Looking back at 2009, we have so much to smile about: interviewing some of our favorite bands (ie: Friendly Fires and White Lies) seeing lifelong heroes in concert (ie: Morissey and Pixies) and many other countless experiences! For all of this I would like to just say thank you to our readers, peers, and the musicians. This post will outline highlights of the year for TLC, much like our Loved and Loathed list for 2008. So without further ado, I bring to you the highs and lows of 2009 and as always we welcome your feedback.

Have a safe and Happy New Years celebration!

LOVED…

The color black as seen on White Lies, Glasvegas and The Xx.

Vamps on Film: True Blood, The Twilight Saga, Thirst, Let the Right One In.

Festivals: Could go on for days about the awesomeness of All Points West, Lollapalooza and Electric Zoo in 2009!

Remixers work the dancefloor: Stuart Price, Erol Alkan, Skream, Crookers, Fake Blood, Calvin Harris and Diplo kept the surprises coming in 2009 with their reworks.

Brooklyn’s Pool Parties relocate to the East River Park: Great view (pro) but tighter rules (con.)

Major Lazer: Switch, Diplo and their army introduce dancehall to electronic music.

[MP3: Major Lazer - Pon De Floor Featuring VYBZ Kartel or zShare]

Yeah Yeah Yeahs burned down the disco with It’s Blitz! Still holding onto that dream of someday being Karen O.

MUSIC: The Best Albums of 2009!

Brits on Broadway: Jude Law in Hamlet, Sienna Miller and Johnny Lee Miller in After Miss Julie and Daniel Radcliffe in Equus.

Lo-Fi / Chillwave: jj, Beach House, Zola Jesus and Washed Out were a few of our favorite mood-setters of 2009.

[MP3: jj -Hopes and Dreams or zShare]

Lady Gaga wins the Love/Hate battle with the ultra catchy and visually stunning Bad Romance video.

The ongoing revival/revolution of New York’s dance culture.

FILM

• Inglourious Basterds
• 500 Days of Summer
• Watchmen
• Jennifer’s Body
• District 9
• Whip It
• Coraline
• Paranormal Activity
• Zombie Land
• Away We Go

Concerts

• Pixies Dolittle Tour at Hammerstein Ballroom
• Kings of Leon at Madison Square Garden
• Fader Fort: CMJ 2009
• Jack Penate and Miike Snow at Mercury Lounge
• Morrissey: The Tour of Refusal at Webster Hall
• Bat for Lashes at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
• Peaches at Webster Hall
• Echo and the Bunnymen at Mercury Lounge
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs at APW and Lolla
• Friendly Fires + White Lies at Bowery Ballroom
• Fever Ray and Vuk at Webster Hall
• JayZ at APW

[MP3: Jay-Z and Santigold - Brooklyn Go Hard or zShare]

[MP3: Friendly Fires - Jump in the Pool (Stuart Price Remix) or zShare]

LOATHED…

• H1N1 Outbreak, better known as Swine Flu.
• Economic Crisis continues and unemployment rate is at historic low in 2009. Sigh.
• Another year without Missy Elliott: Block Party pushed back for a second year as unfinished demos continue to leak.
• Kanye West: Don’t really need to explain this one.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

• Where the Wild Things Are: Visually and musically it was phenomenal but the film lagged for about 30 minutes more than necessary, causing me to fall asleep.
• Bruno: Just bad.
• Little Boots: Hands did not deliver. We were expecting something more along the lines of what she described in our interview with her last spring…
• Beastie Boys’s MCA diagnosed with cancer forcing tour cancellation and album delay. Pro: He is recuperating well!

BREAK UPS

The Metros: Once called one of London’s Most Promising Young Bands, The Metros sadly called it quits over the summer. We feel fortunate to have started 2009 with an exclusive interview with Saul Adamczewski which you can read HERE.

The Rakes: Right before embarking in their Fall North American Tour, The Rakes shocked fans by canceling their tour and announcing their split. We interviewed the band last spring as well which you can read HERE.

