Venus Zine’s Official Guide to the Pitchfork Music Festival

Our picks for the best of this year's crop

By Rachel Surwit
Published: July 12th, 2009 | 9:45pm

The summer festival season heats up Chicago on July 17 when the much-anticipated Pitchfork Music Fest drops on Union Park in the Second City! Where else can you see the newly-reunited Jesus Lizard and legendary Tortoise take the same stage on the same night; witness Wavves making waves in a prime-time Saturday set; or see the Very Best of indie rock on a Sunday evening? The affordable three-day bonanza features three stages of music bliss, a record fair, craft tent, and even record-breaking challenges. Need help planning your weekend? Welcome to Venus Zine’s official Pitchfork guide!

Venus Zine’s official Pitchfork picks for FRIDAY, JULY 17:

5:00 p.m. (C) Tortoise

It looks like Friday at Union Park will be an ode to indie music forefathers: many of the Pitchfork bands are marked by the influence of Tortoise, a veteran of the '90s scene. Tortoise leads the pack by gambling with left-field music genres such as the British ambient/techno scene, dub, jazz, classical minimalism, and space music. The group remains an undeniable force, assuring an exciting live show and untamed dance party. Expect music from their June 23 release, Beacons of Ancestorship (Thril Jockey), the band’s first full-length album of new material in five years which proves, once again, that Tortoise has the nerve to sound only like themselves and remain an international original.

8:40 p.m. (A) Built To Spill

One of the most beloved underground rock acts of the ’90s, Built To Spill headlines Pitchfork on Friday. They’ve released six albums since 1993, and continue with this fall’s There Is No Enemy (Warner Bros.). But it was Built To Spill’s live act that originally earned them their reputation which will no doubt be in full force on the Pitchfork stage.

Venus Zine’s official Pitchfork picks for SATURDAY, JULY 18:

1:45 p.m. (B) The Dutchess & The Duke

This royal duo uses brassy tambourines, rhythmic claps, and finger picking acoustic guitars to form a rare brand of folksy blues unlike any other band gracing the festival. Their heartrending lyrics portray evocative tales of universal characters that take you to a simpler time in the past. Their early-Dylan nostalgia makes them a classic that opens up Saturday’s line-up with a bang.

3:20 p.m. (C) The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

For a band relatively new to the scene (their self-titled, full-length debut was released in February), the Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have garnered a lot of buzz. It is too easy for jaded bands to over-think their work; these kids are still pure at heart and their rawness works to their advantage in the form of intuitive catchy hooks. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are clearly a band to keep an eye on and their youthful brand of energizing indie pop makes them a live set to keep your ear on too.

3:35 p.m. (B) Bowerbirds

The Bowerbirds are best appreciated outdoors and will fit well within the Pitchfork environment. Phil Moore and Beth Tacular, the lead duo, find inspiration living in the North Carolina wilderness. Chicago’s Union Park makes a nice backdrop for their nature-themed lyrics and serves as a metaphor for the sanctuary the songs create within an urban setting. Take a dance break and chill out to Bowerbirds’ melding of acoustic guitar and accordian. Expect songs from their new album Upper Air (Dead Oceans).

5:15 p.m. (C) Yeasayer

Yeasayer’s recipe for genre-bending electricity blends live instrumentation and prerecorded samples with Chris Keating’s melting vocals. The result: astute lyrics with big hooks that get you moving — in other words, a great live act.

7:30 p.m. (B) Matt and Kim

Just five years ago, neither Matt nor Kim knew how to play their instruments. Now, their live shows are legendary dance parties that have crowds coming back for more. Recently, their video for “Lessons Learned” had them running through Times Square naked. Who knows what to expect at Saturday’s show!

Venus Zine’s official Pitchfork picks for SUNDAY, JULY 19:

1:45 p.m. (C) Frightened Rabbit

The unexpectedly daring Frightened Rabbit have gained acclaim all the way from Glasgow for their live act. They started in 2004 going pub to pub with encouraging applause. Mid-2006, they released Sing the Greys on local label, Hits the Fan. After the band’s buzz at SXSW, their sophomore album, The Midnight Organ Fight hit the states in April 2008. Their engaged, high-energy performance offsets their often dark lyrics, making their live set a sundry display for a sunny day.

2:30 p.m. (A) Blitzen Trapper

These boundary-blurring experimentalists express their unique personalities in genuine folk rock. After self-releasing their first three albums, the sextet signed to Sub Pop in 2007 and released Furr to critical acclaim last year. They use lush harmonies, shakers, and synthesizers to ping pong from catchy pop to laid back rock, complete with harmonica. Their progressive indifference for genre limitations means you never know where they’ll take you next.

6:15 p.m. (A) M83

While M83 is entertaining on record, the music can only really be appreciated live. The French import blends instruments and technology to transport listeners into their imagination. The layered synth pop works to elevate the audience, maybe even to outer space like the galaxy they are named for. Close your eyes and get lost in to the aural experience.

6:30 p.m. (B) Vivian Girls

This female trio’s lo-fi tunes made them an overnight success: In 2008, they released a handful of 7" singles on small labels and their self-titled, full-length debut followed later in the year. Like their girl-group predecessors of the ‘60s, the Vivian Girl’s songs are more about the vibe than the lyrics, which take a backseat to the pounding drums, tambourine jangle, and gritty feedback. Their illusive feminin mystique makes them standout from the Pitchfork scene.

A=Aluminum Stage, B=Balance Stage, C=Connector Stage