Lollapalooza 2008 Preview: Day 3

Here’s the preview for the last day of Lollapalooza, which is sad to post as the event hasn’t even occurred yet. Nonetheless there are some terrific artists playing on Sunday.

Office 11:30-12:30 (Playstation 3 Stage)

Another fantastic Chicago band looks to make the most of their early time slot. Although they are a repeat band, most folks probably missed out on their 2006 performance. Their latest release, A Night at the Ritz garnered plenty of attention, but unfortunately these guys are still overshadowed– maybe they can finally change things this time around a la The Redwalls (another Chicago-area band).

(Songs to check out: “The Ritz,” “Oh My,” “Wound Up”)

The Whigs 1:15-2:15 (MySpace)

One of the many promising bands on the ATO label, The Whigs are an Athens, Georgia outfit who write some very smart pop/rock songs. They’ve gotten consistently better in their two releases and should be an interesting band to watch.

(Songs to check out: “Right Hand on My Heart,” “Technology,” “I Never Want to Go Home,” “Violet Furs” )

John Butler Trio 2:15-3:15 (Bud Light)

One of the first names linked to this year’s Lollapalooza, John Butler Trio will certainly get the blood going for jam-band fans (and offer a nice prelude to Blues Traveler), as they know how to put on a show. Hopefully the festival atmosphere will suit them well.

(Songs to check out: “Zebra,” “Better Than,” “Peaches & Cream,” “Used to Get High”)

Black Kids 3:30-4:30 (Citi)

Next to Vampire Weekend, these guys are the most hyped band around right now. Suffice it to say, I don’t get it. Nonetheless, if you’re curious and aren’t up for Amadou and Mariam, go check them out to see what the fuss is about. With their debut album Partie Traumatic getting mostly positive reviews, not to mention selling out the majority of their shows, Black Kids are on the way up.

(Songs to check out: “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You,” “Hurricane Jane,” “I’m Making Eyes at You”)

Iron & Wine 4:15-5:15 (Bud Light)

Going up against G. Love & Special Sauce and Eli “Paperboy” Reid & the True Loves, Iron & Wine (aka Samuel Beam) wins out by default. While I’d usually never recommend Iron & Wine in any festival setting, the dynamic approach taken on his latest album The Shepherd’s Dog caused me to change my stance a bit. Not only is the music more varied, but, with much more complex arrangements it’s a bit more appealing than listening to a bearded guy strum a guitar and sing sweet nothings (although “The Trapeze Swinger” still gives me chills every time I hear it).

(Songs to check out: “The Trapeze Swinger,” “Boy With a Coin,” “White Tooth Man,” “Naked As We Came,” “Bird Stealing Bread”)

Blues Traveler 5:15-6:15 (MySpace)

Blues Traveler owns just about every time they take the stage. Even if you don’t like them, it’s hard to resist not getting into one of their live shows. This one’s a no-brainer.

(Songs to check out: “Run Around,” “But Anyway,” “Carolina Blues,” “Brother John,” “Hook”)

Gnarls Barkley 6:15-7:15 (AT&T)

Gnarls Barkley (individually known as Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo) definitely have to bring it this year after a disappointing showing last time around. Also, unlike last time, there shouldn’t be a mass exodus of people leaving once the duo performs “Crazy.” In a perfect world, “Crazy” wouldn’t play at all, but we all know that’s just wishful thinking. 

(Songs to check out: “Crazy,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” “The Last Time,” “Going On,” “A Little Better,” “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul”)

The National/Mark Ronson 7:15-8:15/7:30-8:30 (PlayStation 3 and Myspace stages, respectively)

Another draw prior to the headliners, and once again pick wisely– if you want to have a chance of seeing Kanye as he throws another temper tantrum on stage, you’d better stick with Mr. Ronson. Both artists are excellent, with Ronson in particular showcasing his talents as of late by producing some great covers. The National on the other hand released what many considered to be the best album of 2007 with Boxer, and have been slowly but surely becoming on the tip of people’s tongues as far as great current bands are concerned. Either way, you can’t lose.

