The Lolla Mixtape
A mixtape for those lesser known bands.
There is one weekend a year that I look forward to more than my birthday and Christmas combined - Lollapalooza weekend. I've been going to the festival since it set roots in Grant Park, and I've had some memorable moments at this festival. Rather than state the obvious acts you should be seeing (um, Radiohead), I've made a little mix of my top five lesser-known artist that you must check out this weekend. Wear plenty of sunscreen, drink plenty of water and be prepared to rock.
Tiny Masters of Today - Hologram World (featuring Karen O) - Playing Friday from 3:30-4:00 and Saturday from 12:15-12:45 at the Kidz Stage - These kids aren't old enough to operate a car, yet somehow get Karen O and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and CSS to work with them. Go check out the future rock stars of America before they fully hit that awkward stage of puberty and reminisce how you wish you were as cool as them when you were 12.
Cool Kids - Black Mags - Playing Friday from 7:00-8:00 at the BMI Stage - These Chicago MCs may pay homage to classic 80's hip-hop style, yet they deliver a fresh sound live. I've been a fan of these guys a while, and will continue to push everyone I know to throw their hands up, get down and go check out Cool Kids.
Spank Rock - Sweet Talk - Playing Saturday from 5:00-6:00 at the Citi Stage - I saw Spank Rock open for Beck a few years back. No one knew who Spank Rock was, but I silently smiled knowing the booming bass and utterly crass lyricism that was about to be unleashed. By the end, everyone was going absolutely nuts and people were turning around asking, "What's the name of that band again?" Be fully prepared for the raunchy booty shaking party Spank Rock will release on Grant Park.
Ha Ha Tonka – Gusto - Playing Sunday from 11:15-12:00 at the BMI Stage - Ha Ha Tonka are a group of polite Missouri boys with a slight southern twang that play some of the best honky tonk tinged rock music this side of the Mason Dixon line. I was immediately smitten with their tight and impressive rock music, their boyish charm, their good looks and possibly one of the politest lead singers I've ever met. If only all rock bands could be this sweet and soulful, we'd have it made.
Chromeo - Needy Girl - Playing Sunday from 3:15-4:15 at the Myspace Stage - The lead singer of Chromeo is working on his PhD in French Literature at Columbia University, and plays a translucent flying V guitar. That is the definition of badass, and totally sexy to boot. Chromeo's music walks the fine line between retro tacky and pop genius. It's hard to tell if the music is farce or genuine, but who cares when you're pumping your fist high in the air.
Posted by Lisa White on Jul 31, 2008 @ 7:15 am
