Longing for the old Coachella.....

[faxman75]

I found this and thought most of her opinion was pretty far off base. I don't think the fest will be over run by McCartney fans nor would I put him in the same category as Jame fucking Taylor. Also, she claims Coachella has lost its edge.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival turns 10 this April, boasting Paul McCartney as its 2009 headliner. Um, real edgy choice.

For those who lean toward more independent music preferences, Coachella has been regarded as the top gathering of musical talent the nation has to offer. The Cadillac of the festivals. A scene deep in the Southern California desert where you get that rarest of chances to see Boo Radley bands like the Pixies, the Jesus & Mary Chain or My Bloody Valentine - bands that don't come out much, but when they do, they change your life.

While Paul McCartney doesn't quite fit the nature of Coachella, he certainly fits the bill for the eventual fate of a successful music festival: overblown and alienating to the people whose dedication built the showcase up to begin with. A mainstream, Super Bowl halftime-safe choice like McCartney signals the shark-jumping of a once great festival. Who's next? James Taylor? How about Jackson Browne, I hear he really rocks these kids today on the water.

McCartney's talent and influence aside, featuring him at Coachella just attracts the people on the big hump of the music appreciation bell curve. They hog up tickets, despite their disassociation with the bulk of the bands on the lineup.

These are people who don't normally attend music festivals, and therefore don't grasp the preparation and effort involved to maintain a festive spirit for three days in the dirt. You get women in white pants and high heels, complaining of being expected to sit on the ground. You get tens of thousands of sunburned necks, ears and foot tops on people unschooled about adequate festival sun protection.

Meanwhile, fans attracted to bands well below McCartney on the bill get edged out of the show financially. A three-day pass will run you $269 this year, plus $34.20 to Papa Ticketmaster. The price point is six times the cost of the inaugural Coachella, and it's getting to the point where the expense isn't worth the hassle.

How the All-for-Paul attendees will fare in the desert heat, a big detractor from Coachella's allure, would be interesting to observe. Heat is a common pitfall of the big festivals. The bulk of them, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, the Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, all fall during the hottest time of the year. Same with the ridiculous Woodstock '99, and we know how that story went: three days of fire and violence.

It seems there are three more qualified seasons in which to host something outdoorsy. But festivals opt for summer heat, and as the crowd gets bigger, the lines for water become longer and the bottles cost more. Bathroom facilities become exponentially worse, and the weekend can be enough to turn you off music.

On any hot day, bigger crowds do not make for better days, and neither do bigger names. That Beatle will likely kill Coachella's indie credibility that made it an esteemed event to begin with. Corporate Dad Rock had its way with this one, and there's no regaining that lost edge.


http://www.jacksonville.com/lifestyles/columnists/laura_capitano/2009-03-22/story/i_long_for_yesterdays_coachella

[sbessiso]

There is SOME truth to this though

[Boourns]

This article has fail written all over it.

McCartney's talent and influence aside, featuring him at Coachella just attracts the people on the big hump of the music appreciation bell curve. They hog up tickets, despite their disassociation with the bulk of the bands on the lineup.

Hogging what tickets? The show still isn't sold out. Anyone that wants to attend still can.

Meanwhile, fans attracted to bands well below McCartney on the bill get edged out of the show financially. A three-day pass will run you $269 this year, plus $34.20 to Papa Ticketmaster. The price point is six times the cost of the inaugural Coachella, and it's getting to the point where the expense isn't worth the hassle.

Tickets in 1999 were $50 a day. And the festival was only two days. So, what, $125 after fees? I didn't know a THREE day pass to Coachella 2009 was $725.

That, and comparing McCartney to Jackson Browne and James Taylor is musically ignorant at best and bigoted and ageist at worst.

McCartney bringing in thousands of people that only care about him is no different than any other headliner, just the appearance of the crowd. Instead of Hollister and LIVESTRONG bracelets like the Jack Johnson-only crowd or the all-black, Che shirts, and wallet chains of the Tool and Rage-only crowds, it will be Dockers and sweaters tied over the shoulders. Big whoop.

[bigc1]

I hope Laura stays home this year

[faxman75]

What do you agree with? McCartney being there destroying the festivals indie status? Heat being a pitfall for many festivals? The price not being worth the hassle even though it hasn't really gone up in the last 5 years? All of us getting edged out by the McCartney fans?

Seems like the whole article is a big pile of fail to me.

[AlecEiffel]

I question whether or not this person has ever been to Coachella before.

[DruggyFestivalGuy]

I fucked this chick. She was weak.

[faxman75]

These are people who don't normally attend music festivals, and therefore don't grasp the preparation and effort involved to maintain a festive spirit for three days in the dirt.

Dirt? I never saw so much lush green grass in a desert than at Coachella. Maybe she means Bonnaroo and Bruce Springsteen. She does mention getting super bowl half time artists.

I guess Prince falls into that catetgory too. Coachella really does suck OMFG!

