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The ladies of Lollapalooza

Confession: I live in Chicago and have yet to go to Lollapalooza. It’s true. Maybe because I go to enough shows in climate-controlled venues all year long, I’ve never felt the need to subject myself to the extreme heat of the virtually shadeless Grant Park in August. But this year’s intiial line-up, which was just announced, is making me consider risking the inevitable sunburn and dehydration. At least for a day.

Some of the bigger bands headlining this year’s fest, which will take place August 7 – 9 include some ’90s favorites like the Beastie Boys, Jane’s Addiction, Tool and Depeche Mode and plenty of (more relevant) bands like Kings of Leon, The Killers, TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend and a bunch of other dudes — as usual.

While there may be an obviously uneven male-to-female musician ratio with the lineup thus far, the ladies already involved are what I’m most excited about. (I mean, obviously.)

Surprisingly, Santogold didn’t play Lolla last year. Strange, since she were basically everywhere I turned last summer (songs on commercials, like the one for Bud Light Lime, her face on the Converse ads, etc.). But she’ll make up for it this year, under her new moniker (which I think is better, anyway, since her name is Santi.)

Is it just me, or do a lot of really great things come from Sweden? I think so. And 23-year-old dance-pop artist Lykke Li is certainly no exception. Her debut album, Youth Novels, came out last year and she’s been all over the place ever since. Haven’t heard her? I recommend “I’m Good, I’m Gone,” “Little Bit,” and “Tonight.” Well, and the rest of the album.

The alt-country singer-songwriter (and one-time Chicago resident) is fresh off the release of her third album, Middle Cyclone, which was No. 3 on the Billboard charts its first week. Her throaty alto voice will certainly draw

Sure, there’s a guy in the Canadian electro duo Crystal Castles, but for me, it’s all about Alice Glass. Sure, the Atari sound chip they’re known for is great and everything, but it’s Glass’ singing (or screaming?) makes this group interesting. It’ll be interesting to see what she does at Lolla, as the band’s set was ended at last year’s Glastonbury Festival when she climbed a speaker. My kind of girl.

Brighton-based singer Natasha Khan just released her second album, Two Suns, and her single “Daniel” has been everywhere it seems, lately. While she’s often compared to Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bat for Lashes has a sound all her own: eccentric-folk-meets-ethereal-pop.

I like a girl who can be honest. And when I first heard Ida Maria’s new single, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked,” I figured it didn’t get any more honest than that. The Norwegian punk rocker, who debut album, Fortress Round My Heart, came out this year, is known for her rowdy live show antics. A true punk-rocker.

There’s also a Hercules and Love Affair DJ set, and more performers to be announced as the three-date festival draws near. Is there anyone missing that you thought would book some stage time at this year’s Lolla? Do you make the trips to any of the bigger summer fests?

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