(Above: Savages)
Every year there’s a debate over “last year was better” or “this year is lame,” but there’s always something for everyone at Pitchfork’s Chicago music festival.
Here’s is my primer and personal picks.
Also, check out the after shows.
Friday
I would absolutely get to the park early to see Car Seat Headrest, the first band at 3:30 p.m.
Whitney is a personal favorite. I’d love to hear those syrupy sweet pop songs — from the recently released debut album — performed live.
Broken Social Scene and Beach House each seem like a must see.
Saturday
The early Saturday sets are very strong. Girl Band gets started at 1:45 p.m. Kevin Morby and Royal Headache overlap. Try to check out both.
Savages should not be missed. Blood Orange is another act you should see.
Finally, see a piece of musical history when Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T92NZXfwgz0
Sunday
Two excellent acts start the day. Porches begins at 1:45 p.m. and the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra plays at 1:55.
I won’t miss a minute of Woods, one of my favorite bands.
New (yet old-school) jazz great Kamasi Washington plays later in the afternoon. This is one of the must-see highlights.
The great ’80s-sounding group Holy Ghost! plays late afternoon, warming up for Neon Indian, which made a fantastic album last year.
The closer options are FKA Twigs on the main stage and Oneohtrix Point Never on the often-interesting (blue) side stage.
Just two years ago, FKA Twigs was playing on the side stage opposite St. Vincent on a Saturday night of Pitchfork. So if you missed her then, here’s another chance.
All the Young Punks 