[MP3: The Rakes - We Danced Together or zShare]

DEATHS

• Michael Jackson The Legendary King of Pop (August 29th, 1958 – June  25th, 2009)
• Brittany Murphy Talented actress and striving musician (November 10th, 1977 – December 20th, 2009)
• Farrah Fawcett Pop culture icon and Charlie’s Angel (February 2nd, 1947 – June 25th, 200)
• Virgin Megastores in New York: The last remaining stores in the UK and NYC closed this year.
• Blender Magazine: One of my favorite music and pop culture magazines turned it’s last page in 2009.

FORWARD 2010…

Look for Tastes Like Caramel’s highly-anticipated releases from

• Hot Chip
• Goldfrapp
• Arcade Fire
• The Whip
• Christina Aguilera
• M.I.A.
• Santigold
• Adele
• The Drums
• Friendly Fires
• Klaxons
• Foals
• Radiohead
• Mystery Jets
• MGMT

LONDON

:: Get Loaded in the Dark

If this is what we can expect from London clubland in 2010 then we must brace ourselves. Get Loaded in the Dark is a NYE party on serious steroids with something to offer everyone and their mom. There will be dj sets from the likes of BBC Radio goddess Annie Mac to production sensations Chase & Status to the mammoth Simian Mobile Disco.

One of TLC’s favorite acts of 2009, Golden Silvers, will be performing a live set and will be joined by a myriad of other djs/performers throughout the night. Yes, advance tickets are sold out but another allocation will be released shortly. If you plan on going big this NYE, there’s no better place than good ol Sarf London with this impressive lineup.

Thursday December 31st, 2009
Time / 8.30PM – 6.00PM
Venue / Brixton Academy

More info HERE.

:: Ministry of Sound Present Ministry of Sound Live at the O2

Another amazing option in London would be Ministry of Sound’s NYE event at the o2 with special live sets from Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, Justice, Plump DJs, Dave Spoon, Example and Eric Prydz!

It’s sure to be an all nighter so make sure to rest up beforehand if you can score tickets!

Thursday December 31st, 2009
Time / 9PM – 6AM
Venue /The o2

More info HERE.

MP3: Eric Prydz – Call on Me or zShare

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Quite the contrast from our high profile picks for London, but as a New Yorker I prefer to go “off the radar” for NYE celebrations…

NEW YORK

:: Mr. Saturday Night

Justin Carter, Eamon Harkin and Omar S will keep you dancing while open bar keeps your spirits high. And it’s super local. The Market will be full of win!

Thursday December 31st, 2009
Time / 10PM – ??

More info and tickets HERE.

:: Pendu + Self Help Present Temple: 2010

For those of you on the other side of Brooklyn I recommend the Temple 2010 New Year’s Eve party. This jam-packed night of awesomeness kicks off at 9PM and includes performances by Noveller, Magic Is Kuntmaster, Flaming Fire, LYDSOD and DJ Sets from The Xx’s Romy, Lauren Flax, Aaron Kolfage (Germs NYC), Lauren Dillard and Liz Armstrong (Self Help.)

A great array of talent for only $15 at the door or $10 w/RSVP to rsvp@pendu.org

Thursday December 31st, 2009
Time / 9PM – 4AM
Venue /Eternal Christmas : 525 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY

More info HERE. Check out the highly-addictive Lauren Flax track featuring Sia below!

MP3: Lauren Flax – You’ve Changed (Featuring Sia) or zShare

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Other Notable NYE Events (Click for more info)

Be sure to visit our Caramel Shop powered by Amazon.com to purchase all of the titles in our Best of the Noughties List! Previous lists are here: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Artist: Florence + The Machine

Album: Lungs

Label: Island

Released: July 6th in the UK, October 20th (physical release) in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 2

Peak on US Charts: Number 179

Recognition: The Mercury Prize nominated album held the #2 spot on the UK Albums chart for 5 consecutive weeks after it’s release on July 6th.

Stream: Cosmic Love

Purchase Lungs

MP3: Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got the Love (Jamie Xx Remix) or zShare

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Artist: The Big Pink

Album: A Brief History of Love

Label: 4AD

Released: September 14th in the UK, September 22nd in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 56

Peak on US Charts: Number 138

Recognition: The Daily Telegraph rated A Brief History of Love 5 out of 5 and said the album “shapes up as something of a modern masterpiece.”

