Prior to the Soft Pack’s Lollapalooza aftershow performance at Schuba’s in Chicago, we spoke with front man Matt Lamkin and bass player David Lantzman about their Lolla performance. It sounded like a smashing success, confirming what one Sound Citizen reader told us — that the Soft Pack “was worth the price of admission” that day.
Lantzman also told us that it was probably the biggest stage they have ever played. So it was fitting that, on this night, they were playing one of the smallest stages in Chicago where some of the biggest bands have played in the past.
The Soft Pack’s sound is direct and empowering, and at the same time lazy and completely understated. But the band itself is anything but lazy. Guitarist Matty McLoughlin shreds the strings — literally — and the rest of the band follows suit with passionate turns on the drums and bass. Lamkin sings in one of the most straightforward manners I’ve seen and a tone that never wavers, no matter the song. I think that’s part of what draws me to them in the first place, and got them a spot on Sound Citizen Radio 7.
Anyway, enough from me. Let’s hear from Soft Packs drummer, Brian Hill on their Chicago visit.
“Chicago has always been really great to us, but it was more than a little bit surprising that people came out early on Saturday to see us play at Lollapalooza. Playing at around noon at a huge festival like that can be a bit daunting, but we had a total blast. It was a treat to see Phoenix’s soundcheck earlier in the day — those guys are the best. We just kind of did our thing for 40 minutes or so, and then moved along from there. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much of a chance to check out any bands, really. One highlight would be Wild Beasts. I thought that the singer sounded a little like Jeff Buckley, and that was fine by me. My comparisons are usually wrong to a lot of people … maybe I’m losing my hearing?*
“Later on, in the evening, we had the chance to play one of our favorite venues, Schuba’s. That place is great. It always sounds great, they treat bands wonderfully, and their restaurant is top banana. Now I sound like I’m writing for Zagat’s or something. Anyways, there was a slight mishap regarding equipment at the beginning of the night … we didn’t have our backline. Luckily for us, the other band on the bill, Royal Bangs, were sweethearts and offered to let us borrow theirs. Well, not to ramble on, but our equipment did show up and we played what we thought was a great show. No complaints about Chicago — we love that place.”
Big thanks to Brian and the rest of the Soft Pack fellas for an outstanding show at Schuba’s. The Soft Pack comes back to Chicago October 30 and 31. Check them out, you won’t be disappointed.
*Hearing loss wouldn’t surprise me. These guys are wonderfully loud as hell.
Below is some video from the show and below that are current Soft Pack tour dates.
| Sep 4 2010 | 5:00P | FYF Fest, Los Angeles CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Sep 10 2010 | 9:00A | Bowery Ballroom | New York, NY |
| Sep 11 2010 | 9:00P | Bowery Ballroom | New York, NY |
| Sep 17 2010 | 5:00P | Neon Reverb Festival, Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV |
| Sep 18 2010 | 9:30P | The Clubhouse, Tempe AZ | Tempe, AZ |
| Oct 1 2010 | 8:30P | San Francisco State University: The Depot | San Francisco, CA |
| Oct 3 2010 | 11:00P | Detroit Bar | Costa Mesa, CA |
| Oct 7 2010 | 9:00P | Sons of Herman Hall | Dallas, TX |
| Oct 8 2010 | 11:30A | Austin City Limits Festival | Austin, Texas |
| Oct 9 2010 | 10:00P | Antone’s | Austin, TX |
| Oct 12 2010 | 11:00P | Old No. 2 | Laredo, TX |
| Oct 13 2010 | 11:00P | Mango’s Cafe | Houston, TX |
| Oct 14 2010 | 10:00P | Lochrann’s | Frisco, TX |
| Oct 16 2010 | 2:00P | Corona Festival, Mexico City | Mexico City, MX |
