Ready to rock the Hill? Here's your Block Party preview

Author’s disclaimer: You’ve come to know Brett the Web guy as a reliable journalist who provides extensive coverage for Q13 FOX News. But hasten forth my loyal followers, I wasn’t always a straight newsman. The truth is, I used to write for an alternative weekly. And for the Capitol Hill Block Party reviews I’ll fall back on my old ways: Whiskey, beer, people watching and all that. So enjoy -- I know I will. 

Rapper Danny Brown

Capitol Hill Block Party Preview:

Ahhh, Capitol Hill Block Party. Sun. Rock 'n' roll. EDM. Crowds. Beers.

Insert your standard hipster joke here. How many hipsters does it take to… whatever.

As always, the annual party on Capitol Hill brings some big names, fresh up-and-coming acts and bands no one’s ever heard of, but probably should. Below is a brief list of bands Block Party-goers should see for their notoriety, their new sound or just their pure stage talent. This is by no means a full list and I've found that the best shows seem to surprise you when you wander (stumble?) into a small venue where the local are holding forth onstage.

For a full list of the Block Party’s lineup, visit the website. And if you still don’t have your tickets to the event, which runs from 3 p.m. Friday to sometime late Sunday evening, go get them here. (Or head to Craigslist, you hipster you.)

Headlining Acts

GIRL TALK

Friday 10:45 p.m., Main Stage – This guy is a Block Party stalwart. Gregg Gillis has released five albums as the beat-obsessed Girl Talk, featuring samples from the Animals, Lady Gaga and more. A great opening headliner and a perfect Friday appetizer to the weekend ahead.

PICKWICK

Saturday, 10:30 p.m., Main Stage – What’s a Capitol Hill Block Party without a local headliner? Likened to bands like the Black Keys, Alabama Shakes and others, you’ve undoubtedly heard them (they are in pretty solid rotation on KEXP) to batter walk-ups at Safeco Field. Expect songs from the band’s debut full-length album, "Can’t Talk Medicine," and pumped-up crowd filled with a lot of friends.

THE FLAMING LIPS

Sunday, 8:15 p.m, Main Stage – This Grammy Award =-winning, Oklahoma City band holds a special place in my heart. Not because I’ve ever seen them live, and not because I’m a particular fan of their psychedelic, space opera sound. I don’t even like robots much. They hold a special place in my heart because they were the music that opened up my first and only skateboard video. A young, strapping college chap, "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" became the intro song to my skateboard epic “5215” (Not to be confused with “2001: A skate Odyssey.”) I harbor the fondest memories of this skateboard period in my life, thus I carry such sentiment for the Flaming Lips.

Expect hits from "Yoshimi," their new studio album "The Terror" and a spectacular act including smoke, lights and psychedelic waves.

Local favorites

BELLAMAINE

Friday at 11:15 p.m., Neumos – Is Anacortes the next Aberdeen of Washington state rock 'n’ roll (obligatory Nirvana reference)? If BellaMaine has anything to say about it, then yes. Guy and girl dual vocalists with a sonic keyboard kick. Plus, Neumos is a great place to grab a drink.

PRINCESS

Friday 6:30 p.m., Barboza Stage – More heavy rock ‘n’ roll. Members of the band previously made up Snitches Get Stitches, the Keeper. And the Krills. Prepare for crowd-surfing and maybe, MAYBE, bring earplugs. You know, for safety and noise.

CHASTITY BELT

Saturday at 3 p.m., Vera Stage – Babes in a band named Chastity Belt? And their music is good? Yes, please. Birthed on the eastside of the Cascades and now in Seattle, this band has power. Check out the documentary video Unlocking Chastity Belt on these up-and-comers.

FOX AND THE LAW

Saturday 2 p.m. Neumos – The Stranger described these guys as “fuzzy, distorted rock ‘n’ roll. That's enough to get me front and center.

Interesting Picks

DANNY BROWN

Friday 6:30 p.m., Main Stage  – His 2011 mixtape XXX is one of the best rap records in a long time. A LOOOONG TIME. I’m an unabashed fan of Juicy J, and compared to the iconic Dizzee Rascal, this Detroit-artist has a silver tongue and a quick wit.

LATRYX

Sunday 6:30 p.m., Neumos Stage – Composed of Latryx the Truthspeaker and Lyrics Born, this duo is a perfect complement to Friday’s Danny Brown. Relying on interesting lyrics and a tough stage presence, their set at Neumos is a can’t-miss.

RAVENNA WOODS WITH SEATTLE ROCK ORCHESTRA 

Sunday 8:15 p.m., Vera Stage – This Seattle band’s latest album, The Jackals, is due out anytime now. New songs are expected, which is always a good thing.