Wild Flag | Photo by John Clark

What a weekend we have in store for you, Chicago. It’s a big one with both Wicker Park and Sheffield Garden Walk competing for your attention with great local and national acts like Wild Flag, Wavves, Soul Aslyum, Company of Thieves, Canasta, Archie Powell & the Exports and more rocking the two neighborhood fests. Not to mention Thee Oh Sees are playing not once, but twice this weekend.

Let’s get ready to rock!

FRIDAY

PANDA RIOT
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Panda Riot’s name pop up locally, so when we found out they were playing a last minute show at No Exit Café in Roger’s Park it caught our attention. The band’s lush and dreamy take on shoegaze earned them a spot on our a place in our Top Ten local videos for 2010 as well as the coveted mention in our Bands to Watch in 2011. Additionally, the band have Facebook’d that they’re currently recording, and we can’t wait to see what beautiful, hypnotic sounds they come up with next. Also performing tonight are Chicago indie rocker Future Ghost, who will no doubt thrill with sweeping melodies and psychedelic tendencies. (Richard Giraldi)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 7/22. No Exit Café (6970 North Glenwood Avenue). All Ages! FREE!

AKASHA
During the icy cold winter, Chicago reggae band Akasha helped us to remember warmer days. Now that summer is actually here, we can escape the scorching heat for the cooler Hideout to absorb some mellow vibes. Akasha will also celebrate the release of its mixtape tribute to Gregory Isaacs entitled The Cool Ruler Overture. Go get your groove back. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 7/22. The Hideout. 21+ $10.

WILD FLAG
Can you get any more EPIC than a band where Mary Timony, Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weiss and Rebecca Cole join forces? If you’re a fan of Sleater-Kinney, Helium, Quasi, the Minders or just women who fucking rock HARD, then this show is a no-brainer. Wild Flag’s full-length debut is due out in September but songs like “Romance“, “Glass Tambourine” and “Future Crimes” have been making the rounds on social networks. The evidence suggests exactly what you would expect: bouncy power pop with sweet riffs, powerhouse drums and sweet-to-howling vocals. Also upping the rad quotient are local buzz-worthy garage rockers Mickey and Radar Eyes. If you didn’t get tickets, Wild Flag will return October 9 at the Empty Bottle. (Audrey Leon)

10:30 p.m. Friday, 7/22. Subterranean. 17+ SOLD OUT!!

SATURDAY

THEE OH SEES
San Francisco’s Thee Oh Sees continue to pump out album after album of their brand of weird garage pop. And when I say pump out I don’t mean like a record here an EP there. No sir, I mean I’m a fan and I’m probably four albums behind by now. It’s comforting to know that whenever I clear my schedule there’s a-plenty of material I’ve not heard. Anyway, you’ve got not one but two opportunities to check out these freaks of nature. There’s the traditional route of going to the Empty Bottle on Saturday and catch openers Paul Cary and Absolutely Not. Or maybe you like the outdoors in which you can catch them Sunday at the Logan Square monument with Football. Maybe you really like music and will do both? I won’t stop you. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 7/23. Empty Bottle. 21+. $12.

SHEFFIELD GARDEN WALK
I normally wouldn’t advocate a festival that enlists Soul Asylum to headline, but the Sheffield Garden Walk stepped up its game this year enlisting some pretty fantastic local talent. On Saturday, pop rockers Archie Powell & The Exports will blow the gates off the place starting at noon followed by the soothing indie rock sounds of Brighton, MA. On Sunday, Chicago kid rockers School of Rock open the musical festivities along with bluesy rockers The Congregation, baroque poppers Canasta and headliners Poi Dog Pondering will close out the fest with some smooth funky grooves. Sounds like a blast. (Audrey Leon)

Noon-9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 7/23-7/24. Sheffield Garden Walk (Webster & Sheffield). All Ages. $7 before 3 p.m., $10 after.

