Looking For Friday Lolla Suggestions? We Got 'Em
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 5, 2011 5:30PM
We've given you some basic survival tips and now it's time to give you a few suggestions about who to see (and maybe a few bands you'll be OK skipping) this weekend at Lollapalooza. We asked a few of our writers to share their personal views so feel free to agree or disagree, we just like to get the conversation started.
Wye Oak: Friday, Sony Stage, 12 p.m. / Double Door, 10 p.m.
Destined to be on many critics top ten list of 2011, the slow core duo of Jen Wasner and Andy Stack have created their masterpiece in the slow, droney, dirge-filled album “Civilian.” Though the two musicians have been on our radar for quite some time, we think that “Civilian” is most definitely their breakthrough record. Wasner’s low and gentle voice careens at full force into her heavy, thick guitar riffs making for a gorgeous contradiction. We think that even though most of their music is more down-tempo than most, it will translate into an excellent live performance. - Michele Lenni
Tennis: Friday, Sony Stage, 1 p.m. / Schubas, 10 p.m.
Sunny, summery, shimmering pop melodies of husband-and-wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley were created to accompany waves crashing into the shore while you soak in the rays and have a cocktail with the obligatory umbrella popped in it. Their first album, “Cape Dory,” was created after the couple took a seven-month sailing expedition down the eastern seaboard in their ship with the same name. There is absolutely nothing heavy or foreboding about this band. It’s got just enough sha-la la’s and hand claps to transport you to a time and place where you are without a single care in the world. - Michele Lenni
The Vaccines: Friday, Music Unlimited Stage, 12:45
Often referred to as the “worst kept secret in London indie,” The Vaccines have managed to climb their way to the top of the UK charts and placed third in the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll. The band’s brand of English indie-pop harkens back to the days of the mid ‘00s when Franz Ferdinand ruled the charts both in the U.S. and abroad. With singles like "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” and “Post Break-Up Sex,” us Anglo-files here on the Chicagoist staff get our much needed dose of Brit-Pop and cute boys in tight pants to boot. - Michele Lenni
The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77: Friday, Perry's Stage, 5 p.m.
Matching a flair for the visual with truly punishing beats this DJ collective (there's usually two of 'em but this listing makes us think there's more in store for us at this gig) is certain to singe if not entirely burn up the roof at Perry's Stage. - Tankboy
OK Go: Friday, Google+ Stage, 7:15 p.m.
How could you NOT want to see these guys? We've seen them progress from a scrappy art-pop band playing a mostly vacant Empty Bottle into the creative (both musically and visually) powerhouse they are now. Expect them to deploy a few tricks during this set. - Tankboy
Coldplay: Friday, Bud Light Stage, 8:15 p.m.
Sine we saw Muse just a few years ago at Lolla, and they do put on one hell of a show, in the battle between them and Coldplay we're going with Coldplay. They have an uncanny ability to make stadium settings seem simultaneously intimate and epic
Bright Eyes: Friday, Bud Light Stage, 6:30 p.m.
Wait, Conor Oberst is still making music? Is it still depressing? Oh, it is? Okay. - Soyoung Kwak
A Perfect Circle: Friday, Music Unlimited Stage, 6 p.m.
Between this drone-y alt-rock conglomerate and Bright Eyes we're thinking that this whole swath of the schedule might be a good time to take a break and check out some of the food curated by Graham Elliot. - Tankboy