Lollapalooza: Catch These Acts On The South End

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 6, 2009 8:40PM

Listen, we realize that only a small percentage of folks are as crazy as we are at Lollapalooza to actually run back and forth from one end of Grant Park to the other trying to catch every act we can. Most sane people set up camp at one end of the festival or the other, usually picking a side due to headliner or frequency of favorite artists, and then sort of take it all in. If you're one of those folks hanging out on the north end of the festival on any particular day this weekend, we've compiled a list of acts that should lure you south. Ask your friends to watch your blanket for a spell and trek on over to check out these recommendations.

FRIDAY

Hey Champ (12:15 p.m., Chicago 2016) - Chicago's dance rock trio is set to explode on the national scene with the release of their debut Star. We've heard the album and are salivating over the image of everyone from electro youth to LP Trixie's falling in love with their thinking man's electro-pop. - Tankboy

Gaslight Anthem (2 p.m., Chicago 2016) - This New Jersey foursome is an exuberant celebration of all the best in the patchwork history of popular music. From the happy pop hooks of Buddy Holly to the earnest blues of Otis Redding, the Americana howl of Springsteen and the crunchy angsty groove of The Clash, there’s something for anyone who ever threw a fist in the air and declared a love of rock ‘n’ roll. - Lizz Kannenberg

Of Montreal (7 p.m., vitaminwater) - A band you have to see at least once in your life if just to appreciate the spectacle of their stage performance. In recent years, as the band has gained popularity, their costumes and stage antics have reached a point to where the actual music has become over-shadowed. Some people are okay with this; we're not. But if they can reign in the weird and focus a bit more on their insanely catchy pop ditties, this could be a "Don't Miss" set for Friday. - Marcus Gilmer

SATURDAY

Miike Snow (1:30 p.m., vitaminwater) - Their debut provides enough energetic and cooly catchy moments--and by cool we mean air conditioning in a convertible--to keep the listener entertained. Don't underestimate these guys' pop smarts. - Tankboy

Ida Maria (2:15 p.m., Citi) - Maria's raspy voice and sugar-rush melodies thrust forward through hurtling guitars is a winning combination, but we're betting that the frenetic energy of her disc will become positively, and explosively, entrancing onstage. - Tankboy

Chairlift (3:30 p.m., Citi) - There's always one up-and-coming electro-art-pop band on the edge of a breakthrough at Lollapalooza. Some may argue Chairlift have made the breakthrough (they've had a song featured in an iPod commercial). Either way, check 'em out so you can say you were there way back when. - Marcus Gilmer

SUNDAY

Ra Ra Riot (12:30 p.m., Chicago 2016) - This indie pop band out of Syracuse has become known for its rousing live shows and we're hoping their set to open Sunday is no exception. - Marcus Gilmer

Cage The Elephant (2:15 p.m., Citi) - We saw these kids tear Subterranean the fuck apart a few months ago, so we can attest to the primal scream that is their live show. In a prior era Matt Shultz's scratchy tenor would have the power to arrest crowds in a revival tent. The band's whirlwind arrangements surround his voice conjuring imagery of wagon trains spiraling in on themselves in ever tightening concentric circles. Next thing you know, the tempo has halved itself and the listener is suddenly floating above a campfire lit horizon. And, just as suddenly, the band turns on a pin to deliver a jack-hammering rhythmic attack. - Tankboy

Passion Pit (5 p.m., Citi) - Yeah, it's probably that no one will remember them next year, but who cares? These cats throw a kickin' dance party. Remember, the day is supposed to be about havin' fun! -Tankboy