WICKER PARK FEST
There’s no denying that Wicker Park Fest does it right. It’s got the big names including a couple of bands last weekend’s Pitchfork Fest would mind having (Wild Flag, Wavves). But there’s still a ton of excellent locals acts including Loyal Divide, Company of Thieves and Netherfriends to name a few. Wicker Park Fest 2011 finds the perfect balance between local and national and showcases the beautiful Wicker Park are as well. Can you say win-win? In this case, it might be win-win-win! Check out the complete line up right here. (Richard Giraldi)

12 p.m. – 10p.m. Saturday, July 23 & Sunday, July 24. Milwaukee at North Ave. All Ages. $5 donation.

SUNDAY

THEE OH SEES
See above.

4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7/24. Logan Square Monument. All Ages. Free with RSVP.

Some of the bigger festivals – Do Division, Wicker Park Fest and Green Must Fest – have already announced their initial music lineups. So, we thought it might be a good idea to update you on who’s playing.

• DO-DIVISION STREET FEST kicks the summer off with a bang on Saturday, June 4, through Sunday, June 5 on Division between Damen & Leavitt. Big names performing include New Orleans’ own Quintron & Miss Pussycat and Led Zeppelin 2 (The sequel to the hit band from the ’70s) on Saturday, and Chicago firebreathers White Mystery and indie rockers Big Science on Sunday. Check out the complete line-up below.

Damen Stage:Programmed by Empty Bottle Presents

Saturday 6/4

1:00pm Tristen

2:30pm Mirah & Thao

4:00pm Quintron & Miss Pussycat

5:30pm Javelin

7:00pm Dengue Fever

8:30pm Bonobo (DJ set)

Sunday 6/5

1:00pm Daniel Knox

2:30pm Royal Bangs

4:00pm Omar Souleyman

5:30pm White Mystery

7:00pm A Place To Bury Strangers

8:30pm Big Freedia & The Divas with Rusty Lazer

Leavitt Stage: Programmed by Subterranean and House Call Entertainment

Saturday 6/4

4:45pm Moxie Motive

5:45pm The Shams Band

6:45pm The Steepwaterband

8:00 pm Led Zeppelin 2 (Led Zeppelin tribute band)

Sunday 6/5

5:00pm California Wives

6:00pm Empires

7:00pm Big Science

8:00 pm This Must Be The Band (Talking Heads tribute band)

• GREEN MUSIC FEST returns Saturday, June 25, through Sunday, June 26, on Damen Ave. (North to Schiller). The environmental friendly fest roped in some huge acts this year including legendary Hoboken alt-rockers Yo La Tengo and local rockers The Life & Times on Saturday, and wild men Les Savy Fav, Oregon indie punkers The Thermals and locals Soft Speaker on Sunday. The line-up (so far) looks like this:

Saturday 6/25

Yo La Tengo
Trampled By Turtles
The Life & Times
Meters Experience (feat. Leo Neocentelli)
Brighton
Midwest Hype

Sunday 6/26

Les Savy Fav
The Thermals
Soft Speaker
Blane Fonda

• WICKER PARK FEST will rock Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Wood Street on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24. Once again, the fest comes with the big guns including the Chicago debut of Riot grrrl/indie rock supergroup Wild Flag, California weed pop rockers Wavves and Oregon experimental folksters Blitzen Trapper. The South Stage lineup will include some well known locals such as Loyal Divide on Saturday and Netherfriends on Sunday. While the complete lineup has yet to be announced, here’s the deets on the South Stage:

Saturday 7/23

MiMOSA
El Ten Eleven
NiT GRiT
Ana Sia
AraabMUZIK
Break Science
Lynx
Loyal Divide

Saturday 7/24
Blitzen Trapper
Joe Pug
Van Ghost
The Pimps of Joytime
Big Light
Netherfriends
Dastardly
Doc’s Delorean
Anna Soltys

First up, Wavves brings their brand of noisy surf pop to Lincoln Hall on September 12 (I guess the 90-day radius clause has been eased?). Also, Cymbals Eat Guitars will join The Thermals at Logan Square Auditorium on October 3, and the country-folk of Mumford & Sons swings its way into the Vic on October 31 a.k.a Halloween.

But that’s not all! The lovely Neko Case is coming back with The New Pornographers on October 14 to the Riviera Theatre. Also, during the festival the Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot tweeted that Hot Chip are planning a Chicago stop with LCD Soundsystem (!) in December at the Aragon.

Speaking of LCD Soundsystem, there’s no shortage of bands from Pitchfork Festival 2010 on their way back here either.