(The National songs to check out: “Fake Empire,” “Secret Meeting,” “Mr. November,” “Mistaken for Strangers”)
(Mark Ronson songs to check out: “Just,” “Oh My God,” “Ooh Wee,” “Stop Me,” “Bout to Get Ugly”)

Nine Inch Nails 8:15-10:00+ (Bud Light)

Sorry Mr. West, but I just can’t take the risk of being let down again and ruining my Sunday. Besides, it seems like you’re in the city all the time performing anyway. Instead, I suggest heading over to watch Trent Reznor and company rock out, who knows when you’ll get to see them again in such an awesome setting.

(Songs to check out: “Closer,” “The Hand That Feeds,” “Only,” “1,000,000,” “Discipline,” “Into the Void”)

See Below for the entire Day 3 Schedule:

 

Lollapalooza 2008: Day 3

 

New from The Streets, “The Escapist”

Because it’s been too long since we last heard from Mike Skinner, he’s here to remind us that yes, he still can make a good tune. “The Escapist” uses some really nice samples and probably is one of the better songs to come from The Streets camp in quite a while. Look for Everything is Borrowed to be released on September 15 in the UK with the American release to come sometime after. As an added bonus, the music video for “The Escapist” is also located below.

The Streets “The Escapist”

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New Bob Dylan, “Dreaming Of You”

Seeing as this latest installment of The Bootleg Series covers the years 1989-2006, new probably isn’t entirely accurate, but this song has been unreleased to this point nonetheless. A very well-executed and nicely produced track, it’s a bit surprising “Dreaming of You” ended up on the cutting room floor, but then again, therein lies the greatness of The Bootleg Series albums. This particular volume (#8 if you’re keeping score), is entitled Tell Tale Signs and will be released October 7.

Bob Dylan “Dreaming of You”

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Lollapalooza 2008 Preview: Day 2

Here is the second installment of the Lollapalooza 2008 Preview, tomorrow you’ll find the full preview for Day 3 and then on Lolla Eve (yes, I said it), look for some additional information and news about the festival and Fuzzy Thoughts coverage.

Does it Offend You, Yeah? 12:30-1:30 (Bud Light Stage)

Pay no attention to those (undeserved) middling reviews for their debut release, Does It Offend You, Yeah? garnered all that hype for a reason (and it’s not just their quirky name)– they know how to put on a show. No matter how high the mercury reaches at Grant Park, expect there to be lots of dancing during their performance.

(Songs to check out: “We Are Rockstars,” “Let’s Make Out,” “Epic Last Song”)

Dr. Dog 1:30-2:30 (MySpace)

Dr. Dog’s heavy 60’s pop/rock influences (The Band, The Beatles, part-Beach Boys) should do well here. If their studio material is any indication, Dr. Dog could be the unheralded gem of the entire festival. Their latest release, Fate (review to come soon), is particularly impressive.

(Songs to check out: “The Breeze,” “Hang On,” “Say Something,” “Alaska” )

Foals 2:15-3:00 (Citi)

The highly-rhythmic songs of the Foals will certainly get folks dancing around, despite the heat. Foals should certainly put on a thoroughly entertaining performance, despite their brief alloted time.

(Songs to check out: “Red Socks Pugie,” “Balloons,” “Olympic Airways,” “Big Big Love (Fig. 2)”)

DeVotchKa 3:30-4:30 (PlayStation 3)

It’s only appropriate that a band with a sound as big as DeVotchKa get to play on this big of a stage. Look for a larger crowd than might be expected, due in part to the band being heavily featured in the film Little Miss Sunshine.

(Songs to check out: “How It Ends,” “Transliterator,” “The Clockwise Witness,” “Dearly Departed”)

Spank Rock 5:00-6:00 (Citi)

File this one under the “Hope For the Best” category. At worst, it’s only a half hour before Jamie Lidell/Okkervil River take the stage, at best, and you’re guaranteed one hell of a time.

(Songs to check out: “Backyard Betty,” “What It Look Like,” “Rick Rubin,” “Bump,” “Sweet Talk”)

Jamie Lidell 5:30-6:30 (MySpace)

Even after the incredible show Jamie Lidell put on at Abbey Pub in Chicago, I’ve got a feeling Lidell will be that much better here at Lollapalooza. Expect a proper mix of Lidell creating his own magic and working with his none to shabby back up band.

