Luckily for Coachella 2009 festival-goers, the powers that be moved the dates forward two weeks, so hopefully it won’t be so hot. This is probably as early as it can get because spring in Coachella Valley is notoriously windy–not even counting this particularly bad “wind event” that occurred only a couple of weeks ago.
One of this year’s art exhibits is a giant mister designed by Ball-Nogues Studio in Echo Park, CA, called Elastic Plastic Sponge. It’s 250 feet long and 25 feet wide and should be very popular.

Looking into this line-up of mostly “organic” bands sort of makes me wish I would buy that Saturday ticket. I have had the satisfaction of seeing Fleet Foxes in a small venue (see Fleet Foxes at the Echo) and being close enough to see the fillings in Robin Pecknold’s molars, but I would sure see them again if I could.
Minnesota’s Cloud Cult (photo above by Cody York), with its violins and earthy sounds, almost makes me want to spring for a Saturday ticket. This month a DVD called No One Said It Would Be Easy, about Cloud Cult and containing five songs, will be released.
Cloud Cult: When Water Comes To Life from Feel Good Ghosts (2008)
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60’s throwbacks Dr. Dog would have been high on my must-see list.
Dr. Dog: The Old Days from Fate (2008)
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Thenewno2 is a transcontinental band; the members are split between London and L.A. With a brand-new release, a good reception at Coachella could make their reputation in 2009.
thenewno2: Crazy Tuesday from You Are Here (2009)
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Blitzen Trapper’s shows with Fleet Foxes have been selling out.
Blitzen Trapper: Stolen Shoes + a Rifle from Furr (2008)
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The three-ax attack of this band of southern boys makes them appealing to me.
Drive By Truckers: Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife from Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008)
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It’s about time for Band of Horses to release some new material. We last saw them open for the Decemberists at the Hollywood Bowl in 2007.
Band of Horses: Islands of the Coast — live on KRCW, Morning Becomes Eclectic, 09-06-07
MySpace | Website | Buy
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Yeah for Band Of Horses!!
Just a note here, listening to Hazards Of Love for the second time and digging it. I never loved the Decemberists before (except O Valencia) but this one grabbed me from the get go. Have you heard it? I know you’re a Decemberists appreciator.
April 9th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I have it, and I have listened to it once. Actually, I listened to the NPR recording of the SXSW live concert, not the album. As with the last CD, I can tell it’s going to take me some time to get into Meloy’s latest grand theme. That’s tough when so many other things I like right away are grabbing my immediate attention. I know I will come around eventually, though. I am really glad to know you’re giving it a good recommendation, Nat. That’s incentive for me to keep after it.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
i just got the album myself and like nat, really dug it on first listen. i hope to write about it in depth, but for now i can say that my first impression is pretty good. musically, at least, it’s tremendous.
April 10th, 2009 at 4:47 am