Lollapalooza 2008: Day 3

DAY 3
After a rowdy Day 2 of Lollapalooza, Day 3 seemed to come as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was more than ready for Sunday though and the ladies of Ann St (Laura, Erin & Becky) were pumped to join the Waters duo and I.

Laura, Becky and I departed early for Grant Park to catch Chicago's Office at 11:30 at the PS3 Stage. I'm pretty sure they were both surprised by the size of the park as we made our first of many jaunts across the north end. After 30 minutes of what seemed to be an excruciating sound check, we were informed that the Weakerthans couldn't make the fest, so Office's show was bumped to the afternoon.

We had some time to relax, so we leisurely made our way south to the AT&T stage where female rapper Kid Sister was to perform. It was still early in the day so we were able to stand close for a good view of the show. Rage Against the Machine was the last show of Day 2 on the stage and sunglasses, pieces of shoes and dead grass were the only remnants left. Kid Sister appreciatively came out with a hype-man, back-up dancers and DJ AutoBot (Flosstradamous) on the ones and twos. Koko B. Ware hasn't come out yet, but had the crowd engaged with fun, new, dance rap ("Switchboard", "Control") and performed her biggest hit, "Pro Nails".

We met up with the rest of our crew at the sparsely filled Citi Stage for What Made Milwaukee Famous. They were serviceable, but didn't exactly wow the crowd until "Sultan" and a few closing songs. I did find out that they aren't from Milwaukee and didn't live up to all the Spoon comparisons I had heard though.

With our full group in tact we took a lunch break in the shade and headed for the Myspace stage. I had finally succumbed to the incessant promotion of Chromeo and was looking forward to them after copping Fancy Footwork a few weeks earlier. Dave 1 and P-Thugg were on their electrofunk A-game from the start keeping the crowd nodding ("Call Me Up") and dancing ("Tenderoni") in the sweltering humidity. I'm sure its nerve-wracking performing in front of thousands of people, but the Montreal based duo were one of the few acts that interacted with Lolla-goers all weekend. Aside from making the crowd bounce with "Call Me Up" and "Bonafied Lovin'", Dave and P were like a comedy duo with jokes incorporating P's talk box.

Florida's Black Kids set on the Citi stage overlapped with Chromeo, but I was able to hear a few of the hits from Partie Traumatic while the ladies took a break from the heat. Lead singer Reggie Youngblood's faux British accent got the best response on "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You". They sounded great live and probably could have played on one of the bigger stages.

We opted for shade and beer rather than G. Love and sweat from 4:30 to 5. After cooling off, we traveled north again to the PS3 stage (hearing Iron & Wine in the distance) to see Irish/punk band Flogging Molly. They had one of the largest crowds I saw at that stage all weekend and did their best to turn it into a rowdy pub. Irish flags were in the air and Dave King snarled and shouted his way through a fun set filled with banjos, accordion, and fiddles. We left after "Float", but "Requiem for a Dying Song" and other jams made me interested for more.

The toughest decision was at hand: Gnarls Barkley or Girl Talk. That resolution was much easier when we saw the crowd lined up at the Citi stage. The schedulers probably didn't anticipate it, but Girl Talk could have easily filled Myspace or PS3 stages. As the bass line for "Charity Case" played at the AT&T stage, it looked like fans were stretched back to Food Town, cutting off walkways. Gillis finally took the stage at 6:30 and made his presence known with VIPs swarming his lap top and fake cops with toilet paper guns as the intro began. The dance party was non-stop as he ran through mash-ups and samples old (Biggie/Elton, "Play Your Part") and new (Yael Naim/Khia, Daft Punk/Tag Team). It was so hectic that Gillis had to clear the stage because it was starting to bend. Nothin' like a daytime dance party. The grand finale was nothing short of epic. Birdman & Lil' Wayne's "Poppin' Bottles" played into Journey's "Faithfully" and looped as Girl Talk crowd surfed from the stage to the sound tent in a friggin' inflatable row boat. 'Nuff said.

