No bombshells, but plenty of power

I’ve never really considered living in California, but sometimes I think about it. It’s such a varied state, with its deserts an mountain ranges, Redwood trees, the Pacific Ocean, and of course the intrigue of its two largest cities Los Angeles and San Francisco (plus Vegas, not so far away).

As a lifelong East Coaster it feels so far away, I don’t think I’d ever get fully used to it. Then I see the annual lineup for Coachella and have second thoughts about living life on EST x(you’d really move cross country because of a three-day concert that happens once a year? Umm, maybe).

The list for this year’s festival, while not having any stunning reunions (The Smiths maybe, how about The Cars? Squeeze anyone?) has some fun ones nonetheless. The first day, headlined by Jay-Z, shows Public Image Limited, The Specials an Echo and The Bunnymen lingering about. Ive at one time during my years have seen all three, but wouldn’t mind seeing PiL, who I saw open for INXS (really) in 1987. Johnny Rotten is as entertaining a human being as anyone on Earth, and I can imagine he’s more cranky and disturbed in his AARP years. Also of interest on the first day is She & Him, Hockey, LCD Soundsystem and The Cribs, who boast a guitarist by the name of Johnny Marr (doesn’t Morrissey still live in the L.A.?)

Day two, with Muse atop the list, shows Faith No More and Devo as the oldies but goodies to return to the big stage. Other nice offerings on the day include Camera Obscura, The Raveonsttes, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and one of my new favorites The XX, which is like and updated futuristic version of She & Him.

The final day is not so much led by a reunion but more of a return of one of the world’s more inventive bands. Gorillaz, Damon Albern’s cartoon creation with inventive music to match, returns with a new album after several years on hiatus. I would expect the guys from De La Soul to join them onstage, as De La (one of the greatest rap bands ever) are also set for Sunday, as is Pavement Sly and the Family Stone (??), Spoon, The Big Pink (another of my new faves), and Thom Yorke (maybe). I say maybe because the poster has question marks after his name, and while there is a band called !!!, there is not yet called ?????. I guess no one ever know for sure what Thom Yorke plans to do.

Another great three days of music in Indio is planned. I wish, I wish, I wish.