Lollapalooza is back and bigger than ever with an eclectic set of headliners that ranges from the post-Madonna, dancehall pop of Lady Gaga to reunited Seattle grungers Soundgarden to the unbridled anthems of indie rock saviors Arcade Fire. But of course, you probably are familiar with those groups. So, we decided on keying you in on some of our favorites who play the other eight hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get ready, Chicago. Here’s your Loud Loop Press Lollapalooza 2010 preview…

FRIDAY, August 6

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WAVVES: Budweiser Stage, 12:15 -- 1:00 p.m. | Saturday, 8/7. Empty Bottle, 11:00 p.m. 21+. $15.

Nathan Williams and his basement-recorded, noise pop outfit Wavves figured to be pretty much done after a drug-induced meltdown at Barcelona, Spain’s Primavera Sound Festival in May 2009. But Willams regrouped and conquered Chicago on Pitchfork’s small stage last summer. Now, he’s teamed with ex-Jay Reatard bandmates, drummer Billy Hayes and bassist Stephen Pope, and has released the dirty summer binge-party record King Of The Beach, which is powered by William’s Cuomo-meets-Hoppus-with-a-touch-of-Cobain, irony-fueled vocals and a whole lot of distorted guitar. (Richard Giraldi)

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THE WALKMEN: adidas MEGA Stage, 1:00 -- 2:00 p.m. | Friday, 8/6. Double Door. 11:00 p.m. 21+. $25 (Sold Out)

Another Pitchfork Festival 2009 flip-flop act, The Walkmen’s contemplative, REM-esque indie rock worked quite well when they had a late afternoon time slot at last year’s Pitchfork fest. Will Hamilton Leithauser’s vocals still have the same hypnotic effect at 1:00 p.m. with the sun shining brightly? As long as they pull out the horn section, especially on rousing takes like “Louisiana”, The Walkmen should prove they can work a crowd regardless. (Richard Giraldi)

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MAVIS STAPLES: Budweiser Stage, 2:00 -- 3:00 p.m.

Member of the legendary Staples Sisters, Chicago gospel singer Mavis Staples’ career has been on a bit of an upswing as of late. Not only did she release the critically acclaimed Live: Hope at the Hideout in 2008, but now she’s getting ready to drop a new Jeff-Tweedy produced album in You Are Not Alone. For the younger generation at this year’s festival, this booking may cause them to stray, while the slightly older crowd realizes that Staples is a pure diamond in the rough. Will Tweedy make a guest appearance? Seeing how Wilco’s headlined Lolla a few times in the past, it would make sense. (Richard Giraldi)

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THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS: Budweiser Stage, 4:00 -- 5:00 p.m. | Thursday, 8/5. The Metro. 18+. $30.

When one thinks of supergroup, instantly the image of arena rock-sized forces joining together is conjured up, but while the New Pornographers aren’t exactly your big riffs and tight leather pants band, they’re no less a supergroup. This Canadian outfit is a who’s who of talented musicians including, but not limited to, A.C. Newman of Superconductor, Dan Bejar of Destroyer, John Collins of The Evaporators, Neko Case and more. The band’s throw-back, Fleetwood Mac-ian pop rock is pure joy, which is a necessity once the mid-day heat rains down. (Richard Giraldi)

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DEVO : Parkways Stage, 4:00 -- 5:00 p.m. | Thursday, 8/5. Congress Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 17+. $35.

Are We Not Men? We Are Devo! is the classic 1978-Brian Eno produced album that put the Ohio new wavers on the map. After some dormant time, Devo are back in full force with the release of 2010′s Something for Everybody, which is appeasing old-school, die-hard fans of the lego-looking-hatted group. Known for their zany fun live shows, this set should be quite a diversion…in a good way. (Richard Giraldi)

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DIRTY PROJECTORS: Playstation Stage, 5:00 -- 6:00 p.m | Thursday 8/7. Congress Theater 7:30 p.m. 17+. $35.

