With seven albums on the iconic indie label, Matador, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion was back in 2010 for a one-off show at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Jon Spencer came out with a bang making sure everyone that caught the set would remember the name Jon Spencer Blues Explosion just in case they had forgotten over the past six years. Stepping out on the speaker stacks to address the crowd, Spencer seemed to be making assessments of the crowd every so often no doubt making sure that they grasped the full meaning of a “blues explosion.” Continue Reading

While it wasn’t quite Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon was the closest that the Pitchfork Music Festival could get to the iconic hip-hop group in 2010. Raekwon is just one part of the nine person group (used to be ten until Ol’ Dirty Bastard passed away in 2004). Other members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Ghostface Kilah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna if you listen to Wikipedia. Not quite as well known among hipsters as say Method Man, Raekwon is an absolute staple of hip-hop culture. Continue Reading

El-P (El Producto,) a Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist on the Definitive Jux label jumpstarted the crowd during his 4:35pm set on Friday afternoon of the Pitchfork Music Festival. As the first hip-hop act of the festival, El-P set the bar for the other hip-hop artists yet to come (Raekwon, Freddie Gibbs, and Big Boi of Outkast fame). He took time to pay homage to honor hip-hop’s roots by playing several early 90s cuts alongside his own material. Surprisingly, the energy level stayed cranked to 11 throughout the entire 45-minute set.

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***Also check out photos of Modest Mouse and Free Energy***

It’s always difficult to choose a headlining act for the biggest indie music festival in Chicago, possibly the US. How do you pick a band that is big enough to deserve a headlining spot over all the other acts yet not quite mainstream enough to make Lollapalooza? Easy, you get iconic indie rock band Pavement to reunite and close out night three of the Pitchfork Music Festival. After a lengthy introduction by someone who used to work closely with the band trying to “capture lightning in a bottle” and generate a hit for them, Stephen Malkmus took to the stage.

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***Also check out photos of Modest Mouse and Pavement***

Bubblegum rock isn’t usually sought out amongst indie fans. But, having James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem produce your record definitely adds some indie-cred. Case in point, Free Energy opened up the Aluminum stage on day two of the Pitchfork Music Festival before LCD Soundsystem closed it later that night with a ruckus dance party (even though they didn’t “Dance Yrself Clean.” Even though it was early, a decent sized crowd had gathered in the 1pm sun to watch these indie darlings.

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***Also check out photos of Free Energy and Pavement***

Even the most faithful Modest Mouse fans would admit that the band is a bit manic when it comes to their live shows. When they’re on, they’re on and when they’re off they’re off. The whole shows seems to hinge on lead singer Isaac Brock’s mood and how far he’s willing to take the show. Anyone who was at the first night of the Pitchfork Music Festival would agree that Modest Mouse was on Friday night.

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Just as CMJ Music Festival takes pride in highlighting indie musicians during the fall, Pitchfork Music Festival 2010 is getting ready to do the same in Chicago come July 16 – 18. We previously brought out initial lineup with headliners such as indie rock gods, Pavement, along with LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse and Raekwon.

As we inch into Spring, summer will be just around the corner and Pitchfork Music Festival is looking like it’s successfully rounding up the cream of the indie crop again. New additions include Broken Social Scene (a reunion we’ve been waiting for forever), Panda Bear, Girls, and El-P and more. Check out who else has been added below!

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