Cymbals Eat Guitars (Friday - 3:30pm)

Personally, these New York indie-rockers have been quite the elusive group to see in concert. For a multitude of reasons, I have tried and failed three or four times over the past to see them. That streak will end this Friday at Lollapalooza. So why do I like them? Their epic 2009 debut album Why There Are Mountains remind me of a younger version of Modest Mouse. Their sound is sprawling, and their songs have a soaring, larger than life dynamic to them. Cymbals Eat Guitars are the first show of the festival I’m really excited for, providing a great way to kick off the weekend.you

Dirty Projectors (Friday - 5:00pm)

I love harmonies. When done right, it’s one of the easiest ways I get hooked on an artist. And Dirty Projectors are undoubtedly among the great harmonizers around today. Between the angelic, soaring vocals of female backup singers Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian and Haley Dekle along with frontman Dave Longstreth’s crooning at forefront, the Dirty Projectors have created a unique vocal presence unlike anyone else. But it’s not just their vocals making them shine; it’s also the compelling warmth of Longstreth’s arrangements. Time and time again, Longstreth has proven himself to be on the short list of rising indie-composers over the past decade.

Black Keys (Friday - 6:00pm)

This time slot definitely stands as the toughest choice of the entire festival, with The Black Keys, Hot Chip and Jamie Lidell all playing within the same hour. While I have never seen the latter two live, the Akron blues-rockers are the easy choice here. Over the past year, both singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have pursued a multitude of projects outside of their own band. Auerbach released a more traditional blues album, and Carney formed his own group Drummer. In addition, both brought together big name rappers including Ludacris, Raekwon, RZA and Mos Def to record the collaboration album Blackroc. More recently, The Black Keys are coming off the heels of Brothers—their best record in recent memory. The duo always manage to put on a great show—expect nothing different this year.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Saturday - 6:30pm)

Whenever you put eleven musicians on stage together, things usually have a way of working out well. Although former Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert may have not originally envisioned his band to grow into the musical collective it has become, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have become an act exuding carefree sentiment and genuine tenderness. While best known for their free-spirited single “Home,” the earnest emotion of this ensemble’s work goes far beyond that, despite only having one record released to date. Edward Sharpe and the constantly revolving lineup of the Magnetic Zeros prevail as a phenomenal live act, and are a can’t miss act for anyone who has not seen them before.

Cut Copy (Saturday - 7:30pm)

Cut Copy’s last album, In Ghost Colours, was one of my favorite albums of 2008. While the Australian electro-pop outfit has remained relatively quiet as of late, this show should offer a first glimpse at what to expect from their upcoming third album Tusk—expected to be released in early 2011. Cut Copy are also unlike many electronic acts by virtue of their live instrumentation. Rather than primarily relying on recorded samples in concert, Cut Copy remain performance-oriented. And who can argue with live dance music as good as theirs?

Phoenix (Saturday - 8:30pm)

Few bands over have exploded over the past couple years the way that French synth-rockers Phoenix have. While Phoenix have been around for quite some time, it was their latest album, 2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, that brought them from respectably sized clubs to headlining major venues. The French quartet, however, are by no means a product of overwhelming hype. Led by frontman Thomas Mars, Phoenix’s catchy anthems are capable of enamoring nearly everyone in attendance. I had the privilege of seeing Phoenix once before (at last year’s Austin City Limits), and to put it simply—I can’t wait to see them again. If you’re less of a Green Day fan or are more of the dance-pop type, Phoenix is the way to go for the Saturday nightcap.

The Antlers (Sunday - 12:15pm)

One of my favorite shows from last year’s Lollapalooza was that of the cathartic folk-rock group Bon Iver. If I had to pick a group to fill their shoes this year—it would The Antlers. Their 2009 masterpiece Hospice was a stunning, emotional statement of pain, loss and despair. The product of songwriter Peter Silberman—this album was partially based on his own experience of a dying relationship symbolically presented through a relationship between a hospice worker and a terminall-ill patient. It’s a beautiful, evocative piece of work—one that I have been anxiously waited to see live.

The National (Sunday - 7:15pm)

They’re simultaneously sad and uplifting, slow-burning and intense, possessing the ability to convey emotions in ways we cannot. In the simplest terms, these New York indie-rockers are the best live performers I have seen in the past year, and I expect nothing to change this time around. In particular, I am beyond anxious to hear them showcase new songs from their recent release High Violet, including “Terrible Love,” “England” and “Blood Buzz Ohio.” The National are a group that unveils new meaning with each passing listen, and whose work can resoundingly be embraced by fans and newcomers alike.

Arcade Fire (Sunday 8:30pm)

I speak for myself, as well as many others, when I say that this show is the main draw for this year’s Lollapalooza. Following up a band with a reputation for their awe striking live performances, the Arcade Fire stand are among the few artists able to outdo The National. Their Sunday night performance will cap off a huge week for the band, one which saw their highly anticipated third album The Suburbs released. For some (including myself) it will be their first time witnessing their beloved obsession, for most it will be a beautiful opportunity to hear their new work in concert. Regardless of your past experience seeing the band, this show will be the perfect end to another great year at Lollapalooza.

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!