Well done, Pitchfork. You knew you needed to bring it this year—after all, Taylor Swift is playing Saturday and Sunday at Soldier Field—and you did. Still, that doesn’t mean we agree on what you did best and whom festgoers should make a priority when spending Friday through Sunday at Union Park. So we’re going to argue about it.
Who is this year’s best headliner?
Wilco and Sleater-Kinney both totally rule, but I’m going to go with Chance The Rapper as this year’s top act. With the young Chicago rapper making headlines for literally everything he does (our fault) and the astounding quality of Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment’s “Surf,” Chance’s set is going to be a perfect cap to the entire weekend. Since his headlining slot at Lollapalooza last year was such an amazing display of talent, I think with another year of touring chops and a new album under his belt, he’s really going to bring it. – Josh Terry
Wait, Josh, you like Chance The Rapper? Why didn’t you say so before? Just kidding; I like him too, though I think Run the Jewels (performing right before him) will be that night’s highlight. I also like Wilco, whom I’ve seen many times and don’t especially need to see again. Give me the reunited firepower of Sleater-Kinney, capping the fest’s second day with a howl. – Matt Pais
What’s your most controversial lineup conflict decision?
Natalie Prass over Ryley Walker: I want to support the local folk artist and his recent “Primrose Green”—insert Primrose Everdeen joke—but Prass’ self-titled debut is just so lovely, there’s no way I’m missing her. Though I hope she doesn’t play “Christy.” – MP
Vic Mensa over Sleater-Kinney: You can’t go wrong with Natalie Prass, though I’ll fight you on “Christy.” My decision here is decidedly controversial. I’m going with Vic Mensa over Sleater-Kinney: While I have great love for the revitalized riot-grrrl veterans, plus the fact that Carrie Brownstein is the absolute best, I find Mensa’s homecoming to be more of a fascinating draw than S-K. – JT
Which Pitchfork day has the best lineup?
Bar for bar, Friday has the best lineup. By my count, there’s only one act I’d prefer to skip, which is absolutely bonkers to think about (I hate a lot of things). There’s Ryley Walker, Natalie Prass, Tobias Jesso Jr., Wilco, Mac DeMarco, Steve Gunn, Ought, iLoveMakonnen, CHVRCHES and so much more. While it probably helps that Friday is a shorter day, it’s filled to the brim—some tough decisions ahead for sure. – JT
Friday is strong, but Saturday is stronger: Starting with Bully and ending with Sleater-Kinney, with Ex Hex, Vince Staples, The New Pornographers and Shamir all in between, the day isn’t flawless (I don’t get the hype behind Parquet Courts) but still offers the largest quantity of greatness. – MP
Who is the most overrated act and/or who should be skipped at all costs?
Vic Mensa. I’m sorry, but his Lolla set was awful, and I just don’t think his material is good. Actually, I’m not sorry; Sleater-Kinney’s playing, and that’s where you should be. Have I mentioned that? – MP
Panda Bear. I strongly disagree with Vic Mensa being overrated. His 2013 “Innanetape” was pretty stellar, especially for someone finding his own identity in the shadow of Chance The Rapper’s success. Not to mention that the club-ready “Down on My Luck” was a top contender for my song of the summer last year. But, yeah, my pick is Panda Bear because I’m one of the few listeners who thinks the only worthwhile Animal Collective release is “Merriweather Post Pavilion.” – JT
What little-known act should be a big priority?
Bully. I know the buzz is everywhere about this Nashville indie rock act, and that it’s also playing at Lolla. Doesn’t matter. Get on the train before it’s so full that you can’t move without getting elbowed in the face. – MP
Ought. Bully rules. My pick is a tough one for me because I cannot miss a Wilco show. But Montreal’s Ought is a fiery, kinetic post-punk outfit with a frontman as weird and charismatic as David Byrne. It’s a strange but awesome scheduling decision to have the band headline Friday’s Blue Stage, and considering how much the group rocks small clubs, I have little doubt Ought will deliver. – JT
Who is your biggest question mark at the fest?
CHVRCHES. Honestly, I’m late to the party here, only just now digging into the danceable pop act. Will they seem repetitive on stage? Will the sound from Iceage bleed over? Hope not. – MP
iLoveMakonnen. I haven’t seen CHVRCHES yet, so I’m curious to see how the Scottish trio translates live, but the biggest “I have no idea what to expect” comes with Atlanta weirdo-rapper iLoveMakonnen. I know his “Tuesday” smash single will bring the house down, but does he have enough material and stage presence to keep a festival crowd intrigued? – JT
Which little-known act is going to be a future headliner?
At just 20 years old, fresh-faced pop sensation Shamir has the most promising career ahead of him. The North Las Vegas native’s debut album “Ratchet” is one of the year’s best, and while the radio has been slacking by not playing songs like “Make a Scene” and “On the Regular” all the time, Shamir’s incredible, androgynous voice and ear for perfect pop melodies will make him a huge star one day. – JT
No disagreement here about Shamir. But I’m betting bigger on Vince Staples, whose full-length debut, the double-disc “Summertime ’06,” signals a major arrival and demands repeated listening. He may not be the life of the party, but he’s got a lot to say and is never boring. Pay attention, people. – MP
What’s the most interesting story about this year’s lineup?
While many will be eagerly anticipating performances from Sophie and A.G. Cook, members of the new electronic movement P.C. Music, the most interesting part about this year’s Pitchfork lineup is both the quality—and quantity—of Chicago artists. Though the fest excels by always bringing local acts to the stage, this year’s offerings, which include headliners Wilco, Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa along with How To Dress Well, Ryley Walker, Jimmy Whispers and Bitchin’ Bajas, represent one for the books. – JT
I totally agree that it’s great that Pitchfork books local acts, and this year’s lineup is excellent. But I think what’s most notable about this year’s fest is how consistent the daily lineups are from top to bottom. Some past Pitchforks have not really required arriving early or staying until the end, based on who was scheduled. This year, fest organizers start each day with a must-see and close it out with someone substantial. Love it. – MP
Pitchfork Music Festival, 3:20 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. Sat-Sun. at Union Park. Sold out.
Matt Pais’ Top 5 acts:
1. Run the Jewels
2. Sleater-Kinney
3. Natalie Prass
4. Vince Staples
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5. Bully
Runner-up: CHVRCHES
Josh Terry’s Top 5 acts:
1. Chance The Rapper
2. Natalie Prass
3. Future Islands
4. Wilco
5. Jamie xx
Runner-up: Run the Jewels
Josh Terry’s recommended aftershows:
Thursday, July 16
Natalie Prass, 7:30 p.m. Schubas. $8-$15.
Friday, July 17
Ex Hex, Tweens, 9 p.m. at Empty Bottle. $15.
Tobias Jesso Jr., 11 p.m. at Schubas. $10-$15.
Saturday, July 18
Protomartyr, Bully, 11 p.m. at Schubas. $10-$15.
Viet Cong, Ryley Walker, 11 p.m. at Subterranean. $14.
Sunday, July 19
Mourn, 10:30 p.m. at Schubas. $8-$12.
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