning Benders had the perfect blend of sunny melodies and Brit-influenced ethereal dream-pop. Closing with "Excuses" allowed the young men to charm the crowd with an accapella hum-a-long. Consider me one of the converted.

In other news, co-headliners Phoenix had the opportunity to steal the day with energy and undeniable indie pop nuggets. They stretched their finale "1901" out to well over 10 minutes including multiple false endings. With all of that effort, they still fell 15 minutes short of their set time. Could they possibly take a signal from their French-born benefits that allow for only a 35 hour week? Wild Beasts were what I thought; a eerie blend of inviting, melodic soundscapes woven with a buoyant, attention-stealing falsetto. The xx were unsurprisingly introverted in volume and on a huge stage. They would have been much better served on one of Lolla's smaller stage or even performing cross-legged in your basement rec room. To counter was the high energy of Emily Haines and the cast of Metric who never lacked in joy or power chords. Between her and Stars' Amy Millan, I am surprised starry-eyed indie rock boys don't begin a mass exodus to Canada. Over at Perry's DJ stage was another exercise in obvious paint-by-numbers progressive techno and flagrant marijuana use by entitled teens. Joachim Garraud, Kaskade and even Perry Farrell as accompanied by Chris Cox never needed to challenge this oblivious crowd, making this the easiest money these disc jockeys ever made. Never mind as the much more interesting purveyors of dance beats were on their way tomorrow.

Sunday

Best Show Of The Day - The Arcade Fire
Since this was my first Arcade Fire show, my perception was based on the countless documentation speaking to the band's tireless work ethic. This is now a witnessed fact as the members spent the songs dancing, singing, posing and screaming along to each song, sharing their passion for their art the only way they know how. Even between songs, the members and roadies criss-crossed the stage to prepare, if only to squeeze a couple of extra moments communicating with the audience. This was also the most connected crowd I had witnessed all weekend, dedicated to celebrating the on-stage efforts, urging the band on through their well chosen set list. What was most noticeable was slightly more reserved nature of the band when performing the newer, less familiar tracks. Still, I found the moving "We Used To Wait" one of the set's highest points. Comparatively, the unbridled kinetics that were on display for tracks such as "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)", "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" and  Rebellion (Lies) were born from a well worn familiarity that translated from each performer's deep connection to these songs. It is this kind of undying showmanship that make The Arcade Fire beyond the pretentious label given by their dissenters. They are a proud collective of musicians dedicated to the explosive expression only live music can deliver.

Honorable Mention - Frightened Rabbit
Another fine example of the power of the live performance and the importance of being earnest. Scotland's Frightened Rabbit could easily play a main stage based on their fiery presence when bringing their anthemic odes to all kinds of heartache. A stroke of good fortune places them on a small stage where the immediacy is tangible as each furious guitar strum can be witnessed close up. Highlights include their newer tracks "The Loneliness And The Scream" and "Living In Colour" and unforgettable numbers "Modern Leper" and "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms". Hopefully they will get even more deserved adulation from this mid-day scheduling.

The National were decidedly broader in scope today, incorporating horns and a member of the Arcade Fire for their set. Despite drawing from a more subdued catalog, they brought a charged dissonance while the singer strode around the stage like a grinning father full of pride in his familial accomplishments. The Antlers' stark sound suited the early rainclouds well, commenting that the weather was appropriate since they were not a "surf pop band". Wolfmother was, with no surprise, channeling the early 70's metal in a double time formation. Surprisingly, the crowd was not shit house insane and the volume was not deafening. The DJ stage finally rolled out some quality music early on in the day. Homegrown talents Dani Deahl and Team Bayside High along with Felix Cartal and Didi Gutman had electro-disco beats rolling in the early hours. However, by the time Chiddy Bang bought their mashed hip-hop to the stage, the crowd was bursting on all sides highlighting a glaring empty space in the Lollapalooza main stage lineup. I am aware that rap artists turned pothead punchlines Cypress Hill were performing that day as well, but I think my comment speaks for itself.

