The Jarvis Lounge

Coachella Weekend 2

It’s been a week since Weekend 2, and I’m still exhausted. I caught part or all of almost 50 acts over the weekend. The weather sat squarely in the mid-90’s all throughout. Since I’ve already detailed the festival itself, here are some of my personal highlights, and a few pics below I took (most are already posted on my Instagram account):

• Even though Weekend 2 isn’t known for having as many guests as Weekend 1, there were more than the last couple years. Guests included Anderson .Paak and Thundercat (with DOMi & JD BECK), Phoebe Bridgers (with MUNA), H.E.R. and Anderson .Paak (with Kaytranada), and Jaden Smith (with Teo). And this was just on day one.
• Björk may not have been a headliner, but her set was brilliant. Armed with just her voice, and an orchestra, she was a reminder of how pure music can sound, at an event filled with prerecorded backing tracks. At one point, the dry heat and wind caused Björk to start coughing. She apologized to the audience, drank water, and continued. Her orchestral takes on her songs are certainly not to everyone’s tastes, and the audience slimmed down as festival goers sought out other things before blink-182 took the stage. Still, for us fans, it was a moment. While she performed, a drone show took place next to the stage. The entire moment was surreal.
• Other highlights of the festival (and there were many), included Tobe Nwigwe (who brought out CeeLo Green), boygenius, Rosalía, and Gorillaz. Festivals are all about moments, especially for artists that are newer. And Coachella always has plenty.
• Speaking of Gorillaz, they were at their best. With seemingly endless guests, they put on the best performance I’ve ever seen them give. Their guests included Beck, Bad Bunny, De La Soul, Mos Def, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Little Simz, among others. Compared to the weekend one set, which I watched on the Livestream, the crowd was more involved here.
• All in all, Coachella delivered as expected. The biggest challenge is the timing of the festival, which occurs right before the end of the semester for us college lecturers. But I’ve been three times, and I’ve enjoyed all three of the years I’ve gone. I may try Weekend 1 next year, for the sake of giving me a little bit of room between the festival and the end of the school year. But until then…

JarFIVE

1. Beach House – “Become” – The new EP from the dream pop giants was released this week. Carrying on the themes from their last album, this is more of the same. Here’s the Pitchfork review, if you’re interested. Here’s the Spotify link to the set:

2. Moonage Daydream – The 2022 documentary is premiering on HBOMax today. I’m looking forward to this film, as I didn’t watch it the first time around. I remember watching the director’s “Montage of Heck” film, documenting the life of Kurt Cobain, and noting the abstract approach. I’m expecting more of the same. Here’s the trailer:

3. Willie Nelson is 90 years old today – One of my favorite country artists turns 90 today, and I wish I could be up at his birthday concert today at the Hollywood Bowl. I missed getting tix, but I’m still recovering from last weekend, so I’m okay. I’ll celebrate my own way, by blasting some of his legendary tracks. This week, Billy Strings released a new track with the legend, so give it a view.

4. “Before These Crowded Streets” turns 25. – Arguably one of Dave Matthews Band’s greatest albums turned 25 yesterday. Musically and sonically brilliant, this record is usually at the top of most fans’ lists. It’s unfortunate that they haven’t reissued the vinyl for this album. This was the record that took the peak of their live set, and combined it with Steve Lillywhite’s production. After this album, they want on to officially release “Everyday,” and the music was never the same. But for that brief moment in the late 90’s, there was this sweet mix of songwriting, musicianship, and production. And, it’s a reminder that Carter is one of the greatest drummers ever.

5. Harry Belafonte passed away this week at 96 years old – The music and civil rights legend passed away this week, shortly after his 96th birthday. Known primarily for his “Banana Boat Song,” which was a charting hit in 1957, he was also known for his activism. He refused to perform in the American South from 1954 until 1961, and was a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Below are a couple videos, one of him performing, one of the artists at USA for Africa paying him tribute in the 1980’s, and a recent cover by Lenny Kravitz.