Everyone pretty much used all of their energy at Girl Talk, so after that we retreated to tailgate-like lines for the port-o-potties. Mark Ronson and company sounded great on the Myspace stage. His throwback sound with covers (Coldplay, Radiohead, Justice) and special guests Candie Payne, Rhymefest and Kenna amassed a large crowd as well. Unfortunately, Ronson mentioned this is the last stop on their long tour (which obviously skipped Michigan).

Our group refilled on beverages and food while staking out a spot on the hill for Kanye West. I was pretty disappointed in not lining up close to the stage for the final headliner of the weekend, but I got over it after a few songs. Kanye was backed by an elaborate stage complete with bright lights, a DJ, and energetic band. After teasing the crowd with a slice of "Stronger", West greeted his hometown with "Good Morning". He ran through all the hits from "Through the Wire" to "Diamonds" to "Can't Tell Me Nothin'". After a 15 minute long, Chi-Town flavored edition of his guest spot on Jeezy's "Put On", West stated "Now we can start the show". For all of the names Kanye has earned over the years (arrogant, cocky, obnoxious), you have to give him credit for put passion into what he does. He shined throughout the his time on the main stage and was easily one of the best rap/hip-hop artists I've ever seen. Kanye showed his recent love for vocal distortion T-Pain style as he finished the last hour with rousing editions of "Homecoming", "Good Life", "Gold Digger" and more. Things got a little uncomfortable when West gave a short ode to his mother before "Hey Mama", but closed in grand fashion. He let his band get some due recognition by surprisingly covering Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" and played "Stronger", asking "is this what you've been waiting for?". Indeed.

And just like that Lollapalooza 2008 was done. An ocean of festival-goers poured out of Grant Park and cheered in the downtown Chicago streets. It was amazing seeing my iPod come to life and experiencing that many live acts in one weekend. Its hard to single out who was my favorite artist all weekend, but Kanye, Girl Talk, Mates of State, CSS, Lupe Fiasco, Chromeo and Rage Against the Machine certainly were most memorable. The bad news is that Lollapalooza was pretty much a "gateway" event that is going to make me want to go to see most of these artists at smaller venues and make Lolla (or some festival) an annual necessity.

Photos from Lollapalooza Day 3
Videos from Lollapalooza Day 3

Pre-Lollapalooza 2008: Part III

Day 3 Tentative Schedule:
Day 3 has all the ingredients to make for the best day of Lollapalooza: Girl Talk, Kanye West, and an Ann St. Reunion. I may not make it to Office's 11:30 slot, but I hope so. A little later, I'll take a requisite visit to see Chi-town's own Kid Sister, and succumb to the "Pro Nails" chorus in the process( you all will be saying it by the end of the day, ask Laura.) At first glance, it looks like Day 3 should be easy....until 3:15 hits. Luckily, many of the artists I want to see are at both Citi Stage and Myspace Stage (right next to each other). Chromeo's bouncy electrofunk kicks off at Citi, just before Black Kids at 3:30 at Myspace. Iron & Wine and G. Love & the Special Sauce have dueling sets across the park from each other (my interest in both should make that decision easy, with a coin flip). 5:15 brings the Irish-Punk of Flogging Molly just before the toughest conflict of the weekend: Gnarls Barkley, 15 minutes before Girl Talk. Do I catch a glimpse of Cee Lo & Danger Mouse's crazy costumes or get in line for the biggest party I'll ever attend. Probably a game-time decision. I'm looking forward to Mark Ronson's (special guest filled?) set to ease the tension at 7:15. Finally, what better way to close out the weekend with Chicago's son, Kanye West. I don't care what happened at Bonnaroo, I'm expecting the best show I've ever seen (no pressure).

