Slacker I have been as of late. Apparently, I’m also trying out my best Yoda impression. Star Wars references aside, I’m in the mood to hammer out a few more Coachella acts to keep our countdown going. There’s only 43 days left until the big weekend, so here are reasons 3-6 why this SoCal festival is SoCompletely a must see. I have to interject that SXSW is usually superior (in my humble, essentially worthless opinion) still, ‘Ella definitely has it’s bright spots.
Volume 3: Deadmau5
Deadmau5, aka Canadian born-and-raised Jowl Zimmerman, is an electronic artist/producer/renaissance man who needs no real introduction. If you follow electro/progressive house music in any sense, you have definitely heard of the former radio host, who not only dons a signature mouse head at every performance, but is responsible for designing all of his lighting and stage effects. Told you he could multitask. Must have albums include Random Album Title (2008) and Get Scraped (2006). However, Deadmau5 is most well known for his club hit “Ghosts n Stuff” off 2009 ‘s For Lack of a Better Name (a track that DJs continue to beat into the ground by creating horrid mash-ups). I caught him at Hardfest last Halloween and the man NEVER disappoints.
Deadmau5 will be performing on Friday, April 16th. The performance time and stage designation information have yet to be released.
Volume 4: Grizzly Bear
Is it really necessary to plug the most buzzed about band of 2009? Probably not. Daniel Rossen and crew were responsible for one of the most critically acclaimed albums of last year, Veckatimest. However I can share a little known fact: Grizzly Bear began as a solo project by vocalist Ed Droste, with the understated but moving album, Horn of Plenty originally intended for circulation just among acquaintances. After much clamor for a proper release, and the addition of three more members, what began as a one man band now heralds such praise as “the defining band of our generation.” Grizzly Bear continues to impress both fans and critics alike with their varied instrumentation, layers of sonic complexity, and transcendent live performances.
Grizzly Bear will be performing on Friday, April 16th. More information about performance time/stage has yet to be released, but be assured, as a headliner it will be later in the evening and the crowd will be packed.
Volume 5: De La Soul
Sample dropping, genre-defying, lyrically untouchable, hip-hop pioneers. That’s De La Soul in ten words or less. This trio of rappers from New York formed in 1987 and released their legendary debut, 3 Feet and Rising two years later to a wave of interest, praise, and all-out obsession. Their stance of peace and love earned them respect, but also a “hippie” label, one they would forever resent as artisticly pigeon-holing them into a specific genre. After over 20 years together, and plenty of controversy along the way, these emcees will forever have a place in my heart (along with A Tribe Called Quest) for introducing the irresistible blend of jazz and hip-hop.
De La Soul will be performing on Sunday, April 18th, the final day of Coachella. Once again, no more information is available at this time.
Volume 6: Hot Chip
I reiterate my earlier sentiments; these charming English electropop artists require no superficial intro or plug. I have enjoyed all four of their LPs immensely, and with the release of One Life Stand this February, I’m convinced Hot Chip is only improving with age. Grab the original version of this track if you can, as it’s my current favorite of their latest album.
Hot Chip – I Feel Better (Kid Coala Remix)
Hot Chip will be performing on Saturday, April 17th. Check out Coachella’s website closer to the festival date for exact information.
If you have time, check out some stellar Deadmau5 below. I love this live video from Hardfest. He does an epic job of introducing “Ghosts n Stuff.” From 2:00 on, it’s pretty much GOLD.
