Twenty years ago, Sonic Youth and Pavement were at the top of the bill for the then-travelling Lollapalooza. This year, 72-year-old Paul McCartney is the No. 1 draw and freaking Sam Smith is among the top four acts listed for the big show in Chicago. Metallica (currently residing in the where are they now category) and Florence + the Machine round out the “top” acts at the July 31-August 2 event.
I’ve come to expect a mixed bag from this highly touted fest, which is to say there are plenty of good acts.
Here are my top 11 to see at this year’s Lolla.
Flying Lotus. The genre-hopping artist was an afternoon highlight of Pitchfork Music Festival three years ago. He’ll get the Lolla crowd worked up as well.
Sturgill Simpson. This guys plays like an old-old-school country musician. His music hearkens back to a time when hard-living men and women performed country.
The War on Drugs. Coming off a critically well-received album, Lost in the Dream, the word is out on this excellent Philly band.
Death From Above 1979. The Canadian duo is back together and rocking hard.
Hot Chip. This band’s set was another peak point for Pitchfork fest in 2012. Hot Chip brings the party.
Father John Misty. J. Tillman just released another gripping, heartfelt album under the moniker Father John Misty. This isn’t light pop but it’s very good.
The Tallest Man on Earth. By far, he’s the best folk-rock Swede playing the Lolla lineup this year.
FKA Twigs. Here’s another critical darling from last year (she reminds me of Grimes). To see St. Vincent at Pitchfork last year, I unfortunately had to miss FKA Twigs.
Tame Impala. The Aussie group is the biggest, most popular of the new wave of psychedelic rockers.
Twin Peaks. Hey. You’re going to be in Chicago. Check out local guys Twin Peaks.
And, of course:
Paul McCartney. He is the last Beatle alive who’s worth seeing.
All the Young Punks 