So as usual I didn't take pictures, but with the quality of my phone camera (not an Iphone) they wouldnt' have turned out anyway.
Spin took some great photos check them out here
http://www.spin.com/#gallery/lollapalooza-2012-spins-best-live-photos
Friday: First band of the day was Metric and they did not disappoint, I spent the whole morning jamming to their new album to get myself prepared. They were on the Bud Light stage which is inarguably the one with the best kept lawn (no mud puddles anywhere) The set was great, they played ''Youth Without Youth'' ''Help I'm Alive'' and the energy was just rampant on stage, lead singer Emily reminded me of Gwen Stefani, frantic, but not misplaced or awkward, they were excited to be there and fans were pleasantly surprised how well their music translated. Without a doubt and agreed by many best set of the day.
Metric – Youth Without Youth
Metric – Breathing Underwater
Black Keys: What can I say? They ARE the Black Keys, I saw them back at the United Center in March with my dad and the set was great but at that show I felt like they were so far removed from the fans that the show lost its luster. You'd think this same theory would carry over to a festival of fans in the dozens of thousands but somehow I felt closer to them even if I wasn't physically close. The fireworks to the left front of the stage were the perfect touch. They played the perfect mix of old and new songs, and rocked out! My favorite song? Surprisingly, Girl is On My Mind. and Same Old Thing. It finally started to cool down but the energy & lighting was on fire.
The Black Keys – Girl Is On My Mind
Everyone went nuts and started doing the ''Carlton'' dance during Lonely Boy. The best part though (as with many of the acts I will go on to speak about) was that during the set Patrick & Dan did a fair amount of just jamming.
Jamming between musicians the whole reason to see a show live as opposed to just buying the album and listening to it. The sheer improvisation and the spontenaity of the relationship that usually spans decades, mixed with the adoration and energy of thousands of fans, cannot be put into a single recording. (not even vinyl my friends)
Saturday:
Personally, this was my throwaway day, I wanted to see the Chili Peppers and Neon Indian, those were the bands on my must see list.
Good thing too-- In the middle of Neon Indian's set(after only 20mins) they made an announcement that they couldn't play anymore, and a PSA to stay hydrated and safe. We thought there was an equipment problem, but then they announced there was a National Weather Advisory storm warning, and the park needed to be evacuated.
My buddy Tony and I looked at each other in disbelief? WTF?? no way! does this mean we're gonna miss Alabama Shakes and Temper Trap? They are supposed to go on in 40mins? Reality set in. then dissappointment. then anger. then disbelief. How the hell are they going to MAKE everyone leave,? How will they enforce that? I suggested we go to the beer tents, but we saw they were packing up. Not selling any beer. That's when I knew shit was real. I said to Tony, ''Let's go grab sushi and a beer right off Michigan & Madison we're close enough to the park if it doesn't last long.. but we have to hurry, it's a small place and I don't want people getting in before us!'' We high-tailed it as quickly as we could,
but this was the crazy part: ''They'' kick everyone out but don't open the barricades or exits, except for TWO. that's right two exits for all of these people. Finally, some people with more athletic prowess than I possess, jump the gates! Last year we had people jumping the gates to get IN, not out!! finally, success-- we got a table, got in before it started to crazy hurricane style storm, and proceeded to drink Sapporo & eat sushi/noodles and making the best out of things. (Tony's the one that taught me to be more positive and roll with things more) quite an accomplishment for an unwilling student/control freak like me. & now I was the voice of reason:) It all worked out and we re entered the park by 6.
Somehow (unknowingly) I made my way over the Perry's tent Skream & Banga were on. I like Skream's remix of La Roux ''In for the Kill'' also featured on Entourage soundtrack
La Roux – In For The Kill - Skream's Let's Get Ravey remix
but what I did NOT like was the repeatatory nature of shouting out ''Skream & Banga, Banga Skreeeaaam'' every 2 minutes the entire set! Nor did I enjoy the people flinging themselves into the mud, or stepping in it! So naturally, I sat myself down on the curb as to avoid the mess and still enjoy all of the people watching. I was even handing out baby wipes for those poor souls I felt had half a chance of reedeming themselves. and I was even rewarded a free beer for my efforts. (SCORE!)
I stayed on said curb talked to a bunch of people through the Calvin Harris set, stood in line for 20mins for the bathroom, but met a girl dressed as a the blue Power Ranger from Austrailia! Calvin Harris was just okay until the very end of the set, where he played the hits. I hate when they wait until the end, by then I lose interest!
On to meet friends for the Chili Peppers.. I found them which was a miracle in itself. The set was great, again another jam session between old friends. Flea was the standout! I LOVE Flea, he's a very wise man. he said ''Love each other, and be nice!'' and other random quotes throughout the night. He carried the show with his solo bass ''mini jam's'' Anthony Kiedis seemed to ''check out'' after the first couple songs. which was definitely disappointing but Flea was so charming on his own that I didn't care. And they played all the right songs including, ''Give it Away'' an oldie but a goodie and ''Look Around'' my favorite from the new album
except they didn't play Scar Tissue:( I was sad about that.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Look Around
All in all despite the weather it was a great day. But I definitely felt sorry for the people that only bought Saturday Passes, I heard that Perry Farrell himself was handing out free passes for next year because of the storm delay. Very decent of him.
