What's so good?
By Joshua Mellin | August 2nd, 2012
Now in its eighth year at beautiful Grant Park in downtown Chicago, Lollapalooza has shown this city more than its fair share of excitement over the years. As the skyscrapers around the park grow taller and denser, the festival itself continues to expand — in size, in attendance, and to fit changing musical tastes.
For it’s 2012 incarnation, Lollapalooza is all about Black, Red & White. Black Sabbath and The Black Keys Friday night, Red Hot Chili Peppers on Saturday, and Jack White closing out the festival Sunday.
Here’s a playlist of those and other headliners were most excited about seeing this weekend.
"The Shins - Fall of '82"
Sunday, Red Bull Sound Stage, 6:15-7:30PM Primed to be the opening night highlight, this set will surely make up for a lackluster showing in 2006. Now, much more than just that band from Garden State, The Shins are revamped behind a stellar new lineup featuring Jessica Dobson, Yuuki Matthews, Joe Plummer and Richard Swift. Incorporating a fresh aesthetic via his time in Broken Bells with Danger Mouse, James Mercer has breathed fresh life into his own band.
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Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The Black Keys - Howlin' For You (Prins Thomas Diskomiks Remix)"
Sunday, Red Bull Sound Stage, 8:30-10:00PM Having played Lollapalooza in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2010 (Dan Auerbach played solo in 2009), the Black Keys 2012 headlining the main stage is long overdue, so much so in fact I think Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney will break out something something truly unexpected, whether it be a surprise guest, or rare cover, to be considered memorable.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Red Hot Chili Peppers - Search & Destroy (Iggy and The Stooges Cover)"
Saturday, Red Bull Soundstage, 8:00-10:00PM Though their Bonnaroo set seemed somewhat stale, you can't deny these Lollapalooza veterans and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers when they take up the main stage Saturday night. Sans John Frusciante, the band may not pack the same mega-whallop it did back in 2006 when they last played Lollapalooza, but expect Hutchinson Field to be filled to capacity for their extended 2-hour set nonetheless.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (Live Choral Version)"
Sunday, Bud Light Stage, 6:15-7:30PM Surprisingly, Florence Welch's path has not yet crossed Lollapalooza, though her genre blurring style will be a perfect fit for the festival that likes to reward uniqueness. You really don't have much of a choice either, because no matter where you are on the grounds, you'll hear her belt out "Dog Days Are Over."
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Jack White - Freedom at 21"
Sunday, Red Bull Soundstage 8:15-10:00PM The major draw of the festival, White previously played Lollapalooza with his band The Raconteurs in both 2006 and 2008. He'll be performing songs from across all his previous bands (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather), as well as tracks from his superb solo debut, this year's Blunderbuss. Without a setlist, he's forced to remember the different styles in which each band plays every song - it'll be sure to be a memorable closing set.
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amazon.com (External Link)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Joshua is a staff writer and photographer at Indie Shuffle, reviewing albums, live concerts and music festivals.
Favorite bands include Wilco, the White Stripes, the ...learn more →
