[Review] Lollapalooza celebrates 25 anniversary in a big way
The Chicago staple of music festival excellence brought forth yet another unforgettable weekend of music and stellar performances. Lollapalooza celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in the biggest way possible. Extending the festival to four days created a marathon of incredible musical moments.
Lollapalooza had many highlights that came from inside and outside the music festival. Chicago transformed from the city with broad shoulders into, during for the four-day festival, music mecca.
The first two days had rain showers that spanned over a few hours. The temporary muggy start didn’t effect the mega celebration of the 25th anniversary. In fact, the only set backs to the festival were the uncontrollable rain and that the festival is already over.
Over the years Lolla grew not only in size but it also grew in multiple genres. It first started as an alternative rock festival in 1991 as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction. Now with over 170 acts and an extended four-day festival, Lollapalooza provided many history making moments.
It was announced by Lollapalooza that next year’s music festival will also be a 4 day festival.
Thursday, July 28 (Day 1)
Lollapalooza fixed up this problem from past years. The clear winner to the first night was hip-hop. Hip-hop actually had a deeper impact throughout the festival but it made a bold statement the first night with performances from Chicago’s own Towkio, G-Eazy, and J. Cole. Danny Brown also gained many fans with his energetic performance. Towkio brought out Chicago’s Joey Purp and Vic Mensa in a complete Chicago music takeover. Towkio from sneaking into Lollapalooza before his musical break to now setting the stage definitely was a crowd pleasure.
Another Chicago artist made headlines closing off the Perry’s stage this time from the electronic music duo Flosstradamus. They didn’t disappoint bringing their signature non-stop thrill ride of electric beats. They also brought out surprise guest Chance The Rapper, Michelle Williams, and Dwyane Wade.
From “Wet Dreamz” to “Work Out”, J. Cole stole the show with non-stop performance of hit after hit. With no back track, fans matched Cole jumping and rapping along with the Dreamville rapper. It’s important to note that Cole was the only rapper to close off the Samsung stage throughout the weekend. The others were Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LCD Soundsystem. The biggest stage at Lollapalooza was the perfect fit for J. Cole’s unforgettable set.
FIFA Unveils Official 2014 World Cup Song and More
2014 World Cup fever is well on its way as we draw nearer to the June 12th kickoff in Brazil. FIFA has released the album's track listing along with the official song, "We Are One (Ole Ola)," by Mr. 305 (Pitbull), Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian pop singer Cláudia Leitte. The album, titled One Love, One Rhythm, features new music from Shakira, Ricky Martin, Santana, The Isley Brothers, and more.
Like most soccer fans, I've caught the fever, as well, and am pretty amped for this year's games. The USMNT looks good, and we might have a chance this year. Unless you are an Outlaw making the trip to Brasil this year, most of us will be wathcing the games at home or at the neighborhood bar. To our luck, most games will be played at decent hours, so no waking up at 4am to try and catch a match. Nike helped kick off the World Cup 2014 hype by unveiling the USMNT away jersey kit last week. The very popsicle looking kit comes with red socks, shorts, and a predominantly red top with white and blue stripes. Nike tapped musical artists Diplo and Haim and film director Spike Lee to show off the kit in their new campaign, along with athletes Andrew Luck, Ndamukong Suh, Allyson Felix, Erik Koston, Sean Malto, and soccer players Clint Dempsey, Sydney Leroux and USMNT O.G. Alexi Lalas to show off American pride.
Check out photos from the campaign below, and head here to purchase the new jersey in time for kickoff. You can also see the track list and hear the new song below, as well.
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FIFA 2014 - One Love, One Rhythm Tracklist
1. Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte – We Are One (Ole Ola) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Song)
2. Santana & Wyclef feat. Avicii & Alexandre Pires – Dar Um Jeito (We Will Find A Way) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Anthem)
3. Arlindo Cruz – Tatu Bom De Bola (The Official 2014 FIFA World CupTM Mascot Song)
4. Ricky Martin – Vida (Spanglish Version)
5. David Correy – The World Is Ours
6. Psirico – Lepo Lepo
7. Sérgio Mendes & Carlinhos Brown – One Nation
8. Shakira – La La La (Brasil 2014) feat. Carlinhos Brown
9. The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing (Studio Rio Version)
10. Bebel Gilberto and Lang Lang – Tico Tico
11. Adelén – Olé (Stadium Anthem Mix)
12. Magic! – This Is Our Time (Agora e’a nossa horra)
13. Baha Men – Night & Day (Carnival Mix)
14. Rodrigo Alexey feat. Preta Gil – Go, Gol
[Video] Haim: "If I Could Change Your Mind"
LA indie-pop rock sisters Haim, dropped a music video for their new single, "If I Could Change Your Mind," off of their album Days Are Gone. The 2013 debut album blew up upon release and made countless top album lists.
The video radiates a super '80s pop vibe with close ups of the ladies faces half in the shadows while they do a synchronized dance routine on a huge retro studio stage. Snappy and provocative, the video is a perfect fit for this dance-y track.
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