| Oct 19 2010 | 5:30P | Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom | Little Rock, AZ |
| Oct 20 2010 | 10:00P | Proud Larry’s | Oxford, MS |
| Oct 21 2010 | 10:00P | The Earl w/ Kurt Vile | Atlanta, GA |
| Oct 22 2010 | 6:00P | The Nick w/ Kurt Vile | South Birmingham, AL |
| Oct 23 2010 | 9:00P | Mercy Lounge w/ Kurt Vile | Nashville, TN |
| Oct 26 2010 | 6:00P | Mad Hatter Club w/ Kurt Vile | Covington, KY |
| Oct 27 2010 | 6:00P | The Summit w/ Kurt Vile | Columbus, OH |
| Oct 28 2010 | 6:00P | Blind Pig w/ Kurt Vile | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct 29 2010 | 6:00P | White Rabbit Cabaret w/ Kurt Vile | Indianapolis, IN |
| Oct 30 2010 | 9:30P | The Empty Bottle w/ Kurt Vile | Chicago, IL |
| Oct 31 2010 | 9:30P | The Empty Bottle w/ Kurt Vile | Chicago, IL |
| Nov 1 2010 | 9:00P | Triple Rock Social Club w/ Kurt Vile | Minneapolis, MN |
| Nov 4 2010 | 9:00P | Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room w/ Kurt Vile | Seattle, WA |
| Nov 5 2010 | 7:00P | Biltmore Cabaret w/ Kurt Vile | Vancouver, Vancouver, CANADA |
| Nov 6 2010 | 8:30P | Berbati’s Pan w/ Kurt Vile | Portland, OR |
| Nov 9 2010 | 8:00P | Rickshaw Stop w/ Kurt Vile | San Francisco, CA |
| Nov 11 2010 | 8:00P | Echo Plex w/ Kurt Vile | Los Angeles, CA |
| Nov 13 2010 | 8:00P | Casbah w/ Kurt Vile | San Diego, CA |
| Dec 30 2010 | 6:00P | The Falls Festival – Marion Bay, Tasmania | Marion Bay, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA |
| Dec 31 2010 | 6:00P | The Falls Festival, Lorne – Victoria | Lorne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA |
| Jan 2 2011 | 5:00P | South Bound Festival, Busselton – Western Australia | Busselton, Western Au, AUSTRALIA |
| Jan 6 2011 | 6:00P | Sunset Sounds, Brisbane – Queensland | Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA |
There are some great bands I’m excited to see at Lollapalooza 2010 – like Soundgarden, Green Day, The Strokes, The Black Keys and Spoon. But you know the bands in small type on the Lollapalooza lineup list? Yeah, those are often the best ones when it’s all said and done. Unfortunately, many times they are missed because you just don’t know who they are. Well, as always, we’re here to help.
Below you’ll find our list of five bands that you absolutely should not skip. In order of our predictions on who will be crowned Lollapalooza 2010′s Show Stealer:
The Soft Pack
This is one of our favorite new bands, and featured on Sound Citizen Radio 7. They play like they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so look for a sharp, energetic set. This band is going places and they will be eager to slam their collective foot on the gas pedal.
Dawes
Another newfound favorite at Sound Citizen (and featured on Sound Citizen Radio 3), Dawes is a perfect fit for a summer day. These guys can rock out with the best of them, but I really dig their flowing melodies mixed with simple, clean hooks. “When My Time Comes” and “Love is All I Am” are two of the best songs I’ve heard this year.
The Morning Benders
Much of The Morning Benders (great band name, by the way) reminds me of the music from the simple times of the 50′s when music was considered rebellious but was understated. But, their arrangements are far from simplistic. Expect a big crowd reaction and sing-alongs with this one. The song “Excuses” is downright dreamy.
Freelance Whales
Sweeping songs are the specialty of Freelance Whales. They sound like a perfect fit for any number of indie movie soundtracks and kind of remind me of Postal Service. I think one of the most impressive things about this band is their ability to take several different instruments and styles and weave them together into one cohesive jam. Nothing sounds out of place.
