Coachella has always been praised for its eclectic lineup from year to year and 2009 stood by that notion wholeheartedly. Anchored by classic heavyweights (Paul McCartney, Morrissey, The Cure, Public Enemy) and a showcase of a new generation of American punk rock (Vivian Girls, No Age), Coachella provided a deserved escape in the face of our country's adversity.
Friday was all about Macca and the Fab Four. From M. Ward covering "Roll Over Beethoven" to Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos' t-shirt reading "George Harrison" to the variegation in ages and backgrounds of the concert-goers that day, his aura had overtaken the day. Beginning his set with "Jet" and "Drive My Car," Paul set the tone for what would be a thoroughly energetic night. For a man who needs no justification for attention, Macca provided the playfullest of banter in between songs. Even more endearing were his homages to his late wife (whose anniversary of death was that same day), John and George. In the last hour and a half or so, Paul and his bandmates churned out the best of the best one after another. As a boy listening to my parents cassette tapes on road trips or on Sunday afternoons, I could not describe the amazement I felt singing along with 30,000 people "Yesterday," "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude."
The Cure and My Bloody Valentine provided a moodier affair on the closing night of the festival. Earlybirds that day were treated to the simplistic but noisy punk of New York's Vivian Girls and Los Angeles duo No Age. Both bands made notice that punk rock is alive and well in the 21st century. If you decided to camp out at the main stage for the whole day, you were treated to a slew of fine tunes. Okkervil River, Lupe Fiasco and Peter, Bjorn and John provided a great segway into the hotly anticipated set by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Featuring a backdrop of a huge, inflated plastic eyeball, the festival and indie rock's quintessential female rock star, Karen O blessed the crowd with her infectious charisma and YYYs classics. Public Enemy featured a 50 year old reality tv legend stage diving at all angles while The Cure pulled out the classics.
For those who have never attended, the Coachella is operated extremely well. The layout specifically makes great use of the enormous amount of space given to the festival allowing for individuals to easily make their day however they please. As a planner and music lover, Coachella is a very satisfying experience. Just bring your ears, some friends and sunscreen and you’ll be alright.
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