Radiohead Hit the Lights on Night One of Lollapalooza

The first day of Lollapalooza 2008 went out in bright, epic style as Radiohead brought their full slate of visual tricks as well as a healthy collection of songs from throughout their career. The set relied heavily on material from In Rainbows, which sounded heavier and punchier in a live setting (especially "All I Need"). "The National Anthem" was full of menace, while "Fake Plastic Trees" balanced quiet moments with heavy angst. It was all matched up with the incredible light show, which was augmented by an unrelated fireworks display in the distance that kicked in at the end of "The Bends." By the time the last of the noise of "Idioteque" faded out and the stunning light went dark, Radiohead had cemented themselves as the kings of Lollapalooza — just one more thing they do better than anybody.

More Lollapalooza Coverage: Rock 'N' Roll Diary

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  MUSIC 100 Greatest Debut Albums
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  MOVIES 'Great Gatsby' Is a Crushing Disappointment
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  TV Why You Should Watch 'Happy Endings'
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  POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix

Song Stories

“My President”

Young Jeezy | 2008

Young Jeezy teams up with Nas on this track, in which he compare his own success with the idea of an African-American winning the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2008 presidential election. "When I pulled up in my car, that s--- was unbelievable to people in my neighborhood because they were like, 'We grew up with him. How the hell did he accomplish this?'" he told Rolling Stone. "I feel like it was the same way with Obama. I grew up all this time, but I've never seen a black man this close to running this country."

More Song Stories entries »

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