By Jon Stone | @jwstone <– follow me on twitter for updates during the rest of the fest.

Grant Park was really lovely yesterday on the opening day of Chicago’s biggest music festival. The sun was out, but not too hot (most of the day). The crowd seemed a bit more evenly dispersed with the new acreage that the Lolla folks have opened up; the food was tasty (gyros and giganto- truffle fries for me, thank you very much), and I still drank three liters of water. Oh, and the music…

Here’s a quick rundown of my day:

Mavis Staples: I arrived at the north end of the park and into a swarm of dragonflies. They gracefully hovered just above the crowd gathered at the Budweiser stage and Mavis and her band played “The Weight.” Seems a bit weird, huh? But it sounded fantastic. She was joined on stage a bit later by Jeff Tweedy (who, as you likely know, produced her upcoming record) who played acoustic guitar and back-up sang on John Fogerty’s “Wrote a Song For Everyone” and also played back-up on the song he wrote for that new record, both of which are titled “You are Not Alone.” Mavis is such a classy lady and it was fun to see Tweedy in this context — she wished Jeff and his wife Susie a happy 15th anniversary. We all wished Mavis Staples a happy 60 years as a performer. What a career!

Drive-By Truckers: I caught about half of the Truckers’ set and enjoyed what I heard. I still haven’t arrived at fan status of this band — I’m just not familiar enough with their catalog. But seeing the band today and watching them interact with their fans was a large stride in that direction.

The New Pornographers: Carl Newman is a great front-man, but I have a bit of a thing for Neko Case (who doesn’t?), but as much as I like her solo work, I like her work with the NPs even more. They put on really great show yesterday, and Case didn’t disappoint (though she did wear a big sun hat through most of the set that made it difficult to see her face). She and Carl Newman joked back and forth about Gaga, Dan Bejar drank beer after beer, and they played a great mix of New Pornos tunes ranging from opener  ”Sing Me Spanish Techno,” to the new album opener “Moves.” Other highlights included 2003′s “Testament to Youth in Verse” and an amazing pair of interpreters for the hearing impaired. They seemed to know every word — fascinating to watch.

Dirty Projectors: This is going to be the one that I remember for the rest of the year, I think. I’ve been a fan of Bitte Orca for a while now, but the record has stuff on it that I figured couldn’t be reproduced live. I was so wrong. “Stillness is the Move” and “Temecula Sunrise” are complicated enough, but then the women in the band started doing this as the intro to “Remade Horizon.” My mouth is still gaping. I read some bad press of this performance on a famous Chicago publication writer’s blog, and I just flat out disagree. Not only did the harmonies during this performance mesh, but the band manages to do it while playing some of the most intricate guitar duets I’ve ever seen. To me, the complicated nature of the music is what makes it so amazing to see rather than just hear on the record. I will never pass up an opportunity to see these guys play again — like I said yesterday via twitter, it was like being at a prog-rock choir concert.

Jamie Lidell: Every once in a while I come across an artist that I I can’t believe I’ve never heard of because their work is such a perfect fit into my interests. Lidell fits that description perfectly. I’ve been jamming his records all week in prep for Lolla with exactly that thought. Lidell and his band take the best of Stevie Wonder’s 70s funk and revitalize it,  imbuing it with the modern sampling and laptop shenanigans that Lidell was first famous for. But looking like Jon Hamm with a beard and singing like he could have shared the stage with Mavis earlier, he had me absolutely captivated. A few songs in, and who should turn up? Pat Sansone! He doesn’t get enough of an opportunity to shake that tambourine with Wilco, so did some for Lidell as well. He also played the melodica on a few songs and is credited with production of a few songs on Lidell’s new record Compass. All this was to say that I am now a fan of Jamie Lidell. A big one. (oh, and also to say that I think its funny when Sansone shakes a tambo.)

