What's so good?
By Joshua Mellin | July 13th, 2012
Chicago is home to so many compelling music festivals, it’s usually a weekly challenge to decide which one to go to, but this weekend that’s a decision made easy by Pitchfork Music Festival. Located in modest Union Park, it boasts a superior lineup in its sixth year.
With over 40 acts gracing its 3 stages in close proximity, it actually makes it easier to see more total acts than at larger festivals that may require more planning. Despite the park’s limited size, it still manages to contain both the CHIRP Record Fair and Flatstock, a mini festival of show posters all its own, within its confines.
Though Pitchfork may not be able to draw the same masses, it has quickly become the music efficiando’s festival in the second city, with many of the bands headlining its stages finding themselves at Lollapalooza in August within a year or two.
Here’s our Pitchfork Music Festival Playlist highlighting a few of the acts were most excited to see:
"Feist - A Commotion"
Friday, 8:20PM, Green Stage After only getting to sample a few songs at Leslie Feist's Bonnaroo performance, I'll be excited to see her bring Metals to perhaps an even more fitting setting as she headlines the opening night festivities.
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).
"Sleigh Bells - Demons"
Saturday, 6:15PM, Green Stage Since they're more prone to play in darkened clubs or late night festivals, it will be interesting to see Derek Miller & Alexis Krauss bring their newest Demons to the light of day.
Download from:
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).
"Wild Flag - Black Tiles"
Saturday 5:15PM, Red Stage Though this band has only been around a short time, its members have been making music for some time as Sleater-Kinney and Helium. Together Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Janet Weiss, and Rebcca Cole make Wild Flag, a band that could have surely headlined the entire festival.
Download from:
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).
"Real Estate - Beach Comber (Acoustic)"
Sunday, 4:15PM, Green Stage 4:15 seems like a perfect time of day to set out for Real Estate, roll out a blanket, and stare at the clouds. Their soothing set promises to be one of the most enjoyable of the weekend.
Download from:
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).
"Beach House - Walk In The Park (iTunes Session)"
Sunday, 7:25PM, Blue Stage The baltimore duo originally forged great success through Pitchfork's publication, and now as a trio return for their third performance at the festival behind the strength of this year's solidifying Bloom.
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).
"Vampire Weekend - Holiday (iTunes Session)"
Sunday, 8:30PM, Green Stage Likely presenting selections from their upcoming LP, it will be interesting to see Ezra & Co. put to the test in the driver's seat, closing out the festival on the green stage Sunday night.
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).
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 →