Things to improve

Kidapalooza: Now I am all for people facepainting and punk rocking their toddlers while they catch a few shows and enjoy the sunshine. Plus, my personal friend at Chicago's own Character Skateboards is in his second year of doing demos and teaching kids how to ride properly and safely. However, the choice in bands for the stage was pathetic. The music was barely worthy of a low brow street festival (although Chrissie Hynde of Pretenders fame was there). Additionally, omnipresent Perry Ferrell was on stage reportedly dropping f-bombs to the only crowd that would not appreciate it. As a stated in Part One of my synopsis, sometimes the past should just stay there.

Water areas: The prevalent and free aspect of the water stations is a brilliant and an indispensable necessity for Lollapalooza. The filtering is also a wonderful bonus. However, the incredibly slow drizzle of the water coming from the spigots caused 30 minutes or longer queues. I think everyone would agree at that stronger water pressure would take precedent over filtering at that particular time.

Better public transportation: Obviously this is not Lolla's fault, but the missteps of a supposed "green city" that turned it's back on the greater good because of horrendous fiscal management. I am not sure why there could not be better coordination between the CTA and the concert promoters, but the massive crowds ended up being a safety issue on train platforms.

More variety in small businesses: Although independent sellers of clothes, food and music paraphernalia and are represented here, the variety was lacking. I think that we can all agree that the "hippie" aesthetic only appeals to a small section of the Lollapalooza public. There should be more offered here than hemp wear.

Overall, an achingly great weekend. Back to the record reviews. Thanks for reading and we will see you next year.

Grizzly Bear - On A Neck, On A Spit


The Morning Benders - Stitches


Arcade Fire - The Suburbs


Frightened Rabbit - The Loneliness And The Scream

Lollapalooza Recap - Part One

Let it be known that my perspective on music attempts to work from a historical slant. And yes, I am pretty old. My musical pursuits span over 25 years and my tastes and knowledge goes somewhat beyond. Part of taking that position is to not only put this constant stream of new music and the ever evolving era of the present in its properly authenticated vessel, but to understand that the past it best left an unsullied fond memory. When I first think of Lollapalooza, the three day well organized and corporate stamped steamroller that trundles through Chicago each summer is not my first thought. I remember the first four festivals I attended when in one day all different genres of music were presented on one huge stage and everyone was exposed to something they did not quite expect. That big tent of inclusiveness is what made those first years so eminent, an unparalleled station on the time line of music that will never be seen again. The new millennium Lolla is twenty years and billions of miles away from that instance; these contemporary performances were all about personalized exclusivity. The booking is still surely varied, although big name hip hop and rap artists were oddly omitted. The top headliners were there to draw the mainstream ticket buyer while their opposing big name talent kept the hardcore fans who arrived at noon happily on the grounds. There were the small label breakthroughs pitted next to the major label pet projects. There was your obligatory head nodding hard rock, your neo-hippie safety nets, your fist pumping club DJs and a small handful of bulls-eye accurate niche acts to rope any sub-genre that may have $100 begging to be spent. Lollapalooza is now a slowly chugging journey of specifically planned and targeted moments tailored for today's NOW generation. Instead of a grand symphony of we-are-all-in-this-together fellowship, it is snack-size samplings of arias and hosannas placed on idiosyncratic playlists to make everyone feel like this weekend was planned just for them. The old Lollapalooza could never happen these days and I refuse to be the furrowed contrarian who wants it like it was back in his better years. Not unlike today's hand held devices, The Lollapalooza Experience is now a wonder of technical consideration, beautiful packaging and sly corporate cajoling that is now a irrefutable necessity in need of yearly updating wrapped with a horribly expensive price tag.

Friday

Best Show Of The Day - Devo
Since I was on the south end to see The Big Pink, I figured I would give Devo a chance before scooting off for my New Pornographers set. I never left the area as the sixty-somethings reminded the crowd that they were more than a one-hit wonder in funny tiered hats. Of course "Whip It" was offered with relish, but they also made contact with "Uncontrollable Urge", "Mongoloid" and "Jocko Homo" in a back-to-back-to-back reminder of their innovation and their indelible signpost in music. Their stage presence didn't lack as well with costumes changes, assuring banter and the enthusiasm of a thirty year career being celebrated.

