Coachella 2011: Evaluation and Highlights

FRIDAY

Skrillex : Even though he went on early in the day (3:30pm) the Sahara Tent was packed and he killed it. Korn's Jonathan Davis and Munky Shaffer made a special appearance for two tracks including their new collaboration "Get Up." Also, Skrillex's remix of DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat" was legit.
Grade: A+
"Get Up" - Skrillex & Korn

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All: Really messy sounding and yelling "F**k the police!" every second was so annoying.
Grade: F

A-Trak
Grade: B

Afrojack: Huge surprise when Paul McCartney joined Afrojack on stage during his DJ set.
Grade: A-

Erik Morillo
Grade: B

Sleigh Bells
Grade: B-

Cut Copy
Grade: A



Marina and the Diamonds
Grade: B

The Black Keys
Grade: B+

Crystal Castles: Wow, vocalist Alice Glass sounds horrible live. I am going to pretend those 15 min that I saw them at the Outdoor Theater before I was forced to leave by her shrieking never happened because I love their album Crystal Castles II.
Grade: D-

Kings of Leon
Grade: A-

SATURDAY

Chuckie
Grade: A+

Laidback Luke: Wynter Gordon made a surprise appearance to perform "Dirty Talk."
Grade: A-
"Dirty Talk (Laidback Luke Remix)" - Wynter Gordon

Mumford & Sons: This group is so talented and sounded amazing live. I really enjoyed their new song "Lover's Eyes."
Grade: A


Fedde Le Grand
Grade: A

Paul van Dyk
Grade: B

Steve Angello: He never disappoints, strong set and closed with Swedish House Mafia's yet to be released track "Save The World Tonight."
Grade: A+

SUNDAY

Jack's Mannequin: Finally I got to see Jack's Mannequin live and even though it felt like a million degrees out at 2pm on the main stage, front man Andrew McMahon had so much energy and lived up to all my expectations.
Grade: A+



Angus and Julia Stone
Grade: B+

Jimmy Eat World
Grade: A-

Ellie Goulding: She was so impressive to see live, playing guitar and fiercely banging on the drums for a few songs. She too had a ton of energy on stage, looked and sounded great. I just wish I had "Starry Eyed" sunglasses that many in the crowd were rockin'.
Grade: A+

Tinie Tempah: I only caught his opening song "Written in the Stars" but the sound quality at the Gobi Tent wasn't great--or maybe it was Tinie Tempah--so I didn't stick around for long.
Grade: C
"Written In The Stars (Ft. Eric Turner)" - Tinie Tempah

Duck Sauce
Grade: A-

Chromeo
Grade: B+

Chase and Status
Grade: A

The Strokes
Grade: A-

Kanye West: I wasn't super impressed, but the stage set was cool and I love me some fireworks.
Grade: B+

Axwell: Unfortunately Axwell's set got cut short and thus it was kind of a disappointing closing act for the Coachella weekend--which I blame on the festival organizers and not Axwell.
Grade: A for effort!
"Heart Is King" - Axwell

Biggest Regret: That I didn't see Empire of the Sun because I was hanging out at the VIP cabanas next to the Sahara tent. Apparently their costumes were insane as well as their LED-lit instruments.

Coolest Discovery: The Heineken Dome--it was air conditioned and DJ Dan had a great set on Sunday night.