LOLLAPALOOZA LINEUP REVIEW

Every year, out of Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza seems to get bigger and bigger. Bigger spaces, bigger bands, all mashed into a corner of the grand city. But while the fest has been selling out in record time, and the lineup continues to be a mashup all tons of different genres, it never seems to get as much praise as other lineups. Today we discuss the lineup in a different way than i’m used to. I hope you enjoy my critique of the four day Lollapalooza overall lineup. This list will be broken into three sections: Best, Worst, and Really?, which basically means these picks are the most surprising, as well as the most confounding. Enjoy!

THE WORST:
5. HARDWELL
Ok the lineup is full of EDM, but enough is enough. I’m not trying to signal out Hardwell solely, but seriously, how many performers who don’t perform live are you willing to jam into your lineup?

4. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
The band that just won’t die. While some of their songs are truly awesome, the band continues to release subpar albums years after their relevance has faded.

3. CHRIS STAPLETON
Another really interesting choice. I understand picking musicians of all areas and specialities, but I just don’t see the crowds of Lolla being super favorable to a country artist. Maybe I’m wrong, but who knows.

2. MAJOR LAZER
Please diplo, just stop. While fun and mindless, this band literally hasn’t progressed at all in all the years I’ve known or been exposed to them. Another one sure to grab the ravers by the ears.

1. HAIM

The product of too much sexual intercourse with a family of minimal talent, Haim is way way up in the lineup, despite only having one album out. Be sure to catch the much less interesting version of Warpaint on whatever day they play.


REALLY?
5.NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
This year's Hozier as I see it. A band with one pretty big hit but no real substance, filling out every single lineup this year.

4. FUTURE
Now, Future is actually awesome, and I’m sure he’ll get the crowd going, but again, I’m confused at how high up he is. I simply wasn’t aware he had gotten that big. Either way, it’ll be awesome I’m sure.

3. BLOC PARTY
Another one that hasn’t really had any positive impact in years. Luckily though, people still want them on their bills. Hopefully they forget about all their recent releases and just pay “Silent Alarm” from start to finish.

2.  THIRD EYE BLIND
This is surprising, but again kinda cool. If seeing Fuel was even half as awesome as seeing this band will be, than i’m all for another 90’s nostalgia set full of sing alongs that everyone knows.

1. X AMBASSADORS
Not only one of the worst bands out right now, but with literally one song being played on the radio, this just screams of “Let this band do some cool stuff before everyone moves on and forgets.” Also, how the fuck is Steven Spielberg a renegade?


BEST
5. THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS
While many people know Alex turner from the Arctic Monkeys, this two piece is just as fun and cool. The new album is really good too, so it’s exciting that they'll be touring our country this summer.

4. GRIMES
With her second, extremely good album having been released this past year, it’s finally time for Grimes to become the big draw she’s so clearly meant to be. This will be an awesome set.

3. M83
One of the most consistent bands of the last ten years, Anthony Gonzales and company are finally getting justifiably high billing among some of the biggest fests in the country. If the new album is anywhere near as good as “Hurry Up,We’re Dreaming,” this set should be one of the better of the weekend.

2. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
The biggest reunion of the year, so it’s not shocking that they will be headlining. They also are consistently mentioned as an amazing live band, so there’s little doubt that this is going to end up a giant dance party which will put to shame the mindlessness of the whole EDM craze.

1. RADIOHEAD
Not only the biggest band on the lineup, but easily the best band they booked this year. Every time I’ve seen them live it’s been life changing, and having been to their first lolla set in 2008, I can tell you for sure it’s going to be a night that people will never forget.

Overall though, the lineup has some great parts to it, but in my mind they’ve cemented their reputation as the Walmart of festivals, in that they just throw money at everything to turn a mediocre product they know people will buy. Thanks for reading