coachella lineup announced

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April 15-17 out in the California desert, the 12th annual Coachella Music And Arts Festival will take place. As an attendee in '05 and '07, I can attest that it's every bit the musical pilgrimage it's made out to be.

This year, while somewhat lacking the "holy crap, they're back together?!" element, Coachella presents a pretty deep and intriguing lineup. Here's a day-by-day look at what rattles this old waver's cage:


Friday, April 15

The Black Keys:
After being chided for snubbing Brothers on our year-end list, I'm warming up to the two-man blues. 

Interpol:
While not a huge fan of the self-titled album, they are consistently good live.

The Chemical Brothers:
Late night sets in the Sahara Tent are always a scene.

Crystal Castles:
Too bad Robert Smith won't be hanging around the polo grounds.

Cut Copy:
This set could be the most fun of the entire weekend.

Sleigh Bells:
You need to see what all they hype is about, right?



Also of note; Warpaint, Tame Impala, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, !!!, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Kele, Klaxons, Cold Cave, The Drums, The Morning Benders, Glasser, Moving Units and Hurts.


Saturday, April 16

Arcade Fire:
However overwrought, those Canadian kids put on a hell of a performance.

Animal Collective:
Count me among those who don't get it, but if ever there was a time to "get it" this would be it. 

Big Audio Dynamite:
Would be worth it just to say you've seen Mick Jones. 

The Kills:
After jacking around with Jack White in The Dead Weather, it's nice to see Alison Mosshart get back to her day job. 

The London Suede:
Are you serious? Awesome!

Also of note; Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers, Elbow, Two Door Cinema Club, Foals, The Tallest Man On Earth, Cults, The Radio Dept., Yacht, Wire and Gayngs.


Sunday, April 17

The Strokes:
The new album will be out by then.. we'll see if it's a return to form.

Duran Duran:
The new material is excellent and the classics should sound as good as ever.

The National:
Another one that deserves attention based on reputation.

Death From Above 1979:
Don't know if they'll have anything new, but go back and listen to You're a Woman, I'm a Machine - it holds up.

Chromeo:
Hilarious and funky, with the songs to get you moving - even if you don't feel like it.

Also of note; Ratatat, The Presets, Leftfield, Best Coast, She Wants Revenge, HEALTH, CSS, Yelle, Delorean, Twin Shadow and Menomena.


Coachella is a bitch to get to, and no cheap ticket, but it's worth doing once in your life. Although pretty strong, maybe this isn't the year. I'm holding out for The Smiths, Stone Roses and Cocteau Twins. A man can dream..