Sunday, Sepetmber 18, finds Pitchforkers Titus Andronicus at the Metro along with fellow festival acts Best Coast and Free Energy. Neon Indian will also hit up the Metro on October 11, and Surfer Blood bring their power pop to Lincoln Hall on October 14, the same night the New Pornographers hit the Riv (Decisions!). And lets not forget Broken Social Scene at the Vic on October 2 at Pavement who play the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on September 13 with No Age.

And that’s just a tip of the iceberg! Our excellent commentariat have picked up the slack where we left off. Scroll down for Chicago return dates for The Dirty Projectors, The Walkmen, Stars, Social Distortion and more!

So, there’s two ways you can look at this. Either if you miss the big two Chicago fests, you’ll probably get chance to catch the acts again soon, or $90 (Pitchfork) or $215 (Lollapalooza) for a three-day pass to see all those great bands is still a pretty good deal. Now, when’s Arcade Fire coming back?

Lollapalooza 2010. Day One. Recap. Go.

9:00 p.m.: The Strokes

Julian Casablancas of The Strokes

While most made their way to the south end of the park to get a googily-eyed glimpse of Lady Ga Ga, I opted to grab a close spot for Garage-punk revivalists The Strokes. This was the band’s first show on American soil in “Fooooorrrrreeeeeveeeeerrrr,” lead singer Julian Casablancas said in jest (They played a warm up show in London). But it really has been a long time. Plus, although the band never officially broke up, there were times when it was under the assumption that the Strokes were no more. Yet a new album is on the way, or so we hear, and the band is headlining Lollapalooza after being pretty much in hibernation.

Yes, it’s clearly a nostalgia trip until they release new material, but this isn’t anywhere in the same league as the big rock gods such as last year’s headliners Jane’s Addiction or his year’s cool-but-pointless Soundgarden reunion. Early in their career, The Strokes were lumped in with The White Stripes and The Hives as a new wave of post-punk, lo-fi, garage rock that’s more kitch than serious. However, when the Is This It dropped, it was obvious the band were no one-hit wonders. Even their second full-length Room On Fire, while followed in the same mold of their debut, ratcheted up their popularity. In 2004 and 2005, The Strokes looked to become the next biggest band in the world if their third album, First Impressions of Earth, hadn’t been poorly received critically and commercially.

Flashforward to 2010 and, if last night’s show was any indication, The Strokes are back. Sure, Julian Casablancas released a solo album for which he even toured. But it was truly remarkable how well the old hat fits. The band looked neither disgruntled, disinterested or nervous. They played with a ferociousness and tightness that seemed as though they’d never missed a beat or took several years off. Casablancas was seen smiling throughout the set pumping himself up to the sights and sounds of the old band. Guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. even produced big grins during his soulful axe rips.

They played with a machine-like focus and purpose that sounded so on point that they literally could have been faking it to a CD. Spoiler: They weren’t. Instead songs like “Hard To Explain” with its hyperdrive beat and slinky guitar line sounded more like classic rock staples than early-2000′s New York garage. “Last Nite” was an instant sensation while a subdued version of the Room On Fire track, “Under Control”, seemed to throw things back to Mavis Staples’ R&B-filled set from earlier in the day. Of the few tracks they did play from First Impressions of Earth, all of them sounded terrific. How terrific? Enough for me to revisit that album sooner rather than later.

6:35 p.m.: The Black Keys

Here’s a fun fact: The Black Keys, or at least one member of the group, have played Lollapalooza every year since 2007. So to call them Lolla veterans, well, that might be an understatement at this point. One thing I can certainly say is that playing a large scale festival so many times has surely shored up their live presence for the good. The bluesy rock of the midwest duo, featuring vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerbach alongside drummer Patrick Carney, can sure entertain. Auerbach threw his entire body into their performance and not only writhes around like a madman but, at the end of the set, was covered from head to toe in sweat.

However, things didn’t begin so well. Early on, when the band concentrated on their older material, the Budweiser stage volume was way far too low. Creeper “Strange Tiimes” lost most of its eerie vivaciousness. Things improved ten-fold when two additional musicians were brought on for songs from their latest release Brothers. Specifically, the cool organ groove of “Tighten Up” picked up the pace until the gritty assault of their old standby “10 A.M. Automatic” powered the set to an epic close.

