That’s the question I’ve heard most from friends and acquaintances attending Lollapalooza this year as they look over the three-day schedule. That’s because Chicago’s Lollapalooza, in its fifth incarnation since the Grant Park debut in the summer of 2005, hasn’t had a weaker lineup.
Anybody want to disagree? Looking back at previous years, it makes this weekend’s festival seem even thinner. In retrospect, a leaner, slicker 2005 festival was better than I remember. Just a sampling of the artists that performed: M83, Liz Phair, Primus, Weezer, Dinosaur Jr., …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Billy Idol, Pixies, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Ben Kweller, Spoon, Death Cab for Cutie, Blonde Redhead, The Walkmen, Tegan and Sara, Mark Farina, Derrick Carter.
2006? The Raconteurs, Ween, Gnarls Barkley, Common, Kanye West, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, My Morning Jacket, Death Cab (again), Nada Surf, Built to Spill, Sonic Youth, Flaming Lips, The Shins, Wilco, Stars, Iron & Wine, Sleater-Kinney (the trio’s final Chicago show), Feist, Calexico, Andrew Bird, Editors, Cursive, The Secret Machines, Be Your Own Pet, The Go! Team, Smoking Popes, The New Pornographers, The Hold Steady, Broken Social Scene, Midlake, Lady Sovereign, Sybris, Lyrics Born, Hot Chip, Mates of State, Of Montreal.
The following year was just as solid, and featured notable performances by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Pearl Jam, M.I.A., Interpol, Iggy & the Stooges, Modest Mouse, Patty Smith, Yo La Tengo, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Blonde Redhead (again), LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Rhymefest, Peter Bjorn and John, Smoosh and, of course, the best act the festival has ever welcomed, the incomparable Daft Punk.
Last year was pleasant as well, despite the Rage Against the Machine nightmarish debacle. Kid Sister, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye, Nine Inch Nails, The National, DeVotchKa and Girl Talk all delivered memorable sets. Opening-night headliner Radiohead was excellent as well, duh.
It’s not that this weekend’s bonanza of bands doesn’t include a few gems, or that it’s unlikely attendees will have a good time. If the weather cooperates, we’ll all get on just fine. But there are a few issues that have popped up, especially with this year’s festival. First, there are several repeat acts—artists that have performed in previous years. This has happened in the past, with multiple appearances by DCFC, Broken Social Scene, Wilco, Kanye and more. But this summer it feels more oppressive; The Killers, TV on the Radio, Los Campesinos!, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, of Montreal, Andrew Bird, Ben Harper, Silversun Pickups and Cold War Kids are among the artists returning for another round. I realize there are only so many musical draws out there, but c’mon. If I never read Ben Harper’s name on a schedule again it won’t be too soon.
Second, what’s with these headliners? Tool can be excused for the band’s innovation (I suppose) and its almost frightening, fanatic, cult-like fanbase. Yeah Yeah Yeahs hopped on board after Beastie Boys had to cancel, which is a serious disappointment, despite the YYY’s being as good as they are. But The Killers have become such an unbelievably boring band after two failed follow-ups to breakthrough “Hot Fuss”; anyone heading over to see the Las Vegas band’s set will be anxiously awaiting those older hits. Kings of Leon, tiptoeing toward becoming a stadium draw, grows increasingly overrated by the minute. I really couldn’t care less about Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell’s remount of Jane’s Addiction—I didn’t like the band way back when and I’m sure I’ll like them less now. Depeche Mode could be a saving grace, maybe. It’s unlikely they’ll produce anything onstage as inspiring as The Very Best did just two weeks ago at Pitchfork. And don’t even get me started on the jerkoff drum-circle act Animal Collective.
I know, I know, quit pissing and moaning. It’s just a bit upsetting to me to see this festival, which has grown into an international pop-music institution, go downhill, even slightly. It wouldn’t be right to expect the festival to offer unforgettable experiences like witnessing Daft Punk every time out, but it wouldn’t be wrong to have hoped for a Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Blur or My Bloody Valentine, either.
To be fair, it’s not like it’s all bad, and I’m sure I’ll be surprised as I am every year. I’m excited to see Snoop Dogg and Lou Reed the most. (Too bad they’re at the same time on opposite ends of the park!) Neko Case, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Santigold and Deerhunter give some cred to the fest. And sure, I’ll admit I’m curious to see Tool.
Maybe next year it’ll be back in tiptop shape. Maybe by the time 2011 rolls around, the year its current contract expires, it’ll be the greatest live-music experience in the history of forever. It’s possible, as long as it bans all future Ben Harper appearances.
Here’s another thought…how many assholes will show up dressed like Michael Jackson?
Lollapalooza takes place August 7-9 in Grant Park. Visit lollapalooza.com for details.
A Sheen of Synth: A Review of Safety Town’s “Fake It” The album tracks between moods and grooves, yet makes a single coherent statement of where this artist is at this particular moment. It’s also tremendous fun.
