Desert Judgment: Coachella Edition
First off, a big thumbs up to everybody for keeping the Empire Polo Field clean. For those not at Coachella 2006, the Empire Polo Field was literally a obstacle course of empty bottles and half-filled cups filled with lemonade and some sort of human regurgitation. This year, people were actually cleaning up after themselves and collecting other people’s empty bottles so they can trade it for one fresh bottle of water. It’s true what they say, “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.”
A very, very, big thumbs down to Coachella for not letting independent vendors in the festival. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that the absence of these merchants led to me having a easier time parking my car but what can we do when we’re waiting for Tokyo Police Club or someone else to start their set. As much as I love buying the official Coachella merchandise (have every shirt since ‘03), I wouldn’t mind having a couple of shirts and hoodies from the independent brands. Plus, I miss the swag.
A very appreciated thumbs up to Bjork. Her performance made day one of Coachella worth the price of admission. What else can you say about Bjork? She is just phenomenal.
I also have to give thumbs down to the person recording Bjork’s performance for the main stage screen. Why did it seem like all the camera time was spent away from Bjork and into, what appears to be, a touch screen, glow-in-the-dark, mixer? As much as I love the instruments used on stage, I was sitting in the back and relied on the screen to let me see Bjork. If I wanted to watch a neon level bar go up and down, I would have played screen saver #12 on my laptop.
Thumbs up to the amazing underdog performance by Gogol Bordello. Even though I missed the first 90% of their set, the last 10% percent was absolutely incredible. The half filled tent was excited for their Circus Du Soleil orchestra and their extended circle dance. For those who stayed watching the last 10% of Bjork, you missed out.
I can’t forget to say thumbs up to Peaches for her long awaited Coachella performance. It’s been long overdue and this year’s Coachella was so much sexier with her on stage (move over Brazilian Girls).
Thumbs up to one of my favorite DJs, Mike Relm, for not only playing an awesome video set during day two of the festival but also enjoying the festival in his trademark black suit. Clothing at Coachella is a matter of survival. While most people wear shorts and loose shirts, Mike Relm was wearing his black suit the whole day. His body must have hated him during the high heat hours of 11am to sundown.
A very big thumbs up to Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) for making a cameo appearance inside the URB booth for one very lucky fan and a lot of very happy URB staff workers. This was definitely a highlight of the festival.
Thumbs down to the person who stole the Gnarls Barkley poster. Whoever you are, that was our only copy and Kinko’s charges a lot for last minute poster blow-ups on a foam board.
Thumbs down for the sickening heart burn I was experiencing during day two of Coachella. I literally felt like I was going to die and I had to miss a couple of performances. Next time, I’m going stay clear for the 2-for-1 Hot Dogs.
Thumbs down and a kick to the floor for the Good, the Bad, and the Queen. As much as I was excited to watch them, they were 45 minutes late! Why even bother going on if you’re going to play for 15 minutes? I don’t want to name names but this better not be a sign of things to come from Damon Albarn (Blur) and Paul Simmon (Clash).
Thumbs up to Lily Allen for a fun filled performance. Actually, her performance was a checkpoint for the better during day three of Coachella. Seriously, after Lily Allen’s performance, the remaining artists went overtime to satify the hungry crowd and there weren't any other disappointments for the night. Way to push everybody Ms. Allen.
Thumbs up to Manu Chao for playing a one hell of a set for Coachella. I can’t even remember a time when I seen so many people jump and scream “hey, hey, hey.” Honestly, Manu Chao stole the show at this three-day festival. Don't get me wrong, Rage Against the Machine was definitely thumbs up but if you compare both crowds, Manu Chao was kicking more ass on stage.
That's it for me. Get ready for next year’s Coachella where it will be a five-day festival and to get the rumor mill started, there May be a reunion from a band that starts with the letter “S” and there May be a secret performance from a legendary artist who will arrive on the scene from a helicopter.
(and if I didn't honorable mention something that should go on the list…make a comment)
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