Saturday 04/08/07 Day Two @ Lollapalooza Festival, Grant Park, Chicago

Share

Could’ve sworn that was M.I.A. sitting curbside last night at the Gangrene Dolphin.  Dejected, she splits in a taxi, alone.  If they’re not letting her in, you’re not getting in, either, punk.

Pry yourself out of a fitful snooze.  Get down there by noon.  It’s time for I’m From Barcelona.  Lead Swede Emmanuel emerges hoisting an inflated yellow swimming pool raft-like accessory above his head.  His suspender-clad compatriot, the one who looks like Dim from A Clockwork Orange, saunters down the steps into the pit whilst carrying an enormous white bag full of multicolored balloons for the crowd to bat amongst themselves.  I’m From Barcelona hasn’t done anything yet and already their set has overshadowed everything from yesterday.  In fact, they eclipse everyone today until Interpol steps forth in the appropriate deluge.

Treehouses, chicken pox, the Eiffel Tower, Steve Zissou – yes, the lyrical gamut of I’m From Barcelona cuts a swathe that is nothing less than all encompassing.  Nothing but praise on this end, but here is a band as polarizing as any that will take the stage this weekend.  A comment, overheard:  “This is like preschool romper room with too many teachers and my university physics professor as the headmaster.”  The BCNers don’t do their song about eyeglasses but when the one that started it all kicks in – that’d be 'We’re From Barcelona' – everyone within 50 yards of the Bud Light stage is bouncing buoyant like the balloons they gave to us.  A gentleman named Jojo is pulled from the crowd to supply backing kazoo honks.  Glorious.  Emmanuel confesses that the red guitar strap around his shoulder belongs to Of Montreal.  The whole set ends with a bleepy dork ringtone rendition of “We’re From Barcelona” that sees Emmanuel and company sprint through the now-empty photo pit slapping hands with the barricade-leaners.  Even the stage crew guy is getting down.  After this, I need a cup of wine and a trip to the Hard Rock Hotel to see what caliber of swag is up for grabs this year.

No Troll doll, no water bottle, some delightful cologne, and, on the way there, we’re stopped in the street by representatives from the Heinz ketchup corporation.  Armed with microphone and camera, please give us your thoughts on our condiment.

“What’s your favorite ketchup?”

“Heinz.  Hands down.”

“And what do you like to put Heinz ketchup on?”

“Man, you name it.  Eggs in the morning.  Burgers for lunch.”

“And women for dessert.”

“Be quiet, you.”

Inside the Hard Rock Hotel, they’re giving out free tattoos.  Real ones.  They got the needle and everything.  Roky Erickson is having a customized T-shirt made.  Questlove from the Roots is there with his family.  His kids are playing Guitar Hero.  One just hit a bum note.  “Come on,” says Questlove, “you gotta have rhythm.  You’re my blood.”