[Boourns]

Now that other fests have revealed their lineups, Coachella once again proves to be ahead of the game. Sure, the top tier on Saturday is weak and the undercard has some serious, inexplicable omissions, it's still better than the competition. MBV, Throbbing Gristle, Leonard Cohen, McCartney, The Orb, Etienne de Crecy, and possibly M.I.A. and Thievery Corp are all exclusive to Coachella. The Killers are lame and The Cure, while a great band that has made major contributions and influence to music, I can understand people not being that excited about them since they played LA many times last year and their new material isn't exactly In Rainbows. And for the record, the only reason hipsters stopped making fun of Springsteen like they do McCartney is because he played with Arcade Fire. And the artwork will once again be amazing, and, come on, Coachella is the best place to just walk around and do nothing, even that is over-stimulating and exciting.

[paganman7]

Not a single word of that article is accurate. And I HATE Paul McCartney.


Coachella is doing just fine.

[AlecEiffel]

Dirt? I never saw so much lush green grass in a desert than at Coachella.

Like I said, this person has never been to Coachella. For her to say that Paul McCartney is going to bring out people who are ill prepared for a hot festival and therefor bring all the rest of us down is proof enough that she's never been. There are always tons of people who are ill prepared, it doesn't matter who's headlining.

[danteb]

jack johnson would have destroyed this festival's indie status and credibility (whatever that means) far more than a member of one of if not the most influential rock band of all time. headliners are supposed to appeal to a mass amount of people, that's their job

[Boourns]

jack johnson would have destroyed this festival's indie status and credibility (whatever that means) far more than a member of one of if not the most influential rock band of all time. headliners are supposed to appeal to a mass amount of people, that's their job

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/frankatcoachella/POLOFIELD.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/frankatcoachella/1jack1cupoi3.jpg

NEVAR 4GET

[pancakespancakes]

I just like how this article basically implies that people who listen to Antony & the Johnsons or A Place to Bury Strangers or My Bloody Valentine are the same people who always remember their sunscreen and always wear tennis shoes to Coachella.


Also, the guy who was basically the architect of this song in 1966 doesn't have any "indie" cred? Really? ...Really?

SVUzTZ5dgwQ

[momof5]

The headliners do not make or break Coachella as far as I am concerned-we rarely see them. For us,the newer less known bands are the ones to see anyway and I always discourage anyone who only wants to go see the headliners to stay home. (these are mostly my older friends and husband).I tell them it is too much effort if you are only there to see one band. No way do I see McCartney headlining as a death knell for Coachella. I actually think a lot of "youngsters" will be checking him out too and I don't expect his older fans to show up in large numbers!And -I think Rage and Tool fans were not the best large group to attract. What makes Coachella so unique is the variety of music and the mellow crowds and beautiful setting-bring on the Deset!

[PrettyRagdoll]

I question whether or not this person has ever been to Coachella before.

Exactly. I mean it's not even sold out

[PrettyRagdoll]

Now that other fests have revealed their lineups, Coachella once again proves to be ahead of the game. Sure, the top tier on Saturday is weak and the undercard has some serious, inexplicable omissions, it's still better than the competition. MBV, Throbbing Gristle, Leonard Cohen, McCartney, The Orb, Etienne de Crecy, and possibly M.I.A. and Thievery Corp are all exclusive to Coachella. The Killers are lame and The Cure, while a great band that has made major contributions and influence to music, I can understand people not being that excited about them since they played LA many times last year and their new material isn't exactly In Rainbows. And for the record, the only reason hipsters stopped making fun of Springsteen like they do McCartney is because he played with Arcade Fire. And the artwork will once again be amazing, and, come on, Coachella is the best place to just walk around and do nothing, even that is over-stimulating and exciting.

This whole thing is complete and utter truth Bourns

[amyzzz]

The author sounds like she's trying to talk herself out of going because she's broke.

[indietron]

This is one of the stupidest things i have ever had the misfortune to read. :nono

[Drewski27]

how does this bitch have a job in journalism? stupid cunt bag full of cockroaches.

[HandBanana]

She does say a lot of true things that dont happen to apply at all to this situation tho.

[faxman75]

Like how on a hot day a big crowd does not make for better days?

Brilliant.

[paganman7]

"the lines for water become longer and the bottles cost more."


This retarded cunt lost me here.

[fatbastard]

Is the New Republic based out of Jacksonville?

[RedThom]

Now that other fests have revealed their lineups, Coachella once again proves to be ahead of the game. Sure, the top tier on Saturday is weak and the undercard has some serious, inexplicable omissions, it's still better than the competition. MBV, Throbbing Gristle, Leonard Cohen, McCartney, The Orb, Etienne de Crecy, and possibly M.I.A. and Thievery Corp are all exclusive to Coachella. The Killers are lame and The Cure, while a great band that has made major contributions and influence to music, I can understand people not being that excited about them since they played LA many times last year and their new material isn't exactly In Rainbows. And for the record, the only reason hipsters stopped making fun of Springsteen like they do McCartney is because he played with Arcade Fire. And the artwork will once again be amazing, and, come on, Coachella is the best place to just walk around and do nothing, even that is over-stimulating and exciting.

I don't know what festival she went to, but I'm pretty sure I saw Aphex Twin last year... I don't know if that.. ya know, means anything...