The Strokes: Lady Gaga was the biggest draw on Friday. Evidence was everywhere. Girls with crazy hats, dudes in head-to-toe neon… it was a sight. It’s estimated that over two thirds of Friday’s attendees were Gaga-ing. I didn’t even make it over to that side of the park. It’s a long walk. The Strokes, regardless of the audience-split, put on a show. It was my first time seeing Julian Casablancas and his crew, and the first time anyone in America has seen the band play in something like four years. When the Strokes first hit it big, I was hesitant to jump on the band wagon — there were too many copy-cat groups and it seemed like it was all happening too fast. It seemed like a fad and I didn’t even listen to Is This It when it came out in 2001. Tragic, huh? A few years later I fixed all that — repented of my rash and judgmental ways (and also by then, the wheat had been separated from the chaff, copy-band-wise). Last night The Strokes proved to me once and for all (the rest of the audience didn’t need any convincing) that they  are the real deal: Blistering guitar work; incredible vocal range and sound; perfect pop/rock tunes.

Here’s the setlist:
New York City Cops / The Modern Age / Hard to Explain / What Ever Happened? / You Only Live Once / Soma / This is It / Vision of Division / I Can’t Win / Reptilia / Last Nite /(encore:) Juicebox / Someday / Under Control / Heart in a Cage / Take it or Leave it

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Saturday should be great as well. I’m looking at Stars, Dawes, Grizzly Bear, Deer Tick, Spoon(!) and Phoenix as my must-sees. Let me know if there is anything else I can’t miss.

by Jon Stone | @jwstone

I’m off to Lollapalooza next weekend. I just can’t seem to get enough of being out in the sun and humidity for three and four days at a time, I guess. With Bonnaroo and Pitchfork under my belt, I’m excited to do a bit of comparison shopping. I was in Grant Park for Radiohead’s 2008 performance, and, if I remember correctly in addition to music, Lollapalooza seems to be about walking. The stages on either end of the park have to be at least a half-mile apart. So I will maybe turn in my flip-flops for some sturdy shoes this go around and see if I can have me a time.

Lolla always creates a bit of a problem in terms of headliners. It’s really a one-or-the-other kind of decision, since catching both bands means leaving one early and then being at the back of a massive crowd for your second choice. I don’t like that option. This year, it’s pretty easy (The Strokes over Gaga; Phoenix over Green Day) until Sunday night when Arcade Fire is playing at the same time as Soundgarden. I’m really (like, really) enjoying what I’ve heard of the new Arcade Fire record, but my sense is that I will get a chance to see them again. Who knows when Soundgarden, a band that I really loved in high school, will get desperate enough to reunite again. Plus with opportunities like this to see Arcade Fire from the safety of my own living room, I think I’m going to have to go with Chris Cornell. Seeing Kim Thayil play will be awesome though. I hope they play my favorite SG song, “The Day I Tried to Live.” So classic.

The rest of the festival is looking pretty good in terms of difficult choices. Things are spread out fairly nicely and I’m once again going to get the chance to see several several favorites again and a few that I’ve never seen before. Here’s my top ten (or so):

Grizzly Bear: I have not, of yet, had a chance to see Grizzly Bear play a full set. This will change. Since it’s been a while since Veckatimest came out, I’m hoping we’ll get new songs, reimaginings, and I know we’ll get some incredible jazz-pop jams and harmonies. They’re the ones I’m looking forward to most.

Spoon: Same as above. I’ve been a fan for years, but have never made it to a show. Spoon’s new record Transferene has kind of gotten buried this year with so much other great new releases, but it remains one of my favorite albums of the year and I’m looking forward to the rock.

Dawes – Their Lolla set will mark the fourth time I’ll see Dawes this summer. They are my favorite new band, period, and if you haven’t yet heard them, well, this must be your first time visiting this blog.

The National – The National’s Bonnaroo set was incredible, but it just felt kinda strange seeing them out there in the broad daylight. Since the sun shines as bright in Chicago as it does in Tennessee, I’m sure the Lolla set will be equally hot and revealing, but it doesn’t diminish my excitement. High Violet is going to top a lot of folks’ best-of-the-year lists, including mine. Any chance to see the National is a privilege worth relishing.

Mumford & Sons – Speaking of Bonnaroo, I’m still reeling from my front-row encounter with Mumford & Sons there. It was arguably the most chills-inducing, electric moment of the whole weekend. The Lollapalooza set is bound to be packed event as these guys have been selling out clubs across the States all year. I might not make it up front this time, but I will surely be in the crowd, sweating.