Honorable Mention - The Strokes
I was happy that I opted to miss the more popular option (read below) as The Strokes ripped through their set covering their three albums like it was an overtly excited album launching tour. Without scraping off one the new album whose release date was pushed to next year, they roared like 2001 by opening with b-side New York City Cops as a quick reminder that they are a raging force with a cheeky blend of cynicism. Next came the stomper "The Modern Age" and shuffle of "Hard To Explain" as testaments to their instant classic LP Is This It. In fact nine of their songs (including said b-side) were from the first album, while the others were a cherry picking of crowd pleasers from the later efforts. Their second half kept me rooted with a pre-encore flailing of "I Can't Win", "Reptilia" and "Last Nite" while coming back with hits "Juicebox", "Heart In A Cage" and final stamp "Take It Or Leave It". With this enthusiastic set, The Strokes have placed the bar back up at a lofty height that the new album can wishfully clear.

Standouts included the slick synth-pop stylings of The Big Pink and Hot Chip. While the catchy throb of Big Pink tracks such as "Dominoes" shows promise, they could do for more seasoning and material like grizzled veterans Hot Chip. Their confident bounce and crowd wielding could act as a traveled road for younger acts to follow.

My initial consideration of catching the Gaga spectacle was quickly dashed aside by witnessing the early crowd swell. Reports were that I did not miss much. My favorite comment was that she should change her name to Lady Blah Blah as she as much choreographed scripting as her stilted singing and dancing. She is the physical artist representation of the Lollapalooza festival, a never-ending message of corporate planned sloganeering about today's need for conventional individuality by way of pure spectacle that comfortably speaks to the first generation of Americans who have marketed to since birth.

See you soon for Lollapalooza update Part Two!

Devo - Mongoloid


The Strokes - New York City Cops


Hot Chip - I Feel Better

Lollapalooza Plan Of Attack - Sunday

With a festival as sprawling and diverse as Lollapalooza, one can easily feel conflicted about where to spend your precious time. Should you plot an early spot waiting for the popular band or roll up fashionably late splitting time with lesser known acts? Would you be better served seeing an artist you know little about or go for the group you just satisfyingly caught in a much more intimate setting? Fret not, noble 'Palozzian, your choices are not so weighty. With Sunday being the most diverse lineup, let's see if we can make it through without too many regrets.

HEALTH/The Antlers/The Dodos: 11:30-2pm
If your energy reserves have not yet been depleted, roll in early Sunday for the up-in-your-grill noise of HEALTH. Next, traverse quickly across Grant Park to catch The Antlers. Their 2009 emotionally swollen ode to dying Hospice is a heartbreaking listen. Finally, the stripped down, primitive approach of The Dodos will remind you that often times less is actually much more. However, for the more is best crowd, head over to the DJ stage for the electro-tweaks of Felix Cartal or the bursting African soul of Nneka.

HEALTH - Die Slow


The Antlers - Two


The Dodos - Fables


Felix Cartal - Montreal Dreams


The Cribs/Chiddy Bang/Yeasayer: 2-5pm
For this conflict-ridden block of time, I am opting for the good times to keep me pushing through. With The Cribs being the festival's most raucous option for British born rock, they will remind you what country puts the "P" in power-pop. My next stop will definitely be at the DJ stage for the party put on by Philly's Chiddy Bang. (Lots of P's there too!) If you can make it, run over and catch the last bit of Yeasayer's music that draws influence from all over the world. There are so many options here, you can make your own choices based on your listening palate. Try Chicago's favorite bar band The Ike Reilly Assassination, the intense British folk of Mumford and Sons or the infinitely interesting blend of Latin and hip-hop from Mexican Institute of Sound.

