Lollapalooza 2012: the must-see bands

One of the world's biggest and best music festivals takes over Chicago in a little over a week, and with so much to do and see in one short weekend, a little preparation can go a long way. The sheer number of incredible bands featured at this year's Lollapalooza music festival is almost overwhelming, so to help YOU plan the perfect weekend, we've put together a list of some of the key musical performances to catch each day of the festival. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it will help you navigate Grant Park to catch some of the most exciting acts in the music world. So without further ado, here are the key acts to catch at Lollapalooza 2012:

First Aid Kit

When: Friday - 12:00

Where: Playstation Stage

In today's music world, there is almost no bigger compliment than being chosen to open for Jack White on tour; an honor which Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit can boast. The band first caught the world's attention when their beautiful and haunting rendition of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" hit the Internet. The sisters Johanna (age 22) and Klara (age 19) Soderberg have had a big year. They've released a critically adored record (The Lion's Roar), sold out venues throughout the world, and, of course, opening for Jack White on his tour of Europe. Their gorgeous harmonies and haunting melodies make them a must hear for Friday in the park.

Sharon Van Etten

When: Friday - 3:00

Where: Playstation Stage

The indie music scene is a tight-knit group, and with friends like Zach Condon (Beirut), Aaron and Bryce Bessner (The National), Matt Berrick (The Walkmen), Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), and Peter Silberman (The Antlers), Sharon Van Etten has strongly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her 2012 album, Tramp, was released to high praise by most of the biggest music critics and is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the year thus far. Tapping her indie compatriots, her songs are at once both deep and yet simple enough to be highly addictive.

Metric

When: Friday - 4:00

Where: Bud Light Stage

Canadian Indie rock outfit Metric are making their triumphant to the Lollapalooza music festival this summer in the wake of the release of their newest album Synthetica. Their most experimental and beautiful album to date, Synthetica brings together all of the factors that make Metric one of the most formidable rock bands on the indie scene: ingenious lyrics, wispy vocals, and charging instrumentals. Look for Emily Haines and company to bring some of the best rock and roll for the first day of the festival.

The Head and the Heart

When: Friday - 5:15

Where: Sony Stage

Easily the biggest breakout indie band of 2011, Seattle's the Head and the Heart make it easy to love them. Their self-titled debut album was a genuine heart-warming pleasure to hear, filled to the brim with touching songs about home, love, family, and purpose. But the real heart behind the head and the heart is the powerful vocal harmonies of Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell, and Charity Rose Thielen. Each of the three has incredible voices, but when singing together, the results are truly moving. Watch for big crowds at the Sony stage to catch this folksy up and coming band.

The Shins

When: Friday - 6:15

Where: Red Bull Stage

Icons of the indie rock scene, the Shins have taken 2012 by storm. James Mercer has reformed the classic band with a brand new all-star lineup and wrote a new album (Port of Morrow) that both recalls what put the band on the map and pushes that sound forward into uncharted territory. Having toured the country extensively this past year, the band has mastered and re-mastered all their hit songs into a killer show complete with joyful sing-along that is sure to have the crowds at Lollapalooza on their feet and dancing.

M83

When: Friday - 7:30

Where: Sony Stage

There are few musical acts so perfectly named as Anthony Gonzales' electronic outfit entitled M83. Named after the spiral galaxy Messier 83, M83's signature electronica is some of the most spacious, dreamy, and positively awe-inspiring on the scene today. His latest album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming was featured on practically every best-of list for 2011 and for good reason. Songs like "Midnight City" capture the imagination, urging listeners to gaze up at the heavens, from where the music seemingly springs. Find a good grassy spot for stargazing or come and join the joyous mob that is sure to form around the Sony stage Friday evening when M83 hits the stage.

Black Sabbath

When: Friday - 8:05

Where: Bud Light Stage

There are few bands quite as legendary and influential as Black Sabbath. Shaping bands as diverse as The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, and Metallica, Black Sabbath's music transcends the sometimes-limiting genre of metal. Led by eccentric front man Ozzie Osbourne, Black Sabbath have created some of the most recognizable songs of the century: "War Pigs", "Iron Man, "Paranoid" and "Sweet Leaf." The band is reunited with nearly it's entire original lineup for the first time since 1991, and Lollapalooza is the band's only U.S. show for 2012. Simply put, this is a can't miss performance.

GIVERS

When: Saturday - 2:15

Where: Google Play Stage

When the band onstage is having fun, chances are, so is the crowd. So when Louisiana's GIVERS hit the stage on Friday afternoon, you can be sure that the Google Play stage is going to turn into a raucous, joyous party. Universally regarded as one of 2011's bands to watch, GIVERS' music and overall attitude is infectious. I dare you to listen to the band's hit single "Up, Up, Up," without wanting to get up and dance or sing along with reckless abandon. They've rocked the stages at SXSW and Coachella already so they’re already more than prepared to bring the party to Chicago.