Stream: Dominos

Purchase A Brief History of Love

MP3: The Big Pink – Love Song (The Cure Cover) or zShare

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Artist: The Xx

Album: Xx

Label: Young Turks

Released: August 17th in the UK, October 20th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 36

Peak on US Charts: Number 125

Recognition: BBC Music‘s Lou Thomas said “Every song here is an enigmatic and moody blend of smoky crooning, nimble keyboard trickery and slippery treble-heavy riffs. Such self-awareness and focus is commendable given so few experienced bands, let alone newcomers, can manage it.”

Stream: Crystalised

Purchase Xx

MP3: The Xx – Space Bass (Jamie Xx Remix) or zShare

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Artist: Bat for Lashes

Album: Two Suns

Label: Polydor/Astralwerks

Released: April 6th in the UK,  April 7th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 5

Peak on US Charts: Number 141

Recognition: NME’s Tim Chester said the following of the Mercury Prize nominated album “If this year’s Mercury panel know their arse from their Elbows, this could be her time.”

Stream: Daniel

Purchase Two Suns

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Artist: Arctic Monkeys

Album: Humbug

Label: Domino, Warner Bros., EMI

Released: August 24th in the UK, August 25th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 1

Peak on US Charts: Number 15

Recognition: Billboard said that the Arctic Monkeys “justify the hype by shifting its best qualities into different, equally dazzling shapes.”

Stream: Cornerstone

Purchase Humbug

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Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Album: It’s Blitz!

Label: Interscope

Released: April 6th Internationally, March 31st in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 9

Peak on US Charts: Number 22

Recognition: It’s Blitz is nominated for the Best Alternative Music Album Grammy Award. NME wrote that “It’s Blitz!’s heartfelt love letter to the transcendent possibilities of the dancefloor is an unexpectedly emphatic reassertion of why Yeah Yeah Yeahs are one of the most exciting bands of this decade”

Stream: Heads Will Roll

Purchase It’s Blitz!

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Artist: Miike Snow

Album: Miike Snow

Label: Downtown

Released: October 23rd in the UK, June 9th 2008 in the US

Peak on UK Charts: n/a

Peak on US Charts: Number 23 on the Dance/Electronic Albums Chart

Recognition: Spin gave the album 4 out of 5 stars and said “Both the production and Wyatt’s shape-shifting croon are so butter-smooth that it takes repeated plays to sense the hurt that hides behind these dance-floor lullabies. Hooky on the outside, bruised within, it’s club-pop for introverts.”

Stream: Animal

Purchase Miike Snow

MP3: Miike Snow – Black & Blue (Savage Skulls Remix) or zShare

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Artist: White Lies

Album: To Lose My Life

Label: Fiction

Released: On January 19th in the UK, March 17th in the US.

Peak on UK Charts: Number 1

Peak on US Charts: Number 146, Number 4 on the Heatseekers Chart 4

Recognition: White Lies won the MOJO Award for Breakthrough and the Q Award for Best New Band. BBC Radio 1′s Zane Lowe named Death his Hottest Record in the World on February 5th of 2008 without it having been officially released.

Stream: Farewell to the Fairground

Purchase To Lose My Life

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Artist: Jamie T

Album: Kings and Queens

Label: Virgin Records

Released: September 7th in the UK, October 6th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 2

Peak on US Charts: Never Charted

Recognition: BBC Music‘s Laura Barton called Kings and Queens “a more polished performance, but still enjoyably rambunctious.”

Stream: Sticks N Stones

Purchase Kings & Queens

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Artist: Fuck Buttons

Album: Tarot Sport

Label: ATP Recordings

Released: October 14th in the UK, October 20th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 28

Peak on US Charts: Number 50 Independent Albums, # 18 Heatseekers Chart

Recognition: Louis Pattison of BBC Music said “A noise band with tunes might sound like a contradiction in terms, but Fuck Buttons have carved out a sound that owes more to personal inspiration that tradition, and here it works like a dream.”

Stream: Surf Solar

Purchase Tarot Sport

MP3: Fuck Buttons – Rough Steez or zShare

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Artist: The Maccabees

Album: Wall of Arms

Label: Fiction

Released: May 4th in the UK, Available as an import in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 13

Peak on US Charts: n/a

Recognition: Hazel Sheffeld of The Guardian said “Wall of Arms is the meticulously evolved sound of a band aiming to bid to breathe life into British indie.”