Here’s a band that can mix abstract, deconstructed, syncopated and complex song structures with a wide arrangement of instruments and still deliver something that will make you tap your foot or bob your head in rhythm. Dirty Projectors have been at it for awhile but it wasn’t until last year’s Bitte Orca (the group’s seventh full-length) that they caught fire and the attention of the masses. And when David Byrne is part of the masses, going so far as to collaborate with the fellow art rockers, you know they’re doing something right. (Andrew Kahn)

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CHROMEO: adidas MEGA, 7:00 p.m. | Friday, 8/6 Sound-Bar (DJ Set) 10:00 p.m. 21+. $40.

Chromeo will no doubt be throwing the crazy disco dance party at the festival this year. The French Canadian duo of keyboardist P-Thugg and guitarist/vocalist Dave1 make sexy music with fat beats and a whole lot of retro spacefunk. Just like the band and their carefree sound, stop taking yourself so seriously for an hour and stop in on their set to soak up the grooves and dance yer ass off. (Andrew Kahn)

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

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SOFT PACK: Budweiser Stage, 12:30 -- 1:15 p.m.. | Saturday, 10/7. Schubas, 11:00 p.m. 18+ $15

So now that the hype machine has wound down a bit on San Diego’s Soft Pack, perhaps we can talk honestly about what they are -- A very pleasant band playing solid three cord indie pop that would sound great driving around in your Jetta. Can’t that be good enough? Not everybody is changing the face of rock n’ roll. (Ross Meyerson)

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SKYBOX : BMI Stage, 12:30 -- 1:15 p.m.

Chicago’s Skybox play that sort of warm hearted rock that’s just perfect for opening a festival. Their songs range form reflective folk offering such as “Slipping” to the electro-tinged, head-bobbing pop of “In A Dream”, the track for which the released a rad monster attack video for last year. (Richard Giraldi)

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ROGUE WAVE: adidas MEGA Stage 1:00 -- 1:45 p.m. | Friday 8/6. Schubas. 11:00 p.m. 18+. $20.

The past few years has been filled with rough times for the band (kidney transplants, loss of loved ones, and record label parting). But that hasn’t stopped them from putting out albums filled with their lo-fi, catchy, indie rock songs, layered with chimey guitars, upbeat melodies with Zach Rogue’s soft, tenor vocals that melt perfectly. Comparable to bands like Nada Surf, Elliot Smith and Yo La Tengo, Rogue Wave is one of those bands that you can’t help but adore for their fearless, open-hearted music and ability to put on an unforgettable show. (Britni Day)

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BEATS ANTIQUE: Perry’s 1:45 -- 2:30 p.m.

Oakland based group Beats Antique combine orchestral gypsy music with break beats, glitch, dubstep, and one drop dead gorgeous, scantily clad, contemporary belly dancer named Zoe Jakes. David Satori and Tommy “Sidecar” Chappel are known for their intelligent beat mixing as well as using live instruments including haunting violin melodies, wild Turkish banjo solos and playful clarinet. While they create the music, Jakes visually pleases the crowd with her own mix of alluring traditional belly dance with touches of breakdancing. The eclectic sights and sounds of Beats Antique will leaves your eyes senses excited. (Britni Day)

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WARPAINT: Sony Bloggie Stage. 2:15 -- 3:00 p.m. | Friday, 8/6. Double Door. 21+. $25. (Sold Out) | Saturday, 8/7. Cubby Bear. 21+. FREE!

L.A.’s Warpaint might have cool Hollywood ties and junk, but don’t dismiss them just yet. When they played Do-Division earlier year, they plain rocked. It’s worth checking them out for drummer Stella Mozgawa extremely hard-hitting yet intricate beats. Plus, it’s early enough to see them up close while you still can. (Ross Meyerson)

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THE XX: Playstation, 3:15 -- 4:15 p.m.

Darlings of the chill wave scene, The xx quickly became one of last year’s buzz bands following the release of their highly acclaimed self titled, self produced debut album. Still garnering praise (the album’s been nominated for the distinguished Mercury Prize) the London based trio rides into Chicago along with their laid-back but still attentive vibe. Relying heavily on atmospheric soundscapes and minimal instrumentation their approach creates the soundtrack to hazy dream that you don’t want to wake up from. (Andrew Kahn)

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GRIZZLY BEAR: Budweiser Stage 4:15 -- 5:15 p.m.