The Cribs - Mirror Kissers


Chiddy Bang - Kids


Yeasayer - Ambling Alp


Mumford and Sons - The Cave


Mexican Institute Of Sound - Cha Cha Cha


Frightened Rabbit/MGMT: 5-7:15pm
This slot might contain the toughest call of the night. Although I enjoy Erkyah Badu's incredible voice, Scotland's Frightened Rabbit is an all-time favorite of mine. Their 2008 effort Midnight Organ Fight is a never-ending cycle of acoustic strength and lyrical might. After that, MGMT's synth-dance set will be a bouncing, flashing disco mess. However, my inner crowd surfer may be swayed to check the 60's stoner rock of Wolfmother. Might have to catch one of those golf cart shuttles for this one.

Frightened Rabbit - Nothing Like You


MGMT - Electric Feel


Wolfmother - Dimension


The National/The Arcade Fire: 7:15-10pm
Although Cypress Hill might be fun, I am just not that into weed. No worries, because The National are the very definition of an American success story. Touring and recording for many years until their 2005 breakthrough album Alligator, the New York based band has been riding the well deserved waves of critical adulation for their distinct yet familiar brand of heart strung indie. With their brand new release The Suburbs less than one week old, The Arcade Fire will definitely close the show with one of their trademark emotional live performance. However, a special shoutout to Soundgarden for going viral and running around Chicago and giving away free tickets to their indoor show at The Vic. That will be a great venue for their career-spanning retrospective.

The National - Bloodbuzz, Ohio


The Arcade Fire - Ready To Start


Soundgarden - Pretty Noose


Again, stay cool and look for my post-concert analysis next week. Do it to it.

My (Satur)Day At The Pitchfork Festival

I go to Pitchfork each year choosing one day that I feel has the best potential live lineup. I hit the artists I want to see while discovering the ones that I may have overlooked. I feel the Pitchfork Festival offers much more with less by keeping simple while never choking the ticket buyer with too much advertising or overpriced goods and services. First realization: I should have gone to all 3 days.

Best Show Of The Day
Thanks goodness I got down there just past 2:30. Delorean had just began to play and it was the perfect choice to start my day. This band from Barcelona has the perfect soundtrack for the neverending nightlife that city has to offer. They are equal parts sunny beach and evening breeze, bouncing in the summer heat but could easily have been headlining a old school warehouse rave. These sounds are straight out of the Madchester scene in 1980's filling the void left by Happy Mondays, New Order and Primal Scream. Using Latin rhythms and House piano, Delorean have crafted a fresh take on a comeback genre that keeps on sprouting again. Live dance music is here to stay and Delorean have carved out the beginnings of a solid groove.

Purchase Delorean - Subiza here.

Delorean - Stay Close


Biggest Surprise
One of the best parts of major festivals is the secondary stage where lesser known bands can ply their wares, make their underdog role work for them and convert the masses. This is the perfect spot for a band like Bear In Heaven. This trio brought their brand of throbbing prog-rock to the stage with good attitude and enthusiasm. Highlights include the machinery grind of "Casual Goodbye", the energetic and to the point "Wholehearted Mess" and the offered below "Lovesick Teenagers".

Purchase Bear In Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth here.

Bear In Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers


Biggest Disappointment
This blurb should be prefaced by the following disclaimer: I am not a huge fan of Noah Lennox. Whether it is the blissed-out drone of Panda Bear or the primitive psych-trip of Animal Collective, their music is best consumed in small doses in a well planned playlist in a low key setting. In addition, bands heavy on studio tricks tend to feel out of sorts on tour. Nevertheless, Panda Bear's co-headlining status warranted a high expectation, but brought a messy, buzzy drone that never developed into a distinguishable song. Next time, I will try whatever caused the aging hippie chick to twirl around to the dissonance.

Buy Panda Bear - Person Pitch here.

