It’s pretty hard to mess up the whole Lolla experience. Great music, incredibly fun city, warm weather and a breathtaking festival site in downtown Chicago. What more could you ask for? I know what you’re thinking… penguins serving margaritas, but lets be realistic here….it’s way too hot for penguins this time of year in Chicago.

Having said all that…Lolla ‘07 did lack a little something for me personally. While i was a fan of the line up, I had already seen almost all of the bands. Plus, I couldn’t help but think that Saturday was lacking that slam dunk at the end of the night. (knowing that a certain brother sister duo canceled prior to the line up being announced didn’t really help). I also felt like the crowd was a bit dead as a whole…I guess we’ll just blame that on the heat.

Speaking of heat, check out this tan line after only 4 hours in the sun. Shoooooooot! That’s a nice lookin’ kneck!

OK, on to the positive stuff… Daft Punk was nothing short of epic and the talk of the festival music had ME feelin so free, I had to celebrate! – you see what i did there? I think thats called a pun or something. Oh, and this just in… the State of Illinois has officially outlawed Woodrow from ever dancing to electronic music again. Ever. (Woodrow note – Blackbird looked dumber, but he’s short, so no one can see him. I’m tall and imposing so everyone can see me).

Note: I would add more about the actual set, but I don’t want to ruin it for the NYC readers out there going this week to see them. All I will say is do not leave early!

The Black Keys were great. I would’ve liked to have seen them in a later slot, but whatever… I’d also like to be 6’ 7” and be able to dunk a basketball. The lesson here: life’s a bitch.

... My boy Dan warming up for the gig…

Speaking of warm up… James Murphy has some sweet pre-show stretching exercises. LCD’s set was much better than the one i saw at 02 wireless festival. “All My Friends” gets better every time I hear it. Love that shit!

oh…and i ran into the geico caveman backstage.

“Two can play in that game..” – caveman voice

My personal highlight and surprise of the festival… I’m from Barcelona. Incredible!!! The best festival band in the history of festivals…and bands…and bands on festivals, and get this, they’re actually from Sweden, not Barcelona like their name would suggest. Those crazy guys!!! There are 22 of them on stage. So many of these hippies that they have a dude in a bear outfit running around, a girl who sings and takes band pictures at the same time (while shaking a banana shaped maraca) and they can switch drummers mid song. Whaaaat????

Ghostland’s slot was too early. damn all you ACL people and you’re money set time! I actually sat out the black angels show to finally see Amy Winehouse for a full set, which was pretty good I guess but i seriously think she has forgotten to eat this year.

The one band I really regret missing is Back Door Slam. For the blues lovers in the crowd, check that shit out!

Thanks to Woodrow and T money for the great times.

Now over to Jon G for ACL update 17….

-The Blackbird