This weekend, hipsters young and old will converge en masse at Chicago’s Grant Park for the annual Lollapalooza musical festival. Hundreds of acts will perform during the festival’s three days, spanning all kinds of genres, and I bet you’re wondering what the hell you should go see. Well, lucky for you, I’m here to help. I’m going to let you in on 9 must-see acts at Lollapalooza.

However, there are, of course, a few stipulations. For one, these aren’t the only must-see acts, these are just 9, three from each day. Second, this doesn’t include headliners. I’m not here to break bands like Depeche Mode and Kings of Leon to you–besides, let’s face it, you’ve already made your decision regarding those bands anyway. The point here is to tip you off to some acts you may have otherwise not given any second thought. Well, now’s the time to start seriously pondering.

1. Fleet Foxes – Friday, 5:00-6:00, Playstation Stage

Fleet Foxes epitomize the classic festival band. This indie folk 5-piece has made quite a storm in the past year, and with good reason. A mix between Iron & Wine and Band of Horses, the sound of Fleet Foxes is pastoral and peaceful. Lay out your blanket, have a seat, and settle your nerves as you listen to lead singer Robin Pecknold’s incredible pipes.

2. Crystal Castles – Friday, 5:00-6:00, Vitamin Water Stage

With the emergence of indie electro we have seen a much wider acceptance of bands that somewhat go against the grain. Case-in-point: Crystal Castles. This duo consisting of multi-instrumentalist, Ehtan Kath and vocalist, Alice Glass combines punk-rock, hip-hop, Nintendo noises, electronica, and a slew of other unknown sounds. Regardless of how we label them, they know how to rock out a set.

3. A-Trak – Friday, 5:45-7:00, Perry’s Stage

One of the most impressive changes to Lollapalooza this year is the expansion of Perry’s Stage. Once a spot to check out mid-level deejays during one’s off-time has now become a showcase of the best DJ talent in the world. Perhaps at the forefront of this is A-Trak, a renowned magician on the decks. He hit the “mainstream” scene touring as Kanye’s DJ, and has been on a rampant hot streak ever since. For those of you who may not be into the whole dance music thing, this guy is worth checking out for his scratching and beat-juggling skills alone. The dude won DMC’s World DJ Championship in 1997 – at age 15. He’s so good, it’ll make you puke.

4. Santigold – Saturday, 5:30-6:30, Playstation Stage

Chances are you’ve heard Santigold plenty of times – even if you don’t own any of her music. Featured on Bud Light Lime commercials, Entourage episodes, and who knows where else, Santigold has exploded onto the scene in the last year-ish. A mix of hip-hop, electro, and rock, with a tinge of that Jamaican flavor, Santigold has done a great job making these elements work in harmony to create an incredibly likable sound. Her shows are just as likable, so don’t miss this one.

5.TV on the Radio – Saturday, 6:30-7:30, Budweiser Stage

I remember fondly my first time seeing TV on the Radio: a drunken, debauchery-filled Friday during my college days, highlighted by one of the best shows I have ever seen. While those days might be long gone, it’s good to know one can still channel those experiences. TV on the Radio received a lot of acclaim for their most recent album, Dear Science, and the only thing better than listening to them pre-recorded is seeing them live. Driving bass lines, roaring drums, and lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s voice make for an incredible combination when right in front of your eyes.

6. Animal Collective – Saturday, 7:30-8:30, Vitamin Water Stage

Psychedelic favorites, Animal Collective perhaps offer the most complete package on this list. Known for offbeat lyrics and unpredictable song structures, these Baltimore natives always impress.  A band that can slow it down, go completely nuts, or keep a happy medium, Animal Collective has an eclectic sound perfect for the festival atmosphere.

7. Bat for Lashes – Sunday, 1:30-2:30,Vitamin Water Stage

As Sunday arrives and you drag your dehydrated, hungover carcass to the final day of Lollapalooza, a good way to ease back into the thick of things is to go see Bat for Lashes. Relatively unknown, Bat for Lashes just released Two Suns, a wonderful album full of emotion and lush sounds. I really have no way of describing the sound without misplacing terms, so just check out the video.

8. Boys Noize – Sunday, 5:30-7:00, Perry’s Stage

Glitchy, distorted, thumping – Boys Noize is the man who is bringing electro into its next era. In many ways the natural progression from Daft Punk, Boys Noize is everywhere you might not guess. Remixing tracks for Feist, A-Trak and – believe it – The Black Eyed Peas, Alexander Ridha (aka Boys Noize) has supplanted himself as a premier producer/DJ. His sets are all-out, loud-as-hell dance parties. The only question is: are you going to have enough energy by then to hang with it?

9. Silversun Pickups – Sunday, 7:30-8:30, Vitamin Water Stage

As your Lolla journey comes to an end, a good way to setup your final headliner is by checking out Silversun Pickups. Often mistaken for The Smashing Pumpkins, this 4-piece from Los Angeles does plenty to distinguish themselves from their grunge predecessors. Great vocals, coupled with some of the best guitar riffs of late help achieve a powerful, unmistakably rock ‘n roll sound that is the basis for the traditional American music festival. So, pay homage to tradition and make your way to see Silversun Pickups.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to have a great festival experience, get out there and enjoy yourselves. Oh, and on a final note, please don’t be the jackass moshing in everyone’s personal space – I’d hate to see you get kicked out.

Lollapalooza 2009 will kick off on Friday August 7th at Chicago’s Grant Park. The complete lineup of artists scheduled to appear has been released and three-day passes are currently on-sale for $190.

After a quick review, it is safe to say that Lollapalooza will be the best music festival of the summer.

Some of the highlight artists include: Tool, Depeche Mode, Lou Reed, Arctic Monkeys, Silversun Pickups, The Killers, Jane’s Addiction, Kid CuDi, Kings of Leon, Atmosphere, Santigold, Rise Against, TV on the Radio, Besatie Boys, Vampire Weekend, The Virgins, Ra Ra Riot, The Knux and many others.

In addition to the line-up check out each individual artist’s page. Here you can view pictures, watch music videos, and listen to streaming music – it’s basically an uncluttered, better version of Myspace.

Check out the full 2009 Lollapalooza lineup, here!

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