Wednesday, April 11, 2012

15 Coachella Sets to Not Miss

15.  Beats Antique:  Expect a well crafted experience consisting of electro-acoustic instruments fused with world instruments, complimented by belly dancers.  This will be a fun show to dance and enjoy a talented group of musicians.
14.  M83:  Pop is an understatement.  Transporting us back to the 80's, this show should be a dancey good time with strobes, catchy drum beats, and synth riffs sure to be stuck in your head for the rest of the fest.
13. Flying Lotus:  Hip hop, jazz, techno, this talented Dj takes a bit from every genre.  This show will be intruiging, fun, and most of all, consistently interesting, something many indie pop and techno shows lack.  Dancing in the tent, you may have as much fun as he looks like he has up there, which is quite a feat.
12. Band of Skulls:  Just when we thought classic rock was dead.  This four piece rock band puts on an insane performance!  I saw them two years ago and was blown away at both their drive and clarity.  If you are a White Stripes, Jimi Hendrix, or Led Zeppelin fan, look them up and go see them!
11.  Other Lives:  This band, relatively unknown just a few months ago, has taken center stage by touring with Radiohead on their King of Limbs tour.  But their recent success is better explained by their phenomenal debut album, Tamer Animals.  As an earlier day show, this would be a great one to see.
10. Andrew Bird:  This man is unbelievably talented.  A world class violonist, songwriter, singer, guitarist, and whistler?.  Yes!  As he loops himself to create a beautiful ambiance, I do not doubt there will be tears shed at this show.  And with a new album, Bird will surely put on a great set.
9.  Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg:  Who knows what to expect from this show.  Two rap legends, also joined by Eminem and Warren G... it's going to kick ass.  As the final headliner, with such classic acts, it would be a shame to miss this show.
8.   The Black Keys:  The band who has been dominating the music scene the past two years.  I was lucky enough to see them last year and the quality of the performance is undeniable.  With a whole stash of new material off of their latest album and a first ever headlining gig, I think we are all excited to see what they will whip up.
7.   Justice:  I'm sure you have all heard D.A.N.C.E, but those 3 minutes do nothing to capture the talent of these two dj's.  2 years ago Coachella offered Deadmau5, last year Boys Noize, this year, the house show of the weekend will be Justice.  Expect the festival to erupt with this show.
6.  Bon Iver: This band may seem like a simple singer songwriter performance, and not a show worth seeing, but this is a mistake.  I've read countless reviews that rave about this show, pegging it as one of the best touring performances out there.  The songs are good, the musicians better, and apparantly the show unforgettable.  Don't miss this!
5.  Amon Tobin:  One of the most mesmerizing visual performances of the weekend.  The dj rumored to have spent years and millions preparing the light shows for the stage.  The music is dancey yet complex, convoluted yet clear.  And from the videos and reviews I have seen, this show looks ridiculous.
4.  Godspeed You Black Emperor:  For the first time since 2003, the post-rock gods have gone on tour.  With every other show selling out in mere seconds, those with Coachella passes are in luck to get to see this band.  Using film projections to put their 15 minute epic songs into context, this will be a show that stays with you.
3.  Avicii - This will be a great show, hands down.  With incredible light shows and insanely fun dance music, this 22 year old Swedish DJ will close Coachella right with what is rumored to be on of the best techno performances around, rivaling the likes of Deadmau5 and Bennassi.  Sahara will be packed and Avicii will not dissapoint.
2.  Explosions In The Sky:  As popularity goes, this band will get outshadowed by many of the bigger names playing at competing set times.  But do not let that stop any of you from seeing one of the most talented post rock bands in the world.  Blending guitars and building drums will result in an emotional, awe-inspiring performance.  I have never seen this band and they are one of the main reasons I got a Coachella ticket.  This show will be amazing!
1.  Radiohead:  How could I not put them first?  With over 300 shows under their belt and no two setlists being the same, we really do not know what to expect.  But having over 200 songs to choose from, being one of the most acclaimed rock bands of all time, and being known for the live performances, I am sure the show will be nothing short of life changing.  This tour is already being called one of their best, and the band is known for throwing down at festivals.  Yes, they are my favorite band, but there is no bias when I say that it would be a mistake to miss this show.


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