Greetings From Rancho Mirage!
What’s the Idelic Hour without an episode dedicated to Coachella? In the past I would’ve argued the two are spiritual cousins. Having come close to convincing festival organizers to officially sponsor my annual “Parents Guide to Coachella,” I do feel a connection to the community of people who’ve grown this cool concept into an annual tradition, all in the name of fun and cool music.
The very word Coachella conveys great memories—playing the main stage, melting guitar pick in hand. Friends, warm winds, stoney sunsets. Rick Van Satan’s stash of junk food. Love to Paul & Skip, Rachel & PJ “good looking out.” To all my friends at Goldenvoice, props.
Well, here I am in the desert once again ready to rock. Question is, who is with me? Would it be grandiose or is it crazy to imply The Idelic Hour and Coachella are growing apart? Has “the media” changed our festival or I am just getting old? Likely a bit of both. Things in the desert can get messy…
My trip is to simply continue. Yeah, sometimes the desert air can mess with your mind. Most of the time it can make things clear. My journey is a rock ‘n’ roll one and this year’s festival has enough cool bands for my old ears.
I’ve taken this week’s hour in stride and I will do so this weekend. It’s week # 2 of Coachella—not the best for fashion and people watching, but it’s the weekend when artists get right down to why they made the trek.
Long live Coachella, let’s rock these festival picks: Lana Del Rey, The Replacements, Neutral Milk Hotel, Art Department, Queens Of The Stone Age, Future Islands, Bryan Ferry, Darkside, GOAT, Foxygen, Julian Casablancas & The Votz, Warpaint, Bo Ningen, Temples, Disclosure.
The Idelic Hit of the Week:
Woods – With Light And With Love