(Songs to check out: “Multiply,” “Newme,” “Another Day,” “Wait For Me,” “Hurricane,” “Green Light”)

Broken Social Scene/Battles/Lupe Fiasco 6:30-7:30 (Bud Light, Citi, and AT&T stages, respectively)

Easily the toughest choice of the night (and possibly of the festival), I’m still not sure why one of these couldn’t have been bumped down to play opposite Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, but as it stands, there is no right choice. While Lupe is a repeat artist, he has The Cool at his full disposal now, which, when combined with his massive enthusiasm when performing in front of his home crowd, makes him an automatic “must-see.” However, it’s very difficult to ever go against Broken Social Scene, as you won’t find too many other indie bands that bother to put as many musicians on stage at once (without the creepy vibe of a Polyphonic Spree, mind you), much less that sound that good. Finally, Battles, hot off the heels of their lauded 2007 release Mirrored, is sure to get a lot of deserved attention as well. Still can’t decide? Well, if you want any hope of seeing Wilco or Rage Against the Machine up close, you should probably stick to the side closest to said headliner.

(Broken Social Scene songs to check out: “7/4 (Shoreline),” “Swimmers,” “Shampoo Suicide,” “Cause=Time”)
(Battles songs to check out: “Atlas,” “Race-In,” “I Pt 2,” “Tonto”)
(Lupe Fiasco songs to check out: “Superstar,” “American Terrorist,” “Paris, Tokyo “Dumb It Down,” “Fighters,” “Kick, Push”)

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings 7:30-8:30 (PlayStation 3)

Unless you’re hell bent on seeing Rage Against the Machine, you’ve got to check out Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The Dap Kings alone are worth seeing for an hour, nevermind adding the incredibly talented Sharon Jones to the equation. While it may seem strange referring to Sharon Jones and her crew as golden-era soul revivalists, they’re about as close as it gets these days.

(Songs to check out: “100 Days, 100 Nights,” “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?,” “You’re Gonna Get It,” “Nobody’s Baby”)

Wilco 8:30-10:00+ (Bud Light)

Somehow the idea of “enjoying” a concert with Chicago’s finest donned in riot gear two steps behind doesn’t really appeal to me. That’s probably an exaggeration, true, but you’re kidding yourself if you don’t think that Chicago will be in a state of heightened alert when Rage Against the Machine is playing. You can’t really go wrong with Wilco anyway. For one, they’re just about as good as it gets, they’re consistent if nothing else, and they’re hometown favorites and I’m certain they’ll perform as such. Think of it this way, as loud as RATM cranks it, you’ll know if you’re missing anything.

(Songs to check out: “Heavy Metal Drummer,” “Jesus, etc.” “Impossible Germany,” “Hummingbird,” “Theologians,” “I’m Always In Love”)

See Below for the entire Day 2 Schedule:

Lollapalooza 2008: Day 2

Lollapalooza 2008 Preview: Day 1

With only four days left until Lollapalooza, I finally present you the preview for Day 1. Of course, many already have their schedules planned out, but for those of you that are unsure, Fuzzy Thoughts is here to help out.

Bang Camaro 11:30-12:15 (MySpace Stage)

Miss those hard rockin’ 70’s and 80’s bands? Well, if you can get up early enough, you can catch one of the few bands that seems to bother following that lineage. Bang Camaro is a great wake up call to get your day started, and should be a 45 minutes well spent.

(Songs to check out: “Push Push Lady Lightning,” “Pleasure (Pleasure),” “Out on the Streets”)

Holy F*ck 12:15-1:15 (Bud Light and AT&T stage, respectively)

Positioned against the Black Lips, we have our first big battle of the hype bands. While it may be tempting to check out the Black Lips seeing as Holy F*ck has two shows going, I’d definitely skip out on the Black Lips and make sure instead to focus on two other shows during that 2:30 slot. I’m not sure how their songs will translate live, but the studio material is awesome.

(Songs to check out: “Royal Gregory,” “Milkshake,” “Lovely Allen”)

Rogue Wave 1:15-2:15 (MySpace)

Thank goodness these guys are at Lolla this year, that’s all I have to say. This somewhat underrated Oakland, California band came into their own with their latest release Asleep at Heaven’s Gate. They should put on a terrific show this year.