5:50 p.m.: The Dirty Projectors

For those not in the dancing mood, to the north end of the park was the Dirty Projectors. They might share the same hometown as Matt & Kim, Brooklyn, but these two bands couldn’t be farther apart sonically. The Dirty Projectors’ deconstructed and broken down pop tunes either wash away in a dream like euphoria or erupt into abrasive art-rock movements. Sometimes it works on every level, while other times it misses a step or two. Still, even when the band ended nearly 10-minutes early by accident, they came back out for one more song to the delight of the few who didn’t abandon their set midway through.

5:15 p.m.: Matt & Kim

For fans of Adam and his Package who would prefer to dance instead of think, there’s the Brooklyn drum-n-keys duo of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino, or alternatively, Matt & Kim. Although their sound is nothing to write home about with fast, pounding drums and cardboard cut-out synth lines, they keep the mood light in a way only classic Nickelodeon cartoons could. In between songs, Matt tells dirty jokes, and Kim is nothing but ear-to-ear smiles. It’s this sort of adolescent, never-grow-old attitude that appeals to both tweens and hipsters who like to dance. Then throw in a few simplified old school hip hop covers, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

4:27 p.m.: DEVO

If I told you five years ago that at Lollapalooza 2010, one of the early highlights would be 1980′s whacky, synth-rockers DEVO, would you have believed me? What about one year ago? Either way, this actually came to fruition yesterday as DEVO mesmerized a crowd that were unusually responsive. After starting with a couple tunes from their new album Something for Everybody, the band launched into their classic back catalog. “Whip It” worked the audience up into a frenzy (Many in the crowd dawned the band’s signature plastic lego-looking hat). Later, a particularly odd sight was when a mosh pit erupted during DEVO’s performances of “Jocko Homo” and “Mongoloid”. Though, like Mavis Staples, DEVO and their devoutionized art-rock seemed out of place, the crowd embraced their goofy weirdness and asked, “Are we not men?” then answering “We are DEVO!”

3:30 p.m.: Big Pink

English electro-indie rock duo Big Pink were quite the frustrating act. Their slow songs were far too sleepy and droning for the midday crowd especially at times when it sounded as if the vocals were off key. Then just as I, and a few others from the sight of the crowd, were going to write them off and stake out a spot for DEVO, they’d pull you back in with a energetic, electronic stomper of a tune such as the backbeat-heavy “Dominos”. Unfortunately, their set continued to ebb and flow with the slower songs disengaging, and in the end their set lacked consistency and structure.

2:20 p.m.: Mavis Staples

Is it irony that a festival designed on the basis of being “alternative” and to showcase the latest and greatest rock, and these days pop, a 71 year-old local gospel and soul legend had undoubtedly the performance of the day? Staples, part of the famous Staples Singers, shined as she delivered an extremely powerful performance with near sermon-like intensity and crowd interaction. What made her set so grand was that you could tell everything she was putting in her songs and every word she spoke came directly from the bottom of her heart. She was genuinely excited to be there, and so was the small crowd who watched her entire set.

Not even Jeff Tweedy, who came out to help on two songs including the titled track to her upcoming Tweedy-produced album You Are Not Alone, could steal Staples’ spotlight. One of the most seemingly magical moments of the day came when Staples and her band busted into the Staples Singers’ 1972 hit single “I’ll Take You There” and men and women of all ages and generation gaps danced without inhibitions. It should be tough for any artist over the entire weekend top or even match Staples’ revival.

1:35 p.m.: The Walkmen

The second Pitchfork 2009 flip-flop act in Lollapalooza 2010′s opening two hours, The Walkmen brought the same type of passionate delivery that made their late afternoon slot at last year’s Pitchfork Fest such a success. The Walkmen are a band your mother might even enjoy with their clean cut looks, Dylan-esque vocals and focus on melody and harmony. Their jangly, country-thick guitar tone reverberated throughout Grant Park and off the enormous Lady Ga Ga stage a bit farther south. One thing about the Walkmen at major festivals is that they do it big, and they once again brought out a horn section for a few tunes. Lead singer Hamilton Leithauser told the crowd they were generally excited to be there, and it seemed to be the case as the crowd were enthralled in their revved-up, folk hymnals. However, a slightly later time slot would do wonders to benefit their occasionally dark edge.