Stream: Love You Better

Purchase Wall of Arms

MP3: The Maccabees – Love You Better (Russell Lissack Remix) or zShare

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Artist: Peaches

Album: I Feel Cream

Label: XL Recordings

Released: May 4th in the UK, May 5th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: n/a

Peak on US Charts: Number 160

Recognition: Erin Lyndal Martin of PopMatters said “Peaches maintains her flavor…I Feel Cream is a fun and worthwhile album”

Stream: Talk to Me

Purchase I Feel Cream

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Artist: Jack Peñate

Album: Everything is New

Label: XL Recordings

Released: June 22nd in the UK, August 18th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 16

Peak on US Charts: n/a

Recognition: NME’s Gavin Hines gave the album a 7 out of 10 stars and  said “It’s a model for second albums everywhere and a testament to what can be achieved if you’re prepared to take a long, hard look at the man in the mirror. Let the bells ring out.”

Stream: Every Glance

Purchase Everything is New

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Artist: La Roux

Album: La Roux

Label: Polydor/Cherrytree Records

Released: June 29th in the UK, September 29th in the US

Peak on UK Charts: Number 2

Peak on US Charts: Number 170

Recognition: La Roux was nominated for the Mercury Prize this year and won the 02 Silver Clef Award for Best Newcomer.

Stream: Bulletproof

Purchase La Roux

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Artist: Bibio

Album: Ambivalence Avenue

Label: Warp Records

Released: June 22nd in the UK, June 23rd in the US

Peak on UK Charts: n/a

Peak on US Charts: Number 13 on the Dance/Electronic Album Chart

Recognition: PopMatters‘ Timothy Gabriel said Ambivalence Avenue “shows great promise for the perpetual present.”

Stream: Jealous of Roses

Purchase Ambivalence Avenue

MP3: Bibio – Haikuesque (When she Laughs) or zshare

The party was in celebration of the Fred Perry brand and Friendly Fires kicking off their winter NYLON tour Thursday night in Texas with The Xx. We had the pleasure of interviewing the band before their set for an upcoming feature on the site and were right up front for the band’s stellar 7-song set!

The boys were great both onstage and in the hotseat for our interview, adding fuel to the flames of our anticipation for the tour and the upcoming album which you can learn more about in our exclusive interview coming soon! Stay tuned!

More pictures from the show can be seen HERE, and full tour dates can be found on the band’s MySpace page. Spotted at the show: Susan Sarandon and Judah Friedlander.

MP3: Friendly Fires – Skeleton Boy (Grum Remix)
MP3: Friendly Fires – Bring Out Your Dead (Clark Remix) or zShare

List of confirmed performers are Janet Jackson, 3OH!3, Alicia Keys, All-American Rejects, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Green DAy, P!nk, Lady Gaga, Muse, Wale, Taylor Swift, Pitbull and others I’m sure. Tune in at 9PM Est.

MP3: Britney Spears – Gimme More or zShare
MP3: Muse – Feeling Good (Nina Simone Cover) or zShare

Friendly Fires Budweiser Stage Sunday 12:30PM >>

Before Friendly Fires’ set, security and paramedics made sure to announce that concertgoers hydrate themselves, wear sunblock, take care of each other, and even passed out free bottles of water. When FF took the stage at 12:30PM, they were instantly dripped onstage through their sweat-soaked clothing. At one point during the set lead singer Ed MacFarlane warned that he might pass out onstage, which luckily he did not.

The heat slightly hindered EVERYONE who was in Grant Park in a sense of precaution but the energy, passion and unity that is music was 150% there. The boys pulled all the stops with an ultra dramatic entrance, extended versions of their tunes and a brass section playing live! We were astounded by the number faces singing and dancing along to the set.  Lollapalooza sadly marked the beginning of the end of our Friendly Fires, the bittersweet beginning of a career where no stage is too big for them.

