Name: Sonic Youth
Genre: Alternative
Day: Friday

Wikipedia sez: “Sonic Youth is a seminal American alternative rock group formed in New York City in 1981. As of 2007, the group comprises Thurston Moore (guitars and vocals) Lee Ranaldo (guitars, vocals and organ) Kim Gordon (bass guitar, guitar, and vocals) and Steve Shelley (drums). In their early career, Sonic Youth were associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City, but have outlasted most associated bands. Part of the first wave of American post-punk groups, Sonic Youth carried out their interpretation of the punk rock ethos throughout the evolving American indie underground that focused more on the DIY ethic of the genre rather than its specific sound. They have found moderate mainstream success, and are generally seen as one of the leading alternative rock groups of their time.”

I could barely tell you anything about Sonic Youth apart from the 15 seconds they guest-starred on an average Simpsons episod. Sonic Youth are one of those great bands that will be spoken about by my cousin’s generation in about 15 years in reference to how great their minimalist yet somewhat loopy style is. They are one band that cannot be pigeonholed into a particular sound, you have almost radio friendly hits in tracks like Dirty Boots while the abstract factors kick in Drunken Butterfly. They will be a popular act at Coachella, but I think I may just pass them by.

Likelyhood of seeing at Coachella: Nope

Read on to view Sonic Youth live videos…

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Name: Silverset Pickups
Genre: Indie
Day: Friday

Wikipedia sez: “Silversun Pickups (also simply known as sspu) is an American indie rock band from Los Angeles, California, signed to Dangerbird Records, and headed by Brian Aubert. They released their debut Pikul EP in July of 2005, and their full length album Carnavas on July 26, 2006.”

I was all ready to say that I liked the sound of Silverset Pickups until I heard lead singer Brian Aubert start. Some call his style of singing interesting, I call it odd and out of place which detracts from the better music the rest of the band are making. Songs like Rusted Wheel are decent examples of that better music, with a slightly chilled out guitar sound which you can get hooked on quite easily which only gets slightly harder towards the end. The sad thing is that it all comes back to that voice for me, and I don’t think I would be able to listen to it for amounts of time.

Likelyhood of seeing at Coachella: Not this time.

Read on to view Silverset Pickups live videos…

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Name: Rufus Wainwright
Genre: Pop
Day: Friday

Wikipedia sez: “Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright five (born July 22, 1973) is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter. He is the brother of Martha Wainwright and the son of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Since 1998, he has recorded albums of original music, several EPs, and numerous tracks included on compilations and film soundtracks.”

I haven’t struggled so far to write about any of the artists performing at Coachella until now. Rufus Wainwright makes incredible music, adding interesting lyrics with amazing piano and guitar playing from the multi-instrumentalist. I never thought I’d have to write this but really the music speaks for itself, so go and listen to it right now.

Likelyhood of seeing at Coachella: Yes I will.

Read on to view Rufus Wainwright live videos…

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Name: Roxy Erickson & The Explosions
Genre: Rock
Day: Saturday

Wikipedia sez: “Roky Erickson (born Roger Kynard Erickson on July 15, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, harmonica player and guitarist from Texas. He was a founding member of the 13th Floor Elevators. One of rock and roll’s most famous cult figures and burnouts, Erickson is perhaps as well-known for his erratic personal behavior as for his musical talents.”

Roxy Erickson was one of the founders of the psychedelic rock sound you hear so often watching bad telemovies about the sixties. He was also a strong user of LCD and marijuana, and after being arrested and pleading insanity, he was sent to a state hospital where he was given electroshock treatment. Yikes. From what I’ve heard of his music, it’s strangely familiar yet one-of-a-kind in a way I can’t describe. Check it out, but with that said I doubt I will.

Likelyhood of seeing at Coachella: Doubt it.

Read on to view Roky Erickson & The Explosions live videos…

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Name: Rodrigo y Gabriela
Genre: Rock
Day: Sunday

Wikipedia sez: “Rodrigo y Gabriela are a Mexican musical duo who specialize in playing fast, rhythmic acoustic guitars. The pair are from Mexico City, Mexico.The duo met in Mexico City while playing in a thrash metal band called “Tierra Acida”. Growing frustrated with the limited scope of the domestic music scene, they pulled up roots and moved to Europe, where they have met considerable acclaim. They have taken up residence in Dublin, Ireland, after hearing it was particularly welcoming to travelling musicians. Playing live gigs in various pubs and busking on Grafton Street and Temple Bar allowed them to practice their sound. They received their break when Damien Rice approached them to provide the support for his tour. In 2005 they toured extensively in festivals around the United Kingdom and beyond.”

For a band that I had never heard of before I started looking into bands playing at Coachella, Rodrigo y Gabriela are the ones I am most excited about. It’s music at it’s purist form - two guitarists playing their instruments together in the best way they can. Songs such as Tamacun allow the listener to take in why they are so good as well, flicking and changing from guitarist to guitarist with beautiful Latin rhythms. One to check out, despite their early start.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Yes!

Read on to view Rodrigo y Gabriela live videos…

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Name: Richie Hawtin
Genre: Electronic
Day: Sunday

Wikipedia sez: Nothing, so here’s a snip from his MySpace bio - “Although he’s technically a Canadian, Richie Hawtin will forever be associated with putting his beloved Detroit on the dance music map. Along with fellow Detroit pioneer Carl Craig, Hawtin helped break the second wave of Detroit techno. From north of Detroit in Windsor, Ontario, Hawtin has been a DJ, a producer, a record label owner, and a flag-waver for the underground Detroit scene which is only now getting the respect it deserves in the United States.”

A ton of people I know are really into techno and have recommended Richie Hawtin as someone I should listen to if I ever want to get interested in the style of music. While I also listen to what my friends have to say on music, I’m never going to be a techno head and Hawtin’s isn’t going to make me one any time soon. Richie’s music isn’t quite as hard as some techno I’ve heard in the past, with more lush base and keyboards more then anything, but it is something I’d get bored of after five minutes or so.

Likelyhood of seeing at Coachella: Nah

Read on to view Richie Hawtin live videos…

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Name: Regina Spektor
Genre: Folk
Day: Saturday

Wikipedia sez: “Regina Spektor (born February 18, 1980) is a Russian-born American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City’s East Village.Spektor’s songs rely on a mixture of styles and techniques, often starting with a piano riff and integrating moans, nonsense words, groans, gurglings, or warblings. Spektor has said that she has created 700 songs, but that she rarely writes any of them down. Spektor’s songs are not usually autobiographical, but rather are based on scenarios and characters drawn from her imagination. Her songs show influences from folk, Jewish,Russian,hip hop, jazz, and classical music.Spektor’s musical style has drawn many comparisons to fellow singer-pianists Fiona Apple and Tori Amos^. Spektor has said that she works hard to ensure that each of her songs has its own musical style, rather than trying to develop a distinctive style for her music as a whole.”

The first thing that you notice when listening to Regina Spektor is her voice. It isn’t unique yet I couldn’t name anyone who it sounds like. The second thing is her lyrics, they tell tales yet are completely random at the same time for songs like Samson. The third thing is her looks - she’s just so damn cute! Spektor has been on a bit of a run in the mainstream lately, you probably heard Fidelity on television in an ad (couldn’t name which one) with it’s repeating “and it breaks my har-har-har-har-har-har-heart” which sounds just wonderful. Chances are I won’t remember who she is in six months, but I think I’ll check her out anyway.

Likelyhood of Seeing at Coachella: Yeah.

Read on to view Regina Spektor live videos…

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