Preview | Lollapalooza, August 2-4 in Chicago

Lollapalooza, we meet again. 

Much has changed since last year. I’m single, twenty pounds lighter, and I’m gluten-free. That means no beer. And no pizza.

Minus the bread and suds, we’re still going to have a good time.

I have a plan again. I know it never works, as there is always something that happens, like a weather evacuation. But, dammit, it’s like love: I always go back. 

Maybe we shouldn’t call it a plan. How about a list of good intentions?

Yeah, that’s it. Here we go.

FRIDAY, 8/2

San Cisco (1:00-1:45), The Grove

Jordi, Josh, Scarlett, and Nick are from Australia, and they want your attention with songs like the catchy “Fred Astaire.” 

Deap Vally (1:30-2:15), Petrillo

I swear these women invaded my dreams last week. And they played “Bad For My Body.” They were packing heat. Swear.

Emeli Sandé (1:00-1:45), Red Bull Sound Select

When this woman sings “Heaven,” I just want to believe. Makes me forget about Warrant singing, “Heaven isn’t too far away!!” This is a good thing.

Icona Pop (1:45-2:30), Lake Shore

I got this feeling on a summer day when you were gone that I was gonna see Icona Pop in Chicago. I love it. 

Jessie Ware (3:15-4:15), Petrillo

Baby, these are our wildest moments.

Houndmouth (3:20-4:00), BMI

It would not shock me if we were all singing “On The Road” in a few months. 

Father John Misty (3:15-4:15), Lake Shore

This cat has a few screws loose. Fair warning. 

Band of Horses (4:15-5:15), Bud Light

‘Til the day I die, “No One’s Gonna Love You” will always be faintly playing in a foggy corner of my brain. The ever-living ghost of what once was. 

Samsung Galaxy Experience
You’ll want to check out what these folks at Samsung have to offer. I promise you, this will come in handy when you need a break from music, or when you need to charge your phone. Or when you want a popsicle.

·  Complimentary popsicles and an interactive area for guests to create a flower wreath or personalized henna tattoo using the hottest new Samsung Galaxy devices like the Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy S 4

·  Samsung Galaxy owners can also receive concierge benefits such as a chance for an upgraded VIP concert viewing experience

·  Galaxy owners can also recharge their batteries at the Samsung Galaxy #PowerOn stations located throughout the festival grounds

Lana Del Rey | Photo by Nicole Nodland

Queens of the Stone Age (6:15-7:30), Bud Light
Can’t miss these dudes, as they kick off their North American tour in Chicago.

Frightened Rabbit (7:15-8:15), The Grove
Have you seen this band live? Have you seen Scott Hutchison sing “The Woodpile?” Can we all just agree that this band is amazing?

Lana Del Rey (8:45-9:45), The Grove
I do realize that Nine Inch Nails and The Killers are playing at the same time. However, Lollapalooza might offer my only chance to see Lana Del Rey sing “Video Games.”

SATURDAY, 8/3

Shovels & Rope (12:45-1:30), Red Bull Sound Select
I’ve never seen them, but I’ve heard amazing things from people who know what they’re talking about. And that is good enough for me.

Wild Cub (2:10-2:50), BMI
I do believe “Thunder Clatter” should be a hit in multiple countries. Or at least counties.

Ben Howard (2:15-3:00), Red Bell Sound Select
It’s easy for singer-songwriters to get lost in all the hype of “big bands” and EDM, but this guy is special.

Local Natives (4:00-5:00), Red Bull Sound Select
“You & I” and “Heavy Feet” = the best one-two punch to begin an album in 2013?

Brooke Waggoner (5:40-6:20), BMI
She played on Jack White’s Blunderbuss, and also released her third album, Originator, this year.

Matt Berninger of The National | Photo by Katie Guymon

The National (6:00-7:15), Red Bull Sound Select
On “Slipped,” Matt Berninger sings, “I don’t need any help to be breakable, believe me.” It’s a beautiful song on a tremendous album.

HAIM (7:15-8:15), The Grove   
My prediction: The Grove
will be packed and spilling out into the street for a chance to see
Danielle, Alana, and Este Haim. Get there early. (Note: I am bad at
predictions, but this one seems obvious.)

Blondfire (6:50-7:30), BMI
Erica Driscoll of Blondfire is one to watch. Listen to “Waves” here.

Mumford & Sons (8:15-10:00), Red Bull Sound Select
I know there are haters out there. But seriously, what’s not to like? Is it because they have a few hit songs?

SUNDAY

Guards (12:00-12:45), Lake Shore
For the record, we’re still singing “Ready To Go.”

Astro (12:45-1:30), Red Bull Sound Select
Their self-titled album was one of NPR’s “50 Favorite Albums of 2012.”

Jake Bugg (1:45-2:30), Petrillo
I keep hearing his name. Something about being able to play guitar. Someone, please tell me more.

Lianne La Havas (3:00-4:00), Lake Shore
This is probably an understatement, but it should be a pleasure to hear her sing in the afternoon.

MS MR (3:30-4:15), The Grove
“Think Of You,” from this New York band’s debut album, Secondhand Rapture, has me intrigued. 

Tegan and Sara (4:00-5:00), Red Bull Sound Select
Their Heartthrob album still sounds fresh. And who can resist “Closer?”

Alt-J (5:00-6:00), Lake Shore
Will probably be a haven for hipsters, so bring your deodorant.

Vampire Weekend (6:30-7:45), Bud Light
I never liked a Vampire Weekend until this year’s Modern Vampires of the City. 

Beach House (7:00-8:00), Lake Shore
I’m still not sick of “The Hours.“

Phoenix (8:30-10:00), Bud Light
Although this year’s Bankrupt! was terrible, they’re still a fine live band.