I think it’s safe to say that music festivals have become a ‘thing’ in the past five years or so. Almost every mid-to-big-sized city in America has some sort of music festival in the warm weather months that tries to attract the hip, the accomplished and the just plain ridiculous musical acts to bring in tourism and culture. In an age where stadium tours were starting to feel a little anachronistic, music festivals came to the rescue and provided people an opportunity to see several of their favorite artists.
While more and more music festivals continue to pop up every year, none of them are quite as important as Lollapalooza. Coachella and Bonnaroo are huge, sure, but Lollapalooza is the original. Started in 1991 by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza is arguably what started the music festival craze. Taking place the first weekend of August, music’s finest descend on the Windy City for a three day festival celebrating the best and the most buzzed about in the industry.
The music festival has always been such a huge bucket list item for me, especially since it typically falls on my birthday. This year I finally will be in attendance, and I’m here to break down the best from the three days:
1) “I Love It” – Icona Pop
Is there a person on this planet that doesn’t adore this song? Seriously, is there? Easily one of the catchiest and universally-liked pop songs in the past couple of years.
2) “The Funeral” – Band of Horses
Band of Horses is known for their sweeping, powerful rock and roll anthems. “The Funeral” was practically written to be played in front of a huge outdoor crowd singing along to every word.
3) “I Can’t Stop” – Flux Pavilion
It wouldn’t be a true music festival without a little dubstep. If Kanye West and Jay-Z sample you, that’s when you know you have some serious dance chops.
4) “Summertime Sadness” – Lana Del Rey
Oh Queen Lana. I expect every girl in the audience will be screaming every word to this song on Friday night.
5) “Midnight Show” – The Killers
Hot Fuzz was the album that put The Killers on the map, and in my opinion, one of the best albums of the decade. Midnight Show was easily the most underrated song on the album, and I suspect it’ll make its way on the set list.
6) “Don’t Save Me” – Haim
Like a tornado, Haim seemingly came out of nowhere. Not that I mind. “Don’t Save Me” is a kick-ass female anthem that you can’t help but love after just one listen.
7) “Swimming Pools (Drank)” – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar was easily THE breakout star of rap in 2012. A scathing look at alcoholism disguised with a sick beat, you won’t notice the heavy lyrics because you’ll be too busy dancing.
8) “Stubborn Love” – The Lumineers
I’d say “openly hostile” are my thoughts on this whole “banjo, folk-y” trend in indie rock right now. However, there is no denying that “Stubborn Love” is an absolute masterpiece. Another song made to be played outside in front of a huge crowd.
9) “212″ – Azealia Banks
I would try to describe the fierceness that is Ms. Banks, but I think this tweet sums it up:
Azealia Banks’ best work was “212.” Her second-best work was calling Rita Ora “Rihanna’s understudy”
— Sam Lansky (@samlansky)
10) “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” – The Postal Service
I doubt there are many people who graduated high school in the past 10 years who don’t have an emotional memory associated with this album. Can you believe it’s been 10 years since it was released? I predict not a dry eye when they start to play this song.
11.) “King of the Beach” – Wavves
Bratty SoCal punks Wavves will easily be one of the most sophomoric acts at Lolla. But with tunes as catchy as “King of the Beach,” they’ll make want to drop out of school/quit your job and move to California to become a surfer girl.
12) “Diane Young” – Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend’s new album is absolutely incredible. And “Diane Young” is easily one of the most unforgettable on the album. That is all.
13) “Zebra” – Beach House
Haunting and beautiful, “Zebra” is the perfect singalong song from these indie darlings.
14) “No Lie” – 2 Chainz
Don’t listen to the lyrics, they will probably just make you mad. But there is no denying the catchiness of “No Lie.” I’m predicting a surprise appearance from Drake, who raps the chorus of this song.
15) “Long Distance Call” – Phoenix
Phoenix has been praised for their electrifying live act. And while it’s one of their older songs, “Long Distance Call” begs for you to scream the lyrics of the chorus and dance like a maniac. I would be shocked if they don’t include it on their set list.
Happy Lolla!
By
Featured image via Glorious Noise.