Minus the Bear
You know the show BJ and the Bear? That’s how this band got their name… Anyway, this band is another that defies categorization. They can be metal, trip-hop and just about everything in between. They have serious chops and are not afraid to push boundaries. They have a new album coming May 4, so expect a heavy set of new stuff.
What do you think? Have any other show stealers you think we missed? Leave a comment and let your fellow Sound Citizens know!
On a late Saturday night/early Sunday morning for our final Lollapalooza aftershow we hit up Schubas to see Dan Auerbach, front man for the Black Keys, touring on his solo album, Keep it Hid. Schubas is one of those places that get’s top-flight talent in an intimate setting and personally I’m a huge fan.
Opening up was Cage the Elephant. I saw them at Summerfest and besides their hit “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” it was largely unimpressive. So, we sat that one out and took a load off on a barstool and sipped some delicious Corona instead. Auerbach came on around midnight.
I don’t have a lot to say about this show, except that if you ever get a chance to see Auerbach – with the Black Keys or solo – take it. One factor that slightly disappointed was the constant din of the crowd. It seems to be a common problem with Lolla aftershows – maybe it’s the all-day drinking of those who attended the festival during the day.
Below is video of “Whispered Words.” You’ll want to watch it to the end. Current tour dates after the video.
You might also like: Dan Auerbach at Metro, Black Keys in Cleveland, Ultimate Lollapalooza Highlight Reel, Band of Horses at House of Blues.
| Nov 5 2009 | 8:00P | Newport Music Hall | Columbus, Ohio |
| Nov 6 2009 | 8:00P | The Majestic Theatre | Detroit, Michigan |
| Nov 7 2009 | 8:00P | Phoenix Concert Theatre | Toronto |
| Nov 8 2009 | 8:00P | Le National | Montreal |
| Nov 9 2009 | 8:00P | The Paradise | Boston |
| Nov 11 2009 | 8:00P | Webster Hall | New York, New York |
| Nov 12 2009 | 8:00P | Theatre of the Living Arts | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Nov 13 2009 | 8:00P | Sonar | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Nov 14 2009 | 8:00P | Cat’s Cradle | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| Nov 16 2009 | 8:00P | The Orange Peel | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Nov 17 2009 | 8:00P | Variety Playhouse | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nov 18 2009 | 8:00P | House of Blues | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Nov 20 2009 | 8:00P | Minglewood Hall | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Nov 21 2009 | 8:00P | Cannery Ballroom | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Dec 3 2009 | 8:00P | Turner Hall | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Dec 4 2009 | 8:00P | First Avenue | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Dec 5 2009 | 8:00P | The Vic Theatre | Chicago, Illinois |
| Dec 6 2009 | 8:00P | The Bluebird | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Dec 8 2009 | 8:00P | Southgate House | Newport, Kentucky |
| Dec 9 2009 | 8:00P | House of Blues | Cleveland, Ohio |
(Video included) It might have been wet all day last Friday at Lollapalooza, but it didn’t rain on my Band of Horses aftershow parade. After drying out my shoes, changing my socks and having a drink on a friend’s couch, we headed to House of Blues – along with our ticket giveaway winner, Ms. Eva Swan.
First up was Cass McCombs. I knew nothing of him, but heard good things. So we settled on a spot near the bar on the left side of the stage, I grabbed a terrible piece of luke-warm pizza from the beer tub girl, and a can of beer. Immediately, I didn’t know what to make of McCombs. And I still don’t. It was a little hard to concentrate too – the crowd was awfully chatty and loud. So that was disappointing. From what I heard though, I liked it and McCombs deserves much more exploration. He’s unique.
Band of Horses finally took the stage somewhere around midnight. Again, the crowd was chatty. Must be something about Lollapalooza because the last time I saw them at the Metro, people were captivated. It was a great set anyway and they unveiled a new song from their upcoming album. That song leads off the video below. I don’t think I could be disappointed by BOH in any way. But I will say this – the crowd matters. The set at Lollapalooza was better. The crowd was into it and so was the band. (Read about Band of Horses at Lollapalooza)
Enjoy the video from House of Blues, and I also included a video from their Lolla set (courtesy of palmofyoureye), where Ben Bridwell spent the last couple songs in with the audience. Watch it.