My Schedule

Day 3
Day 3
1. Office - Oh My
2. The Blakes - Magic
3. Kid Sister - Pro Nails ft Kanye West
4. What Made Milwaukee Famous - Sultan
5. The Whigs - Right Hand On My Heart
6. Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin'
7. Black Kids - Listen To You Body Tonight
8. Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend To Dance
9. Iron & Wine - Boy With A Coin
10. Saul Williams - List of Demands (Reparations)
11. Flogging Molly - Requiem For A Dying Song
12. Flogging Molly - Float
13. Gnarls Barkley - Going On
14. Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces
15. Flosstradamus - Yeah Yeah (Matt & Kim Remix)
16. Girl Talk - Pure Magic
17. Girl Talk - Set It Off
18. Mark Ronson - Amy ft Kenna
19. The National - Apartment Story
20. Child Rebel Soldiers (Lupe, Kanye, Pharell) - US Placers
21. Kanye West - Touch the Sky ft Lupe Fiasco
22. Kanye West - Homecoming ft Chris Martin

Girl Talk: "Feed the Animals" Indeed

Previously mentioned, in more places than I can count, mash-up maestro Girl Talk released Feed the Animals last Thursday. 2 years after his breakout success, The Night Ripper, Greg Gillis is pretty much the face (but not the creator) of this evolving genre. So far, the Hood Internet, Car Stereo (Wars) and Immuzikation are the only ones close to Girl Talk. Since the classic The Night Ripper, Mr. Gillis has quit his day-job, won a Taco Bell eating contest, and went from doing shows for small gatherings to selling out venues and joining the festival circuit (this year at DEMF, Lollapalooza and All Points West to name a few).

This time around, Girl Talk went with the Radiohead approach by releasing Feed the Animals with the "pay what you want" option. Very interesting, and being the stats nerd that I have turned into, I would love to know how many units sold on the first day/week. I don't think Soundscan will be seeing those records. I bought my copy for $10, which included 14 DRM-free mp3's, plus $3 shipping to get the physical copy this fall (for reasons previously mentioned).

After having the weekend to digest it, I've decided that its okay that its not The Night Ripper. 2 years changes a lot and they are in fact, 2 totally different "Animals". Feed the Animals is much more accessible to the masses sprinkled with more "classics" than you can count. What it lacks in obscure/cult samples, it makes up for in smooth transitions. There are very few spots where an '80s legend couldn't line up with a rap star. While I can't say it has a true "Juicy"/"Tiny Dancer" moment, Animals has some head-turning spots:

-"What Its All About" (Jackson 5 "ABC" + Rihanna "Umbrella") Girl Talk manages to make a young MJ sound electric over the catchiest song from last summer.

-"Set It Off" (Mary J. Blige "Real Love" + the Guess Who "These Eyes") Mary J. Blige's soulful vocals are even better over this stripped down classic.

-"No Pause" (Yael Naim "New Soul" + Eminem "Shake That" + Swizz Beatz "Money In the Bank") The catchiest of all Apple songs, paired with Eminem's filthiest party jam, and a little help from Swizz Beatz makes for a prime mash-up.

-"Play Your Part (Pt.2)" (Huey "Pop, Lock & Drop It" + Journey "Faithfully") While I'm more partial to the Soulja Boy and Journey version I heard in sweat soaked Chicago, I can't think of a better way to conclude the album.

My favorites change each time I listen to it. Cop it while you can. The more popular Mr. Gillis gets, the more I worry that some artist will get grumpy and try to get in Girl Talk's pockets. Look for Girl Talk to continue his non-stop touring through the Fall.

Girl Talk - No Pause

Buy Girl Talk's Feed the Animals here. Preview it here.

Lollapalooza 2008: Initial Lineup

It has been waaaaaay to long since I have added anything to this site. I was really hoping to not have one of those blogs that gets updated once a month. Hopefully, I will return to form immediately.

Whether it was a clever ploy by Perry Farrell and organizers to drum up more early ticket sales or just an innocent leak, I love it. When the "potential" early line-up for Lollapalooza 2008 leaked Friday via the Chicago Sun-Times, it only validated my recent ticket purchase. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be amped and ready to roast in Grant Park, Chicago August 1st - 3rd. Not only were most of my hopes answered for most of the artists attending. But my recent task of scouring band websites and tour itineraries to see who had the 1st weekend of August free, made many of my guesses correct.

Here is my take on who will be joining me at Lollapalooza:

Headliners:
-Radiohead: I know the basics of their catalog, but I'm excited to have another reason to check out their catalog in preparation. In Colours seemed to be the "it" album of 2007, so no surprise here.