(Songs to check out: “Chicago x 12,” “Lake Michigan,” “Kicking the Heart Out,” “California”)

The Go! Team 2:15-3:15 (Bud Light)

It’s too bad that The Go! Team aren’t playing the AT&T stage (as none of the bands mentioned so far are playing on the North side of the park), as this is easily the most fun group of the day (an honor that can only come close to being matched by Gogol Bordello). Yes, they’re a repeat band, but they’re still just that good live. If you feel up to making the trek, be sure to see them.

(Songs to check out: “Huddle Formation,” “The Wrath of Marcie,” “Grip Like a Vice,” “Ladyflash”)

The Kills 3:15-4:15 (MySpace)

Their latest album Midnight Boom has single-handedly won me over, and they are quite good live as well. Alison Mosshart’s stage presence alone should be enough for them to make quick work of their one hour time slot– look for it to be a noisy, raucous time.

(Songs to check out: “The Good Ones,” “Black Balloon,” “The Tape Song,” “No Wow”)

The Black Keys/Gogol Bordello 4:15-5:15 (Bud Light and AT&T, respectively)

You really can’t go wrong with either band here. Both make for interesting live shows, and while The Black Keys have played Lolla previous years, they certainly haven’t worn out their welcome.

(Black Keys songs to check out: “Psychotic Girl,” “10 A.M. Automatic,” “Set You Free,” “Have Love Will Travel”)
(Gogol Bordello songs to check out: “Start Wearing Purple,” “Wonderlust King,” “Occurrence on the Border [Hopping on a Pogo-Gypsy Stick]“)

Cat Power 5:15-6:15 (Playstation 3)

Admittedly, I’m hardly a fan of Cat Power, but I cannot deny the fact that she will rightfully so be the most popular destination during this 5:15 time slot. If you already know you’re a fan of Mates of State then by all means, go see them. Otherwise, give Cat Power a listen, you’ll probably enjoy her show.

(Cat Power songs to check out: “He War,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “The Greatest”)

The Raconteurs 6:15-7:45 (Bud Light)

Bloc Party is certainly a viable option, but Jack White, Brendan Benson and co. know how to put on a show. The hour and a half set time may be stretching things a bit, but the Raconteurs should put on a terrific show nonetheless.

(Raconteurs songs to check out: “Steady as She Goes,” “Salute Your Salution,” “Five on the Five,” “Top Yourself”)

The Cool Kids 7:00-8:00 (BMI)

Finally something for the hip-hop heads in attendance. The Chicago duo appropriately called The Cool Kids have been embraced with open arms by the indie crowd (as well as by old school hip-hop fans) and should make a name for themselves at Lollapalooza this year.

(Cool Kids songs to check out: “What Up Man,” “Black Mags,” “88,” “What It Is”)

Radiohead 8:00-10:00+ (AT&T)

Expect a mass exodus towards the AT&T stage a good hour in advance, but no matter where you are, witnessing a Radiohead performance in Grant Park at Lollapalooza will be quite the event. Appropriately playing unopposed, Radiohead will be the perfect capper on a fantastic Friday lineup.

(Radiohead songs to check out: Anything off of OK Computer or The Bends, “Reckoner,” “Bodysnatchers,” “Knives Out,” “Optimistic,” “Idioteque”)

See Below for the entire Day 1 Schedule:

Lollapalooza 2008: Day 1

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New Kings of Leon, “Crawl”

Kings of Leon are back with authority as they released their new song “Crawl” on the internet today. Available for download via their website, Kings of Leon go a bit darker and edgier on this track than what they showed on Because of the Times. The bass lick is absolutely fantastic, however, as is the guitar solo that unexpectedly makes its way to the surface at the end of the song. Only By The Night is due out September 23rd. In the meantime, take a look at this teaser video the band released via Youtube, posted below. Continue to be on the lookout for more information regarding this highly anticipated release, as it will certainly be coming out steadily in the next few weeks.

