- Author: Mike
- Filed under: Articles, Music
- Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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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- Author: Mike
- Filed under: Articles, Music
- Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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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- Author: Mike
- Filed under: Articles, Music
- Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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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- Author: Mike
- Filed under: Articles, Music
- Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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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- Author: Mike
- Filed under: Articles, Music
- Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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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