Lollapalooza- Day 1
Friday, August 6, 2010
Grant Park/ Chicago, IL
posted 8/9

Review by Andy Argyrakis and Kathryn Randall, Photo by Andy Argyrakis

Anyone who’s carefully studied the aesthetic of Lollapalooza has surely noticed a gradual shift from an underground alternative rock event to one of the most sought after destination festivals on earth. Though purists may complain at its commercial connotations these days, there was plenty to diversity to devour from all dials of the radio, most notably opening night headliner (and current chart queen) Lady Gaga.

Though it would be easy to knock the singer/songwriter/piano player for following a bit too closely in Madonna’s footsteps, she’s drifting from that blueprint just enough to become a superstar on her own. In just three short years, she went from a side stage afternoon act to main stage ringleader, and as a larger than life show filled with spectacle proved, there’s still plenty of depth to Gaga’s fashion-focused routine.

Instead of just singing or dancing along, the performer staged each song like an individual music video, from the glow in the dark decadence of “Dance In the Dark” to the full-throttled club unfurling “Just Dance.” Amidst the glitter and glamour, Gaga proved on several occasions she has vocal chops beyond the slickly produced sounds from the studio, such as the solo piano ballad “Speechless.” Though she could stand to tighten up her rambling transitions in between tunes and trim some over the top filler, a finale stretch of party romps aptly showcased her crowd pleasing potential. After “Poker Face” and “Paparazzi,” the masses chanted “Gaga oh la la” repeatedly throughout “Bad Romance,” proving this leading Lady had no trouble establishing her artistry alongside sheer entertainment.

In fact, the day seemed centered around dance pop with theatrical presentations, as further displayed by new wave pioneers Devo. Even if the hat bearing collective was whipping it long before most of the audience was born, its influence has clearly rubbed off in younger acts while becoming a kitschy nugget of ‘80s pop culture royalty. Gender bending glam rockers Semi Precious Weapons appeared to have taken some cues from those aging alt-poppers, most overtly, how to blur the lines between seriousness and satire. It was also impossible not to notice Hot Chip’s affinity for all things retro, evidenced by an onslaught of sugary synths and contagious programming that recalled last year’s Lollapalooza leaders Depeche Mode.