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

2007 Wrap-Up: 10 Tracks in 2007

I feel like I might be shooting myself in the foot by neglecting some songs, but as far as I can remember, these were my favorites. Feel free to let me know of any suggestions.

#10 Emmy the Great "Two Steps Forward"

While 2008 will likely bring Emmy the Great to the masses, she started to build a name for herself with a few underground singles. "Two Steps Forward" is a sophisticated rant without a chorus, but you wouldn't know it with her soothing voice. This "anti-folk" single about past loves sounds amazing among a fiddle, light guitar riffs and Emmy's angelic voice.



#9 Arctic Monkeys "Do Me A Favor"

My Favourite band from Sheffield returned after a short hiatus with more stories of mischief in the U.K. This gripping narrative details a relationship headed for the guillotine with the soundtrack to match. The nerve wracking bass line leads to a guitar smashing result that works superbly.



#8 Kate Nash "Foundations"

Kate Nash acquired many comparisons to Lily Allen from her poetic storytelling to her alliance with Mark Ronson, but Nash made a name for herself on her 1st hit single . "Foundations" is solid as a sarcastic break-up monologue filled with clever wordplay over a piano and guitar landscape.



#7 Iron and Wine "Boy With A Coin"

Sam Beam shines on the first single from The Shepherd's Dog. In a departure from his past low key (but still great) work, the track's backing has more than the usual acoustic guitar. Hand claps, electric guitar, light drum and some vocal distortion help craft this song filled with religious imagery.



#6 Bright Eyes "Four Winds"

While it took me awhile to realize the genius that is Conor Oberst, the first single from Cassadaga made me a believer. "Four Winds" features political and religious musings over a refined bluegrass sound. Its easily the best toe-tapping apocalyptic tune of 2007.



#5 Patrick Wolf "The Magic Position"

Patrick Wolf made a name for himself in 2007 as an eccentric character on the upbeat single, "The Magic Position". As if it was plucked from the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory soundtrack, the track features hand clap percussion, a childish chant and a hypnotic hook. The not-so-subtle come on might not work for Wolf in reality, but it works perfectly in song.



#4 Jose Gonzalez "Down the Line"

Gonzalez's latest effort easy caught my ear this summer. His way with a guitar and a cool melody ease the tension on the simple, yet mesmerizing song about regret and temptation. This could also win the award for creepiest video of the year.



#3 The Black Kids "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend to Dance With You"

With a little help from Rolling Stone, Florida's The Black Kids have some of the best buzz leading into 2008. On this single, the band's garage rock sounds sweet intertwined with the bitter storyline surrounding it.



#2 Rogue Wave "Lake Michigan"

Rogue Wave burst back on the scene after recording their latest album, Asleep At Heaven's Gate in the Midwest. This melancholy and socially conscious track features some of their best work complete with crashing guitars and always welcome hand claps. Pay attention and you'll find its about pollution. Imagine that.



#1 Bon Iver "Skinny Love"

You might notice a theme here with minimalist yet dramatic songs featuring an emotional singer on this list, but Bon Iver deserves to be here as well. This folk classic about loneliness after love is as earnest as they come. Certainly my favorite of many favorites in 2007.