Panda Bear - Tomboy


Obligatory LCD Soundsystem Post
Since myself and most of the folks at Pitchfork on Saturday, their primary motive in ticket purchasing was to see the headliners. In fact, the crowd seemed to double at about 7pm with the well-washed and clean-clothed. Most of these concert goers surely missed the opportunity to see LCD Soundsystem at the Metro. For the majority of the crowd, they did not disappoint. James Murphy and company was definitely reliable as the closer playing the hits from the past and faves from the new album. If anything, the reliability slipped into predictability for those who have caught them on this tour already. There was not one song I had not heard at the previous Chicago show, right down to the closer/mashup tribute to New York. For all I know, James Murphy could have been wearing the same Fruit Of The Loom v-neck tee. For fear of sounding hateful, I will digress. LCD Soundsystem are easily one of my favorite groups and I will mourn them if James Murphy decides to take his toys and talents and go home and didn't get it. As a dedicated fan, I wanted more. How about opening with the song below?

Purchase LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening here.

LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean


Final odds and ends

• Jon Spencer Blues Explosion started a bit rusty playing a medley of a few hits that was lost in the lack of synchronicity with the band members. However, once the kinks came out, they sounded as off the rails fun as they did fifteen years ago. Bellbottoms!
• Maybe I was a bit surly after waiting for 20 minutes, but Dam-Funk was not good. No real instrumentation and his ghetto grooves by way of Prince failed to inspire the crowd. In fact, the whole set reminded me of that gag band Sexual Chocolate that Eddie Murphy fronted in Coming To America. Simply put, no one got it.
• Titus Andronicus was enjoyable. These New Jersey boys are surely showmen, but fall prey to taking themselves way too seriously.
• Wolf Parade was fine, but uninspired. They still have not recaptured the power in their first album. They played  "I'll Believe In Anything", one of my favorite songs from the past decade, which was good enough for me. 

Thermals Release New Single, Album Out September 7, Free Concert In Millennium Park July 5

What a way to celebrate your Independence Day. Portland, Oregon pop-punkers The Thermals unleash the new track from their upcoming LP Personal Life. It will be officially released on the Kill Rock Stars label September 7th. New track "I Don't Believe You" holds no huge surprises; it is a straight forward, two and a half minute joyful bouncer featuring all the good stuff that The Thermals bring. Flinty guitar riffs skim over the lively bass line while the nasally vocals chant out the chorus, making you want to push the stranger next to you for some innate yet innocent, mosh pit inspired fun.

For those Chicagoans who do not want to wait to hear the rest of the new album, we have been blessed with the bounty of a free concert from The Thermals in Millennium Park on Monday, July 5th. The Disappears open and it at begins at 6:30pm. It will indeed be a explosive Fourth of July.

Preorder the new Thermals album Personal Life here.

The Thermals - I Don't Believe You

Pre- & Aftershows For Lollapalooza Are Here, Tickets On Sale Soon

For those of you yearning to resolve your Lollapalooza schedule conflicts with your credit card or those who choose to abstain from the heat, crowds and expense of said three day festival can catch most of the highlighted bands at your friendly neighborhood concert venue.

Featured bands include The National, Phoenix, New Pornographers, Hot Chip, Devo, The Black Keys, The Walkmen and Rogue Wave are playing everywhere from large capacity halls such as House of Blues and Congress Theater to intimate settings like Empty Bottle and Double Door. Since my attendance at Lollapalooza is still being debated, this list helps me lean the other way. Single day tickets are still on sale here.


Links to purchasing aftershow tickets are here. Examples for your listening pleasure are given as well.

Thanks to bloggers Consequence Of Sound for typing this first so I could cut and paste without incident. 

Thursday, August 5th:
Devo w/ Dirty Projectors @ Congress Theater 7:30pm
Slightly Stoopid w/ Collie Buddz @ House of Blues 8pm
New Pornographers w/ Dodos @ Metro 8pm
Big Pink w/ Night Gallery @ Lincoln Hall 8pm
Cymbals Eat Guitars w/ Young Galaxy @ Schubas 8pm

New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together)



Friday, August 6th:
MGMT @ House of Blues 10pm
Cut Copy w/ Dragonette @ Metro 10pm
The Walkmen w/ Warpaint @ Double Door 10pm
Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros w/ Freelance Whales @ Lincoln Hall 10pm
Wild Beasts – Empty Bottle @ 10pm
Rogue Wave w/ Gamble House @ Schubas 1opm

