Staring At The Sun [edited]

After GoldenVoice failed to release the official Coachella 2006 line-up yesterday, rumors abounded that the Smashing Pumpkins pulled out at the last minute due to the usual Billy Corgan meltdown. [Actually, I shouldn't say last minute as the Cocteau Twins really bailed at the last possible moment last year - I still have the merchandise, and tears, to prove it.]

Either way, the Coachella message boards (featuring a gorgeous new graphic layout) revealed the confirmed list this morning:

Saturday, April 29th
Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Common, Damian Marley, Atmosphere, Carl Cox, My Morning Jacket, Ladytron , Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Tosca, Cat Power, Animal Collective, HARD-fi, Derrick Carter, Devendra Banhart, She Wants Revenge, The Walkmen, The Juan Maclean, Audio Bullys, Imogen Heap, Lady Sovereign, Deerhoof, The Duke Spirit, Editors, stellastarr*, Lyrics Born, Matt Costa, The New Amsterdams, The Zutons, Platinum Piped Pipers, White Rose Movement, Chris Liberator, Colette, Joey Beltram, Hybrid, Wolfmother, The Like, Living Things, Nine Black Alps, The Section Quartet, Infadels, Youth Group, Shy FX & T Power, Infusion.

Sunday, April 30th
Tool, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, Paul Oakenfold, Scissor Sisters, Matisyahu, James Blunt, TV on the Radio, Sleater-Kinney , Mogwai, Coheed and Cambria, Gnarls Barkley, Coldcut, Phoenix, Digable Planets, Amadou & Mariam, Little Louie Vega, Mylo (DJ Set), Seu Jorge, Wolf Parade, The Go! Team, Kaskade, Metric, Art Brut, Dungen, The Dears, Jamie Lidell, The Magic Numbers, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jazzanova, Michael Mayer, Mates of State, Gilles Peterson, Gabriel & Dresden, The Subways, Minus the Bear, Be Your Own Pet, Giant Drag, Kristina Sky, The Octopus Project.

I am pretty disappointed with the list. Some solid groups, but it is missing that essential hook - the reformed band, or reclusive artist, that Coachella somehow manages to conjure up every year. There are bound to be some surprising additions in the upcoming months, but I don't think it will be enough to drag me out of the midwest. Especially since Chicago is sure to be on the itinerary for most bands travelling there way to Indio. Still, I am a bit bummed - Coachella is ridiculously awesome. I just wish there were more alluring bands (ie. Massive Attack, Primal Scream, Underworld) so I could justify the time and cost.

I am, however, particularly excited/surpised by the appearance of TV on the Radio. NME reported that the band collaborated with Massive Attack for the latter's fifth album Weather Underground. The leadoff single Live With Me leaked yesterday and it is quite good - similar to 100th Window minus the irritating Sinead O'Connor vocals/lyrics.

Here's to hoping that Elizabeth Fraser can make up for her absence last year by appearing next to 3D, Tricky and Tunde Adebimpe on April 30.