Tag Archives: Coachella 2009

One of the things for me at Coachella is that I find at least one set where I can just go and dance after I’m off the clock for the day.

In 2007 it was The Rapture, last year was Justice, I think this year might be Ghostland Observatory.

Of course, one of the best things about Coachella is that you can just wander in and find a great, danceable set from a band like Datarock.

Anyway, check out this live version of “Sad Sad City.”

I’m really diving into my Coachella 2009 research and there are a ridiculous number of bands I want to catch. One of them is Dear and the Headlights. They’re on Equal Vision but are more Ted Leo than Circa Survive.

Check out this live version of “Talk About.”

The Associated Press

If Paul McCartney picked the Beatles album where he was most integral, what would it be? By the looks of this shirt, I’m going with “Sgt. Pepper’s.”

I am working on the extensive research that goes into our Coachella micro-site for 2009. One of the things is bios for everyone performing. I do the same thing for Stagecoach.

It’s a crazy amount of work but really cool in the end. One of the components is a “Recommended listening” category. Now I’m at Sir Paul. For his Wings days, I’m recommending “Band on the Run”; for solo I recommend “McCartney,” although I feel strongly about “Ram” as well, and I’m also intrigued by the new release from The Fireman.

Now, here’s the debate that has sent my music friends and I into a tizzy–What Beatles album do you recommend for Paul’s contributions? Of course I could say “Go listen to every Beatles album,” but that feels a bit like cheating. I’m leaning towards side two of “Abbey Road” myself because it is like a mini album in and of itself. But then where do you put “Let It Be”? And what about “Sgt. Pepper”?

Please, chime in on this one.

We’re inching ever closer to the festival. As I’m hunkering down in the rain and doing my research for it, I’ve come across some cool bands, like A Place to Bury Strangers. If you like My Bloody Valentine, you’ll LOVE them. I’ve also heard they’re insanely loud as a live band, so you might want earplugs before you watch this, a clip of “Oceans” from CMJ in New York in 2008.

Sir Paul McCartney is coming to Coachella in April and he played the Grammys last night, with one of my favorite musicians of all-time, Dave Grohl, on drums. I’ve never interviewed Grohl, but I bet he is delightful.

What did you think of the Grammys? Robert Plant and Alison Krauss didn’t really surprise me. Neither did Coldplay’s big net of wins, although I’m still not sold on the “Viva La Vida” album, myself. I was happy to see Radiohead get recognized for “In Rainbows,” and the same for Metallica and Kings of Leon’s wins.

Also, I love Adele and Duffy so no complaints there. Duffy was amazing at Coachella in 2008. One of the highlights for me.

Anyway, going back to Sir Paul, I think “I Saw Her Standing There” is a good way to kick off a Monday. Enjoy.

Just in from Sir Paul’s people, here’s a hint at what he might be playing at Coachella.

“Paul McCartney has been confirmed to headline the Friday April 17 opening night of the 2009 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. McCartney’s set, his first ever at Coachella, will feature the live debut of material from Electric Arguments, the new album released under the Fireman alias he shares with producer/musician Youth.”

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival tickets are officially on sale through Ticketmaster.

You can also purchase 3-day passes with layaway at Coachella’s Web site.

I still want to hear your thoughts on the lineup. A couple of people have already sent them in to vfranko@PE.com. I’m working on a story for tomorrow’s paper, so you can also call me at 951-368-9575 to cheer or complain, depending on your opinion.

After much anticipation, we finally have the 2009 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, headlined by Paul McCartney on April 17, The Killers on April 18 and The Cure on April 19, plus more than 100 other bands and artists who are going to be hanging out in Indio.

Tickets are on sale today at 9 a.m. through Ticketmaster and the Coachella Web site (Which is where you have to go for the layaway plans).

We have the full lineup for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we’ll be talking about it all day.

I want to know what you think about the lineup, especially about Paul McCartney. Die-hard Coachella fans–is this a good fit? Who else do you want to see?

Coachella newbies–does a Beatle make you want to go to the desert?

Is it a “Good Day Sunshine”?

Or does Macca leave you feeling like you’re in the “Rain”? (Sorry, I had to do it. I think I’m also a little loopy from staying up and working so late).

As for the other bands, I am super psyched for Ryan Bingham, who played Stagecoach last year and is just amazing. I also love the Hold Steady and Public Enemy. And I want to know what Henry Rollins is doing–is it spoken word? Is it music? Either way, I am a huge fan.

Also, if you want to talk about blasts from the past we have Superchunk. Plus, X is going to be there. And anywhere John Doe goes, I am pretty sure that’s going to be a great time.

Seriously, post your thoughts here or shoot me an email at vfranko@PE.com.