Lollapalooza 2012 Preview: Eight Bands to Check Out ... Or Else

Posted on Aug 2nd 2012 1:30PM by Dan Reilly
Comments

Samuel Dietz, WireImage

It's time for the 2012 edition of Lollapalooza and the schedule, as always, is a pain in the ass. As of now, there are about 30 bands I'd to see, but I can't be in two places at once, I haven't factored in any time for food, I'll need to reapply my SPF 110 at least once or twice out there, and I'm sure I'll end up in that wine area, because I need to stay hydrated. That said, I will definitely be at the following performances, and I think you should go to there too. So here are eight -- why eight? I don't know -- recommendations for bands you should check out at Lollapalooza this weekend.

Michael Kiwanuka
Ease into the three-day festival with the British singer's gentle-yet-entrancing soul tunes. You'll be smiling for hours after, no matter how long the bathroom lines get.
Friday, 1:30, Playstation Stage

Sharon Van Etten
The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter's third album Tramp is one of our favorites of the year. Her three-piece band helps bring that record to life, leading to a heart-stopping performance that Van Etten will often pepper with her unique sense of humor (like calling a bandmate a jagoff).
Friday, 3PM, Playstation Stage

Watch Sharon Van Etten Perform "Life of His Own" on The Interface

Doomtree
We told you to watch this Minneapolis hip-hop collective at the beginning of the year. Then we brought them in for a studio taping. If you need further proof of their excellence, check out their live show, which features not only their group songs but cuts from each member's solo outings. It's an early set, but you'll be getting down so hard that you'll sweat out your hangover. I speak from SXSW experience.
Saturday, 12:45PM, Red Bull Soundstage

Watch Doomtree Perform "Team the Best Team" on The Interface

Delta Spirit
As the dudes from Nada Surf and WATERS can attest, Delta Spirit's anthemic songs and unrelenting live show makes it hard for anyone to follow them. While most artists leave their biggest songs to the end, the San Diego rockers play a full set that seems like one peak after another (not a drug reference, honest).
Saturday, 2:15PM Bud Light Stage

tUnE-yArDs
If you're looking to dance but aren't into the EDM stuff, check out Merrill Garbus and company's Afro-beat, loop-heavy set. It'll be the perfect, upbeat way to get you energized for the night's party.
Saturday, 5PM, Sony Stage

tUnE-yArDs Perform "Powa"

Frank Ocean
I mean, come on.
Saturday, 8:45PM, Google Play Stage

Trampled by Turtles
Minnesota bluegrass with ludicrous-speed picking and stomping beats? Yep, pretty much sums up TBT.
Sunday, 2:15 Red Bull Soundstage

Dum Dum Girls
The quartet plays their songs with a joyful aggression many bands, female or otherwise, fail to match. Songs about death and despair are rarely as fun as when Dum Dum Girls are belting them out.
Sunday, 3:30PM, Google Play Stage

Watch Dum Dum Girls' "Bedroom Eyes" Video