How some people might think of Christmas lights, carols, and presents, I think of lit-up palm trees, live music, and Spicy Pie. I cannot name all of Santa’s reindeer, but I can name these: Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Gobi Tent, Mojave Tent, and the Sahara Tent. This year’s Coachella holiday was a major success – naturally, they pretty much always are – and I’m already planning the logistics for Coachella 2013, which I’m positive will be another spectacular event. But before I overcome my post-Coachella depression and resume my regular life in the Coachella off-season, I want to share with everybody my ranking of this year’s (Weekend #1) performances (the ones that I saw):
- Radiohead
- Pulp
- Kaiser Chiefs
- Jeff Mangum
- Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg
- The Hives
- Madness
- Kasabian
- SBTRKT
- James
- Grouplove
- Death Grips
- The Black Keys
- Thundercat
- Arctic Monkeys
- Real Estate
- The Vaccines
- Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
- Destroyer
- Wild Beasts
- Other Lives
- Metronomy
- At The Drive-In
- Mazzy Star
- Kendrick Lamar
- Justice
- Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
- The Weeknd
- Greg Ginn and the Royal We
- fIREHOSE
Those top six acts in dark green put on especially great performances that should go down in Coachella history. If you can see any of them, do it. The acts in a lighter green all performed very fantastic sets. The acts in black did a very good job, and I basically have no real complaints about any of them. None of the red acts were terrible, but some of their performances were below par; and some of their performances were great, but suffered from terrible sound. All of them are excellent artists and bands, though, and you should give them each a listen.
Well, I hope these Coachella Reports have been enjoyable and helpful. When Coachella 2013 draws near, I’ll certainly have a lot more to say about the festival.
Many thanks!
- Timothy Michel
