Finally .. the updates I've promised

So today is Lollapalooza-Day 1.
With me working as much as I have been I didn't get to update as much as I wanted. So today I'll do a rundown of today's shows with a follow up tomorow.
So, here we go:

2:15- The M's:
A relatively local, up and coming Chicago band I"m not familiar with. I just want to see them to start off the day and hear what the local buzz is about.

2:30- Panic! At the Disco / The eels
April wants to see Panic! at the Disco. I hate this band. I truly believe they were formulated by the folks that run Hot Topic stores so they could sell more TShirts. The real story is they're a myspace / YouTube phenomena who spread like crazy through word of mouth. Now if they would only be ten times better live, than their recorded album is they might be OK.
The eels are one dude and his band of ever rotating folks. A couple of mid-90s acoustic rock hits and some solidly poetic (and weird) lyrics puts him right up my alley.

4:30-Ryan Adams:
The Whiskeytown frontman has gotten a lot of buzz playing with the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh. Even playing Garcia's old guitar 'Wolf' on occasion. Someone I don't know too much about but that's what big festivals are for. The only thing I don't like about him is that he's insulted Chicago band Wilco many times. I hope he doesn't do that today.

5:00-Mates of State:
I have one album from them and can't remember what it sounds like. This is basically a refresher/filler spot before ...

5:30 - Iron & Wine:
Some may only know this band's cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" from the M&M's commercial. Soft acoustic ballads that can really brighten a day, or depress the hell out of you. Depending on what track you listen to.

6:30 - My Morning Jacket:
Having seen them open for Pearl Jam twice in May, I'm excited to see this band get a full hour of playing time. Kentucky twist of Allman Brothers/Black Crowes style rock. Both albums of theirs are in good rotation on my iTunes.

7:30 - Sleater Kinney / Violent Femmes
Decisions get tougher as the day goes on. I just turned April on to Sleater Kinney. A trio or punk rock chicks who could kick a man in the balls, pick him up, give him a hug and send him on his way. I love every three minute rough edged power chord of their early albums. April loves their more polished, later stuff. I'm sure we'll get a mix of both as this is one of, if not, their last live shows.
The Violent Femmes - one of Wisconsin's most fun exports (save my friend Jim Norlin) I've seen them three times already, but multi-thousand person singalongs are always fun. Especially when their drummer only has one drum and one cymbol. The minimalism of this band should make the White Stripes drool.

8:30 - Ween / Death Cab for Cutie
Dang ... what to do. April hates Ween. We both like Death Cab. I imagine we'll start with Ween, stay as long as April can stand it and then finish out the night with Detah Cab. I'm fine with that. Neither of us has seen Death Cab before. They are one of the bands I discovered six years ago. Became a fan, missed their local dive bar shows, only to watcht their fan base grow and grow because of MTV and the O.C. I was bitter for a while, but I got over it. Their still good. They'll still get my money when a new album comes out.
So, that's our day in a nutshell. Throw in some turkey legs for lunch and about 78 bottles of water and it'll be fun.
Day two in the morning .. I promise.
-DJr-