Rogue Wave - Solitary Gun



Saturday, August 7th:
Precision Guided Musicians featuring Hot Chip (Live), Rusko, Steve Porter, Ancient Astronauts, and Perry Farrell @ Congress Theatre 10pm
The National w/ Antlers @ House of Blues 10pm
The Black Keys w/ Morning Benders @ Metro – 10pm
Minus the Bear w Miniature Tigers @ Double Door – 10pm
Blitzen Trapper w/ Avi Buffalo @ Lincoln Hall 10pm
Gogol Bordello @ Subterranean – 10pm
Wavves w/ Harlem @ Empty Bottle – 10pm
The Soft Pack w/ Royal Bangs @ Schubas – 10pm

Hot Chip - And I Was A Boy From School




Sunday, August 8th:
Phoenix w/ Toro Y Moi @ House of Blues 10pm
Health @ Reggies Rock Club 10pm

Phoenix -Lisztomania

Concert Review/Set List: LCD Soundsystem, May 26, 2010

I don't have a whole lot of time today to post about LCD Soundsystem concert last night, which was pretty spot on. Some quick moments and thoughts.

• James Murphy has become the collective conscience of the aging hipster. Hey, don't get me wrong. Being in indie rock is always going to be a young person's game. But, when the crowd is quite possibly more over 30's than under, he really is becoming a musical voice for "my generation". Sorry, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. I must have been thinking about The Big Chill. 
• Second Example of James Murphy's new spokesperson title: Between songs, he takes a moment to point out that a bunch of people are recording video of the show. Not that he minded, but he went further to say that they might enjoy it more if they put down the phones and just experience the moment. Even though it sounded a bit, "Back in my day, we didn't have pocket sized cameras, video recorders or phones. We had Polaroids and a pocket full of quarters and we were thankful!". Still, an astute observation.
• After much deliberation, I may have to write a review of the new album, This Is Happening. The only thing is that everyone else already has.
• They only played four songs from the new album. It is definitely agreed that their new album is a bit more low-key, restrained and, dare I say, mature. However, it seemed that they tried to play the songs people wanted to hear instead of songs they may have wanted to play. Check out the set list below. Then, check out a smattering of their music even further below.

Oh, and buy the new album here.

1. Us v. Them
2. Drunk Girls
3. Yr City's A Sucker
4. Pow Pow
5. Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
6. All I Want
7. All My Friends
8. I Can Change
9. Tribulations
10. Movement
11. Yeah (Both Versions, sort of)

Encore

1. Someone Great
2. Losing My Edge
3. New York I Love You, But You Are Bringing Me Down (with a snippet of Empire State Of Mind)

Losing My Edge


Someone Great


Home


Drunk Girls (Holy Ghost! Remix)

Three Things I Learned At The Free Dead Weather Show

I have always said I will see just about anyone live for free. I use that in reference to all of the major label artists whose concerts are obnoxiously priced and laden with Ticketmaster's abusive charges, where more than 90% of the seating is nowhere near the stage, where the sound quality is comparable to playing in a barn and, to be frank, their music is not any good anyways. Nevertheless, if someone fronted me a ticket to see a glossed up, overproduced pop/R&B/country artist, my "give it a chance" side would kick in and, for the sake of curiosity, I would go and do my darnest to enjoy the experience.

Now this has nothing to do with The Dead Weather concert I saw for free Saturday night. This latest incarnation of Jack White of White Stripes fame has only been present for less than two years. However, with his star power pricing himself outside of most intimate venues, I have no interest in sitting in arena seating with no connection to what is happening on stage, even if I enjoy the music. However, when this opportunity to see a major label band for free in a hollowed out warehouse, with a hosted bar no less, presented itself, I took it.

At the time, I had not given any of Jack White's new supergoup a listen. Featuring members from Queens of the Stone Age, The Kills and Jack White's earlier band The Ranconteurs, this band was built for the bluesy, scuzzed retro rock that can only be played at maximum volume. Outside of enjoying the show, I did learn a couple of things about The Dead Weather, and the dinosaur that is the corporation, on Saturday night.

