The silver lining of a down year for Lolla (Aug. 2-4) is fewer tough decisions. When the schedule's stacked, there are a lot more conflicts between great artists that either require your willingness to sprint across Grant Park at 80 m.p.h. or miss someone entirely.
Still, there are a few bummers in the 2013 Lolla sked, announced Tuesday. Here are some thinkers with my suggestions.
Fri.
Queens of the Stone Age (6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) vs. Chance the Rapper (6:50 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) vs. Frightened Rabbit (7:15 p.m. -8:15 p.m.)
One of the weekend's few solid hard rock offerings vs. Chicago's potential next big rap star vs. one of the flat-out best bands at Lolla? Catch the beginning of Queens and the end of FR (who plays in town somewhat regularly), with all of Chance in between.
Sat.
Charles Bradley (2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.) vs. Court Yard Hounds (3 p.m.-4 p.m.) vs. Haim (3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.)
In what manner do you want to break your heart? The soul man/ex-James Brown impersonator takes precedence over two-thirds of the Dixie Chicks, then head over to the R&B-influenced folk outfit.
Kendrick Lamar (6:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m.) vs. Death Grips (7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m.)
The acclaimed MC is less abrasive than his fellow Californians in experimental hip-hop outfit Death Grips, though both do what they do well. Go straight to DG after Kendrick.
Sun.
Wild Belle (1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.) vs. Jake Bugg (1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) vs. Angel Haze (2 p.m.-3 p.m.)
Local folk-reggae, the young toast of Britain or a soon-to-be-star rapper? Catch a sweet WB song or two, enjoy Jake's storytelling for a while, then see most of Angel's set. She's the hardest hitter here.
Palma Violets (1 p.m.-1:45 p.m.) vs. The Orwells (1 p.m.-1:45 p.m.)
English garage rockers or Chicago garage rockers? Stay local and catch up with PV later.
Watch Matt on "You & Me This Morning," Friday at 6:55 a.m. on WCIU, the U
mpais@tribune.com
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