MSTRKRFT at the MID

In less than a year, The MID has become the spot in Chicago to see the best DJs from around the world. I have personally been there for sets from A-Trak, Green Velvet and most recently, MSTRKRFT. JFK played one of the first shows there in January, and this time showed up with Al-P for an official Lollapalooza after party. The venue is tight, maxing at 800 with the main dance floor sharing space with booths that offer table service. The stage is so small, that A-Trak couldn't even fit his most recent setup (check it here) when he played there in May. If you want the theatrics, maybe you should check acts out at the Congress. If you want a sweaty mess of a night, get here, immediately. Upcoming events include The Twelves, Questlove, Crookers & SBTRKT.

React & C3 Present: MSTRKRFT at the MID - Control Saturdays from React Presents on Vimeo.

Lollapalooza Week - Foo Fighters

My biggest complaint about Lolla's lineup this year is the horrible choices for headliners. It seems like they regularly only have 1 or 2 bands that interest me over the entire weekend and out of this year's choices, I only want to see the Foo Fighters. So far it's been a pretty good year for the guys with the release of Wasting Light and a career-spanning documentary, Back and Forth. One of the main reasons they continue to have so much success is due to the fact that they really do try and reach the fans. Before the release of their new album, they played secret shows throughout California and then went out the "Garage" tour, where they played 5 garages in the US. I've seen them many times, expect a ton of energy and all the hits. Fuck Deadmau5, Cold War Kids & Kid Cudi, you better be at the Music Unlimited stage Sunday night.A dug pretty deep for some nice tracks, download and thanks for reading. I'm off to Lollapalooza, follow me on Twitter (theearlynerd) for updates all day...

Lollapalooza Week - Death From Above 1979

Death From Above 1979 is proof that all you need is one, great album. The Canadian Electro/Punk duo released one album, You're a Woman, I'm a Machine in 2004 and set the bar pretty high. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that they blurred the lines enough to make Punk danceable, and Electro dirty. A brief 2 years later, the band had broken up and moved on to other projects. Jesse F. Keeler is currently one half of MSTRKRFT and Sebastien Grainger went on to release solo albums. As abruptly as they announced their demise, they reunited this year with a riot-inducing set at SXSW, and a prime slot at Coachella. Catch them tonight at the Metro for a SOLD OUT pre-Lolla show, or on Saturday, 4pm on the Bud Light stage.

Lollapalooza Week - Bright Eyes

Riding the wave of a critically-acclaimed album and an amazing tour, Bright Eyes show no signs of stopping. Prior to the release of this year's The People's Key, Conor Oberst had hinted the end was near. But if you have either heard the album or caught them on tour, you can easily see they are firing on all cylinders. Just last month, they added a West coast leg to the tour and I am so happy they are making their first appearance at Lollapalooza. That is not a typo or misinformation, this is the first time they will enjoy Grant Park and all its beauty. I hope I see the entire city of Chicago at the Bud Light Stage, Friday at 6:30. The video is for their newest single, Jejune Stars and the audio is a bonus song from 2007's Cassadaga.

Lollapalooza Week - The Bloody Beetroots

The best thing about The Bloody Beetroots is that they are constantly getting better. Starting off as a DJ duo, they more than held their own at Perry's Tent in 2009. Their brand of aggression and punk seemed like a distant cousin to Boys Noize and MSTRKRFT who followed them. As the remixes seemed to pile up for The Chemical Brothers, Shitdisco and Micky Green to name a few, the crowds increased as well. Choosing to assemble a live band and create Death Crew 77 was exactly what the fans wanted. I had a chance to catch them at Lincoln Hall last year and I was blown away. I'm almost hesitant to even put up a sample of their music because their live set is completely different. So let's give another group some love and consider this a 2 for 1. The song is Awesome off their album Romborama and features Chicago's own Cool Kids. For a fresher look, check out the videos and prepare for a sweaty, exhausting mess... The Bloody Beetroots will destroy Perry Stage on Friday at 5pm. The Cool Kids were a late addition and are at Perry's Stage on Sunday at 3.

Lollapalooza Week - Local Natives

For the next 5 days, I'll post a video or song from a band I refuse to miss at this year's Lollapalooza. I wish I could say that I am thrilled with the lineup, but it's ok, I guess. If you've been reading my posts, you might be able to predict the next 5 days, so I'll try to give you a demo or acoustic version for your trouble.

Local Natives is a really good band out of California, that isn't afraid to represent the West coast. They have been compared to Vampire Weekend, due to their Afro-Pop and World beats. But, I enjoy them because of their harmonies and subtle textures. Where most bands from the East coast tend to be more aggressive, Local Natives allow the song to expand and never seem in a hurry. Pick up 2010's Gorilla Manor and check them out Saturday at 5:30 on the Sony stage.