<< Bat for Lashes vitaminwater Stage Sunday 1:30PM

It was a major clusterfuck to get over to the vitaminwater stage following FF’s set at the Budweiser but I made it JUST in time for one of my favorite tracks off of Two Suns, the intensely beautiful Siren Song.

Natasha Kahn was an absolute stunning sonic and visual live experience, as expected. I’ve seen BFL in smaller venues in New York such as Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg so the delivery on a festival stage during Lollapalooza was something I was looking forward to.

As previously noted, the temperature scorched at Lolla on day 3 leading Kahn to apologize in advance for any vocal mishaps resulting from the heat and wind  (there were none.) Bat for Lashes once again soared, entrancing fans into a silent lull of ecstasy — a great form of escapism in these harsh conditions.

After Bat for Lashes it was completely NECESSARY to take a hotel break from the heat but we returned for the tail end of Vampire Weekend followed by Passion Pit.

MP3: Bat for Lashes – Two Planets or zShare

Passion Pit Citi Stage Sunday 5:00PM >>

Many argued that Passion Pit should have played a mainstage instead of the side-Citi Stage. The hype surrounding Passion Pit over the past year has been huge thanks to Sleepyhead, and it was RIGHT after PP played it during their set that 30% of the crowd thinned out. Lame.

I’ve seen PP live a handful of times starting with their string of gigs at Pianos in NYC last summer, each set a little less intimate and bigger than the last. At each of those gigs, lead singer Michael Angelakos feverishly performed from behind his keyboard, but this time around he  worked the stage to his best ability with only a mic to hide behind. I was excited and pleased to hear the new material but I have to be honest that this new format left me feeling disconnected from what was happening onstage.

We took another chill break after Passion Pit and sat in the grass watching Cold War Kids and the beginning of Snoop Dogg before heading over to  Lou Reed. Cold War Kids set highlights included Hospital Beds and Red Wine Success, while Snoop caused an uproar with Gin and Juice and duets with old school hip hop special guest, Lady of Rage.

Lou Reed Budweiser Stage Sunday 6:30PM >>

The crowd for legendary Lou Reed was unsurprisingly huge. Instead of pushing our way through we decided to get a good spot for Band of Horses (PlayStation Stage was right nearby) and watch from the sidelines. The absolute highlight of the set was the closing combo of I’m Waiting For The Man (Velvet Underground!) and Walk on the Wildside.

However it was during these two tunes that Lou Reed went almost 20 minutes over his set time inducing a terribly disrespectful chant from Band of Horses fans “F**k Lou Reed! F**k Lou Reed!” If I were thinking at the time these boys would have been on our Concertgoer Wall of Shame!

MP3: Beck – I’m Waiting For The Man (Velvet Underground Cover) or zShare

Band of Horses PlayStation Stage Sunday 7:30PM

Beside the douchey crowd, Band of Horses delivered a hypnotic set including the sing-along friendly Is there a Ghost and the heart-wrenching No One’s Gonna Love You. I skipped out a few song early to meet a friend at MSTRKRFT (pictured left) and get a spot for Jane’s Addiction, while Jess made her way to the Chicago 2016 for The Killers shortly after.

The Killers Chicago 2016 Stage Sunday 8:30PM

I haven’t seen the Killers in a long time mostly due to the fact that I thought their first album was an early indie electro masterpiece which was followed up by albums containing mediocre facsimiles of the songs they had once written. Pushing my more personal views aside, however, the Killers impressed me with how they have managed to become a formidable stadium/festival band with all the bells and whistles of a fancy stage and pyrotechnics and Brandon Flowers’ performance full of consummate careening and posing. Highlights included Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Mr. Brightside, and When You Were Young. [Jess]

MP3: The Killers – Joy Ride (Night Version) or zShare

Jane’s Addiction Budweiser Sunday Stage 8:30 >>

The on-again off-again rock superstar line-up of Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Eric Avery reunited this year to join Nine Inch Nail’s farewell tour and closing night of Lollapalooza 2009. Due to Lou Reed’s extended set, Band of Horses’ set went long. But in pure headlining manner Jane’s Addiction played louder and harder unapologetically.

