Name: Mando Diao
Genre: Rock
Day: Sunday

Wikipedia sez: “Mando Diao is a garage rock band from Borlänge, Sweden. In 2002 their first album Bring ‘Em In was released in Sweden. It contains early demo versions of their songs, partly recorded in the basement of keyboardist Daniel Haglund who left the band later in 2003. In 2003 the album was released internationally, along with their debut single “Sheepdog.” As of 2004, the band is hailed enthusiastically by the music press as one of the most sanguine newcomer bands of the year. The album Hurricane Bar was released in 2004. Their third album Ode to Ochrasy was released in 2006. By the end of 2006 the band released a DVD called Down in the Past.”

Part Arctic Monkeys, Part Jet, Mando Diao make good ol’ fashioned rock-n-roll that just sounds good. Despite some questionable song lyrics, songs like Welcome Home, Luc Robitaille and The Band feature pumping drums and a thumping chorus, where as softer tracks like Mr Moon add organ into the mix and focus more on the sounds of the guitar and the words of lead singer Gustaf Noren. The downside to Mando Diao is that their music sounds so familiar that it could be from just about anywhere, with nothing unique popping out. It’s still good, but it’s boardline on whether I will see them.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Borderline

Read on to view Mando Diao live videos…

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Name: Lupe Fiasco
Genre: Rap
Day: Sunday

Wikipedia sez: “Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 17, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois), better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper. Lupe Fiasco rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Food & Liquor, which received three Grammy Award nominations. In 2006 he released his hit single “Kick, Push”, a song about skateboarding, and established himself as the antithesis of many mainstream rappers. As his popularity slowly increased, so did anticipation for his upcoming album Food and Liquor. The album was officially released on September 19, 2006, becoming one of the most critically acclaimed rap albums of the year. Singles from the album were Kick, Push, I Gotcha and Daydreamin featuring Jill Scott. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards.”

After a ton of mixtapes, freestyles and guest appearances on other tracks, Lupe Fiasco released arguably one of the best albums in 2006 in Food & Liquor. It didn’t matter that the album had leaked several months prior online, Lupe went back and recorded some new tracks to impress the masses. Unfortunately for Mr. Fiasco, those masses didn’t buy the album. I caught Lupe a few months back when he was on the Big Day Out tour and he put on a decent live show with plenty of crowd participation, and from all reports his Big Day Out performances were even better. Lupe Fiasco impresses all fans of music, and despite seeing him earlier in the year I think I’ll have to see him again.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Yes, unless he clashes with someone else.

Read on to view Lupe Fiasco live videos…

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Name: Lily Allen
Genre: Pop
Day: Sunday

Wikipedia sez: “Lily Allen (born May 2, 1985) is an Brit Award nominated English pop artist, currently signed to Regal/Parlophone (EMI), and known for songs such as “Smile” and “LDN”. She is the daughter of actor/comedian/musician Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen. Her single “Smile” reached #1 on the UK singles charts in July 2006.”

I blame Lily Allen for the growing trend of girls wearing oversized sunglasses, hoop earrings and bright coloured strapless dresses. It’s ugly as hell, and her music could be described in the same way. I listened to Alright, Still for about three weeks before realizing that it only gets worse on repeated listening. Sure, Smile was cute but that’s as good as it gets for her album. Plus, she sounds awful live and acts like an absolute bitch when doing live performances, preferring to slag off fellow performers rather then work on her own. There are plenty of others that I’d rather listen to.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Maybe six months ago, but not today and not at Coachella.

Read on to view Lily Allen live videos…

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Name: LCD Soundsystem
Genre: Dance
Day: Saturday

Wikipedia sez: “LCD Soundsystem is the musical project of producer James Murphy, co-founder of dance-punk label DFA Records. The music of LCD Soundsystem can also be described as a mix of dance music and punk, along with elements of disco and other styles. LCD Soundsystem gained attention with its first single, “Losing My Edge.” Murphy later released a double album simply titled LCD Soundsystem in February of 2005 to critical acclaim.”

LCD Soundsystem are weird. Good, but weird. See first you got these standard radio-friendly dance beats pumping out which would not even be noteworthy except for the fact that they are being peformed live. Then you have the total randomness of lyrics coming out of James Murphy’s mouth, plus how they are delivered. They are nothing incredible, but some topics are just so incredibly random that you have to wonder how he came up with them. So far so good, but I’m not totally sold on LCD Soundsystem so they will have to be a wait and see, at least until the set times are announced.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Borderline

Read on to view LCD Soundsystem live videos…

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