The ticket sales are going sky high, the line-up has been posted for weeks and we might as well start hydrating now. It is safe to say Lollapalooza 2012 is going to be awesome. And, if we are being completely honest, it is never too early to start planning the weekend festivities: that means outfits, train schedules and the shows you plain-and-simple have to see. A little lost? Don’t worry. Start here, and see ya there!
1. The Black Keys: Ok, I gotta start with a headliner because that’s what they are: headliners. And The Black Keys got there for a reason, that reason being they are rockin’. They’ve got a history of making music we love, and their newest record “El Camino” ain’t to shabby. Track to listen to: “Gold on the Ceiling.”
2. FUN.: The song “We Are Young” was a chart topper and really put this band in the limelight, but the rest of their CD is worth a second look. You go to Lolla to find bands that shake the dust off your music collection, and they delivered by bringing FUN. Track to listen to: “Some Nights.”
3. Alabama Shakes: One word for this band: Soul. The quirky, steamy, best kind of soul. I am so excited to see their live show, and you should be, too. Track to listen to: “Hold On.”
4. Tallest Man on Earth: If you are into folksy singer/songwriters, then this guy will be right up your alley. He’s pretty consistent at being great, so stream a self-constructed set list and get to know the Tallest Man on Earth. Track to listen to: “The Dreamer.”
5. Dr. Dog: One of the best things about Lolla is that if you are bored, it’s your own fault. They provide so many different types of artists, and Dr. Dog is one of them. And I am going to recommend this track because I REALLY want you to hear it, so take my advice. Track to listen to: “Hang On.”
6. Of Monsters and Men: Hailing from Iceland, this band reps some pretty impressive girl power. They have a total indie vibe, but who doesn’t love to sway along to next to thousands of other sweaty, screaming Lolla-goers? Track to listen to: “Little Talks.”
7. Trampled By Turtles: So maybe I’m a sucker for a little violin, but strip this music down to the instrumentals and it’s still great. Definitely worth checking out. Track to listen to: “Don’t look Down.”
8. Florence + the Machine: Here is another headliner you are most likely familiar with, but they deserve a top ten spot. We’ve been singing “Dog Days are Over” since its debut, so expect the crowds to be all riled up when this band takes the stage. Track to listen to: “Lover to Lover.”
9. The Head & The Heart: The trend this year is folksy, and The Head & The Heart adds a little pop to their tracks. Expect a good show, and a big iTunes bill after these guys. Track to listen to: “Lost in My Mind.”
10. Michael Kinwanuka: Now this guy is someone to keep in mind.. A little jazzy, a little bluesy, and the perfect soundtrack for summer nights. Track to listen to: “Bones.”