Although I’m not the biggest Jane’s Addiction connoisseur, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the core line-up rock the stage in all their nostalgic glory. It was great seeing Perry’s flamboyant antics and the onstage chemistry with Dave Navaro and Co. once and for all! Jane Says was the epic closer of the night, followed by a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. I feel it was the best way to end this 3 day journey. Can’t wait for next year!

MP3: Jane’s Addiction – Jane Says (Steel Drums Live Version) or zShare

Tune in on August 15th at 9PM to catch featured performances by Kings of Leon, The Killers, Janes Addiction, Rise Against, The Silversun Pickups, Snoop Dogg and more! And it gets better, visit Fuse.tv for FREE music downloads from artists featured at the festival!

MP3: Snoop Dogg – Who Am I (What’s My Name)? or zShare

Ida Maria Citi Stage Saturday 2:15PM >>

We’ve seen Ida Maria a handful of times this year in intimate venues such as Bell House, Music Hall of Williamsburg and Mercury Lounge so it was interesting to see what she’d do onstage at a festival in broad daylight.

At the beginning of her set I got the impression that she felt a bit constrained and tame waiting to bust out (see pic.) Once she loosened up a bit Ida released her signature growl and shriek, locking in everyone’s attention and awe. The absolute highlight of Ida’s set was when she dumped water onto herself before diving into a spectacular cover of The Stooges I Wanna Be Your Dog.

Chairlift Citi Stage Saturday 3:30PM

Chairlift opened their set with the fabulous cover of Snoop’s Sexual Seduction and set the loungey seductive tone for their hour long set. There were a few sound issues but the trio powered through and delivered a strong set that served as yet another great platform for infiltrating mainstream.

<< Arctic Monkeys Budweiser Stage Saturday 4:30PM

My 3rd time seeing them in one week and I’m not sure i would’ve turned down 10 more opportunities to see them. Arctic Monkeys have matured and progressed in the ways every great band should and this set was an undeniable Lolla highlight for everyone who caught it. A.Turn and co.’s set was 10 min longer than at APW, so a more well rounded performance was able to take shape featuring the achingly epic 505 as set closer. The crowd went seriously bananas (read: crowdsurfing, moshing, pushing, flailing) and the band deserved every bit of excitement and enthusiasm hurled their way. [Jess]

Santigold Playstation Saturday Stage 5:30PM >>

Call me naive but I honestly didn’t think Santigold would draw in the immense crowd that she did on day 2 of Lollapalooza! Bon Iver played the Playstation stage the night before as well and surprised me with the number of people squeezed in to catch his set.

Santigold donned a gold jumper and gold sneakers to a huge crowd that ranged from ghetto to prep. It was pretty awesome sweating my ass off in Chicago with a bunch of strangers chanting “Brooklyn we go hard, we go hard!” in unison..if only they knew the half of it!

MP3: Basement Jaxx Featuring Santigold – Saga or zShare

Glasvegas Vitamin Water Stage Saturday 5:30 PM

Glasvegas’ crowd was surprisingly subdued, most likely due to the fact that the crowds were stalled across the park as the overwhelmingly large Arctic Monkeys crowd was leaving and the just as incredibly large Santigold crowd was filing it. Despite the serious festival gridlock, Glasvegas played a tight set as more and more fans trickled in to catch James Allan expertly belt out favorites like Geraldine and Daddy’s Gone. [Jess]

<< Lykke Li Citi Stage Saturday 6:30PM

I had to unfortunately leave the Santigold set a few minutes early in order to make it in time for Lykke Li. I saw her only one week prior at All Points West but I just can’t get enough of her captivating set. Her set from Lollapalooza was extra special in that she brought on Miike Snow singer Andrew Wyatt for the cover of Kings of Leon’s Knocked Up. It was a great and unexpected treat!

MP3: Miike Snow – Plastic Jungle or zShare

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Budweiser Stage Saturday 8PM >>

One week prior we caught Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ killer set at All Points West, so this time around it was all about singing and dancing our asses off. We found a comfortable spot and literally danced until we were (almost) dead, scaring bystanders! Jess said it best:  it was our own Saturday night dance party featuring Yeah Yeah Yeahs! Indeed it was, and also a great prelude to another epic night out in Chi-town.

MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero (Erol Alkan Remix) or zShare

Depeche Mode at Lollapalooza, 8.7.09

We arrived in Chicago a day early to hit the town and get read for Grant Park bright and early for Friday’s opening day. We were warned about the entry line for opening day, but surprisingly the side entrance moved along pretty quickly. Unfortunately we didn’t make it in time for Hockey’s set at 11:30, but their set seemed to have ended before schedule for some reason anyhow.

Although I’d love to give you the dirty details, it’s impossible to thoroughly cover 22 bands. Instead I will be putting together a photo album and just briefly discuss and share highlights of the festival. Enjoy!

Hey Champ Chicago 2016 Stage, Friday 12:15PM

Prior to this year’s festival circuit I hadn’t really heard of Rockford, Illinois’ Hey Champ,  so it was a pleasant surprise to stumble upon them as our first act of Lolla.

It was cool that these local heroes were given a prime spot on the Chicago 2016 main stage, drawing in an impressive crowd and inciting an electro dance party when most people are having lunch.

MP3: 80kidz -Getting You Off (Featuring Hey Champ) or zShare

<< White Lies Budweiser Stage Friday 2pm

It was around this time when the rain really started to come down.  White Lies took the stage promptly at 2 to a surprisingly male dominated crowd. When I spoke to lead singer Harry McVeigh in May we discussed the transition from venue to festival stage, a challenging feat that the band was both excited and nervous for.

However, the heavy rain and sunlight weren’t enough to keep this dark English trio from delivering a powerful hour-long set. Highlights from the set included the B-Side Taxidermy, Unfinished Business, and Farewell to the Fairground. Can’t wait to hear the new material and see what these guys do next.

MP3: White Lies – Taxidermy or zShare

Bon Iver Playstation Stage Friday 3PM

Immediately following White Lies, we sidestepped to Bon Iver. It was quite a shocker when we realized it was impossible to get within 50 feet of the stage and a decent view over all of the umbrellas. Bon Iver  delivered a piercing set with the highlight being Skinny Love.

MP3: Bon Iver – Skinny Love or zShare

Fleet Foxes Playstation Stage Friday 5PM >>

The rain was still coming down pretty heavily during Seattle’s Fleet Foxes set but the show must go on! The four-piece band hushed the crowd through their hour long  set comprised of tunes from the self-titled debut album and the Sun Giant EP both released in 2008.

After enduring 5 hours of rain and cold weather, I took a break from Grant Park and walked to the hotel to regroup myself. I returned to catch the tail end of Peter Bjorn and John then made my way over to the Chicago 2016 main stage for Depeche Mode while Jess watched Kings of Leon on the Budweiser stage (check back for that review)

<< Depeche Mode Chicago 2016 Stage, Friday 8PM

Depeche Mode are f***ing legends. As a child, I remember being in the back seat of my parent’s car singing along to tunes like Enjoy the Silence and Policy of  Truth on the radio, not quite knowing what they meant.

Depeche Mode’s 2-hour headlining set was pitted against Kings of Leon at the far end of Grant Park. Although I love KOL, I couldn’t miss the opportunity of seeing childhood heroes Depeche Mode rock the stage at opening night!

The first half of the set comprised of a lot of new material and gorgeous visual backdrops, but the diverse crowd of fans rejoiced once Policy of Truth was unveiled in the second hour.  Highlights from their set included Walking in My Shoes, In Your Room, I Feel You, and of course Enjoy the Silence…but where was Behind the Wheel and Strangelove?  Seeing Depeche Mode live was truly an experience I feel privileged to have taken in.

MP3: Depeche Mode – Halo (Goldfrapp Remix) or zShare

White Lies at Lollapalooza, 8.7.09

Depeche Mode at Lollapalooza, 8.7.09

Hey guys, we’re currently in Chicago for the first time catching the annual Lollapalooza festival!  We’ve met some really cool bloggers (Digidreams & Cream Team) and are on our way out BUT, just wanted to share a few pics before we hit the afterparties.

Among the acts we saw were: White Lies, Depeche Mode, Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, Peter Bjorn and John, Crystal Castles, and Fleet Foxes!

MP3: White Lies – Farewell To The Fairground (Rory Phillips Remix) or zShare

Mp3: Depeche Mode – Behind the Wheel or zShare