Archive for March, 2014

The official lineup for Lollapalooza 2014 has been announced.  Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys lead a list of more than 130 bands and DJs that will hit the stages August 1-3, 2014 for the 10th year at Grant Park in Chicago.  The large and medium font bands are heavy on repeat Lolla acts which will draw some criticism but the vets are bands that you should not complain about seeing again. Past breakout artists Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Grouplove, Manchester Orchestra, and Fitz and the Tantrum will likely graduate to larger stages.  But if you really want to experience this great festival be prepared to get there early each day as the real strength of the lineup comes further down the list.  Grab your magnifying glass and look at the 6 point font for the great list of up and comers, many of which have been included in recent TheSystemOfSound.com Mixtapes.  Highlights include Bear Hands, Parquet Courts, The So So Glos, Bleachers, Nonono, Kongos, Jagwar Ma, Kodaline, RAC, Royal Blood, and Warpaint.   No real surprise bands or reunions this year but I am excited to see a rare U.S. appearance by British indie rockers, The Kooks.  If you want to take molly, wear a pink tutu and flail around “dancing” like a maniac then you will not be disappointed by the EDM lineup on Perry’s Stage which includes superstar button pressers Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Zedd, Krewella, and Sebastian Ingrosso.  Good luck finding tickets if you haven’t already purchased them as the 3 day passes sold out before the lineup was even announced.  3 day VIP passes are still available and limited 1 day passes go on sale today.  See you in Chicago!

Lollapaloza 2014

Metallica debuted their new song “The Lords of Summer” at their show in Bogota, Columbia last night.  This is their first truly new song since recording the Death Magnetic album in 2008.  It is an 8 minute epic, thrasher complete with “Hey! Hey! Hey!” chants that is sure to have the mosh pits swirling, fists pumping and the crowd screaming along during their current “Metallica By Request” tour.  For this tour of South America, Europe and Canada every song on the setlist at each show other than “Lords” will be based on fan voting.  A great concept that more bands need to try.

The Mixtape for March 2014 includes some great new music from a diverse mix of artists.  Punk, Pop, Rap, EDM, Gospel, Soul, Blues, and good old heavy Rock N Roll.  From new up and comers fresh out of high school (Broods) to International superstars fresh off of Grammy wins (Pharrell Willims and Justin Timberlake) to a legendary singer you have definitely heard but may not have heard of who recorded her first song in 1962 with Bobby Darin (Merry Clayton).  Highlights include:

  • “I Wanna Dance (But I Don’t Know How) from the new SKATERS album Manhattan.  Great album of Strokes-ish melodic-punk.
  • “Every Stone” the second single of 2014 from Manchester Orchestra building more excitement for their upcoming album Cope set to be released next month
  • “One Night Romance” by legendary backup gospel-soul singer Merry Clayton featuring G. Love & Special Sauce.
  • “Brand New” from the new Pharrell Williams album GIRL and featuring Justin Timberlake