This is the annual entry
I started writing last year to preview
the Lollapalooza lineup. This year's preview is dedicated to my friend
Tom Fuller whose taste in current music could use some improvement.
Acts I’ve Previously Seen Live (with the number of times I’ve seen them and the grade I’m assigning to their live set in parentheses):
Kanye West (Once, B+)
- Sound problems hampered Kanye's headlining set at Lollapalooza '06 but his flair for extravagance still made for a highly enjoyable time. Thinking about the sight of thousands of people raising their "diamonds" in the sky still gives me chills.
Wilco (Once, B)
- I'm still furious that I had to leave as Wilco played "I'm the Man Who Loves You" in order to catch Broken Social Scene back in '06.
Broken Social Scene (Once, A)
- They're responsible for probably the most famous Lolla performance since it ceased to be a traveling festival and definitely one of the most awe inspiring sets I've ever seen. My concern is that without Feist and Stars involved in this years festivities, we won't be able to see that full, star studded BSS lineup again.
Cat Power (Once, C)
- I'm still bitter that I listened to Chan Marshall's four most recent albums in preparation for her performance at the Pitchfork Music Festival last year to then recognize only two or three songs when
Cat Power played.
Lupe Fiasco (Once, B-)
- I hope Matthew Santos doesn't appear with Lupe but I know that he will.
Okkervil River (Four times, A+)
- I'm on record as calling them one of the two best live bands in the world.
Mates of State (Once, B+)
- A good time was had by all during their performance in '06, even as Kori Gardner was mercilessly scorched by the sun right in front of our eyes.
Rogue Wave (Three times, A-)
- They played one of the best shows I've seen in recent memory when they came through town about a year and a half ago. This is a relief since in a week I will have missed their last three shows in Chicago.
Grizzly Bear (Once, B-)
- Grizzly Bear's live show, like their records, can be a little bit too tranquil for my tastes.
Mason Jennings (Once, C)
- I think Mason Jennings played at Springfest 2002. I don't remember being terribly impressed.
Louis XIV (Once, F)
- The most unintentionally funny band of all time.
Ten Most Anticipated Acts (In order):
10. Mates Of State
9. Cat Power
8. Wilco
7. Rogue Wave
6. Okkervil River
5. The National
4. The Weakerthans
3. Kanye West
2. Broken Social Scene
1. Radiohead
Five Most Underwhelming Acts (In order):
5. The Raconteurs
4. Does It Offend You, Yeah?
3. Blues Traveler
2. Flogging Molly
1. Louis XIV
Six Bands I’ve Been Looking For An Excuse To Start Listening To (In no particular order):
Bloc Party, Explosions In The Sky, Brand New, The Go Team, Black Kids, Office
