By the Numbers: Coachella 2, Big Star's Third, Record Store Day 10

Coachella Weekend 2, an amazing live title featuring Big Star's Third and Record Store Day's 10th Anniversary all add up to plenty of excitement for music lovers this weekend.

Radiohead's Thom Yorke performing April 14, 2017.
Photograph: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival continues to be the preeminent music festival in North America thanks to the range of eclectic and outstanding artists, groundbreaking art installations, the dramatic desert setting and the overall spirit of the event. The good news is for those of us who couldn't be there Weekend 1, we have a chance to catch the groundbreaking sights and sounds at Coachella Weekend 2, April 21-23.  

There were plenty of memorable moments that thrilled concertgoers at Weekend 1 of Coachella and now the festival plays out again this weekend. Among the highlights this writer caught via the full-length performances streamed on YouTube were Radiohead overcoming two sound system blackouts to deliver an impressive top-tier set featuring many of the quintet's most beloved songs. "Creep," "You and Whose Army?," "Paranoid Android" and "Karma Police" were among the sterling songs the band played late in their set on Friday night.

Lady Gaga performing at Coachella on April 15, 2017.
Photograph: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella

