One Day 'til Coachella - Answer Key 2009

So you want to know who's worth seeing at the big festy this year? You've come to the right place. Our team of experts on crack has researched the living shit out of the schedule, and have come up with our best guess as to the series of events that will leave you with a total aural orgasm.

First, in general:

• Get there as early as you can, stay as late as you can. If you tough it out for the whole thing, you'll be happier when it's over.
• Try to bring a water bottle with you. Drink it in the parking lot and in line. When it's empty, you can take it into the venue and use it to get free (?!?) filtered water.
• Pace yourself. It's a three-day balls-out music festival in the desert. Sure, this isn't Burning Man, but all that means is that there are hospitals nearby.
• Watch out for the cops! They are fucking everywhere.
• Be courteous to your neighbor and be sure to talk to others when appropriate.
• Shut the fuck up when you're watching a band. Your neighbor didn't come to hear you bitch and moan about how hot it is in the Mojave tent.
• Have a good time. Even a great time. But remember, we're all out there together, and we're there to experience the wonder that is Coachella.

And now for the daily rundown:

Friday, April 17, 2009

Early

• Check out Switch in the Sahara tent. They're the only thing going, but they don't suck.
• Wanter around and check out Alberta Cross, Craze & Klever for some turntablism, and Gui Boratto for some good old dance music.
• The Airborne Toxic Event could go either way. They're a bit poppy but nothing else appeals to me at that time except for maybe Cage the Elephant.
• Los Campesinos! could be god, if not, check out The Black Keys or The Ting Tings.

Middle

• Don't miss White Lies. They're gonna rock it.
• Next, it's all about choice. NASA if you're into great hip-hop, Leonard Cohen if you're not. There's a huge buzz about Bug/Warrior Queen but that's just a shit sandwich to me.

Late

• Next, Morrissey. Sucks about having to miss the first half of Silversun Pickups and all of Ghostland Observatory, but oh well.
• After the second half of Silversun Pickups, head over to the Gobi tent for A Place To Bury Strangers. After that, check out a bit of Sir Paul or Patton & Rahzel before heading back for Bajofondo.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Early

• P.O.S. and Zizek Club are the only things going early. Luckily they're right next to each other. Mosey between Sahara and Mojave and pick a winner.
• Next, check out Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. They are gonna be fucking weeeeird!!
• Bob Mould Band is my pick for the 2:30 slot, it should be great to see this founding member of Husker Du with a full band.

Middle

• TheNewNo2 could be good, we haven't heard much from them but they sound promising.
• Next, over to the Outdoor Theatre for Drive-By Truckers. Countryish, but in a good way.
• Next stop is probably Spearhead on the Coachella Stage, followed by Calexico. I hate to have to miss TV On the Radio, but I've never seen Calexico, and they're just fantastic live.
• Next, on to Fleet Foxes. Sorry Thievery Corporation, I'm glad you're on the big stage, but I've just seen you guys too many times.

Late

• Band of Horses should be good on the Outdoor Theatre at 8:40, if not, I'm off to Junior Boys.
• After that, my friend Conner is all about Jenny Lewis, so I'll check some of her stuff out but will probably bounce between that, Glass Candy, Turbonegro and The Chemical Brothers.
• Finally, to round it out, MSTRKRFT in the Sahara tent. If you like hip-hop, check out Atmosphere, they could be really good.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Early

• Mexican Institute of Sound at 12:45, though Themselves could be really unique.
• Check out The Knux on the big stage for some interesting hip-hop.
  
• The Night Marchers sound pretty cool, but will probably leave early for Friendly Fires.
• Skip Fucked Up! for Sebastien Tellier. Good stuff there.
• Next, I'd love to check out Lykke Li and Brian Jonestown Massacre, but it's really hard to be in two places at the same time, so I'll probably split it.

Middle

• At 5:25, Antony and the Johnsons. Antony's voice is an acquired taste, but they're rumored to be with Matthew Herbert, so it could be a really cool electronic-like experience.
• At 6:30, check out legendary LA rockers X.

Late

• After X, high-tail it over to the Coahcella Stage for My Bloody Valentine. Your life will never be the same.
• Next, the hard choices. Conner's never seen The Cure, and if you haven't, I'd recommend checking them out, but I'll be splitting my time between Public Enemy and The Orb.
• After that, do not miss Throbbing Gristle. You thought Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti was weird?!?!
• Finally, Etienne de Crecy, who sounds a lot like Daft Punk's grandpa, will be closing it out. This guy is behind so much cool stuff, it blows the mind.

It's Coachella time, brothers and sisters. See you on the other side.