As the blogosphere has been crowded by these the past couple days, comparing football teams to completely non-related topics is getting rather overly-done. But after Boosh spent the weekend getting down in the heart of Big Ten country, under the stars and skyline of Chicago at the Lollapalooza Music Festival, we couldn't help but think there was some sense of Fall anticipation in the muggy music ridden air. So without further ado, Big Ten Football squads as acts at this years Lollapalooza Festival.

Ohio State – Kanye West

Just like the Buckeyes, Kanye is all about the big show. From the big lights to the big band, Mr. West delivered a huge performance. Of course when he compared himself to Hendrix, Lennon, and James Brown – we couldn't help but think the sentiment was as cocky as putting a capitol T.H.E. in front of your alma mater's name. But everyone watched, even the haters.

Michigan – The Raconteurs

Jack White's new rock-heavy indie sound was a hit at the festival. Dropping ex-wife (and White Stripes bandmate) Meg like a WVU contract, Jack has found a fresh new sound with a fresh new squad. I know another performer hoping for a similar switch this year, we'll have to wait and see if the Rod man can deliver.

Wisconsin – Radiohead

Some people are diehard fans of both, some are just on the fence – but no one is vehemently opposed to either. Such is the case with Radiohead, who sold out a capacity Grant Park crowd Friday night. There were fireworks, there were crazy eco-friendly lights, but much like every year it was overshadowed by the media's love affair with pompous teams. *cough* kanye state

Purdue - Wilco

I'm sure they put on a good show. They're solid performers. Had some hits here and there, but it's more of a select club that really follows the band from venue to venue. Of course, much like the rest of America – I was rocking face at Rage Against the Machine who were playing at the same time and whom sort of eclipsed Wilco entirely.

Michigan State – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

The 50s were the golden years in America for Spartan football and smooth R&B big band sound. Sharon Jones is a throwback to the Motown era, but in her timeslot at the show and the younger audience who can't quite grasp the old school ways – maybe both should've just stayed in the 1950s where they belong.

Indiana – MGMT

While this Brooklyn-based electro-pop band is having a good summer, they aren't making a name for themselves other than in the annals of Pitchfork's music blogs. People got drunk, they went to see them perform, but even die-hard fans of the band admitted to us that they sucked live.


Iowa – Iron & Wine

The folk-indie sound of Sam Beam is a hipster's dream. The bearded maestro creates timid, slow ballads for all the tight-jeaned scarf wearers out there. But in an outdoor festival like Lollapalooza, even though you're sitting on a big stage at a good time slot – you still aren't making a whole lot of noise.

Penn State – Mark Ronson

Timbaland, Pharell Williams, West. Lately everything they seem to touch is gold, producing hit after hit for hip-hop and pop artists across the board. Well, in the U.K., Mark Ronson is that man. The "it" producer. But this is Chicago, and no one here has ever heard of Mr. Ronson nor do they know what a Nittany is or how Joe Paterno is still alive.

Illinois – Lupe Fiasco

Trying desperately to become one of the big boys, the Fighting Illini, like Lupe, are both residents of Illinois. Exploding onto the scene in the past two years under an extremely successful new direction (a'la fellow Chicago MC Kanye West), Lupe has managed to make a name for himself in the community. His unique style managed to get him on a major stage in a coveted primetime spot which, unlike the Illini, he managed to rock extremely hard. Also unlike the Illini, I don't see Lupe failing to stay in that top spot.

Northwestern – The Cool Kids

Born & raised under the city skyline, Chicago's The Cool Kids played a decent show filled with hip-hop grooves and my favorite track "The Bassment Party". Of course, not being a very well known name on the list – weren't a whole lot of people showing up to check it out. Maybe they can blow up, but I don't think the pop stations will dig it.

Minnesota – Chubawumba

Much like the Gophers, this band didn't play last year – and they didn't play this year either. And even if they did, would you even go and watch them?



*I didn't feel any team deserved to be compared to Rage Against the Machine who rocked too hard for words. It just wouldn't be fair.
 

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