-Nine Inch Nails: I can't lie, I don't know the band's work. Their video for "Closer" creeped me out beyond believe in 7th grade, so we'll see about these cats.

-Rage Against the Machine: I may not be in the middle of the most pit, but I have been looking forward to a Rage reunion. My friends who saw them at Vegoose and Rock the Bells said it was insane. Count me in.

-Wilco & The Raconteurs: I know an equal amount about both bands, very little. I have been impressed with both albums by Jack White's boys and look forward to hear more from Wilco.

-Kanye West: Chicago's son comes home to rock the biggest party in the city. I expect a lot of "Flashing Lights", emotion and specials guests (could we see a CRS performance?). Cannot wait!

The rest:
-Gnarls Barkley: "The Odd Couple" may have turned away mainstreamers without a pop record like "Crazy", but it was still solid. I'm hoping to see some interesting costumes while Cee-Lo spits the Gospel.

-The Black Keys: Yes, yes and yes. These guys have been in heavy rotation in my eardrums since I heard "Your Touch" this winter. Although I'll have to skip their show in Royal Oak, it will only further my anticipation of their throwback, garage rock sound.

-The Cool Kids: Another Windy City act poise to explode from the hype that has already been bubbling. Their '80s inspired rhymes should keep the crowd in a head-nodding frenzy.

-Mates of State, Bloc Party, Office, the Go! Team: All constants on my playlists and will all be part of my plans for that weekend.

-Cat Power, G. Love, Broken Social Scene, Jamie Lidell: Research for the next few months.

-Blues Traveler: What?

-Girl Talk: Do you really have to ask? I'll be there.

Would you like a sample?

Wilco - What A Light

Gnarls Barkley - Going On

The Cool Kids - Action Figures

Mates of State - Goods (All In Your Head)

Bloc Party - Hunting For Witches

Office - Oh My

The Go! Team - Grips Like A Vice

Girl Talk - Pure Magic

Showstopper: Girl Talk @ Metro, Chicago 1/26/08

My first concert in Chicago and another great Girl Talk show. Metro was filled from top to bottom with hipsters and dance party enthusiasts galore.

Highlights:
-Everyone in our group made into the venue, despite only 3/8 of us having tickets at 11:00 pm.
-Viewing hundreds of dudes screaming "Since You've Been Gone".
-Falling on my face and being lifted from the ground by a stranger.
-With the help of Journey's "Faithfully", Soulja Boy managed to sound epic.
-Surviving with only a few bruises and slight dehydration.

What more can I say? Sign me up for Round 3.

2007 Wrap-Up: Showstopper in 2008

While I am mostly saving my pennies to go to Lollapalooza in 2008, here are a few of the bands I'd like to see live and in person.

#5 Editors/Jack Penate/The Fratellis/The Kooks
Though each of these rising artists/bands from across the pond have very unique styles, I'd love to see them implement their hits on stage. I've already seen Editors, but their expanding catalog would make for a great, dark show.




#4 Georgie James
One of SubPop's newest signees had a great fall with Places. They have already laid plans for part of 2008, hopefully they will bring "More Lights" to Detroit as well.





#3 Girl Talk
While I've already seen this mash-up maestro once (and plan to visit Chicago's Metro for a Jan. 26 sold out show), I could be easily persuaded for another crazy night with Girl Talk. There have been rumors of a new album in early 2008, so why not promote it in "the D."



#2 Neko Case
2006 was chanteuse Neko Case's breakout year with Fox Confessor Brings The Flood, but she still managed to shine in 2007 with The New Pornographer's stellar reunion album, Challengers. From the reviews I have read and evidence from Live From Austin, TX, I'm sure Case's chilling vocals would be more than mesmerizing in person.





#1 Arcade Fire
They made nearly every blogger and critic's top albums list in 2007, but only played a handful of shows in the U.S. to support Neon Bible. The closest Arcade Fire came to Michigan was an October show in Columbus, which wasn't close enough for me to attend. It would be be hard for me to skip a Detroit show with Win Butler's dark orchestra.

