Coachella 2010

When I decided to actually go through and start this blog it was very hard decision as to what the maiden post would cover. So I sat back and and asked myself "what has been the happiest time of your life in the past couple years?" the answer was actually quite simple... the mid April weekend I spent at the Empire Polo Club in Coachella, CA, for the annual Coachella Music Festival. Two months prior, I had just become a proud owner of an orange (soon to be changed) 1970 VW Bus and it only felt fitting to introduce her to my life with a journey out to some music, friends and sure to be great memories in the scorching desert.
So off I went, flying solo up the 241, where a quick shift into third was needed to make the arduous climb. Next the 91 then the 60. Lastly, a final stretch a top the 10 before finally reaching my home base for the weekend.
I stayed with a friend of mine who not only lived literally five blocks away from the venue, but had also attended the festival in previous years. So there I was, a home to retire to at night, local knowledge and not to mention a good friend. It was at this point, the night before the festival was to begin, where I became incredibly comfortable with my situation and thoughts.
The next three days were to be chalk-full of surprises. I learned of new music I would have never found strictly on iTunes (as my "recommended for you" MUST be broken, or has me completely confused with someone else) and met new people (some who have become good friends of mine). There was so much happiness throughout the whole weekend it almost felt illegal. I remember clearly the instances where I would just STOP... only to notice the thousands of people in attendance... all getting along. It seemed as if for once people were living completely GUILT FREE. Small communities were made and each one brought another new and interesting piece to the puzzle. There were also these times in which I would just lay on the soft grass and simply stare up at the deserts distinct clear night sky. Oh, and have I mentioned the music? Ghostland Observatory and Thievery Corporation's performances were worth the money spent on tickets alone. Not to mention all the memorable shows that took place at night in the Sahara tent. Now the weekend had to end, but the memories, feelings and friendships will live infinitely.

My recommendations for Coachella 2010:

FRIDAY
Deer Tick - one of my favorite new bands since Kings of Leon (before they went pop)
songs: Baltimore Blues No. 1 / Ashamed / Smith Hill / Not So Dense / Spend the Night

Avett Brothers - If it's the Beaches / The Greatest Sum

Passion Pit - Hoping they play Sleepyhead early in the set

LCD Soundsytem - cant wait to hear Tribulations through some giant speakers

Jay - Z - It's a "go see for a little" show. Just to say you did. Like Paul McCartney and The Killers last year. Although... if he flows these gangsta beats: Heart of the City / Lost One / Young Forever you might find hanging out a little longer with Hova

SATURDAY
Portugal. the Man - 3 must hear songs: The Sun / People Say / Colors

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - grab your most special somebody while they play : Home

MGMT - Hoping their live performance can live up to the great job they did in the studio: Electric Feel / Kids / Time to Pretend / Of Moons, Birds & Monsters / Weekend Wars (one of my all time favorite songs)

Tiesto - I'll be the guy dancing his brains out to quite possibly the best DJ in the world. Glow sticks will be available for a dollar as well =)

SUNDAY
Tom Yorke??? - Really? Why not all of Radiohead???

Miike Snow (yes, two i's in that) - this bands music has quickly been making its presence more and more felt on my iPod. The song Animal is a must listen along with Silvia / Burial

Infected Mushroom - Don't let the name scare you... but the freak show in attendance just might. Give their version of Riders on the Storm a college try.

Gorillaz - I personally am not a HUGE fan of theirs, but I do respect the different sound they bring to the music scene. I'm expecting a good visual / energy type show from them.

I am excited once again this year about the prospect of being introduced to new friends and music. The kind of people and music that can change your life forever... Just as it did for me almost a year ago (already).

LIVE & LOVE INFINITELY