Lollapalooza Wed Aug 05 2009

Lollapalooza 2009: Band vs Band, Round 3

Day three in our previews of what to hit and what to quit at Lollapalooza this weekend. The forecast is looking hot and steamy, and so are some of these bands! Keep reading for more on our favorite upcoming stage clashes on Saturday night.

Saturday Night, August 8

Arctic Monkeys vs Coheed and Cambria: Saturday, 4:30-5:30pm

Between Coheed and Cambria and the Arctic Monkeys, there's a very easy decision to be made. Coheed and Cambria tours the nation almost constantly, hopping on any tour that will pick them up (ex. Slipknot and Trivium) and while Claudio Sanchez solos away tossing his hair to and fro, there's plenty to bore you. In fact, if there was one to NOT see at a festival, it would definitely be Coheed and Cambria. On the other hand, the Arctic Monkeys haven't played a U.S. show since the middle of 2007 and they've already sold out the rest of their U.S. tour meaning if don't catch the Sheffield-based group at this year's Lollapalooza, you may not be seeing them for quite some time. Make the easy decision and go catch one of the indie rock legends.

Arctic Monkeys play on the Budweiser Stage and Coheed and Cambria perform on the Chicago 2016 Stage on Saturday from 4:30-5:30pm

-Andy Keil

Santigold vs Glasvegas: Saturday, 5:30-6:30pm

I generally like albums more than singles, but these two artists can't be written about without at least mentioning their ultra-catchy standouts - one a railing against New York's hipsters (by a Philadelphian, of course) and the other an ode to a super fan who quits her job to tour with the band. Santigold's aural olio offers everyone something to latch onto - whether it be new wave, dub, electronica, plain ol' indie rock, etc. Glasvegas have arena rock anthems that soar to great heights when they're in the mood. The band's hit/miss live (Hit: Troubadour in January, Miss: Bottom Lounge in April), but like any emotionally-wavering performers, when they're on they're amazing. Santigold may be the more consistent entertainer, but the risk/reward factor with Glasvegas is through the roof. So, let me put it this way: I'll give Glasvegas a chance to win me over, but if they can't do it in a few songs, I'm running across the park to catch Santigold.

Santigold performs on the PlayStation Stage and Glasvegas play on the vitaminwater Stage on Saturday from 5:30-6:30pm

-James Ziegenfus

TV on the Radio vs Lykke Li vs Rise Against: Saturday, 6:30-7:30pm

Now here are three acts who couldn't get any more different. If large crowds and sitting in the sun all day makes you angsty, Rise Against may be the way to go. Considering the band is from Chicago, chances are you've caught them before or will have many chances to see them live in the future. Swedish songstress Lykke Li, on the other hand, might not come around as often (well, unless you count the Bottom Lounge Lolla after-party Saturday night). And really, who can resist a Swede who cheekily sings "for you I keep my legs apart, and forget about my tainted heart"? Brooklyn's experimental rockers TV On the Radio are also playing a Lolla after-party, Friday night at Double Door. The Double Door after-party benefits Colleen Malone, a Chicagoan who is battling thyroid cancer with no health insurance. A safe bet would be to check out Lykke Li at Lolla, then save TV On the Radio for a more intimate after-party benefiting a good cause. Win-win.

TV on the Radio play on the Budweiser Stage, Lykke Li performs on the Citi Stage and Rise Against plays on the Chicago 2016 Stage, Saturday from 6:30-7:30pm

-Stephanie Griffin

Diplo vs Animal Collective: Saturday, 7:30-8:30pm

A venerable mashup DJ, Diplo brings a lot to the table on Saturday night, not least his relationship with many a top notch performer. He's worked (and reportedly dated) M.I.A., produced Santigold and Chicago's own Kid Sister. He's remixed everyone from the likes of Britney ("Circus") to Kanye West ("Flashing Lights") to Feist ("I Feel it All"), and even The Dead Weather ("Treat Me Like Your Mother") with great success, and this would be one fantastic opportunity to see and hear him spin live. On the other hand, there's Animal Collective whose latest album Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino) made scads of Top 10 lists, leading to a headlining spot at Pitchfork last summer. If you didn't catch them then, catch them now. They'll be bringing infectious grooves and some sweet synth loops (not to mention probably a sweet light show if their videos are any indication), so electronica fans will have a hard time deciding these sets. If you're up for a more of a mash-up/mix-up, hit Diplo. [And if you'd rather see Animal Collective DJ, that set is earlier in the day at 2:30 at Perry's Stage. See Dan's preview in Round 1.]

Diplo performs on Perry's Stage and Animal Collective plays on the vitaminwater Stage on Saturday from 7:30-8:30pm

-Anne Holub

Yeah Yeah Yeahs vs Tool: Saturday, 8:30-10pm

Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Tool seem to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum. There are, however, subtle similarities between them. That's exactly what makes this decision a difficult one. NYC-based, Yeah Yeah Yeahs play a unique blend of indie-rock and art-punk. LA-based, Tool play an equally unique blend of alternative, progressive and art-rock. Karen O. walks above her band's music with highly visual, energetic and charismatic performances. Maynard James Keenan lurks behind his band's music and elaborate stage show, demanding to be sought out. Both bands do what they do very well; and with great artistic vision. Which one to catch depends on what it is that does you right: a band that is bigger than the show, or a show that is bigger than the band. The former works wonders for me, and this is what will lead me directly to Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform on the Budweiser Stage and Tool play on the Chicago 2016 Stage on Saturday from 8:30-10pm

-Brian Leli

[Read Round 1 of our previews here and Round 2 here.]

— Anne Holub / Comments (3)