Lollapalooza Wed Aug 04 2010

Lollapalooza Stage Clash 2010 - Round 3

Saturday night brings more heavy-hitters to the varied stages of Lollapalooza. Our staff ponders to Dookie, or not to Dookie, among other major life choices.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th: NIGHT

5-6:15pm Deer Tick vs. Metric
Now I'm a big fan of any edgy, badass front woman — especially Emily Haines of Metric — but I can't see how you can pass up Deer Tick's gritty, southern-hued rock 'n' roll set. The Providence, R.I.-based band writes songs of sensibility and heartbreak, then smothers them in indie filth. I saw them live in a dive bar in Iowa, where they broke into an a capella version of "Dirty Dishes" so perfect I nearly exploded with glee — I am easily combustible when it comes to grungy, country blues. See them Saturday at 5pm on the Sony stage.
- Dee Fabbricatore

6:15-7:30pm Spoon vs. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
If you didn't catch Spoon the last 10 times they've played in Chicago this summer already, shame on you. And this weekend is not your chance, since you'll most definitely want to be at Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, playing on the Sony bloggie stage Saturday at 6:30pm. Their Woodstock-esque peace, love and 1969 vibe mixed with Sharpe's neo-psychedelic guitar is pretty much the pinnacle of everything that is good about an outdoor music festival. Since their after show at Lincoln Hall is completely sold out, Lolla is the only chance to enjoy songs like "Home," the campy-jam that makes everyone feel like tying their hair into a makeshift crown and sharing pure hippie love.
- Dee Fabbricatore

7:30-8:30pm Cut Copy vs. Rusko
Cut Copy plays a jubilant, synth-heavy kind of pop that's likely to leave you light on your feet as you take mental flight through marshmellowy clouds. The Melbourne, Australia-based group has mastered the art of airy dance music for stoners, and with a pinch of '80s new wave added in, the sound is sure to induce head-bobbing, if not more. The band hasn't come out with an album since 2008's In Ghost Colours, and there doesn't look to be anything new in the pipeline until at least the beginning of next year. So if you're already a long-time listener, expect to hear the classics you already know and love at 7:30pm on Saturday at the PlayStation stage.

Rusko, the stage name of English DJ Christopher Mercer, showcases just as much synthesizer, but you're much more likely to find yourself gettin' low. Consider the following either an endorsement or a reason to avoid the stage at all costs, but Mercer plays a mean set of dub tunes that would fit right into a scene from one of the Step Up films. Rusko's latest album, OMG!, features samples of shattering glass and blaring klaxons mixed with heavy electronica to create a sound tailor-made for strobing lights. So Perry's stage might be the one to head for at 7:30pm on Saturday if you're already several beers in and looking to get crunk.
- Geoff George

7:45-10pm Green Day vs. Phoenix
If Green Day was only playing music before they released American Idiot, this would make my choice much more difficult. But this isn't the case, and although I understand why people love their rock opus, I'm just not a fan. I miss "Brain Stew" and Dookie Green Day. I miss the green hair and acting like a bunch of skater punk kids. I don't want the stylized political activist Green Day, but if you don't mind it, I'm sure they'll put on a loud and entertaining set. My heart is sold on Phoenix though. Ever since I heard It's Never Been Like That, I've been smitten. And to watch the band grow into a massive arena rock selling act has been a delight. I like that so many people of the world have been able to enjoy the simplistically crafted pop style of Phoenix. To finish off the night with the city skyline as your backdrop, "Lisztomania" floating through the field of Grant Park, sounds like a perfect ending to me.
-Lisa White