1. Jack White can play the drums better than Meg White. For those that know, The White Stripes were an exercise in limitation. The duo went out of its way for most of its career to only feature guitar and drums. Within that constraint, they managed to pump out great rock music at its most primal. One of the oft discussed aspects of The White Stripes was Meg White's limited drumming acumen. The most accurate quote I ever read about this was: "Meg plays all of the ability and enthusiasm of a ten year old." Knowing not much about the band coming in, I was surprised to see Jack White behind the drum kit. After a couple of songs into the set, it made me wonder why he is not playing guitar. Boredom? A new challenge? A veiled cheap shot at his former wife?
2. Alison Mosshart has the drug addled front woman act down to a science. Showmanship is key in a live performance. Although this is Jack White's band, it was Mosshart's stage. She pranced, strutted and twitched like her next hit could very well be her last and she could give a shit. Many female rockers wished they had game like this. She makes Juliette Lewis look like the poor man's Juliette Lewis. Honestly, her pipes and stage presence gives PJ Harvey a run for her money. 
3. No matter how good the band is, how cool the venue is or how many free drinks I can partake, the sponsored corporate rock experience still rings hollow. As someone more eloquent than me once said, nothing comes without a price. The whole experience was meant to give the illusion of something special. The whole event was stilted by Kin, a new mobile device fronted by Microsoft in a too late to the party attempt to make the IPhone's seat on the mountaintop a bit more wobbly. However, whether this new gadget was effective was taking a backseat to the ineffective marketing onslaught taking place. In some vain attempt to not be noticeably corporate, the show's details were released via Facebook while people ran to lineup outside of the empty warehouse for a trucking company in the West Loop. While being corralled for an extended period of time, professional photographers pursued the crowd looking for the right kind of cool for their marketing gimmicks. After the earliest folks waited for over three hours, the steady stream past the hired security, the inexpensive interns and the corporate d-bags began to get through the garage doors. Inside could have had that touch of exclusivity, but instead was plastered by video screens displaying an endless scroll of scruffy hipster models preening and simpering while displaying the most hackneyed catch phrases. Maybe I am too jaded, but anyone who says "Let's Do This" and "It's All About Me And You" without any irony is a moron. To use the phrase as a product slogan was probably thought up by a moron who thinks that you are big enough moron to fall for it. When leaving the venue, the inevitable bag of swag was given with buttons and posters emblazoned with the same heavy handed imagery. Also included was a coupon for the product to be used at the nearest Verizon store. I found it odd that nowhere at this event could I see or try this product (which was the only reason anyone was there in the first place). Were the powers that be showing some sort of misguided restraint? Lastly in my swag pack was a t-shirt that can be best described as some graphic designer's idea of a practical joke. Obviously the shirt is all about using your chest as a billboard, but in a somewhat apparent way, included in the graphic is a somewhat stylized photo of a penis. Don't take my word for it; see for yourself. Let's do this, indeed.

 

Since this blog is supposed to be about music and not about my grumpy old man grumbling, I will be tracking down and giving The Dead Weather a shot after hearing some great musicians and performers play an inspired set. I definitely cannot fault the band for the corporate money grab. In many ways, selling their wares for commercialization is the best (and simplest) way for the 21st century recording artist to pay the bills. Nevertheless, the best way for a corporation to make money (and hopefully this will never change) is to make a good product that people want. After enjoying the fruits of a new product's "buzz", my opinion on the product has not changed. I have no idea what the thing does or if I would ever want it.

The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

Free Daytime Concerts/DJ Sets On Mondays At Noon In Millennium Park

As I acknowledged in an earlier post, Millennium Park has some awesome and diverse independent music coming in on Monday evenings throughout the late spring and summer. Needless to say, the hipster factor was already ratcheted up with the impending lineup. Now it seems someone with some pull (and great taste in music) downtown wanted to surpass their previous benchmark in cool for Monday (and some Saturday) lunchtimes as well.