The psychedelic, indie-folk rockers, Grizzly Bear are coming to bring a breath of fresh air to the Lollapalooza main stage. Known for their haunting yet playful Beach Boys-esque three part harmony vocals, extraordinary layers of carefully mastered melodies, and the use of exotic instruments that make you look twice, Grizzly Bear is not a show to pass up. Just be prepared to loose yourself in the ethereal wonder and be completely blown away by their musical genius. (Britni Day)

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METRIC: Playstation Stage, 5:15 -- 6:15 p.m.

Toronto indie rockers Metric make rocking out and compelling people to dance look easy. The four-piece fronted by Emily Haines, guitarist Jimmy Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead, and drummer Joules Scott-Key are very good at creating intimate experiences. Whether it is from the stage or online, the band wants a relationship with you and they are willing to do establish one in any medium in which you are comfortable. Don’t miss your chance to see Metric supporting its dreamy, dance rock album Fantasies one more time before they disappear into a recording studio. (Audrey Leon)

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SOCIAL DISTORTION: Parkways Stage, 5:45 -- 6:45 p.m.

Formed in 1978, this highly influential American punk rock act originally broke up in 1985 due to Mike Ness’ drug problems. But the band regrouped a year later and are still rocking with the best of them even after the death of guitarist Dennis Danell from a brain aneurysm in 2000. While Social D’s lineup may change these days, Ness is the constant and chief of the group. Their melodic, sometimes jangly, punk rock antics are sure to show the crowd how punk used to be before, twemo-punks Green Day slapped on the eye-liner. (Richard Giraldi)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

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MINIATURE TIGERS: Playstation Stage 11:30 -- 12:15 p.m. | Saturday 8/7. Double Door. 11:00 p.m. 21+. $20. (Sold Out)

With the feisty attitude of The Cars and the tongue-in-cheek humor of Weezer, Miniature Tigers aren’t as small as they sound. They come to Lollapalooza this year with their bright, bittersweet indie rock songs reminiscent of bands like Of Montreal and The New Pornographers. The band has some entertaining live show antics with the lead singer and his dead-pan, deer-in-the-headlights look, while the rest of the band is a non-stop barrage of motion behind him. Check out these itty-bitty felines Sunday morning for your happy, indie rock wake up call. (Britni Day)

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HEALTH: Adidas MEGA stage, 11:30 a.m. | Sunday, 8/8. Reggie’s Rock Club. 10:00 p.m. 17+ $10.

LA noise rockers Health are likely best known for their 7-inch split with Canadian electro-rock duo Crystal Castles and the latter’s infectious remix of the Health song “Crimewave.” Health’s most recent album Get Color’s subdues the listener with an abrasive mix of synths and drum beats while front man Jake Duzsi’s vocals hauntingly float over the music. From the video below, it is obvious they are not to be missed live. (Audrey Leon)

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FRANK TURNER: Sony Bloggie stage, 12:00 -- 12:30 p.m.

Twenty-eight-year-old Frank Turner’s career trajectory has not been typical. Turner went from fronting the successful London-based alternative rock band Million Dead to playing punk-infused, acoustic folk rock on his 2007 solo debut Sleep is for the Week. His latest album, 2009’s Poetry of the Deed, features Turner with a full-band, yet his lyrics about heartbreak and loss, and soulful voice remain the primary focus of Turner’s sound. (Audrey Leon)

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COMPANY OF THIEVES: Sony bloggie Stage 1:00 -- 1:45 p.m. | Thursday 8/5. House of Blues. 9:00 p.m. 21+. $16.

It wasn’t but a few years ago that Chicago’s Company of Thieves lead vocalist Genevieve Schatz was playing open mics at Uncommon Ground. Now, this tiny girl with her big, big voice and fiery, indie rock band are playing Lollapalooza. Influenced by 90’s alternative goddesses like The Sundays, Wild Strawberries and Fiona Apple, Company of Thieves writes energetic and emotionally powerful songs backed by the wall of passion in Schatz’s voice. Support your local musicians by catching this band. (Britni Day)

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BLITZEN TRAPPER: Budweiser, 2:00 -- 3:00 p.m. | Saturday, 8/7. Lincoln Hall 10:00 p.m. 18+. $20.

