I’m still on a musical high from Lollapalooza 2010 and I want to share with the world Lolla’s one-of-a-kind charm that makes it the event of the year in my book.
My first Lollapalooza was everything I had hoped it to be: Lady Gaga (need I say more?), crowds singing in unison to The XX, and a Cut Copy dance party that gave me such an adrenaline rush that I felt like I could have ran miles, even after standing in the hot sun all day.
After anxiously awaiting in line to get in, I finally made it in on the first day for Jukebox The Ghost. This was the first time I had listened to Jukebox The Ghost and this trio who met at George Washington University really kicked off the start to three days of musical bliss. They know how to embrace many different genres of music and it shows in their music. This indie rock band has a delightful pop influence that is easy on the ear and makes you want to get up and dance. Make sure you check them out when they return to Chicago Oct. 13 at Schuba’s.
My next stop was the Sony Bloggie stage to see American Bang, a rock band from Nashville. I was pretty impressed and even with Jaren Johnston’s twangy country sound in his vocals; I couldn’t help but love them. They truly understand rock in its pure form. With their memorable guitar riffs and kick-ass attitude, it is clear that these guys know what they are doing.
I only have one suggestion for American Bang: we know you guys are on your way to rock stardom but please refrain from continually making crude comments about having sex with all the women of Chicago. We get it, you are a rock band, what do I expect? Well, I expect these comments but not between every single song. It becomes a little mundane. Otherwise, you rock. Download “Whiskey Walk” on iTunes and their self-titled debut album releases on Aug. 31.
American Bang performing at the Sony bloggie stage at Lollapalooza 2010.
Unfortunately, The Big Pink was disappointing live. I left after five minutes and headed to see The New Pornographers.
The New Pornographers were perfect vocally, which isn’t surprising when Neko Case and A.C. Newman are on vocals. I remember the first time I listened to The New Pornographers. I was 15 and I had a new issue of Paste magazine that had just arrived in the mail. That month’s music sampler CD had The New Pornographers on it because they had just released their Twin Cinema album and it was all the rage with the music magazines.
If you get the chance, see them live in a smaller venue. I felt like at certain points during their set, Lolla was almost too overwhelming with the crowd size for them. They are great performers but they don’t have the stage presence or performing tactics like Semi Precious Weapons to handle a larger crowd.
Semi Precious Weapons are a must-see. They are flipping the music industry upside down with their raw “in your face” sex and rock ‘n’ roll meets glam rock approach. There is a good reason why they are Lady Gaga’s favorite band. Justin Tranter stirs up the rebellious side in us all with lyrics like, “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m fucking gorgeous.” SPW is red hot. Buy their debut album, You Love You on iTunes.
Matt & Kim were a blast. Judging from the huge grins on their faces, they were having as much fun as I was. This duo from Brooklyn gave an unforgettable high-energy performance and it was one huge dance party, not to mention they did a little dancing of their own.
Kim jumped into the crowd and while standing on the hands of her fans, she did her “On Top of the Crowd Booty Dance” that is becoming a staple in Matt & Kim sets nation wide. Matt dazzled the audience with his one-of-a-kind vocals that only inspire nonstop dancing.
Matt & Kim’s performance won the hearts of everyone at Lolla and I think it is safe to say it was one of the best shows of the weekend. It is simple: Go see Matt & Kim in concert and if you aren’t already on the “Daylight” bandwagon, download that track along with “Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare.”
Matt & Kim's audience dancing amongst colorful balloons to "Daylight."
Unfortunately, I missed out on seeing The Black Keys. My Lady Gaga obsession wouldn’t allow me to miss the opportunity to get a good spot in the crowd to see the one and only, Gaga.
Words cannot express the rest of the evening. It was one of those moments at a concert that was absolutely perfect and can never be duplicated again. With the city of Chicago lit up all around Grant Park, Lady Gaga would appear to be singing to the entire city.
She is the whole package. Not only does she have the voice, she knows how to give her fans a show they will never forget. With multiple set changes, a little blood, and plenty of crazy costumes to keep her fans tickled pink, she is a true actress.
“My name is Lady Gaga. I thank you for coming to my show. I didn’t used to be brave. In fact I wasn’t very brave at all,” she told her fans. “But you have made me brave, little monsters. So now I’m going to be brave for you. Tonight, I want you to free yourself.”
The trip to the Monster Ball was an unforgettable twist of events that ended with battling the Fame Monster and a celebratory tribute to her victory with “Bad Romance.” She made her mark on Lollapalooza, erasing the hurtful memory of a failed Lolla 2007 set. Her name was even spelled “Lady Ga Ga” on Lollapalooza’s merchandise that year which was another hit to the artist’s persona.
My Lolla ticket was worth every penny just to see Lady Gaga. Watch out world, she still has many surprises in store for us. I’m dubbing this “The Year Of Gaga” and I can’t wait to see what she will do next.
Tags: Ali Trumbull, American Bang, Chicago, Chicago music, Cut Copy, DePaul, Green Day, Journalism, Jukebox The Ghost, Lady Gaga, Lolla, Lollapalooza, Lollapalooza 2010, Matt & Kim, music, music festivals, Music Journalism, Schuba's, Semi Precious Weapons, summer, The Big Pink, The Black Keys, The New Pornographers, The XX
