As stacked as yesterday was, Sunday’s what I’ve most been looking forward to. If you’re in Chicago for just one day, I hope this is it. Day Three has it all variety, reliability, the potential for lots of crossovers, the only artist whose potential I don’t find intriguing is Real Estate, and that’s just cause I already know I like them. I’m finding it hard not to just list the whole schedule, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to these six.
Perfect Pussy
Punk rock!!! This is one of those bands so suddenly hyped you wonder if they could possibly live up to their online reputation. That makes me curious, and hopeful.
Deafheaven
No explanation needed right? I’ve been dying to see these guys. In truth, the weekend has been woefully short on metal music. That’s a sad trend, but at least we’ve got these guys ready to obliterate our ears and minds.
Isaiah Rashad
The first of four guys who have guest spots on each others’ albums in various formations. (Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, and Kendrick Lamar are the others.) Now, if you’re Rashad, and you see the schedule, aren’t you thinking, “I’m the first one on? And I’m the only one on the small stage? WTF?” Frankly, I like his work better than Earl’s and Schoolboy’s, and I’m hoping he shows up ready to fight for his spot.
Earl Sweatshirt
Pitchfork still lists him, despite initially reporting that he had cancelled his set, along with the rest of his tour. I smell drama. History is full of artists giving legendary performances when their worlds are falling apart. I don’t envy this young man’s pain, I just hope he rises above it in spectacular fashion.
Slowdive
It’s fair to call them legendary by now, right? Certainly, if you’re a shoegaze fan, you need to be here. Some people even think they were better than My Bloody Valentine. This is a rare opportunity, to say the least.
Kendrick Lamar
The self-proclaimed King of NYC, and maybe all of hip-hop. Hard to believe it was only two years ago he was relegated to the side-stage at Chicago’s alternative music fest. Of course, eagle-eyed fans spotted Lady Gaga off-stage watching his set, so even then it was clear he’d soon be the king of the world. Seriously though, Kendrick is fantastic on-stage. I can’t wait.