Venus takes on Lollapalooza 2005
A fabulous lineup and stellar surroundings make for one hot weekend
By Jennifer Sabella
Published: July 27th, 2005 | 2:38pm
There’s nothing quite like the view of Chicago from the city’s infamous Grant Park. On one side, it’s the vast shimmer of Lake Michigan and on the other the sprawling skyline of the Windy City –– which I have yet to see another city surpass in all its architectural splendor. Just when you think it can’t get any better, throw in sounds of the Pixies, Liz Phair, Blonde Redhead, Death Cab for Cutie, and countless other fabulous acts, and you have Lollapalooza 2005.
Former Janes Addiction frontman Perry Farrell officially outdid himself with his two-day Chicago rock fest on July 23 and 24. After canceling a tour boasting the likes of LeTigre, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Modest Mouse in 2004 due to shabby ticket sales, Farrell decided to step it up a notch. Instead of taking the tour nationwide, he decided on Chi-town, and rounded up some kickass bands to join him.
Despite the sweltering heat and brief instances of rain, the general attitude of concertgoers was positive. Vendors lined the park with tents full of Chicago favorites (hot dogs and pizza) as well as plenty of beer and water. Prices stayed moderate; therefore, attendees stayed happy –– the music may have helped with that as well.
Liz Phair
Hardcore Phair fans have neglected their petite rocker in recent years due to some cheesy radio hits (Does anyone recall the lyrics “Why can’t I breathe whenever I think about you”? cringe). But we need to remember the better days, when songs like “Girls!Girls!Girls!” and “Supernova” reigned supreme. Phair took the Lollapalooza stage looking quite bohemian, a change from her usual attire, but when she busted out some old favorites, like “6’1”” and “Fuck and Run,” she instantly won me back. Phair has never been the best live performer, but the Chicago native had me satisfied as I walked over to see VHS or Beta.
VHS or Beta
When I arrived to the VHS or Beta stage, I was ready to scope out cute hipster boys and girls. Much to my surprise, the crowd ranged from fortysomethings with kids to teenage boys in Cubs hats and polo shirts. The hipsters were there, too, just not as many as expected. VHS or Beta decided they were a jam band for a good 15 minutes, which was enough time to make me tired and hungry, but then they stepped it up a notch. I’d never seen the band live, but they reminded me of the Cure –– a dancier Cure, that is. Which is never a bad thing. The cute boys in the band also added to my enjoyment.
Blonde Redhead
When the always-intoxicating Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead took the stage in a tiny, leopard-print dress, I remembered just how much stage presence she had and braced myself for an amazing performance. True to form, Blonde Redhead kept chatting to a minimum and took full advantage of their one-hour set. Playing songs from their latest, Misery is a Butterfly, as well as Melody, the stage was surrounded by fans as well as new listeners who must not like Billy Idol (Idol played at the same time as Blonde Redhead on another stage). Those wanderers probably don’t regret their decision, and neither do I.
The Black Keys
After last year’s presidential election, I tried to convince myself that nothing (other than my good friend, Candace) good came from Ohio. I was proven very wrong. The Akron-based duo the Black Keys stole my heart with their Saturday performance. Guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney make bluesy rocknroll that is fast, sexy, and extremely satisfying. If anyone needs a soundtrack to a hot, sweaty, back-seat romp, pick up Rubber Factory or Thickfreakness and you will not be disappointed. Despite the perfection of their albums, their live show cannot be outdone. Be sure to check them out the next time they tour. For my sake, I hope it’s soon.
The Pixies
Ladies and gentleman! Boys and girls! Children of all ages! Welcome to … a pretty badass show. Looking around the crowd at the Pixies’ Lollapalooza performance gave me more hope in humanity than any of my Peace Studies classes did in an entire semester. Seeing grown men, 12-year-old-girls, and well-dressed hipsters all sing “Where is My Mind” in unison was simply amazing. By far the most attended show at Lollapalooza, the Pixies played hits and not-so-hits from Surfer Rosa and Doolittle. That whole reunion thing was a pretty good idea.
Issue #35
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