With the mass migration to Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, CA already in full swing, we thought we'd offer up some recommendations amongst the rich assortment at this year's Coachella Music Festival (April 16-18).
While JamBase will be featuring next day pictures from Coachella as it unfolds this weekend (check back here regularly for the latest updates!), we did want to chime in with our two-cents for those rolling into the Polo Fields. Steering clear of the headliners - really, who isn't going to kick themselves in the butt if they miss Them Crooked Vultures, Atoms For Peace, Pavement or The Dead Weather? - we offer up a trio of quality picks for each day.
Friday, April 16
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1. Lucero :: 6:50-7:40 pm :: Mojave Stage
This long running roots-meets-Bruce band put out a bonafide masterpiece last year (1372 Overton Park), and have been burning up stages for over a decade. An undiluted sense of passion and purpose infuses Lucero's music, and they play live with the same leave-it-all- on-the-stage bravura as The Hold Steady and Drive-By Truckers. Lucero is a cold shower and cup of hot, mean coffee for blue-collar souls, and lord knows we could use both right about now in America.
2. Dillinger Escape Plan :: 5:45-6:30 pm :: Gobi Stage
The precise, brainy feel of math rock, the open-wound emotional charge of emo and a big greasy smear of modern metal - that's the sound of Dillinger Escape Plan. A favorite of disaffected youths nationwide, this band might also slot in well for anyone who likes their music smart, heavy and full of feeling. And based on past shattering performances, it's likely they'll bring something special to Coachella.
3. The Specials :: 6:20-7:20 pm :: Coachella Stage
Part of the second wave of ska royalty that conquered England and young America in the late 70s and 1980s, The Specials were one of the most musically robust, exciting bands to emerge from the Two-Tone movement. Despite the absence of co-founder Jerry Dammers, this opportunity to see the reunited band - who by all reports have been knocking out U.K. and European audiences since 2008 - is not to be missed.
Continue reading for JamBase's Must-See Saturday Bands...
Saturday, April 17
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1. Shooter Jennings & Hierophant :: 2:00-2:45 pm :: Mojave Stage
Let's be plain: If all you know about Shooter Jennings is that he's Waylon's kid, then you don't know Shooter. His new band, Hierophant, is a rock 'n' roll machine with WIDE stylistic arms clawing and snatching at you. His new album, Black Ribbons, is a semi-futuristic, dark edged concept album that he collaborated with Stephen King on. Yes, that Stephen King, he of The Shining, etc. For the full scoop on the record check out the JamBase review, but our instincts say this is going to be one of the throwdowns of the festival this year.
2. Hot Chip :: 7:35-8:25 pm :: Outdoor Stage
For a bunch of English dudes cloistered behind laptops and other electronic gear, Hot Chip is pretty dang slinky. They also write WAY better songs than most others working a similar vein in danceable indie rock. Add to this strong vocals, an appealing live presence and knack for choice covers (Prince's “Nothing Compares 2 U" popped up at Treasure Island Festival one year) and you have a recipe for a fine old sunset set.
3. Gossip :: 5:40-6:30 pm :: Mojave Stage
Speaking of dance music, if you value shaking your way out of your constrictions, you shouldn't miss Gossip. A truly propulsive, sweaty joy live, the trio of singer Beth Ditto, guitarist Brace Paine and drummer Hannah Blilie has to be experienced to really be understood. Yes, it will likely be the largest, loudest congregation of gays & lesbians at Coachella this year, but folks, who knows how to have a better time in a carnival atmosphere with banging, bass heavy music playing than the rainbow connection?
Continue reading for JamBase's Must-See Sunday Bands...
Sunday, April 18
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1. Sly Stone :: 7:00-7:45 pm :: Gobi Stage
It's a TOTAL crapshoot what Sly will drop on folks' heads in Indio. He might have a rainbow Mohawk, a pimp suit or maybe a tinfoil hat. BUT if he conjures up part of the spark he unleashed in the late 60s then Coachella is in for a soul-rock uprising. Sly, for all his warts and wildness, is an American treasure and it's likely something you'll want to tell your grandkids about one day, no matter how it goes down.
2. Talvin Singh :: 1:30-2:30 pm :: Sahara Stage
Now this is a DJ set that's likely to be full of surprises and tracks that send you scrambling to the nearest well-stocked record store after you're back home. The man behind Cornershop has a keen instinct for putting together myriads of influences and styles into something that's resoundingly “pop" at heart. Tablas and jeep beats will join, well, who knows what during his time on the wheels of steel, and the results will likely be original and a good deal of fun.
3. Jnsi :: 5:55-6:45 pm :: Outdoor Stage
After a couple weeks of road testing his recent solo album, Go, the Sigur Rs frontman and his new band will probably have things dialed in. Given what a monumental concert act Sigur Rs is, there's every expectation that Jnsi will wow the crowd with his sprightly, strange new solo material. For more on this new music, check out JamBase's recent interview with Jnsi.
JamBase 2009 review of Coachella available here.
And visit JamBase all weekend to see photo galleries and updates on the 2010 Coachella Music Festival as it unfolds!
