Music Fix - Friendly Fires & Passion Pit

This week I just couldn't resist featuring a "2 for 1" deal. Although neither of these bands are new to their respective "scenes"...they are definitely new to me.

I first read about Friendly Fires on the Pitchfork website (great resource for new indie bands) back in February and since then they have been popping up everywhere from MTV to Wii ads. Their music is a good blend of rock & techno with a bit of an 80's vibe thrown in for good measure. The band's hyperactive energy radiates and their songs have got "dance party" written all over them.

Download it: "Skeleton Boy" / "Jump in the Pool" / "On Board"

Passion Pit is one of those off-beat groups that you either embrace entirely or toss out the window. Lead singer, Michael Angelakos with his shouty vocals and slightly prepubescent screeching tone makes for an interesting experience and the sweet samples they include in many of their songs keeps the beats quick and unexpected. Their new album Manners will be available on May 19, but until then you can satisfy your needs with their debut EP Chunk of Change.

Bonus: Coming to a venue near you! Passion Pit will be performing at Chicago's Empty Bottle on June 14. Grab your tickets before they're gone!

Download it: "Cuddle Fuddle" / "Live to Tell the Tale"

Indie Heaven

Today was the day. I was nervous with anticipation as I opened my email this morning stating, "2009 Lollapalooza Lineup is Here". After missing out last year I was hoping for a list of bands that would quickly remove my guilt about not participating in one of my favorite Chicago events. I will admit that a few of my favorites from the past couple of years were not included, but in their place I have compiled a list of new bands that will be sure to make up for the loss.

If you're roaming around Grant Park that weekend I would definitely make time to check out the following...

Vampire Weekend
The Decemberists
Band of Horses
Friendly Fires
Fleet Foxes
Coheed and Cambria
Heartless Bastards
Gomez
Ra Ra Riot
Kings of Leon

A few favorites that will be returning...

TV on the Radio
Cold War Kids
Peter Bjorn and John
Silversun Pickups
The Killers


I could have posted the entire list on this page, but don't be lazy! Head over to www.lollapalooza.com to check out the official lineup for this summer's 3-day festival. They have included profiles for each band/artist so you can listen to songs, read about their rise to fame, and start planning your dream schedule. Get to work!

Summer in the Chi

It's official. Perry Farrell will announce the lineup for Chicago's infamous Lollapalooza 2009 (www.lollapalooza.com) on April 21st. If you've thrown down $200 for a plastic wristband this year then you can look forward to the following (rumored) headliners..

Jane's Addiction
Beastie Boys
Depeche Mode
Kings of Leon
The Killers
Tool

Stay tuned for the full lineup, but, in the meantime, I'd like to take a shot at listing a few great bands that I would love to see grace the stages in Grant Park this summer. A girl can dream...

Ra Ra Riot / Heartless Bastards / Born Ruffians
Shout Out Louds / The Hold Steady / MGMT
Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Silversun Pickups

Fingers crossed!

Music Fix - Love in October

Although they have previously released two albums, I am highly anticipating Love in October's self-titled EP which should be hitting stores (aka iTunes) next month. I was tipped off to this band last month after a show at the Metro and not only look forward to purchasing their new album, but also can't wait to check them out live. The two ringleaders of the band, brothers Erik and Kent Widman, recently relocated the band to Chicago and a string of live shows have been scheduled in the area. Do your part...check them out!

Download it: "Soft Errors" / "Like Nothing Ever Happened"