The Walkmen – When I saw the Walkmen play earlier in the year, I was amazed that they weren’t already superstars. I caught them on a tiny stage with a packed crowd and was super impressed by what they were throwing down. Amazing musicians of the National/Grizzly Bear caliber, those dudes.  Their new record, Lisbon, drops in September. I can’t wait to hear it.

The New Pornographers – As I write this, I realized that I haven’t yet listened to the new record from one of our best Canadian bands. Firing it up now and the first track, “Moves” sounds great! I’m very excited to see yet another one of my old favorites for the first time ever.

Dirty Projectors – As I look over my list so far, it occurs to me what an amazing festival it is going to be. The presence of Grizzly Bear and Dirty Projectors alone is cause for the explosion of some heads. I love bands that have that something that makes you lean forward to listen closer. I also love bands that, when you do that, reward you with dense and clever melodies that almost seem to make you sonically smarter. Dirty Projectors is surely one of the most critically acclaimed bands playing Lolla this year. I will be there, leaning forward.

I’m having a hard time boiling down two more bands for this top ten list. Instead I’ll offer a handful of bands that I’m looking forward to. Drive-by Truckers and Deer Tick are both bands that I constantly hear good things about whose music has eluded me for one reason or another. I’m hoping the live sets change that. Also I’m a big fan of great R&B. Lolla offers Mavis Staples and Erykah Badu in the genre. I’ll be glad to see both and I only wish Sharon Jones was gonna be there too.

There are plenty here that I’m missing (and let’s face it, my list is pretty conventional). I’m wondering, though, which bands you recommend—especially bands like Miniature Tigers who are just starting to gain steam.

Discuss: Drop a comment with bands I missed here that are going to be can’t-miss for you.

I’m looking forward to Lollapalooza again this year. The festival is always a great time and is a super close/convenient get away from here in Milwaukee. My friends and I will always make the trek. The line up is solid, packed with great stuff from the past and present. Take a look at the schedule and drop a comment with the artists you’re not going to miss this year.

I’m looking forward to: The Low Anthem, Portugal. The Man, Passion Pit, Band of Horses, and many more.

3:21pm Took our time getting to the festival today. I’ll be honest in saying I’m not thrilled with today’s line up. That being said we discovered Amadou and Mariam – a west African blind duo backed by a band of deep talent. If they sound like Manu Chao, for good reason,he produced their last record. Good stuff.

4:23pm Sam Beam of Iron and Wine takes the stage with a strat instead of his signature Taylor acoustic. No complaints from me, sound is lound and full, enhanced by the always enjoyable slide guitar. Only a couple songs into their set and I’ve got a feeling it will be one of my more memorable encounters with them.

5:43pm Hands down best Iron + Wine show I’ve seen. We just got Saul Williams “List of Demands” and he’s somewhere amongst the fans rapping as I type. We’re in place 4 a special Girl Talk performance. Find us on stage.

5:53pm Saul Williams covers U2′s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” – doesn’t sound as good, but sure seems important.

8:01pm Listening to The National go through “Ada”, so perfect. Girl Talk was a sweaty affair. We’re recovering with some beer and songs from Boxer – one of MoB’s favs for sure. Haven’t decided Kanye vs. NIN yet. Our weekend could end with The National with zero complaints. Thx Chicago.

9:21pm Started @ the back of the crowd for the National, were front row by the time they ended with “Mr. November”. Best I’ve seen the band? Definitely up there. Watching Kanye now, bored but don’t want the party to end.

Goodnight Chicago! See you in the (football) playoffs!

More to come…

1:21pm Well, day two is underway. Radiohead didn’t disappoint yesterday, though the crowd (at least around us) wasn’t very into it. Some people start their day with a stiff drink, we parked ourselves in front of the Ting Tings for some key-heavy, bass thumping tunes. I’d never heard any of their music, not my thing, but it will do until Dr.Dog.

Lots of conflicts on today’s schedule: Wilco vs. RATM, Spank Rock vs. Explosions In The Sky, and MGMT vs. DeVotchka. Who are you seeing? Who should we not miss today?

2:21pm I got my rock and roll prescription filled by Dr. Dog. Don’t miss them in Madison and don’t believe anyone who tells you the new album Fate isn’t worthy of your time.

We’re listening to The Gutter Twins, who I missed at the High Noon when they came through Madison. Real solid. Now preparing for MGMT, it’s shaping up to be a great day.

