Lollapalooza, the festival I remember as a child as the “Red Hot Chilli Peppers play with their willies out” is trying its damndest to make me forget all about that. On April 7th, in the wee hours of the morning, the most fantastic lineup has come about, one to make Coachella would be attendees rethink Indio, and possibly move along the greater Chicago Area for a few days. The festival takes place August 1st - 3rd at Grant Park in Chicago, and though the early bird tickets are sold out, the $190 advanced passes are making this seem like the best deal since Radiohead released In Rainbows for ‘whatever the heck you want to pay.‘

Headling, as you may know, will be the noted Radiohead, last years Coachella closer Rage Against the Machine, Trent Reznors Nine Inch Nails and ‘‘George Bush still doesn’t care about black peoples,’ Kanye West. Other extreme notables are Gnarls Barkley (The Odd Couple released on March 18th), Brand New, The Gutter Twins, Grizzly Bear, personal favorite Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, as well as The Ting Tings (KEXP song of the day April 3rd). If you’re still up in the air about what festival to attend this year, time to make up your mind. I figure with 115 bands, you’re roughly paying $1.75 per act. That’s fantastic.

Download your copy of the festival line up here.

Genre: Indie, Chamber Pop, Gypsy

Why we like it: 21 year old, Zack Condons first release is a beautiful breath of fresh air for the indie movement. With no guitars on the album whatsoever, you’ll hear a multitude of instruments you wouldn’t normally hear all on one album. Synths, trumpets, accordions, and the operatic vocals make this disc an indie essential.

Why we don’t: After making it through the first few tracks, you begin to believe that you are a part of Condons internal circus. He doesn’t change up the style greatly enough from track to track for our tastes. If you like a conducive disc, this is for you, if not, move along.

Like Artists: Joanna Newsome, Andrew Bird, Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s