Sunday: I knew this would be my favorite day. It was Jack & Flo day! --with a bit of Polica, & Gary Clark Jr. mixed in.
Polica was great! very Bjork sounding, and even better live than on tape. It made me want to go back and listen to the whole album not just the two singles already in my Ipod.
New discovery of the day: Aloe Blacc, he was surprisingly retro and refreshing and up-beat and reminded me of Raphael Saddique's set at Lolla last year. He very amiable, concerned, and aware of the crowd, he wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. Dedicating a song to them. I look forward to a new album from him.
Aloe Blacc – You Make Me Smile
Up next, Gary Clark Jr. I saw his video for ''Bright Lights'' on the VH1 sponsored Pop up Video screen as I was walking with my buddies and I was pumped ''**squee** he's like a bluesy-er version of Lenny Kravitz, he's even got the aviator sunglasses and a hat!
Gary Clark Jr. – Things Are Changin' - Live [Solo Acoustic]
I decided to take a spot on the hill, more trees, more leaves more organic setting if you will. The sun coming through the trees at just the right light. I was by myself, but I didn't mind the music was soulful and reflective anyway. It was perfect. GCJ might be from Austin but Chicago Home of the Blues was not lost on him. His band was the ultimate compliment. Very few unecessary words. Just playing. The set was never-ending it seemed and I was glad for it.
I got something to eat before Gaslight Anthem, and it was so packed at that set, I couldn't get to my friends so I parked it on the curb again. I was suprised how packed it was. Now I admit I was a fan of their two singles but when you really think about it, the lyrics are awfully cheesy, ''Can you see my heart,/can you see how it bleeds?'' ''Turn the record over'' -- and the whole gravely vocal, let's emote every inch of intensity we possibly can/ even if the lyrics are less than inspiring, we are gonna sell it because that's who we ARE in real life cliche'' is very irrelevant. This image/cliche has been over used and sold by other rock bands/artists from NJ has been done before and better by ''The Boss'' and Bon Jovi. so I'd be surprised if this band has the staying power or creativity for another album. I think like Kings of Leon, this is creative as they are capable of and it's not enough considering the competition that's out there.
On to Florence!--In a word she was magical... but to use some more adjectives that would provide a clearer picture: She was statuesque, ethereal, dramatic, and oh so very Welsh! Her mannerisms and dialogue reminded me of Lady Gaga but more believable. She encouraged ''human sacrifice'' and people ''raising up'' on each other's shoulders, and giving the person next to you a hug. Luckily I was standing next to a very nice girl couple. so why not? The three of us were fast friends and in awe of Florence. She performed ''Breath of Life'' from the Snow White & the Huntsman soundtrack for the first time live, and I was hoping and praying she would. Of course ''Dog Days are Over'' was the crowd favorite.
Florence + The Machine – Breath Of Life
Then I waited for Jack-- it was all muddy and smelly at the Red Bull stage by the last day of Lolla so even though it was Jack, I wanted to be comfortable and enjoy myself as opposed to being smushed in and trampled by the hardcore fans. I parked a spot in front of the big screen with plenty of room to rock out and dance. (Jack would've hated it)
Read this amazing article on the ''live experience'' below
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/07/jack-white-and-the-pro-real-experience-economy/59896/
First up was the all guy band, which were great! Sixteen Saltines was my favorite and the show opener if I remember correctly. Jack was all smiles, (sigh) he seemed geniunely happy to be up there at that place/time with us. Which is a suprisingly rare reaction for musicians of his caliber. Normally they are so rehearsed that it's easy to lose that connection, focus and be ''in the moment'' There was a moment where Jack paused and closed his eyes for at least 30 seconds. Maybe to take it all in, and try to figure out where the show would lead him.
I was in complete shock & awe, waiting impatiently.
The all girl band rocked the house though. definitely my favorite, there was a piano solo by Jack of ''Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground,''a country version of ''Hotel Yorba'' Also Ruby Amanfou, his partner in crime and duet partner on ''Love Interruption''--also a contestant on the Sing Off last season, was mesmorizing and complimentary for the authentic Nashville blues/soul sound.
Some ''Ball & Biscuit'' action & The Hardest Button to Button, Freedom at 21(I sang every word of that song and there was lots of headbanging and sing along action)
Finale-- Seven Nation Army with the crowd providing the ''Oh-Oh -Oh--Oooh Oooh's'' it was incredible and it really sank in how many people were there in the same place at the same time, (that wasn't including the group of fools who decided to go to Perry's stage to see Justice instead) Seriously? oh well-- ''to each his own I guess''-- was last with ten minutes to spare I was hoping he'd do another encore, but no such luck. The set and the man was everything I thought he would be. tall, pale, messy hair and a complete F'in genius, always keeping the fans guessing as to what arrangement and song he would do.
and then came the inevitable feeling of emptiness--The highlight of my year was over, it went by so fast! What do I look forward to now? Sure they'll be shows, new albums coming out, but will there be another Jack show exactly like this? Probably not. Maybe so. I hope he comes to Chicago again!!
Oh well, football season starts soon!-- Now the most important question that will plague me for another 11 1/2 months--- Who will headline Lolla 2013?.. I'm convinced I won't have any proper guesses until the new year starts and the question I ask myself every year.. How will they top this year?