Calling it Edible Audible Picnic, the first workday of the week at Millennium Park will feature an incredibly diverse assortment of DJ's and bands to entertain as you scarf down your salads and sandwiches. Ranging from hipster darlings The Juan Maclean and High Places, hip-hop artists The Cool Kids, Tropicalia wunderkind El Guincho and Chicago house legend Green Velvet. Just to draw a wide range of consistent talent is well deserving of praise. To daringly roll all of these big names that are usually seen in dark clubs to a downtown Chicago lunchtime crowd is, at very least, gutsy. Millennium Park was always supposed to be an artistic triumph. Having the vision to bring in musicians that push artistic and cultural boundaries only emphasizes the greatness. Kudos, CPD.

All start times are on Monday at noon unless listed otherwise:

June 7 - Solvent
June 14 - The Cool Kids
June 21 - Dosh
June 28 - I Am Robot And Proud
July 3 (Saturday) - Green Velvet aka Cajmere
July 5 - Nice Nice
July 12 - El Guincho
July 19 - High Places
July 24 (Saturday) - Chicago Hip Hop--All Headz on Deck
July 26 - A Grape Dope
August 2 - VHS or BETA DJ Set
August 9 - Javelin
August 16 - The Juan Maclean DJ Set
August 23 - All City Affairs
August 30 - Future Rock
September 4 (Saturday) - Orchard Lounge

The Juan Maclean - Happy House


El Guincho - Antillas

Concert Review: The Futureheads/Dutch Uncles at Scala, London, UK

Seeing bands on a worldwide tour is always fun, but often they have no attachment to the city, or even country where they are playing. Most of the time when I have seen European bands in America, the exchange of entertainment is, at best, polite and earnest. They want that connection, but quite honestly have no feel for the culture for the audience members, venue and city where they are present. You can’t hold it against them. I enjoyed it when I saw Blur in Chicago a few years back, but knew it was surely an apple to the orange that is seeing them in the United Kingdom.

I have always had a soft spot for Brit Pop. Living in London in 1995-1996 during the high water marks for Oasis, Blur, Pulp, The Verve, Supergrass, Everything But The Girl and countless other British bands has kept it my guilty pleasure. One of the regrets was never having the motivation, timing and/or money to see these bands in their element. That is why I was so pleased that I could wrangle two of my friends in London to pick me up an extra ticket to see a British band in London.

The Futureheads hail from Sunderland, a coastal town in the far north of England and about 15 miles from Newcastle. London is about 5 hours south by car, but the northern contingency was out in full force. One of my friends referred to these fans are “Geordies” understandably without any affection.  For the first two bands, the crowd was calm and enthusiastic. However, as the main act came on, the electricity was turned up. When their post punk riffs and full band of vocal harmonies started, the inevitable shift came and the mosh pit commenced its swirl. Concentrating equally on their new album The Chaos and earlier favorites, they rattled off pleaser after pleaser to the joy of everyone, especially the Newcastle Geordies (not to be confused with the Mackems of Sunderland).

Live highlights from the new album included the single, and frontrunner for the second single, “Heartbeat Song” and “Struck Dumb”. These two tracks are what are best in Brit Pop and what is often missing in American rock music; unabashed hooks and sing-a-long lyrics over wailing guitars and stomping drums. It is a simple formula that gets overthought and underappreciated here in the States. Other standouts were the joyously chanted choruses of “The Beginning Of The Twist”, “Walking Backwards”, “Meantime” and “Decent Days And Nights”. My personal favorite song is their amazing cover of Kate Bush’s “Hounds Of Love” that was started with the audience participation of those amazing oh’s that could fill a football stadium with enough energy to carry the home team.

I would be remiss to not mention the openers from Manchester Dutch Uncles, a great band with some obvious home grown influences via Suede and The Smiths. They are a engaging live band and are already well defined in their sound.  It was an added bonus that I would not have witnessed in an American band, especially in the Midwest.

The new Futureheads album The Chaos is available for pre-order to be shipped on June 1st.

Most of the tracks below are available for download by pressing the down arrow.

The Futureheads - Struck Dumb


The Futureheads - Heartbeat Song


The Futureheads - Meantime


Dutch Uncles - Face In