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