Blitzen Trapper comes from the wooded areas of Portland, Ore. bringing with them a rootsy, organic sound punctuated with golden vocal harmonies. This summer’s Sub Pop release Destroyer of the Void took a couple steps toward some prog like composition to pair with their folksy approach. Put it all together you get some well crafted songs, some eloquent song writing and a group that’s totally comfortable in their own sound. (Andrew Kahn)

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THE IKE REILLY ASSASSINATION: Sony Bloggie stage, 2:15 -- 3:00 p.m.

Gritty Chicago folk rockers The Ike Reilly Assassination often feel like the perfect soundtrack for a film set in an old saloon where the main character alternates between bourbon shots and a cold bottle of sarsaparilla. Reilly’s latest album Hard Luck Stories, which is a perfect blend of punk, soul and blues rock, cements his reputation as a daring and humorous storyteller when singing about the roughest of situations such as the single father who loses custody of his daughter for growing pot to support them both (“Ballad of Jack and Haley”). (Audrey Leon)

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MINUS THE BEAR: Adidas MEGA stage, 3:00 -- 4:00 p.m. | Saturday, 8/7. Double Door. 11:00 p.m. 21+. $20 (Sold Out).

Seattle experimental rockers Minus the Bear are hard to pin down musically because the group is always straddling the line between math-rock and complex psychedelic rock. The band has made a career out of wearing its sense of humor on its sleeve with nonsensical album titles (They Make Beer Commercials Like This) and songs named after inside jokes (“Let’s Play Guitar in a Five Guitar Band”), but the band is ready to get serious. Minus the Bear’s latest album Omni shifts the band away from its past fits of humor and gets amorous. Singer Jake Snider wants to seduce you while keyboardist Alex Rose, drummer Erin Tate, guitarist Dave Knudson and bassist Cory Murchy fill your ears with the perfect blend of body moving noise from new wave keyboard notes to guitar taps, pulsing drum beats and throbbing basslines. Minus the Bear’s live show is strictly can’t-miss. (Audrey Leon)

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HOCKEY: Sony bloggie, 3:30 -- 4:30 p.m.

This town right now loves hockey. All right, maybe not exactly the quartet from Portland, Ore. but it’s a start. Unlike many of the other 80’s-revival-electro-synth-new-new-wave bands Hockey stands out in the teeming crowd due to lead singer and lyricists Benjamin Grubin’s biting wordplay and confident (even bordering on cocky) delivery. He’s brash without being arrogant and can write a hook in ways many only dream of. (Andrew Kahn)

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MGMT: Budweiser Stage 6:00 -- 7:15 p.m. | Friday 8/6. House of Blues. 10:00 p.m. 17+. $80.

Indie-electronic, psychedelic-space rockers, MGMT are bringing their funky music to Chicago to make you shake your money maker. It took just a quick listen from MGMT’s first EP to get the attention of Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann, who produced their first album. On stage, MGMT looks like something straight out of Woodstock with wild costumes with spacey flute, which they’ve adopted in support of their love-or-hate it 2010 album Congratulations. Compared to big names like Flaming Lips and Beck, MGMT’s carefree stage antics and quirky songs will be a welcome treat to your ears. Plus, you probably already know all the words to “Electric Feel”. (Britni Day)

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FELIX DA HOUSECAT: Perry’s 7:30 -- 8:30 p.m. | Sunday 8/8 Debonair Social Club. 10:00 p.m. 21+.

Riding in on the second wave of the house music scene here in the windy city, Chicago’s Felix Stallings, Jr. became well known at the tender age of 15 when DJ Pierre helped him release his first single “Phantasy Girl”. After a sabbatical from the house music scene, Felix came back stronger than ever as Felix Da Housecat and has continued to be one of the highest in demand house DJ’s in the world. His collaborations include everyone from Thom Yorke to Madonna. Felix is known for transcending borders and creatively mixing rock and dance music with house beats and adding eclectic and playful vocals. (Britni Day)

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For More information about Lollapalooza visit Lollapalooza.com, and check out our daily picks right here.