While I especially looked forward to catching Gnarls Barkley on the AT&T stage, partially just to see what the white boy with the fro actually does in the group, other lesser-known artists caught the audience’s attention as well. The reasons for that vary from an outstanding show, funky stage props, weird stage makeup, and a certain singer flashing the crowd, because her dress was a little too hot to wear, so to speak.
Speaking of flashing, the women were in full effect today at Lollapalooza. Any warm-blooded man would have had trouble concentrating on anything other than the revealing clothing that was the dress code for today’s event due to the heat, oh how I love the humidity in August. Of course though, the boyfriends were out to keep leashes on their women, such a pity, so many backstage passes that could’ve been bartered for a phone number.
On the hip-hop end, Common and Kanye West were the biggest names on the bill. Although they may have been overshadowed by those monstrous names, Blackalicious and Lyrics Born both tore down the house with disgustingly smooth rhymes, and banging beats courtesy of Lyrics Born's band, and Blackalicious’ keyboard player and DJ. Despite some serious sound problems that delayed Kanye’s set, everything there went off without an issue or any real problems.
The Flaming Lips held it down on the rock end with Sonic Youth and Feist. All three represented the cream of the crop with their live performances, and I don’t believe anyone has ever made a grander entrance than the Flaming Lips, or had a stranger show. It was so bizarre in fact, that every available photographer was covering their performance leaving only three for Common.
BRING IN THE CLOWNS
While the two biggest forms of music were accurately represented by hip-hop and rock acts, no summer festival would be complete without those rare square pegs that we can’t quite fit into our circle holes of conformity. Putting their own spin on rock theatre, the Dresden Dolls - to put it best - are in a league of their own when it comes to sharing themselves through their music and live show. While they are Lollapalooza first-timers, their lead singer decked out in clown makeup had a “wardrobe malfunction” that resulted in sharing her perky b-cups with the 400+ plus crowd. Nothing says you're having a good time better than girls losing their shirts.
The only real downside to Saturday was the undeniable sweat that just didn't stop when you're walking mile after mile to stand with other sweaty people in a space that you're just not meant to stand in. Otherwise, it was all good, especially when the sun went down for the Kanye show. That cooled everything off enough to fully enjoy Chicago’s golden child’s homecoming.
Judging from the quality of music that I heard today, I’m eagerly looking forward to Sunday to see what the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have in store for us. Last time they went on last in a three day festival, mass riots and the burning of the camera posts on the festival grounds brought the event to a screeching halt…can’t wait!
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