1:16 p.m.: Los Amigos Invisibles

An odd choice to follow up the noisy Wavves across the field, Los Amigos Invisibles were the first to bring the real grooves to Lollapalooza day one. The Venezuelan band might be that country’s answer to LCD Soundsystem. They brought the hot latin beats that would shift in and out of funk and rock elements. Not sure if the crowd knew who the band was on stage, but the danceability of Los Amigos’ music is something that festival crowds can’t resist.

12:45 p.m.: Wavves

If there was any resemblance between Best Coast’s performance two weeks back at Pitchfork Music Festival and Wavves’ set at Lollapalooza, it’s not surprising. Wavves frontman Nathan Williams and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino are an item, and it makes sense. Both bands have a similar lo-fi, basement recorded mentality, both their band names have to do with the beach and both share a open fondness for marijuana. But they’re aren’t just carbon copies with different sexes. Wavves music has a bit more of a bite. Williams’ “whatever”-filled, snarling vocals fit his frantic noisy guitar pop to a tee. Wavves’ songs are pure dirty fun that could soundtrack a early morning, drug-induced beach party.

However, things did get a bit awkward at the end of the set, when drummer Billy Hayes and bassist Stephen Pope, formerly of Jay Reatard’s band, began pestering Willams about what song to play next. It seemed like some sarcastic humor, but Williams, who seemed to get more distracted as the 45-minute set went on, erupted back that they “have the same fucking setlist” as him and to stop asking. It remains to be seen if there is indeed real tension between the bandmates or if maybe they toked a bit too much before taking the stage.

12:00 p.m.: It’s back and bigger than ever.

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering Lollapalooza this year is the increase in size. Whereas the previous point of entry use to be right in front of Buckingham Fountain, as pictured above, this year’s main entrance was pushed up to Michigan with some merch and food booths lining the way up to the “old” entrance.

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

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfTJyuu8Y8k

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hKUJnMners

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCLqaMPqtkQ

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpZa8Ie1FEU

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsSzeQpM0Q0

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMPF6lpM0XM

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNC0uAaCv0

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QCYOK8vAWE

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqY_En0daY

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8wulSNIo6A

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm0v7Q5WcZY

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOFxb0F2F2A

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI2eO_mNM88

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puph1hejMQE

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRtd8ArvH_s

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x_FiQIB6E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrUrv7CBbN4

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiO4Tvba800

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RbNdwY4ujw

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_slOp6yhjQ

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI6jrdnUIv8

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RyIbAdHWT4

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)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qovo61G9GOU

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZexg8sxyk

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)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=arVfrYOhSJ8

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

The Spin Presents Park Life collection features tracks from 14 different bands and artists hitting Grant Park August 6-8, all of whom were amongst Spin’s 25 Must Hear Artists at Lollapalooza list.

In order to get the sampler you have to enter your email address in the link provided above and a download link is sent to your inbox.

Here’s the full tracklist:

SPIN Presents Park Life Tracklisting:
1. Spoon, “Written in Reverse”
2. Wavves, “Post Acid”
3. Social Distortion, “Far Behind”
4. Deer Tick, “20 Miles”
5. Dirty Projectors, “No Intention”
6. The Temper Trap, “Science of Fear”
7. The Big Pink, “Dominos”
8. Jamie Lidell, “Telephone (Tiga Remix)”
9. Chiddy Bang, “Dream Chasing”
10. Cypress Hill, “Light it Up”
11. Erykah Badu, “Window Seat”
12. Nneka, “Viva Africa”
13. Cut Copy, “Hearts on Fire (Holy Ghost! Remix)
14. Empire of the Sun, “Walking on a Dream (Hong Kong Blondes Remix)”

Chicago’s largest festival unleashed their aftershow lineup this morning, which for some is even more important than the festival lineup. Here’s the rundown of who you can catch around town this August 5 – 8.