Of the slew of outdoor music festivals every summer, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits seem to get the most hype. They both typically feature the biggest bands and best up-and-comers in the biz and are both located in hip musical cities. It might not be possible to make both events, so Sound Citizen presents to you: Lollapalooza vs. Austin City Limits – what’s your pick?
The Venues
Both festivals are located in hip music cities. Austin is known for its prolific indie music scene while Chicago, the birthplace of the blues is known for its diverse music offerings.
Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has some of the worst urban winters in the U.S., but come summertime, the city comes to life. Hundreds of street festivals can be found every weekend somewhere within the city limits, patio bars seem to never close and the lakefront is always buzzing. Grant Park (and neighboring Millenium Park) becomes the focus of many Chicago summer activities, including Lollapalooza.
Pros:
Getting to Grant Park is relatively easy. If you live in the city, there are plenty of options – public transportation abounds and a cab ride is fast and convenient. For those visiting Chicago for the festival, your best bet is to secure a hotel downtown. It wont’ be cheap, but walking to and from the park will provide the ultimate in convenience, as well as pleasant strolls through a beautiful city.
The park itself is situated right on the lakefront, so even in the heat of summer there’s often a nice, cool breeze. The views in and around Grant park are spectacular. Chicago’s skyline is one of the best in the world, Buckingham Fountain is a treasure and Lake Michigan provides a brilliant, sparkling contrast to the steel and concrete of the landscape to the east. Before and after the festival, there’s no shortage of things to do – world class museums and shopping are mere blocks away – and some of Chicago’s finest restaurants (not necessarily pricey) are just as close. Grant Park has some nice nooks where you can relax and catch a spot of shade.
Cons:
Grant Park is long. To get from one end of the park to the other it takes at least 10 minutes or more, depending on the crowd. This means you have to plan your shows carefully – you might have to leave one early to secure a decent view for the next.
Grant Park is narrow. It can get crowded quickly – if you’re going to wander around, it’s a good idea to have a couple friends secure a home base with a blanket and chairs. Otherwise, you’re going to have to constantly fight for a spot. It also results in some cramped conditions for the side stages. One is in a concrete-floored pavilion, another is on a street and a couple are crammed along walking routes.
Austin City Limits, Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
Austin is well-known for it’s music scene, hosting South by Southwest in addition to ACL. Stroll down Sixth Street and just about every bar will echo with quality music. Zilker Park hosts ACL, as well as an annual kite festival and is home to an expansive botanical garden.
Pros:
Zilker Park is huge. More than 351 acres huge. Of course, the festival doesn’t cover the entire park, but it sure feels that way. There’s more than enough room to set up a blanket and chairs, and wander around without bumping sweaty elbows. It also leaves room for many food and beverage stands and retail shacks, so long lines aren’t a big problem. The expanse also provides room for other extras like cooling areas and tents to play some cool guitars, or tinker with the latest gadgets from AT&T.
The stages are set far enough apart so the music does not compete, and the natural contours of the park usually means a good view is easy to find. Walking from stage to stage can take some time, but with all that room you’re not fighting crowds along the way.
Cons:
It’s hot as hell. You’re in Texas, mind you, and adding to that, there is almost no shade to be found. Make sure you bring chairs with some kind of umbrella or shade provider and drink gallons of water. Try the lemonade and iced tea, too.
There’s nearly nothing else around. Get ready for a lengthy hike back to your hotel, at least 20 minutes or more. Getting a cab or bus to get downtown after the shows has been known to include an hour wait. You can take a pedicab – for about $50. That said, there is one place on the walk back that’s worth a stop. Green Mesquite BBQ & More provides cold beer, good food and some great after-show live bluegrass.
Austin does provide a nice open atmosphere and a camping-like experience, and for travelers it’s more cost-effective. Despite what can be crowded conditions, Grant Park is beautiful and the city of Chicago offers so much outside the festival itself. Consider starting your trip a couple days early, or stay a few days late to really soak in the Chicago summer. They both offer unique experiences.
