Heat + Crowds + Music + Allergies = Awesome

Living in a major metropolitan area sometimes has its perks. Last year I made my first-and-second-ever appearances at real live music festivals, and had a pretty good time. This year the bands playing are even better, so it figures to be great. Here's some highlights, most of these lineups are only half-complete however, so more goodness to be added.

Pitchfork Music Festival (July 29-30) Two day pass = $30
Spoon
Yo La Tengo
Silver Jews
Ted Leo/Rx
The National
The Mountain Goats
Mission of Burma
*I already have tickets for this one. I've seen/will have seen (SJs) most of these bands already, and none are disappointing live. Plus the price is crazy delicious.

Intonation Music Festival (June 24-25) Two day pass = $35
The Streets
Bloc Party
Annie
Jon Brion
Boredoms
*This one I'm not so sure about. I'll probably need some more names added before I can get tickets. Not sure how The Streets would be live, not sure how Jon Brion will be outdoors, not sure if I like Bloc Party at all.

Lollapalooza (August 4-6) Three day pass = $145 plus shipping
Kanye West
Sonic Youth
Flaming Lips
New Pornographers
Sleater-Kinney
The Raconteurs
Mates of State
Death Cab for Cutie
The Shins
Wilco
Eels
Blackalicious
Ryan Adams
Common
Of Montreal
The Hold Steady
The Frames
The Go! Team
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are headlining too, but who cares?
*This lineup is terrific, plus rumors of Beck, Strokes, Built to Spill. Lolla last year was good but only had a few highlights (Arcade Fire, Black Keys, Kaiser Chiefs). This year it expands to 3 days (meaning a Friday off work?) and price is a little steep. I'm debating it now, but final decision may hinge on if Sonic Youth/The Flaming lips, who are touring together, play another show in Chicago. Considering that for the same price I could go to 7-8 shows where bands are not subjected to 50 minute sets and an apathetic crowd instead, I'll have to think about this.

That said, if I actually have friends interested in going to any of these, it would be a lot easier to warrant throwing down $. I usually have no problem going to shows solo, but when it's outside and I'm drinking only water even I can sometimes start to feel lame. Seriously, even me. For real. So let me know if anyone is interested in a weekend vacation.