So here we are. A little more then 15 hours after the 2011 lineup for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was released. How’d you sleep? At least that four hour nap kicked off the right way, what with a Strokes album title? Anyhow, this is the part of the show/day when we evaluate the lineup that woke us out of bed at 12:02 AM EST on the east coast and had us pause American Idol out west. By now, you’ve fully digested it, combed your way through each day, and checked and doubled checked to make sure Daft Punk really isn’t playing. Now’s the part where we accept what we got, analyze the shit out of it, and then officially declare what we like, what surprised us, what they forgot, and who we should learn more about. FYI, Coachella is 86 days away.
The 5 Biggest Highlights
The Strokes
Unlike when they headlined Lolla and Outside Lands in 2010, Casablancas and co. will come armed with new material. And according to Rolling Stone, the forthcoming Angles is “the best album the Strokes have made since Is This It.” Anticipation in every which way.
Kanye West
You don’t have to like Kanye West to enjoy a Kanye West performance. Especially one that marks his first North American public performance in support of the CoS Top Star-earned My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Expect “seventies-centric pantsuits, cutaway coats, and gilded jeans,” plus loads of guests.
PJ Harvey
Dude, it’s PJ fucking Harvey. Need we say more?
Duran Duran
Excuse the pun, but we’re hungry like the wolf for this one. No, we’re not screaming to hear their new material, but you can’t argue they don’t have quite the back catalog. Take the setting into consideration, too. Nothing screams decadent like skinny Silver Lake hipsters, all dancing to “Rio”. Could you imagine hearing “Come Undone” or “Ordinary World” as the raging desert turns to night? Too much to pass up.
The Chemical Brothers
It’s not Daft Punk, but the acclaimed UK duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons is obviously the next best thing. They’ll also serve as an amazing alternative when Kings of Leon hit the stage.
The 5 Biggest Surprises
Death From Above 1979
Okay, so we’re still licking our wounds that Pulp wasn’t on the bill. But, what a surprise this was. Yes, the Toronto outfit only have a handful of EPs and a studio album, but isn’t that enough for a solid hour? Let’s just say this was the necessary left jab that every Coachella lineup should have. Kudos to them for striking us once more.
Big Audio Dynamite
Mick Jones must love the stage… or Coachella. After last year’s stint with Gorillaz, he returns again. We’re pretty stoked about this one. It might not appeal to the younger crowd, but veterans should be pleasantly thrilled. If anything, it’ll be nice to hear “E=MC2″ live. That’s for sure.
Lauryn Hill
She’s getting around these days. We should have expected this, but we didn’t. Whatever. Friday’s a bit cluttered, but Hill makes for a pleasant “must see”. Then again, what if she’s this year’s Sly Stone?
The London Suede
Remember The Chase? The pre-hooker days of Charlie Sheen? (Who are we kidding?) Well, The London Suede had a killer song in it (“The Next Life”). Actually, so killer that our writer David Buchanan wants it played at his funeral. Maybe if he’s lucky, he can catch it on a webcast. Bottom line: Want to see something rare? See this band.
According to Billboard, Daft Punk had an offer on the table, but chose to pass on Coachella 2011 “because the group was simply not ready from a production standpoint to return to live performance.” An understandable excuse for sure, but it still hurts to think what could have been if Yeezy and Daft Punk were on the same bill.
The Cars
They were just what we needed. Okay, we’re done with the puns. Or, are we?
Pulp
Maybe they were miffed at the potential crowd? Definitely no “Common People” there.
Queens of the Stone Age
A QOSTA appearance at Coachella 2011 made all the sense in the world. The band is already set to play festivals in Australia, which means Josh Homme and co. could have easily crossed the street to play their hometown fest. Plus, they’re recording a new studio album. As G.O.B. would say, c’mon!
A Perfect Circle
I doubt we were the only ones who saw the band’s short west coast swing late last year as a rehearsal ahead of a major comeback at Coachella. Thank god for YouTube!
The 5 Names You Should Know
Lil B
Do an Urban Dictionary search for “Based God.”
OFWGKTA (Odd Future)
Aside from Lil B, this is the hottest new act in hip hop. The LA collective consists of members ranging in age from 16-23 and only recently did they begin performing outside of their hometown. However, rumors suggest the group is close to signing a record contract and Coachella should serve as a launching pad for a huge 2k11. Take Mos Def’s word for it.
Mary Anne Hobbs
The former BBC broadcaster and current college professor is also a pretty stellar DJ.
Ellie Goulding
We told you the North American invasion was coming.
