I probably shouldn't care about a 2004 edition of Lollapalooza, but for god's sake, even Reuters has a news item on this.

The 2-day format makes the whole thing more like a European festival and a bit less like a tractor pull/monster truck rally, so that's a positive. As for the acts announced so far:

Morrissey: as good a candidate as any for the elder statesman slot previously filled by the likes of Cheap Trick, Siouxsie and The Banshees, and Motorhead.

String Cheese Incident: there is no no need to encourage hippies now that the 21st century is upon us.

Sonic Youth, Flaming Lips: these guys technically belong in the old folks' slot as well, now that I think of it. Along with Morrissey, each has a recording career that spans at least 20 years. SY are always moderately reliable, despite the inexplicable decision to take Jim O'Rourke on to the payroll. FL merit a slot for their renaissance of the last few years, even if it's meant garnering TV commercial gigs.

Modest Mouse: why not? They don't do much for me, but a lot of the target audience like them.

Polyphonic Spree: see String Cheese Incident above. These guys, additionally, have already far outlived their shelf life despite not being a band for very long. They likewise shouldn't be encouraged in any way.

Polyphonic Spree:

I'm sorry but I just donget them. They are all the rage in the UK. At T in the park up in Scotland last year, they got one of the main stages. They have got to be one of the most annoying things every. They remind me of James... If James had REALLY, REALLY, SUCKED.

So far that whole line up looks like kak! Morressey I might like to see... just to see people get all crazy. The rest of the line up isn't worth the money to me.

And I do have to say this:

The European Two Day Festivals are MUCH better than the one day ones popular here. You have rides and food consessions and people camping and really good times. I always wonder about the sheep however. I did see a cow bucking once in a nearby field when the music was playing, but I'm not sure if she wasn't just dancing like the rest of us. Good times indeed. =)

They remind me of the sequel to "A Mighty Wind" only without the fake documentarians. The music doesn't offend me or anything. I also don't think I totally get it.

polyphonic spree- great band w/ tons of engergy... also is like a freaking cult that will one day own us all... go to their website, read random interviews and u'll b amazed

modest mouse- really great band that owns a lot n stuff

flaming lips- weird but good...

string cheese- total stoner/jam band dont see how it fits into the picture, but they aren't horrible or anything

dont know much morrissey or sonic youth, but the little i've heard doesn't do much for me

It seems to me they need a real HEADLINER - it's like a bullpen in baseball: once you have the closer, all the set-up and long-men find their place just fine. This is like a bullpen without a closer.

Perry Farrell is a FAG. I swear to you he's into guys. Its so obvious. And this little gypsy shit even proves it more. Please god will someone shut his ass up. I am definitely going however despite Perrywinkle's annoying ass being involved. Thank you GOD that Janes Addiction is not playing because they would ruin the whole concert. Im going to see Modest Mouse and thats it, I hate every other band on the bill, especially Polyphonic Spree. 1st off their name sounds like a damn candy or something and they dress in god damn robes and blow bubbles. OK, sorry I'll stop now. That was my hate mail for the day, see you all at the show. MODEST MOUSE ROCKS!......OUT

I hope to God that Farrell doesnt read your comment Olsen cause he'll go get some shitty ass band to headline, like the fuckin' Red Hot Chili Peppers and even worse he might invite Dave Navarro. So please dude stop giving him ideas!

Gomez is the highlight of the Lollapalooza....I've seen them five times in the last two years and they rock...best live show I've seen in two decades...don't miss them on night two!

Gomez was the highlight of The Addams family too.