[kingsblend420]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zi60as.jpg

[HandBanana]

You get women in white pants and high heels, complaining of being expected to sit on the ground.

MEthinks she came on Madonna Day in 06.

[HandBanana]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zi60as.jpg

I could however see throwin a fuck her way if it were like a Tuesday night and the pickins were slim at the bar at Bennigan's.

[menikmati]

This whole thing is retarded...I GUARANTEE you that if Radiohead was headlining one of the nights, everyone would be saying Coachella is still cutting edge and ahead of the game over all its rivals.

[HandBanana]

I long for the day when we all get off of Radiohead's nuts.

They have not released an exciting record in coming up on a decade.

HTTF? Meh

Thom's solo moan dirge click record?

In Rainbows was good, if uninspired.


They have been coasting for the longest time.


I'd take Foals over Radiohead every single day of the week.
Far more exciting and imaginitive music.

[SFChrissy]

somebody slap this ho!!!

http://www.slaphouseradio.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/webassets/ho_slap.jpg

[gmoneyak]

Something tells me she rreallly wanted to go to Langerado this year. Hater.

[HandBanana]

Something tells me she rreallly wanted to go to Langerado this year. Hater.

HAHAHA

I almost typed that too!

[Sonicifyouwantit]

I really don't agree with her calculations on the ticket cost...she trys to make it sound like Paul has driven up the cost six times more than before...we have seen ticket prices rise a bit each year. over a period of ten years it makes sense. Inflation alone would drive the amount of a one day pass from $55 to $99 in a decade. Also is she comparing a two day pass from 99 to a three day pass in 2009? she needs to deduct friday to fairly compare cost.

[hobomilitia]

that was a really stupid article. what was up her ass?

[JebusLives]

I think the author, and a lot of other people, misinterpret and discredit Coachella as a "hipster music festival". This is not the case.

Coachella is for serious music fans. It captures the musical zeitgeist while honoring the pioneers. Diversity has always been paramount... let's not forget how polarized the "electronica" and "alternative" crowds were back in '99. In 2001 there wasn't a lot of crowd mixing either; you either headed for the tents, or the mainstage. Now we get along like 1 big drugged-out family, so GV is mixing it up with legendary Country and Classic Rock acts. SO WHAT?? Fuck being cool... Coachella is all about the music, man. The minute Coachella starts trying to be cool, i'm out.

[HandBanana]

JesusLives knows whats up, but Im still not letting him trick me into getting into his RapeTub.

Nice try dude.

[Egull]

The author sounds like she's trying to talk herself out of going because she's broke.

That is what I was thinking when I read that too!

[HandBanana]

Why is someone in Jacksonville even up on this anyway?

Maybe its just cuz I live out here so I see it differently, but how ON THE RADAR of the rest of the country is this festival?

Like I know we pull the crowd from all over the world, but is name recognition high out on say the East Coast?

[JebusLives]

Why is someone in Jacksonville even up on this anyway?

Maybe its just cuz I live out here so I see it differently, but how ON THE RADAR of the rest of the country is this festival?

Like I know we pull the crowd from all over the world, but is name recognition high out on say the East Coast?

I'm not sure I want you in my stupid tub anyway... i have it in my head that you look like Lenny.

I'd say half the people here in Calgary know Coachella by name, if not by lineup. It's pretty big!

[HandBanana]

You know Im jus playin Jebus.

I hope you find what it is you are looking for, and when you do I hope it doesnt notice you pulling out that ether-soaked rag until its too late. ;)

[JebusLives]

"Does this rag smell like ether to you?"

[fatbastard]

somebody slap this ho!!!

http://www.slaphouseradio.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/webassets/ho_slap.jpg


He seems quite proud of that slap.

[chucky canuck]

the article contains a few errors (dirt, price hike allegations), but there is a big chunk of truth in it.

Pixies, Radiohead, Bjork, etc -- a unique alternative music festival

McCartney, The Killers, Jack Johnson -- a run of the mill,corporate rock fest...or half-time at the Super Bowl.

Sasquatch is now the alt music fest in North America.

[Sonicifyouwantit]

He seems quite proud of that slap.

I would be too, look how turned on she is by it.

[moomoo]

the article contains a few errors (dirt, price hike allegations), but there is a big chunk of truth in it.

Pixies, Radiohead, Bjork, etc -- a unique alternative music festival

McCartney, The Killers, Jack Johnson -- a run of the mill,corporate rock fest...or half-time at the Super Bowl.

Sasquatch is now the alt music fest in North America.

I want to kick your dick so fucking hard.

[Sonicifyouwantit]

Pixies, Radiohead, Bjork, etc



are not available to perform every year.

[chucky canuck]

are not available to perform every year.

ergo let's book oldies and pop acts???

[JSam67]

Why is someone in Jacksonville even up on this anyway?

Maybe its just cuz I live out here so I see it differently, but how ON THE RADAR of the rest of the country is this festival?

Like I know we pull the crowd from all over the world, but is name recognition high out on say the East Coast?

Fucking nobody has heard of Coachella around here. Shocking, I know.