Edge: Lollapalooza – barely
The Lineups
Now to the meat of the issue, the performers. Of course, both offer an extraordinary amount of quality music but there are some key differences to explore.
The Headliners
Both Lolla and ACL will see the Beastie Boys and Kings of Leon – two bands who are sure to put on excellent performances. Lollapalooza will also feature Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers and Jane’s Addiction to round out the top tier, while ACL will host Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band. Out of those differences, Pearl Jam trumps all of them. They are becoming one of rock’s legendary bands before our very eyes and ears and every opportunity should be taken to see them live.
Edge: Austin City Limits
The Supporting Cast
Several bands will be playing both festivals this year, including Ben Harper and Relentless7, Thievery Corporation, The Decemberists, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Dan Auerbach, The Raveonettes, Arctic Monkeys, Heartless Bastards, and Coheed and Cambria. These are all quality bands and it might make the final decision a little easier. Or at least less painful.
Then there are the bands that will only play at one or the other, and these make all the difference. Below are 10 bands who will be at Lolla and not ACL (as of this writing):
Ra Ra Riot
Band of Horses (pictured)
Silversun Pickups
Cold War Kids
Of Montreal
Animal Collective
TV on the Radio
Rise Against
Fleet Foxes
Neko Case
Now, 10 bands that will be at ACL and not Lolla (as of this writing):
The Walkmen
The Dead Weather
John Legend
Ghostland Observatory (pictured)
Lily Allen
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Dr. Dog
Todd Snider
Asleep at the Wheel
Citizen Cope
In defense of ACL, Jack White’s new band The Dead Weather is attractive, The Walkmen are solid, Ghostland Observatory puts on a show to experience and Medeski, Martin & Wood never disappoint.
In Lolla’s corner, Ra Ra Riot has a host of catchy tunes, Band of Horses can stir a soul, Silversun Pickups are gaining momentum fast and Animal Collective is getting early votes for album of the year.
Edge: Lollapalooza
So what’s it going to be? Where will I put my money (and lots of it) this year?
In the end, the pre-performance title goes to Lollapalooza in 2009. Both have very strong lineups and the shared bands are top-notch. Although I will miss Pearl Jam, I could care less about Dave Matthews Band, while at Lolla, Band of Horses and Silversun Pickups hold particular sway with me, and I’m excited to experience Ra Ra Riot, Animal Collective and TV on the Radio. Combined with the city of Chicago and all it has to offer, I’ll be at Grant Park this summer.
Agree or disagree? Leave a comment below.
Rumors were enough to secure tickets, but now the 2009 Lollapalooza lineup is official. There are few surprises with the headliners, as Depeche Mode, The Killers, Jane’s Addiction, Beastie Boys, Kings of Leon and Tool are all included.
But some of the unconfirmed rumors held true with Band of Horses, Animal Collective, Ben Harper, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, TV on the Radio, Andrew Bird and The Decemberists all set to play.
Some other bands to get excited about include Thievery Corporation, Snoop, Silversun Pickups, Arctic Monkeys, Ra Ra Riot, Dan Auerbach and Sam Roberts Band.
This is as strong a starting lineup as I’ve seen in recent years at Lollapalooza, but not because of the headliners. It’s the smaller bands that will set this year’s Lolla apart from the others. It’s a great mix of established indie rock, along with some up-and-comers. If you don’t know many of the bands mentioned above, it’s an excellent opportunity to get exposed to some new talent. The good news is that they’re not done. Expect more bands, and possibly another strong headliner to announce their appearance in the coming weeks and months.
I predict that, at the end, a lot of buzz will be circulating about how bands like Band of Horses, Silversun Pickups, Dan Auerbach and The Decemberists stole the festival from the likes of Depeche Mode, Tool and The Killers. That said, don’t underestimate Jane’s Addiciton.
The full lineup can be found here.
