Lollapalooza Schedule Is Set

"Schedule is out .... Ugh .... Frustrating. Fucking Brand New vs Explosions In The Sky. Argh!" was the text I received from best friend and frequent mentionee (it's not a word, I know, so sue me. Or is it?) Gianni Antonaccio this morning upon entering the office, in regards to the schedule for this year's Lollapalooza being released. More furious texts and a phone call came my way asking for my opinion. Looking over it, I see no true conflicts, but another good work out in the sun running from stage to stage for three days straight. Here's some initial highlights:

Friday, August 1 (full schedule):
- Bang Camaro at 11:15 AM? Weird? Not Weird? Undecided.
- If the layout stays the same, the south end of Grant Park is the place to be Friday with Rogue Wave in the early afternoon (1:15PM - MySpace), Bloc Party possibly debuting new material (6:15PM - AT&T), Radiohead tour buddies Grizzly Bear behind the bushes (5:45 - Citi) and Radiohead unopposed Friday night (8:00PM - AT&T).
- North end folk will get treated to sets by Cat Power (5:15PM - Playstation) and "other Friday headliner" The Raconteurs (6:15PM - Bud Light)

Saturday, August 2 (full schedule):
- A run back and forth day with Does It Offend You, Yeah? starting the day early followed by current favorite album maker Mason Jennings (11:45AM and 1:30PM - Playstation), or do you run to the south side and see Dr. Dog (1:30PM - MySpace) and then stake out a good spot for MGMT (3:30PM - MySpace) to then turn around and see Brand New (4:30PM - AT&T) to then run all the way over to get the best spot humanly possibly for Broken Social Scene (6:30PM - Bud Light) and then toss up the headliners. Wilco (8:30PM - Bud Light) or the reunited Rage Against The Machine (8:30PM - AT&T). Decisions, decisions.

Sunday, August 3 (full schedule):
- For me, it's all about the clutch ending, yet odd pairing on the north side. The National (7:15PM - Playstation) in to headliner Nine Inch Nails (8:15PM - Bud Light).
- Throughout the day, there's plenty to relax and catch: Black Kids play one of their first post-Partie shows stateside (3:30PM - Citi), Prince wannabe's Chromeo (3:15PM - MySpace), and Chicago rockers Office (11:30AM - Playstation) all deserve your undivided attention.

So, the schedule is set. Pack your bags, Bring in your allowed bottle of water, bring cash for the chicken on a stick and BBQ sandwiches, and I'll see you - in six weeks.