Future Perfect Radio's Top 5 Lollapalooza Picks

With 5 days left to Lollapalooza, we here at Future Perfect Radio thought it appropriate to pick our Top 5 Picks for the festival weekend. Here's the five bands you should definitely not miss:

(Also, don't forget that Future Perfect Radio will be backstage at Lollapalooza! Find out more here!)



1. Passion Pit (Sunday 5:00pm, on the Citi stage)

Dance-pop synth rockers Passion Pit wowed us with their debut LP Manners. It's still our favorite album of 2009 thus far. Their music is dynamic and engaging, providing glittering electro beats, inescapably catchy melodies and some introspective lyrics for those looking for some depth in their music.

2. The Builders & the Butchers (Friday 1:45pm, on the BMI stage)

Portland's The Builders and the Butchers are an incredible live act. Their darkly enticing folk rock is made for the stage, with swells and dramatic climaxes made all the better by the group's dual drummers and strong energy. Salvation Is a Deep Dark Well is an amazing album, which will sound all the more amazing live.

3. The Decemberists (Friday 6pm on the Budweiser stage)

Not that they weren't on your list already, right? Not only did The Decemberists came back strong from The Crane Wife with Hazards of Love this year, but they've been showcasing some new songs on tour lately that are nothing less than spectacular. The chance to hear some new Decemberists tunes alone should make these Portland chamber pop, English-lit rockers a must see.

4. Bat for Lashes (Sunday 1:30pm, on the vitaminwater stage)

England's singer/songwriter enchantress Natasha Khan beat the sophomore slump with Two Suns this year, which did exactly what any sophomore album should: floored us AND enticed us to go back and rediscover Fur and Gold all over again. Her amazing voice, unique wardrobe and singular style should not be missed.

5. Blind Pilot (Saturday 4:15pm on the BMI stage)

I realize this is the third Portland band on this list, but can we help it that the city is pumping out so much good music? Up-and-comers Blind Pilot strike a nice balance between the indie pop of The Shins and more folk-oriented groups like Iron & Wine or The Decemberists. We've been itching to see these guys live since hearing their debut LP 3 Rounds and a Sound, and would see them over some more well-established groups in a heartbeat.

Other acts not to miss at Lollapalooza: Silversun Pickups, Chairlift, Friendly Fires, Crystal Castles, Neko Case, Vampire Weekend, Andrew Bird, The Delta Spirit, Lykke Li, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver.