New: Daughter

I like when you get rewarded for checking out a band that you've never heard of. Whether it's through boredom or an adventurous nature I love when it pays off. I regularly visit a website called Daytrotter, and I recommend you do the same. They basically get a whole lot of bands to play live sets for them and then allow you to download them for free. And this is how I found out about this group 'Daughter', think Florence and the Machine meets Feist, and then take the tempo down... it's nice... Enjoy

Daughter - Candles


R. Hunter

New: Cliff Dweller

Honestly don't remember gettin this guy's album... but happy that I finally stumbled across it. Cliff Dweller is a beatmaker out of LA that dabbles in a few different genres on his 'Hallucinations' album, but generally keeps it ambient and pretty chill. A very nice collection of tracks to recline to, and you can check out one of my favourites below... Enjoy

Cliff Dweller - Pho


R. Hunter

November Playlist

Little bit of everything in here:

1. M83 with my 2nd favourite song with the title 'Intro' (1st belongs to The xx)

2. Funky stuff from Bonobo, thanks to Chiara

3. Class Actress with a feel-good track for a weekend

4. Kavinsky gettin grimey with the lead track off of the 'Drive' soundtrack

5. Drake - Underground Kings

6. A$AP Rocky - Peso

7. Florence & The Machine covering Drake (who was sampling Jamie xx)

8. Manchester Orchestra slowing it down with 'Deer'

9. James Blake rounding it out with a great Joni Mitchell cover off his latest LP

... Enjoy

R. Hunter

Azealia Banks: The coolest person of the year??

According to NME magazine she is. They recently released their "Cool List" for 2011 and this 20 year old lady from Harlem, NYC topped them all. To be honest I always read these lists with a fair amount of scepticism. I have found that magazines like NME and websites like Pitchfork sometimes try too hard to go against the grain and include some controversial selections in these lists (see Pitchfork's choice of Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti - Round & Round as song of the year in 2010). Up until today I had never heard of Azealia Banks, so the jury is still out for me. She does seem to represent most things that hipsters love these days, she's attractive, alternative, niche, foul-mouthed and she's making genre spanning music that can be classed as 'electro-rap'. I'll be interested to see how successful she becomes, for now you can check out her song "212" below and make up your own mind... you might want to put the earmuffs on if you're offended by coarse language, she says the C word a lot... Enjoy



R. Hunter

New: Drake & The Weeknd

It feels like I've been posting too much stuff from these two lately, but you can hardly blame me, they are everywhere at the moment. Drake's just released his 'Take Care' album, and it's very good, and this is a very good song from that album. I can't get enough of the glitchy hi-hat beats... Enjoy

Drake - Crew Love feat. The Weeknd


R. Hunter

New: Kendrick Lamar

This guy's album, 'Section 80' - released back in July this year, has taken up a lot of my listening time recently. There's something about his flow that works for me. He's got that laid back style that changes pace and intencity when necessary. Paired with the on-point beats and production it's a winning combination. Word is that Kendrick will also be featuring on a track for Drake's new album 'Take Care', keep your ears out for that one. For now here are two of my favourite tracks off 'Section 80'... Enjoy

Kendrick Lamar - Fuck Your Ethnicity


Kendrick Lamar - Rigamortis


R. Hunter

New: A$AP Rocky

My sister Chiara says it best about this track from A$AP Rocky: "Ridiculous". And if you haven't listened to Clams Casino yet (he produced this track) then you should click here or here as soon as possible. For now though check out some of A$AP Rocky's latest offering... Enjoy

A$AP Rocky - Palace


Also, A$AP put some lyrics to one of my favourite Clams tracks (originally called Numb) and you can check that one out as well:

A$AP Rocky - Demons


R. Hunter

New: M83

Go ahead and file this one under 'great music to listen to walking down a street on a dark night', or 'great music for a road trip', and even 'great music to listen to whilst snowboarding'. Whichever way you look at it this new CD is very good. You can check out the 1st single 'Midnight City' below, and also one of my favourite tracks. There's just something about the "sonic dreamscapes" that this guy creates (did I say that properly Chiara? haha)... Enjoy

M83 - Midnight City


M83 - Steve McQueen


R. Hunter

Under the Covers: Mr. Little Jeans x Arcade Fire

Not the first time that I have written about a very good Arcade Fire cover song, and hopefully won't be the last. Mr. Little Jeans takes this track and makes it something darker, gives it a pulsing beat and of course... the synth. It's another great example of when a cover works because it actually takes on an identity of it's own. Check it out below... Enjoy

Suburbs by Mr Little Jeans

R. Hunter

Watch: Black Keys - Lonely Boy

The Black Keys aren't just a band that play great music. They have this knack of making amazing videos to partner their tracks. They have recently released a new single off their upcoming album (El Camino- due out December 6th) and you can check out the simple, yet oh so effective video below... this guys is my new favourite person... Enjoy



R. Hunter

New: Bombay Bicycle Club

For a while these guys were that kind of band that only occupied one track spot on my ipod, their 2009 song "It's Always Like This" , but now I've taken the leap and checked out a full album, and I'm impressed. Their sound is consistent throughout, but some tracks lend to very different influences. On some of the more low-key tracks they come off sounding very similar to the Fleet Foxes, while on 'Shuffle' they take on a more upbeat 'Matt & Kim' vibe. The album, 'A Different Kind Of Fix' isn't breaking any new ground but it is a nice listen. Check out one of my favourite tracks below... Enjoy

Bombay Bicycle Club - Lights Out, Words Gone


R. Hunter

New: Class Actress

There's something so effective about dirty synth paired with melodic female vocals. To be honest the whole album is a little inconsistent, and at times seems to be reaching too hard for that over-the-top 80s vibe, but this opening track is a great pop song... Enjoy

Class Actress - Keep You


R. Hunter

New: The Twerps

Not sure why it's taken me so long to let people know about this band. They've been kickin around for a while and making some good music along the way. I remember back in 2002-2003 (can't remember when exactly) heading out to my friend Marty's farm and hearing his dad Maurice jamming out on the acoustic guitar until the early hours of the morning. Maurice Frawley (rest his soul) leaves behind a rich legacy of Australian music, none of which bigger than his son Marty, who is the guitarist and lead vocalist of the Twerps. I got a silly grin on my face when I read the recent review on Pitchfork.com, and I just wish I was back home to crack a beer with my old mate, talk some shit, and hear some good music. You can check out one of my favourite tracks from their debut album below... Enjoy

The Twerps - "Dreamin" by Creeping Wave

R. Hunter

New: The Weeknd

Canada's own, The Weeknd, has just released a new track on his website, and it's a good one. Really enjoying the pitch-shift that occurs continuously throughout the track... Enjoy

The Weeknd - Initiation
The Weeknd - Initiation by The_Weeknd

R. Hunter

Gavin Castleton does Portishead & Frank Ocean

Never actually heard of this guy, but will be looking out for him now. I'm very sceptical of people cover Portishead songs, generally because Ms. Gibbons' voice has never really been duplicated and Portishead hold a special place in my heart... especially their song 'Roads' (one of my top 5 of all time). But this guy pulls it off quite well, and manages to rope in a new release from Frank Ocean that I'm enjoying at the moment... Enjoy

Swim Good (Frank Ocean • Portishead cover/mashup/remix) by gavincastleton

R. Hunter

New: Lana Del Rey

Oooooooh look at those pouty lips... I bet you sing very soultry, reflective, retro, sad-pop songs about loving someone who might not love you back, or perhaps reminiscing of loves gone past wondering what they could have been... what's that? You do? And it's good music... well thank you, your music and that intense stare has got me hot under the collar. You can see why below... Enjoy

Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans


Lana Del Rey - Video Games


R. Hunter

New: St. Vincent

Below you can check out the title track from St. Vincent's new album. At first listen it appears that they've moved away from the acoustic stylings of their past ventures and have embraced the more electric side of things with good effect... Enjoy

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy


R. Hunter

Bon Iver - Beth/Rest (Solo Piano Version)

Stumbled across this today, and very glad that I did. Bon Iver's latest CD is great, but great things can always be improved on. Case in point, this solo piano version of Beth/Rest which is worlds apart from the electronic keyboard, 80s pop guitar and washed out saxophones of the original. It also a rare occasion to sample Mr. Vernon's naturally deep singing voice... Enjoy

Bon Iver - Beth/Rest (Solo Piano Version)


R. Hunter

New: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Recently I wrote about a Seattle artist Shabazz Palaces, and now coincidentally another rapper from the Northwest enters my radar. Macklemore isn't your regular rapper, considering the fact that your regular rapper probably isn't white with red hair and Irish heritage. He's been around for a while but only recently teamed up with Ryan Lewis to create some catchy, and at some times a little pop-orientated, rap music. This track should get your head nodding a little bit, and features a guy named Ray Dalton who sounds suspiciously similar to John Legend on the hook... Enjoy

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us


R. Hunter

For Irene

A classic from 1975, dedicated to all my friends and family on the East Coast of the U.S. who are staying inside tonight due to Irene setting down in New York City (see above). I'm sure/hoping that everything will be fine and come Monday everyone will have some cool stuff to talk about around the water cooler... Stay safe and enjoy.

Neil Young - Like a Hurricane


R. Hunter

New: Bon Iver x James Blake

Lots of intrigue and chatter has surrounded this collaboration since Mr. Blake started dropping hints on social network sites. Finally it has produced something that we can wrap our earbuds around. BBC one premiered this track today, and you can check it out below via Soundcloud. Nothing groundbreaking here, just two great artists doing what they do best; Bon Iver's beautiful lyrics you can't understand, and James' chilled, minimalistic beats and barking dog samples. I hope this isn't the only track they produce as a duo... Enjoy

Bon Iver & James Blake - Fall Creek Boys Choir
Fall Creek Boys Choir by blackbeard-26

R. Hunter

Things I'm listening to right now

Some stuff that's making the rounds in my headphones in the past month or so: Hooray For Earth's great debut album, my late discovery of some seriously good music from Toro Y Moi and Gil Scott Heron & Jamie xx, of course Kanye and Jigga's collaboration, some new stuff from Feist, Melbourne's own Gotye, and the latest mixtape from an up-and-coming Canadian R&B artist, amongst others... Enjoy.

Track list:

1. Kanye West & Jay Z - N****s in Paris

2. Gil Scott Heron & Jamie xx - Running

3. Toro Y Moi - Talamak

4. The Weeknd - The Zone

5. Flight Facilities - Crave You

6. Azari and III - Into The Night (Nicolas Jaar Remix)

7. Feist - How Come You Never Go There

8. Gotye - Eyes Wide Open

9. Hooray For Earth - Black Trees

10. Youth Lagoon - July

R. Hunter

Can't stop listening to...

Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx - My Cloud

I realise I've slept on this CD for the better half of a year, but now that I've given it the listen it deserves it's hard to stop. Gil's gravelly tones suit the blissful beats and melody perfectly. Give this one a listen, I guarantee you won't be able to stop at once... Enjoy


R. Hunter

I made a playlist for : August

Special mentions: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Frank Ocean, Beady Eye

Tracklist:
1. HOW CAN YOU LUV ME - UKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
2. TAKE ME FEAT. NAOMI ALLEN - KINGDOM
3. I LOVE YOU SO (SCREAM REMIX) - CASSIUS
4. WONDER WHY - VETIVER
5. STRAIGHT TO HELL - THE CLASH
6. BLUE MOON - BEADY EYE
7. WE CAN'T STOP FEAT. NE YO - JJ
8. EQUAL DREAMS FEAT. SOLANGE KNOWLES - REWARDS
9. THINKING ABOUT YOU - FRANK OCEAN  
10. GETTING ME DOWN - BLAWAN
11. WALLOW - THROWING SNOW & PY
12. HOOK UP MICS - KAY BE

C x

Listen to good music, help a good cause... Why not?

A good friend of mine Ant Phillips just sent me something that I'm sure all of you should get involved in. Ant's working on a music project for Snickers where they are getting two Melbourne artists, Miami Horror and Phrase to cover a classic Aussie track from outside of their genre. The public get to vote for which song they will cover, and for every vote Snickers will donate $1 to the charity Heaps Decent.

Heaps Decent is committed to finding and nurturing the creativity of underprivileged and Indigenous young people and emerging artists. By providing resources and opportunities. And yes that is a picture of Diplo up top because Heaps Decent actually began when Diplo - CEO and godfather of the 'Mad Decent' label - spent time in Australia after touring to work with indigenous communities in hip-hop production and DJ workshops. He linkied up with two Sydney-based DJ’s -Andrew Levins and Nina Agzarian - and the project quickly spiraled from there, roping in artists like Devlin, Darko, Pase Rock, and even M.I.A. for various workshops and programs in rural communities, correctional facilities, and universities around the country. The results have been widely available on iTunes, where proceeds are donated back into the program to continue outreach.

This project is great in many ways:

1. It gets you reaquainted with some Australian classics from years gone by. And for you international readers out there, introduce yourself to some great Aussie music.
2. You will be able to hear something fresh from two of Melbourne's best.
3. You will be indirectly giving to charity simply by clicking a button.
4. It's only going to take you less than a minute... get on it.

You can follow this link to the site and get listening/voting/donating: http://www.snickerssessions.com.au/

And you can also 'like' the project on facebook and sign up for updates here: www.facebook.com/snickerssessions

To learn more about Heaps Decent go here: https://www.facebook.com/heapsdecent

For the record, my votes went to Miami Horror covering 'Under the Milky Way' and Phrase to give 'Reckless' a re-work.

R. Hunter

Like Florence and the Machine.. with balls

Fuck 'The Dog Days Are Over' - 'Desire' is the new anthem. This song kicks with a punch and Anna Calvi has balls to match. Florence, darling, you have been replaced. I am in love with this woman.

C x

New: Gotye

In late August this year Melbourne musician Gotye will release his third studio album titled 'Making Mirrors'. He seems like a very creative man, and that comes through in his music, so the video to his latest single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' fits right in. This time around he's enlisted the help of Kimbra (another Aussie musician that I know very little about due to my recent absence) and it's a partenership that works very well. I am really liking this track right now and look forward to the new album... Enjoy

R. Hunter

New: Shabazz Palaces

Really digging the new/debut album from Shabazz Palaces. He's a rapper from Seattle who has released some teaser tracks in the lead-up to this full-length offering. The CD is titled 'Black Up' and it has a really great flow from beginning to end. What I really like about Shabazz's stuff is that often the track you start listening to will transform midway through and the song you end up with is like an abstract journey of layered creativity... if that makes any sense whatsoever. So before I ruin it for you with my nonsensical ramblings please listen to my favourite track off the album... Enjoy

Shabazz Palaces - Are You Can You Were You (felt)

R. Hunter

Playlist: Oh! Canada

Interestingly enough, my recent relocation to Canada has just so happened to coincide with 'Canada Day' (the Canadian equivalent of the USA's July 4th Independence Day, when the British colonies merged into one colony and Canada gained autonomy from the British). And what better way to celebrate Canada day then to showcase some of the great musical talent to come out of the land of maple syrup and ice hockey. So I present to you some of my favourite Canadian musicians, old and new (and honestly most of them I had no idea were Canadian in the first place... Enjoy


*track 5 is Martha Wainwright

On a side note, I believe Canada may wish to apologise for the following artists:

Justin Bieber
Nelly Furtado
Robert Goulet
Daniel Powter
Celine Dion
Paul Shaffer
Snow
Shania Twain
Nickelback

R. Hunter

I made a playlist for : June

An odd mix this month. All a bit dark and foreboding, which I suppose is appropriate for the wintry weather outside. Special mention goes to The Glitch Mob - intense and moody, just the way we like it.
Rug up and enjoy.



Track List:
1. Filthy Love - We Are Enfant Terrible
2. Wildfire feat. Little Dragon - SBTRKT
3. Bad Wings - The Glitch Mob
4. Archangel (Phaseone remix) - Burial
5. Touch - HOLY OTHER
6. Reckless With Your Love - Azari & III
7. Transmission - Joy Division
8. Dream Analysis - Jesse Ruins
9. Given The Time - Craft Spells
10. A Town Called Obsolete (Mount Kimbie remix) - Andreya Triana
11. Valentine - Jesse Ware & Sampha
12. Mi Mujer - Nicolas Jaar
13. Fogs - Kingdom
14. We Swarm - The Glitch Mob
15. Ghost Town - The Specials

C x

New: Clams Casino's Rainforest EP

Clams' new EP called 'Rainforest' is not due out for another week or so, but well worth the time to stream it from below. I described this guy as "down-tempo, chill, shoe-gazing, hip hop" back in April, and it seems like not much has changed since. Could be a good one to enjoy on a rainy day... Enjoy

Rainforest EP by clammyclams

R. Hunter

Mixtape: James Blake x Drake

No prizes for guessing the name of this mash-up mixtape. 'James Drake' is the result of two young and upcoming crooners being married together by a guy that goes by the name DJ Bombé. It's very electronic, very brooding and very cool. You can stream it below from Soundcloud or check out Mr. Bombe's website for the full download... Enjoy

James Drake Mixtape - Bombé & Mr. Caribbean by Bombé

R. Hunter

I made a playlist for : May

Well I don't know about you, but my May was funnier than this baby Bowie. Here's what I was listening to along the way..



Tracklist:
1. TRUE LOVES - HOORAY FOR EARTH
2. SANDWITCHES - TYLER, THE CREATOR FEAT. HODGY BEATS
3. RIVERSIDE (LULU ROUGE REMIX) - AGNES OBEL
4. BUY NOTHING DAY - THE GO TEAM
5. PROBLEMS WITH THE SUN - NICOLAS JAAR
6. AFTER THE MOMENT - CRAFT SPELLS
7. SET FIRE TO THE RAIN (PAPER PLATES REMIX) - ADELE
8. YOUNG BLOOD (WHITE SEA REMIX) - NAKED AND FAMOUS
9. K IS FOR KELSON - BIBIO
10. RECOGNISE - OSCAR AND MARTIN
11. TREMEL (JAMIE XX REMIX) - GLASSER
12. CANJIKA (SABO'S AMTRAK EDIT) - DJ DJEFF & SILYVI
13. I WALK ALONE - BILLA QAUSE
13. WHAT YOU NEED - THE WEEKND
14. 28 - LORENE SCAFARIA
15. BREATHE - DELILAH
16. THE LOVED ONE - THE LOVED ONE
17. I CALL THE SHOTS - MARGO
18. LOVE OUT OF LUST - LYKKE LI
19. CAMEO LOVER - KIMBRA

C x

New: Chiddy Bang

Not really sure what defines the difference between an album and a mistape... but Chiddy Bang have just released one of the latter. It coincides with summer rolling around the northern hemisphere, and it has a very bright and breezy feel to it. Chiddy serve up some more electric-inspired accessible hip hop heavily laden with samples and remixes that many people should warm to. You can check out some tracks below... Enjoy

Chiddy Bang - The Whistle Song


Chiddy Bang - Dancing With The DJ (Remix a the popular disco track from The Knocks)


R. Hunter

Can't stop listening to..

Dante - Next To You



C x

New: SebastiAn

This month SebastiAn, the French electro-producer behind many of the releases by popular label Ed Banger, will release his debut full-length album after a number of EPs and appearances on compilations have already reached our ears. He's had a fair amount of time to put this thing together and it's an impressive collection of that hard-hitting dancefloor electro that we have become accustomed to over the years listening to Justice, Kavinsky, Toxic Avenger and the rest of the gang. It's funky, electronic and very, very French (just not sure what to make of the front cover of the album, a picture of SebastiAn kissing another SebastiAn. Every egomaniacs fantasy I guess) You can check out the first single below... Enjoy

SebastiAn - Embody


R. Hunter

New: Tyler, the Creator

To be rapping like this when you are only 20 years old something must happened to this kid during his childhood that really messed his head up. I was recently chastised by my little sis for missing a recent Odd Future Wolfgang Kill Them All gig, and to be honest I had no idea who they were. If I had known that this guy was involved I definitely would have made a bigger effort to see them, if not for the music perhaps for the shock value. If you're attempting to listen to Goblin, the new album from 'Tyler, the Creator' you best be ready for some regular cuss words, homophobic slurs, sexist song titles and general angry rap that makes you wonder what sort of shit goes on in this guys head when he sits down to write a song. Tyler doesn't make any apologies for writing the sort of lyrics that would make John Mayer cry, so I guess you should probably respect him for that. And you don't need to believe or pay attention to the words to really enjoy his music. It's worth a look for the beats and gravel-edged tones of Tyler's flow alone, but if you're easily offended then take my advice... Earmuffs! (bear in mind the two tracks below are some of the tamest off the album)... Enjoy

Tyler, the Creator - Yonkers


Tyler, the Creator - Analog


R. Hunter

New: Bon Iver

Here is the first taste of the new album from Mr. Vernon and the rest of Bon Iver. He has been popping up a fair bit recently sharing the stage with fellow performers at various festivals and shows (most recently assisting The National and Kanye West with a few tracks at Coachella). The new self-titled album is due for release on June 21, and you can jump over to their label site Jagjaguwar here to download the first single. Or you can just stream it below... Enjoy

Bon Iver - Calgary


R. Hunter

This is all different kinds of awesome

I'm not sure if I need to tell you too much about this 30 minutes of amazing cinema... but here are some highlights:

• Will Ferrell dressed as a mariachi standing on top of a limo playing the cowbell.
• Will Arnett giving us the trademark "C'mon!"
• Elijah Wood getting pissed on by John C. Reilly while he does the worm.
• So many cameos it'll make your head explode... Enjoy

R. Hunter

Do yourself a favour

And watch this video.



As film director Spike Jones explains:

"The other day, I was lucky enough to be at an event to bring the arts back into schools and got to see an amazing collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and a young dancer in LA, Lil Buck. Someone who knows Yo-Yo Ma had seen Lil Buck on YouTube and put them together. The dancing is Lil Buck's own creation and unlike anything I've seen. Hope you enjoy"

It really is amazing.

C x

I needed this track yesterday!

I love when you hear a song for the first time while you're out driving, but you arrive at your destination before it finishes... so you sit in the car for a couple of minutes after you park your car just to enjoy the moment. This happened to me a couple of weeks back with this track from New York City's 'Hooray For Earth'. Apparently they've been around since 2006 but I'm just catching wind of them now as they gear up to release a new album on May 10th titled 'True Loves'. You can check out the title track that piqued my interest below via Soundcloud... Enjoy

Hooray For Earth - True Loves
Hooray For Earth - True Loves by Dovecote Records

R. Hunter

Coachella: The wrap up

Before I start this wrap up of one of the best weekends I've had in a long time I must set up a short disclaimer: I realise that a lot of people attended Coachella, and many will have a tonne of great stories and opinions about bands that I didn't even get to see. What I say is by no means 'how it was', more like 'how it was for me'... and in case you were wondering it was pretty sweet.

Wednesday, April 13th, 2pm
I leave work early to jump on a shuttle to Denver International. Excited doesn't really do it justice.

Thursday, April 14th, 4pm
Arrive in Palm Springs on a Greyhound from LA after spending the night in West Hollywood. Not quite sure what to make of Palm Springs...

Rich retirement village meets mountains and deserts... and lots of Palms (who would have thought). Check in to hotel in town and immediately reduce the average guest age drastically. Romy and Ashleigh arrive from New York City later in the evening and the shenanigans begin.

Friday, April 15th. Coachella Day 1
Hungover but beside myself with excitement. A few drinks to start the day and then off on the 45 minute bus trip to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for day 1.

Bands I saw (in order):

1. Titus Andronicus - Great way to start the festival. One of my favourite bands of 2010. Arm-swinging pub rock at it's best, and one of the best beards in music today.
2. Cee Lo Green - What a disappointment. Waited 20 mins for him to start. Listened to 2 average songs... then left.
3. A-Trak - Rocked it. Played all the hits, including some Duck Sauce jams.
4. Cold War Kids - Watched from the beer garden. Solid.
5. Sleigh Bells - Great show. The music was press-button stuff so pretty similar to the CD but she really made it entertainment. Special mention to her outfit
6. Black Keys - Solid, but they sounded like the volume was at about 70%.
7. Kings of Leon - Played too many songs that sounded too similar, but entertained nonetheless.
8. The Chemical Brothers - Classic. Great tunes, amazing visuals. Made me high without drugs.

Bands I regret missing: Odd Future, Cut Copy, Robyn, Crystal Castles, Boys Noize, Gayngs
Band I'm glad I missed: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti... I feel very vindicated though. Read this.

Saturday, April 16th. Coachella Day 2:
Decided to drink a little more than on day 1 which resulted in two things: A more entertaining afternoon, and Romy packing it in early overcome by the alcohol and heat combination. I still feel bad for her...

Bands I Saw:

1. Erykah Badu - Amazing despite some microphone issues. She's a real performer.
2. Laidback Luke - Maybe the surprise of the festival... or maybe it was the alcohol? Either way it was a ripping good time.
3. Mumford and Sons - Heard them from the beer garden... probably the best way to hear them I guess, not worth jumping around in the crowd for.
4. The Swell Season - Kinda what was needed after a rather hectic day. Great performance.
5. Empire of the Sun - Honestly, not my favourite band, but they held their own and entertained.
6. Arcade Fire - It seemed like the whole day was just building up to this. One of the best live music experiences I've had. I'm sure most of you have hear about or seen the video of 'Wake Up' with the giant glowing balls... gives me goosebumps just thinking about it (sorry Romy).

Bands I regret missing: The Tallest Man on Earth, Foals, Elbow

Sunday, April 17th. Coachella Day 3:
An amazing BLT and mimosas fueld us up (shout out to Sherman's Deli), ready for a big day, and it didn't disappoint.

Bands I Saw:

1. Wiz Khalifa - Lots of talk about weed, and lots of weed smoked in the crowd. Solid set, really established himself as something more than just 'that guy that raps Black and Yellow'.
2. Nas & Damien Marley - Rocked it together, then took turns displaying their individual talents.
3. Best Coast - Was kind of reluctant to watch this one as I still believe their CD was the most overrated of 2010. I got what I expected.
4. The National - Amazing performance. In the top 3 of the weekend for sure. They rocked much harder than their CDs would suggest.
5. The Strokes - Surprisingly great show, despite the fact that Julian Casablancas probably topped Kanye as the arsehole of the festival.
6. Kanye West - Over the top dramatic from start to finish. Whether it was the gigantic religious monument, the 3 Acts that didn't really make sense, the fireworks that erupted every time he said the word 'power', or maybe the fact that he seemed to play nearly every song he'd ever written (even that song he features on with Katy Perry)... it was all a little too much, but I have to say that he sure knows how to perform. You also can't deny that this guy has made some amazing music. I just wish he'd left out the tracks from 808s and Heartbreaks. 

Bands I regret missing: Twin Shadow, Ellie Goulding, Joy Orbison, Phantogram, The Presets

I don't think I need to say it again but it was an amazing weekend. Thanks to Romy and Ash for making it even more fun that it should have been. If you only take anything out of this post let it be this: save up your money and go next year, you won't be disappointed.

R. Hunter

New: The National

The National were a big winner at Coachella last weekend, surprisingly energetic and uplifting on stage. I love their music but wasn't expecting to be blown away by their live show... I was wrong. You can imagine my excitement when I discover that they have released a new track for a computer game soundtrack, of all things. It's a slow building piano/string combo that suits lead singer Matt Berninger's baritone perfectly. It's pretty cinematic... Enjoy

The National - Exile-Vilify

"You've got suckers luck"

R.Hunter