2007 Wrap-Up: Looking Forward To In 2008

While 2007 was the best year in music for me personally, I have only begun to dig in the crates for new music. Though many indie fans have complained that there aren't any big albums to look forward to in 2008 (Arcade Fire, The New Pornographers, Arctic Monkeys, The Shins, etc.) There should be more than enough music to file through and its likely that there will be many hidden gems in the pack (see Feist).

Here is what I'm looking forward to most:

#5 Dr. Dre "Detox" - Yeah, right. This should be filed with the infamous next Guns 'n Roses LP, but there is always hope. The good doctor is rumored to be collaborating with the usual Aftermath suspects (Eminem, 50 Cent, Eve, Busta Rhymes) and others including Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Lil' Wayne, newcomer Bishop Lamont, and producers J.R. Rotem, Just Blaze, and RZA.



#4 New albums by: Andre 3000 and Big Boi of OutKast, the Kooks, Nas, Tokyo Police Club, Klaxons, Royce Da 5'9", The Courteeners, Keri Hilson, The Black Kids, Emmy the Great, Gnarls Barkley, Eminem, Rhymefest, Lightspeed Champion, WALE, Girl Talk, & Adele (look out Amy Winehouse).




#3 Timbaland "Shock Value II" - The follow-up to the genre-twisting hit album in 2007. Scheduled to feature Akon, Gwen Stefani, Linkin Park, Jay-Z, Keri Hilson and more. I can't say it looks too groundbreaking (I'd love to see him work with Bloc Party), but worth checking out for the beats.



#2 Lil' Wayne The Carter III - Dwayne Carter has been rapping out of his mind since his last album. He has been featured on every remix you can think of (DJ Khaled's "I'm So Hood" and Wyclef's "Sweetest Girl" are a few favorites), has put out countless acclaimed mixtapes (The Drought Is Over series) and a buzz-worthy EP, The Leak. Much of the hype has been due to Wayne's growth as a lyricist. By dropping witty metaphors and personal anecdotes (the trippy "I Feel Like Dying") and political musings (George Bush aimed "Georgia...Bush") like its hot, he has shed much of the "Bling-Bling" persona. With production by Timbaland, Will.I.Am, Cool & Dre, Just Blaze and a possible reunion with Mannie Fresh, Lil' Wayne's The Carter III will be one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2008.



#1 Lollapalooza 2008 Aug 1-3 - I've been dying to go for the past two summers, will I finally just pony up the dough? Will Perry Farrell continue to concoct a line-up worthy of past summers with the growing number of competitive festivals? Personally, I'm hoping for Radiohead, The New Pornographers, Girl Talk, Georgie James, Lupe Fiasco, K-OS, Rhymefest, The Black Kids, OutKast, Weezer, maybe even the Black Crowes.

2007 Wrap-Up: Showstopper Edition

Early on in 2007, I was worried that many of my favorite acts would skip Detroit for other cities. While I didn't get to see everyone I wanted (Arctic Monkeys, Ben Harper, Rilo Kiley, Spoon & Band Of Horses) and some of them still haven't made it (Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, Amy Winehouse, The New Pornographers), I was more than happy with the shows I was able to attend.

#5 Copeland w/ As Tall As Lions @ Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI - 5/7/07

My first show of the year and first ever in Ann Arbor. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Copeland didn't disappoint. The audience was enthralled with lead singer Aaron Marsh's emotion and his piano skills weren't too shabby either. "You Have My Attention" and "Control Freak" were definite highlights.



#4 Tegan and Sara w/ Northern State @ St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit, MI - 11/28/07

Canada's most talented set of twins showed their vast musical talent and patience at this recent show. The crowd helped Tegan and Sara sing most of the numbers from the band's large catalog and gave a few too many suggestions as well. Short anecdotes from Tegan made for memorable moments/rants were perfect for the intamate venue. Recent hits from The Con kept almost everyone happy, but "Living Room" shined as an energetic performance. Northern State aptly opened the show with their fun and earnest female rap session. You couldn't help but smile as they ran through "Better Already" and "Sucka Mofo" while striking poses and jumping along the way.