First up, on Thursday, August 5, you can catch the New Pornographers and the Dodos will rock the Metro, Devo and the Dirty Projectors will work their magic at the Congress Threatre, Slightly Stoopid and Collie Buddz hit up the House Of Blues, Cymbals Eat Guitars and Young Galaxy take over Schubas and, finally, Big Pink with The Smith Westerns and Night Gallery will be at Lincoln Hall.

Now for Friday, August 6. The big aftershow on Friday night is the Dare2Dream benefit concert at the House Of Blues featuring those polarizing psych-dance rockers MGMT. All the proceeds from this show will go to People’s Music School in an effort to bring funding and awareness to music education.

As for the rest of your Friday night, you can check out Cut Copy with Dragonette at the Metro, The Walkmen and Warpaint at the Double Door, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros and Freelance Whales at Lincoln Hall, Wild Beasts at the Empty Bottle or Rogue Wave with Gamble House at Schubas.

Saturday, August 7, is huge for aftershows as The National and The Antlers descend upon the House Of Blues, The Black Keys and the Morning Benders hit up the Metro, Minus The Bear and Miniature Tigers will be at the Double Door, Blitzen Trapper and Avi Buffalo rock Lincoln Hall, The Soft Pack and Royal Bangs will rumble Schubas, Wavves and Harlem conquer the Empty Bottle, Gogol Bordello can be found at the Subterranean and Hot Chip will be at the Congress Theatre with friends Rusko, Steve Porter, Ancient Astronauts and Perry Farrell.

Lollapalooza Sunday, August 8, features French pop heavy hitters Phoenix with Toro Y Moi at the House of Blues and, finally, HEALTH and locals Chandeliers will rock Reggie’s Rock Club.

Tickets to all of these shows go on sale Friday, June 25, at 10 a.m. Be there!

Tickets for the 5th annual Pygmalion Music Festival set for September 16 – 19 in Champaign-Urbana are going fast. Festival passes are sold out as is the headlining performance from Iron and Wine.

If you still want to catch a few of the acts such as RJD2, Lucero, YACHT, The Antlers, Japandroids, Headlights, Wavves, Autolux and Low in some of Champaign-Urbana’s more intimate venues, then act now. Only a small number of single show tickets are still available.

You can find an updated schedule – changes include addition of Saturday’s day parties and adjustments due to cancellation of Solid Gold – after the jump:

Complete Pygmalion Music Festival 2009 Schedule:

WEDNESDAY

Canopy Club:
8:30 PM — Common Loon
9:30 PM — Mt. St. Helen’s Vietnam Band
10:00 PM — Owen
11:00 PM — Japandroids
12:00 AM — Headlights
1:00 AM — Physical Challenge DJs

THURSDAY

Blues:
11:45 AM — Liesel Booth
12:30 PM — Pamela Machala

Sandella’s:
12:45 PM — Tracey and Tricia
1:30 PM — Stanton McConnell
2:15 PM — Cara Maurizi

Red Herring:
6:00 PM — Morgan Orion and The Constellations
7:00 PM — My Dear Alan Andrews
8:00 PM — Post Historic
9:00 PM — Early Day Miners
10:00 PM — World’s First Flying Machine

Krannert Art Museum:
6:40 PM — Liz Janes
7:20 PM — Brooke Wagonner
8:00 PM — Denison Witmer
8:45 PM — My Brightest Diamond
9:45 PM — William Fitzsimmons
10:45 PM — Bob Nanna

Courtyard Cafe:
7:30 PM — Butterfly Assassins
8:30 PM — Deelay Ceelay
9:30 PM — Starfucker

Canopy Club:
6:20 PM — Ohtis
7:00 PM — Santa
7:40 PM — Mason Proper
8:20 PM — Company of Thieves
9:00 PM — Elsinore
9:40 PM — Joe Pug
10:30 PM — Decibully
11:10 PM — Maserati
12:10 AM — Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s
1:00 AM — Lucero

The Highdive:
9:00 PM — Geist
10:00 PM — DJ Belly
11:00 PM — DJ Mertz
12:00 AM — Skream

FRIDAY

Blues:
11:30 AM — Girls Next Door
12:00 PM — Ryan Groff
12:45 PM — William Fitzsimmons
7:00 PM — The Jips
8:00 PM — Empires
9:00 PM — jigGsaw
10:00 PM — So Many Dynamos
11:00 PM — So Long Forgotten

