So Goldenvoice finally released the set times for Coachella. While I'm still uncertain why they release set times 72 hours before the show begins, I'm glad it's here. In January, I put together a playlist on my iTunes of artists that were announced for the festival. Amongst the top were The Cure, anything by Paul Mccartney, The Silversun Pickups, Atmosphere and Band of Horses.
I always try to introduce myself to new bands during this time, so I can be more acquainted with bands that I'd like to see versus bands that I know I'm gonna see. Usually this balances out to bands that I've heard of versus ones that I've never even heard of.
Coachella does one thing extremely well. They balance. Regardless of your taste or preferred musical genre, you're always going to enjoy something there you weren't expecting to like. This year proves to be no exception.
So, quickly, I'll break down a few artists that I've grown to like over the past few months, that you should definitely check out.
First off, The Knux. An indie hip hop family band out of New Orleans that has really blown my lid. Two brothers who emerged from the wake of the devestation that we now refer to as Katrina, and decided to make fun, danceable tunes despite the circumstances. They play the big stage on Sunday at 1:35pm. Get there early and start your last day off with a bang.
Antony & the Johnsons. With the release this year of This Crying Light, Antony has created a buzz worldwide. Most music conoseiurs already knew about this sweet voice, where until February I had not. If you want a rest from your typical rock music and discover something absolutely beautiful, give Antony your ears on Sunday at 5:25 at the Outdoor theatre. Only dissapointment is that you're gonna have to split the set with Peter Bjorn & John on the main stage. With their breakout hit from the movie Juno, Young Folks, the trio recently released Living Thing, a mature followup to their playful beginnings.
Haven't heard of Lykke Li? Why not? She's a swedish breakout that has collaberated on many many projects. Lately she worked with former Coachella performing duo Royksopp. She's on Sunday at 4 right before Antony. If you're a guy, definitely go - cause she's hot, and an awesome performer. If you're a girl, this is your dancing opportunity. Shake it.
As for Saturday...
Blitzen Trapper has been the buzz of the indie world lately. Such a good band with such a great vibe, it's mid day Saturday jollies. Of course you want to check out TV on The Radio to see if they can live up to the hype that's surrounded them for the past couple years, I know that's exactly why I'm going to check them out. Can they really pull it off live? I guess we'll wait and see.
Band of Horses is totally a scheduling conflict with Junior Boys which is a crying shame despite how much I like both of their last albums. My decision in this one will probably be that Junior Boys really doesn't roll through as much as Band of Horses, seeing as how they're Canadian and all. But, I saw their YouTube videos of live performances and can't actually say that I was dying to buy a ticket to see them anyways. The new album, Begone Dull Care has gotten rave reviews, and a couple tracks into it I was impressed, so they're really high up on my maybe list. Maybe.
And most of all, Friday.
This is friggin tough. Friday is the DAY that I wish spanned over 3 days. I don't know where to begin and end, so I'll go with these must-see's. The Silversun Pickups (seen em live, they killed it, the new album is THAT good). Patton & Rahzel (how do they get away with this shit? a veteran rocker teams w/ a former The Roots member, and it works? yes, very well) Noah & The Whale, The Ting Tings, and The Airborne Toxic Event. This is honestly overload. The Ting Tings are awesome Manchester 'shake your ass' rock, that is just party centered, be there. Airborne Toxic Event is just breaking out on the mainstream indie, and for good reason, they're changing the rules of indie. Yes, you can be a band and play 7 minute songs that hold water for all 7 minutes.
Of course. I know. You really want to see Paul Mccartney, The Cure, and The Killers (just to say you did, even if you don't like them). Do it. Go see whatever bands you want, and check out bands you wouldn't buy a ticket to go see normally.
Like I said, if Coachella does one thing well, it's that they really mix it up. You never know who is gonna blow your socks off, and who is going to be surprisingly bad. Just make sure when you step through the gates at the Polo Grounds in Indio, you're open to a good time. Cause in the end, that's all that matters.
Why don't you tell us who are you stoked about seeing this weekend..?
Posted By dustin | 4/14/2009 | 10:04 PM | View Comments (2)
I got a new red bike this weekend and rode around town with other people with red bikes. I think we should invest in some matching red jumpsuits and learn a sweet routine like Datarock does in their new video for "Give It Up"...just sayin.
Posted By carly | 4/13/2009 | 8:28 AM | Add a Comment
Meet me at the club, it's goin' down. Meet me at the supermarket, it's goin' down. Last week at Kava Lounge it went down. Knorphus (without his trusty ace-in-the-hole, The Green Baron) faced off against Triceratron. It was a battle between the future and the pre-historic, a battle for the ages.
Knorphus warmed the crowd with some classic tracks off his forthcoming 87 song album; Super! Ultra! Mega! and Cancer Sandwich mixed in with some soon to be hits like Guillotine Axe. Knorphus held his own without his trusty wingman, and set the bar high for the boys from Triceratron.
The Verbavore and Paleontologist knew the gauntlet would be thrown, and thus brought their 'A' game. The lyrical delivery was air tight, and the beats were up to par with any Beck or Yacht album. (I heard someone in the audience remark, "so that's why he hasn't left his room in months...) Hopefully this battle is just the beginning of a storied rivalry. For now enjoy these polaroids from Chadwick Gantes, photos above courtesy of Andrew Burns.
Yes, there was a real live wizard in attendance.
Posted By zack | 4/7/2009 | 12:29 AM | View Comments (4)
The UK's Motronomy is made up of some quirky dudes. Their music videos give me split feelings of radness vs. weirdness. For example: blue skin = rad, full body unitard with holes for hair = weird. But that's okay since they came out with this incredible video for "A Thing For Me". Just follow the bouncing ball.
Check out their myspace for some sweet remixes.
Posted By carly | 4/6/2009 | 7:58 AM | View Comments (1)