#3 The Format w/ Limbeck, Steel Train, & Piebald @ St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit, MI - 8/31/07

Energy was abound at this show with members of each band helping out for each other's sets. The Format seamlessly and electrically played past hits and most of their latest, Dog Problems. Limbeck brought West Coast flavor, Steel Train gave a dramatic Jersey showcase and Piebald gave a rowdy effort on their last ever stop in Detroit.



#2 Feist w/ Rogue Wave @ Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI - 9/15/07

Definitely the quietest concert I've ever attended, but amazing in its own way. Feist highlighted hits from The Reminder and Let It Die with a cool backdrop that set Michigan Theater aglow. "My Moon My Man", "Mushaboom" and the encore featuring "Sea Lion Woman" were highlights. The finale even featured Feist as choir director leading the crowd in helpful edition of her biggest hit so far, "1,2,3,4". Rogue Wave had a solid opening slot and featured a rousing rendition of "Lake Michigan".



#1 Girl Talk @ Eagle Theater, Pontiac, MI - 11/10/07

Though it doesn't really qualify as an concert, the Girl Talk show was certainly the best event I attended this year. This fringe riot is probably the only time I'll ever see that many people sweating and bumping into each other like they'll never dance again. Insanity.

Show Stopper: Girl Talk @ Eagle Theater 11/10/07 - Insanity on the Dance Floor

Pandemonium. Mayhem. Insanity. These are the best words I could think of that described the scene I witnessed in Pontiac on Saturday night, and they don't even come close. Girl Talk came to Eagle Theater this weekend and nearly incited a riot with a frenzy of mash-ups that shook the venue. And it was amazing.

Girl Talk aka Greg Gillis, has quickly garnered a cult following among bloggers, hipsters and music fans everywhere with his knack for creating hits out of hits. An engineer by day, entertainer by night, Mr. Gillis soon realized making people dance to mixtures of Dr. Dre & Billy Squier was his true calling. The Night Ripper, gained so much attention that Girl Talk earned sets on the major festival circuit (check out these videos from Coachella and the Montreal Jazz Festival) over the past 2 years. Though I hate the term mash-up, its the only phrase I have heard that best portrays his work. It just doesn't give justice to the expertise Gillis has for the precise beat-making heard on Saturday.

With a line that stretched around the corner of Saginaw St in Pontiac, the anticipation was building for the sold out show. You could sense the feeling that my fellow concert goers weren't sure what to expect. The Eagle Theater's unique decor, was certainly perfect for a unique event. From the ballroom type ceiling fixtures, to the disco influenced platforms, the venue was a mash-up of eras past, collaborating for the sold out event. The opening band, Death Set, didn't show up (according to Girl Talk, the band rocked too hard the night before), but people didn't seem to mind, giving a short chant for the headliner to arrive.

After a brief introduction by Girl Talk, the festivities were ready to commence. Gillis' bare bones approach, dressed in a white track suit and headwrap with a card table and wireless laptop, gave the feeling that he was only here for one reason, to make everyone party. From the first note of the opening song (a revamped edition of "Hold Up"), the crowd was in a frenzy and it only took a few seconds before the entire stage was filled with rowdy dancers. It wasn't long before the aforementioned table helmed by Girl Talk was engulfed in a sea of sweating bodies. While some of my group ventured to the madhouse on stage, the floor was equally electric. Jumping, dancing, and bouncing off people from every angle was the only way to move and not a soul gave a care or sharp elbow. I don't think I've ever seen that many people in one confined area smiling and dancing.

With the non-stop party in full swing, it was hard to take note of the exact sources of the many new creations blasting from the towering speakers. Which is really just a testament as to how amazing the whole event was. Aside from a smattering of tweaked tracks from The Night Ripper (including the classic Elton John/Notorious B.I.G. collabo, "Smash Your Head"), there was a mini Daft Punk tribute, a memorable rendition of Soulja Boy's "Crank That" with Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin" and countless new gems that will hopefully surface on a future album. After almost two hours of a non-stop dance party, everyone in Eagle Theater looked like they had left the best rain shower they had ever been in. Sign me up for Round 2.







I didn't have a camera, so thanks to whoever's pictures I borrowed...