Lollapalooza 2009 Preview: Top Five Must-See Bands

With more than 130 bands set to rock Chicago's Grant Park this weekend, you'll inevitably be faced with some tough decisions -- like seeing Band of Horses or Loud Reed, Lykke Li or TV on the Radio, not to mention balancing all the headliners. And for crying out loud, go see Jane's Addiction. You wouldn't even be there were it not for the imagination of Perry Farrell.

But have no fear, festival friends! We've put together a list of the five most awesomely unmissable acts guaranteed to have you rocking, dancing and, oh right, sweating like crazy at this year's Lollapalooza. Happy hydrating!

Andrew Bird
Friday, August 7 at 7:00PM at Playstation stage

A Chicago native, Andrew Bird, who at times sounds just like a bird, has spent the last few years honing a unique brand of pastoral pop that provides the perfect soundtrack for such activities as swaying or sipping a beer on the grass. You snap along, he'll whistle and delight anyone within earshot with his intricately constructed, sunny-day-ready ditties and a surprising command of instruments like the glockenspiel.

Download Andrew Bird's 'On No' MP3 Free

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Ida Maria
Saturday, August 8 at 2:15PM at Citi stage

Expect more than just music at this punky Swede's show. As evidenced by her infectious hit 'I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked,' Ida Maria is not afraid to be loquacious -- especially in matters of love, or, more accurately, bitter breakups. With a reputation for wild, often booze-fueled stage banter covering topics like "why guys suck," she's a thrill to watch live. And who can blame her fiery nature? She's said to have a rare condition where she sees colors when she hears music.

Watch & Download Ida Maria's Live Set on the Interface

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Deerhunter
Sunday, August 9 at 6:30PM at Citi stage

Deerhunter's tree-tall frontman Bradford Cox, who suffers from Marfan Syndrome (see also Joey Ramone), and his art-rock Atlanta crew will take you on such a spaced-out trip with their undulating basslines, shoegaze soundscapes and crashing guitars, you'll be left feeling rocked but also oddly emotional.

Bradford Cox's Rockin' Gay Moment

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Santigold
Saturday, August 8 at 5:30PM at Playstation stage

The artist formerly known as Santogold is a no-brainer as far as we're concerned. The Philly-bred singer delivers danceable '80s-inspired tracks with swagger onstage while rocking anything from day-glo tights to gold lamé track suits. Santigold's effortless effervescence will do more to get you geared up for nighttime fun on Saturday than that Red Bull you sneaked past security.

Download Santigold's 'Creator' MP3 Free

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Crystal Castles
Friday, August 7 at 5:00PM Vitamin Water stage

With a frontwoman who's as uninhibited as Alice Glass, watching Crystal Castles live can be an edge-of-your-seat experience. Luckily, her penchant for destruction only augments the Toronto duo's explosive, air-tight electronic performance. While Glass flails about onstage, delivering her distinctive distorted vocals and often whipping herself into the crowd, her partner in 'Crimewave,' Ethan Kath -- and, let's face it, the stage lights operator -- will keep the party raving.

Download an Exclusive Crystal Castles DJ Set