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New b-side from Beck, “Vampire Voltage No. 6″

If you’re still digesting Modern Guilt, you might want to pause it for a second and listen to this snazzy faux-rocker from Beck. Off of the Chemtrails 7″ release, “Vampire Voltage No. 6″ is a pretty delightful b-side that thematically matches the rest of the Modern Guilt album. While I wish it went on a bit longer, it’s still a delight, nonetheless.

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The Hold Steady Stay Positive

Fuzzy Bits:

Release Date: July 15

Last Album: Boys and Girls in America (2006)

Sounds Like: An extension of their already successful formula, Stay Positive is yet another great album from The Hold Steady.

Overall Rating: 96

 

While there was a feeling that everyone would be in for something different with this album, no one figured those differences would include harpsichord (“One for the Cutters”), arrangements that stray from the tried and true anthem rock formula (“Both Crosses”), using vocoders (“Joke About Jamaica”) or horns for that matter (“Sequestered in Memphis). While the themes aren’t anything new, they’re a bit darker than anything heard before, and aren’t always being covered up by the largely upbeat arrangements as was the case on Boys and Girls in America. Instead, songs like “One for the Cutters,” “Lord I’m Discouraged,” “Both Crosses,” and “Joke About Jamaica” all bring the themes of desperation, loneliness and lost sense of self to the forefront. That’s not to say the songs are Elliott Smith, exactly, but for a band that’s largely balls to the walls rock, it’s a welcome change of pace. The opening two tracks (“Constructive Summer” and “Sequestered in Memphis”) are perhaps some of the best rockers the band has come up with, and the title track serves as a great reminder for what the real theme is for the album, mainly, despite all the downers and bad times, “you’ve gotta stay positive.” Oversimplification, yes, but that’s what lies at the heart of this album. That being said, the wonderfully intricate lyrics are the most consistent they’ve ever been and contain more double-meanings and pop-culture references than most artists can ascertain in the span of their careers. While there aren’t too many obvious singles as there were on Boys and Girls in America, the two opening tracks, “Stay Positive” and “Slapped Actress” are the most accessible of the bunch. To boot, the three bonus tracks are also extraordinary, and give the listeners just enough of The Hold Steady to analyze and sing/drink along to for the next couple years.

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New Free Song from Coldplay, “Death Will Never Conquer”

Because everyone loves free music, how about this new dandy of a b-side from none other than Coldplay? No? Well, this isn’t a run of the mill b-side mind you, it’s actually sung by Coldplay drummer Will Champion– who isn’t too shabby of a vocalist. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Randy Newman (no, not this Randy Newman), but with a surprising hymnal quality.

To download the song for free, just visit the following website:
http://coldplay.com/song.php

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Of Montreal Skeletal Lamping album art

Hmm… this seems oddly familiar– album art featuring naked people frolicking. This time around, the Kevin Barnes driven project goes the lo-art route with the nudity, as it looks to be made by an overzealous six year old boy with prematurely raging hormones. That being said, Skeletal Lamping, which is set for release on October 7, will probably be yet another masterpiece in the long list of accolades for Of Montreal. Of course, there’s a tour to support all this, and the dates are listed below:

08/08 – Myslowice, Poland @ OFF Festival
08/09 – London, England @ Field Day Festival
08/10 – Leicester, England @ Summer Sundae Weekender
10/07 – Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre
10/08 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
10/10 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
10/15 – Paris, France @ Elysee Montmarte
10/16 – London, England @ Koko
10/17 – Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
10/18 – Rome, Italy @ Circolo Degli Artisi
10/19 – Berlin, Germany @ Lido
10/20 – Stockholm Sweden @ Debaser Medis
10/21 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Amager Bio
10/24 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
10/25 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/26 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre
10/27 – Chicago, IL @ The Riviera
10/28 – Toronto, Ontario @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
10/30 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
10/31 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
11/01 – Richmond, VA @ The National
11/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
11/11 – New Orleans, LA @ Howlin Wolf
11/12 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Liv
11/13 – Austin, TX @ 507 E. 6th Street
11/14 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
11/15 – Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall
11/16 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
11/17 – Murray, UT @ Murray Super Theatre
11/19 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox So Do
11/20 – Portland, OR @ Roseland
11/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Center Grand Ballroom
11/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA

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