Lollapalooza 2008 just wrapped up its 3-day run at
Grant Park. A record 225,000 music fans were in attendance to see acts like Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails and Wilco. I was able go to Friday's sold-out festivities, which featured CSS, Bloc Party and headliners
Radiohead.
Seeing the British quintet perform against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline, museum campus and a sky full of fireworks, was certainly a treat, but this show doesn't even compare to their
2001 Hutchinson Field concert. That night I was standing amongst 25,000 other
Radiohead fans. Friday night's Lolla show, I felt like I was standing amongst a crowd twice that size that wasn't even aware a concert was going on. I wasn't expecting the intimacy of a club or theater show, but I found the crowd chatter completely distracting. Luckily, I was able to pay close enough attention to hear the real star of the show:
Sound Opinions' own Greg Kot. Radiohead often mixes in radio frequencies into their set, and much to my joy, they hit on our
Friday night broadcast. Greg was discussing the juxtaposition of sounds used by Chicago House DJ Ron Hardy, and it was a fitting clip to accompany a weekend that celebrates the diversity of popular music. Check out the audio.
anthem.mp3
Also: Curious music fans should also check out
Jim and
Greg's complete Lollapalooza rundowns.