4:21pm MGMT was easily the best/most energetic show we’ve seen thus far. They made loads of new fans and the dancing and drinking hit a mid-afternoon high. We chose Spank Rock over Explosions In The Sky, hopefully we chose right.

6:18 Spank Rock was full of energy and pre-recorded beats. Amanda Blank solidified herself as one of indie rock’s hottest. Honestly. We’re listening to Okkervil River wind down their set in preparation for Broken Social Scene. It’s been two years, and I think/heard that Feist will be joining the group tonight. Fingers Crossed. Today > Yesterday.

8:02 About halfway through my first time seeing Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. A unique offering in contrast to everything else I’ve seen over the course of the rest of the festival. Sharon’s band is tight and warms up the stage for three solid numbers before Sharon hits the stage. Another funk/soul legend (name???) joined for a number and some guy got on stage and got to dance with Sharon for the rest of that song.

8:41 Rage Against The Machine. Haven’t seen them since the Tibetan Freedom Concert at Alpine Valley in ’99. Not staying for their whole set, but definitely wanted to see at least half of their set. We’re a good two hundred yards from the stage, but thanks to the numerous speakers, the sound is pristine. I would not want to be up front for this one. Looks like crushed/trampled city.

9:30 Rage still has all the anger and Zack de La Rocha prowls the stage like a caged tiger. On multiple occasions he pleads with the crowd to take 5-10 steps back and the head of security even gets on the microphone to request that everyone stop pushing towards the front. The the band launches into “Bullet In Your Head” and anything they gained with pleading is erased with mayhem. Time to check out Wilco.

10:10 The nudie suit clad Wilco look great before the Chicago skyline. Arrive just in time to hear the always beautiful “Jesus, Etc.” Also got a great version of “Can’t Stand It” and a horn-enhanced version of “Hate it Here.” That’s it for us today. See y’all tomorrow.

Discuss: Who were your favorites from Saturday? Who left you disappointed? Did you get up close to RATM? Who are you seeing on Sunday?

More to come…

8:00am We took the train from Milwaukee into the city. Easily got to our hotel (room not available) so into storage our bags went.

1:15pm Rogue Wave kicks off Lollapalooza for us. I heard their entire set at SXSW from the outside of a very crowded tent, so this is a lot better listen. It’s definitely hot here. The Go! Team is up next for our crew, but some will probably sneak away to take a listen to Jeff Tweedy on the Kidz stage.

2:00pm Wayne Coyne is here debuting the upcoming Flaming Lips DVD Christmas On Mars for 200 lucky souls that are stealth enough to snag some of the ultra-limited tickets. Word is that it will go down after Radiohead.

Also – If you’re heading down to the festival grounds, expect to stand in line a long time!

3:21pm The Go! Team has an already sweaty crowd drenched. I’m admitting that I am watching/seeing/listening to Duffy right now. Mostly because I want a good spot for The Black Keys (who are up next), but also because it’s too damn hot to navigate from one side to another. You may find me swimming in the central fountain before the day is done.

3:39pm Leaving Duffy…

5:10pm The Black Keys are the best band at Lolla thus far. All albums represented, soooo good. There were plenty of beers downed, smelled mysterious scents and watched more than a couple people get the medic treatment. Remember to drink water y’all. Sorry kids, but I’ve got no idea how to get yourself a ticket for the Lips DVD screening later tonight. If you find out, drop us a comment. Who’s the best act you’ve seen so far? Anybody watching online? I miss air conditioning, but I miss Cat Power more…

6:10pm Grizzly Bear always impresses me with their ability to transform their theater-tailored harmonies into a beautiful outdoor set. We got “The Knife” + new material and have a few more songs before settling in with Bloc Party.

7:42pm Bloc Party was great, the sound for the main stage (AT&T) is absolutely perfect. We’re far far away for Radiohead but it’s about the music not the ability to see, right? Hoping for “Karma Police” and/or “Paranoid Android” since they left those off the set list when I caught them earlier this summer.

8:02pm Radiohead starts with “15 Step” … “You used to be alright, what happened?” There is still lingering daylight, once that leaves a great night will begin.

9:07pm “Everything In Its Right Place” + Fireworks — Awesome!

9:56 “Idioteque” – Goodnight – End of day one – Long walk to hotel

More to come….