Sandella’s:
12:45 PM — Final Pygmalion Effect
1:30 PM — Matt Wagemann
2:15 PM — Kilroy et al

Channing-Murray:
6:30 PM — You and Yourn
7:15 PM — Hathaways
8:00 PM — Good Night and Good Morning
9:00 PM — Low

Red Herring:
10:30 PM — Oceans
11:30 PM — Pet Lions
12:30 AM — TBD

Canopy Club:
6:20 PM — Zach May and The Maps
7:00 PM — Ganglians
7:40 PM — Phantogram
8:20 PM — BLK JKS
9:00 PM — Jookabox
9:40 PM — Maps & Atlases
10:30 PM — Pomegranates
11:10 PM — The Antlers
12:10 AM — Autolux
1:00 AM — Wavves

Cowboy Monkey:
10:00 PM — Angie Heaton
11:00 PM — Mazes
12:00 AM — Cameron McGill and What Army
1:00 AM — The 1900s

Mike N’ Molly’s:
5:15 PM — The Delta Kings
6:15 PM — The Duke of Uke
7:15 PM — The Number One Sons
8:15 PM — Tina Sparkle
9:15 PM — Gentleman Auction House
10:15 PM — Light Pollution
11:15 PM — Neoga Blacksmith

Bentley’s:
9:30 PM — Village
10:30 PM — The Horns of Happiness
11:30 PM — Alpha Mile
12:30 AM — Golden Quality

SATURDAY

Parasol Records:
12:00 PM — Tim Stephens
12:40 PM — Morgan Orion and The Constellations
1:10 PM — Cameron McGill and What Army
1:40 PM — Peninsula
2:10 PM — Boston Fleener (of The Jips)
2:40 PM — Drew Danburry (acoustic)
3:10 PM — You and Yourn
3:40 PM — New Ruins (acoustic)
4:40 PM — The Horse’s Ha (acoustic)

Exile on Main St.:
1:30 PM — Elsinore
2:30 PM — Zach May and The Maps
3:30 PM — Santa
4:30 PM — The Curses

Courtyard Cafe:
5:00 PM — The Daredevil Christopher Wright
6:00 PM — Lymbyc Systym
7:00 PM — Brighton, MA

Krannert Center:
7:30 PM — The Books
8:45 PM — Iron and Wine
10:00 PM — Princeton
11:00 PM — Ra Ra Riot

Canopy Club:
9:00 PM — Physical Challenge DJs
9:45 PM — Porno Galactica
10:45 PM — YACHT
11:45 PM — The Hood Internet
12:45 AM — RJD2

Red Herring:
10:00 PM — On Again Off Again
11:00 PM — Now Now Every Children
12:00 AM — Drew Danburry
1:00 AM — Sunset Stallion

Cowboy Monkey:
10:00 PM — Lonely Trailer
11:00 PM — The Horse’s Ha
12:00 AM — Gazelle
1:00 AM — New Ruins

Mike N’ Molly’s:
8:15 PM — Tyson and The Friction
9:15 PM — Steel Eater
10:15 PM — Scurvine
11:15 PM — The Life and Times

Bentley’s:
10:30 PM — Take Care
11:30 PM — Marmoset
12:30 AM — Mordechai in the Mirror

Looking for a music festival that features big names but hate fighting massive crowds of hippies, frat dudes and hipsters in the summer heat? Then Champaign-Urbana’s Pygmalion Music Festival might be right up your alley.

Entering it’s fifth year, the Pygmalion Music Festival goes down September 16 – 19, 2009 in Champaign-Urbana, IL.

This year’s edition of the festival features big names and up-and-coming acts including Iron and Wine, Low, Lucero, RJD2, The Books, The Antlers, YACHT, Wavves, Headlights, Japandroids, Autolux, BLK JKS, My Brightest Diamond and many more.

The Pygmalion Music Festival is less like other major Illinois festivals such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork and more like Austin’s annual spring event South By Southwest as the event takes place over four days in 15 different venues in two of Champaign-Urbana’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

The full schedule and ticket information is available right now at 2009.pygmalionmusicfestival.com.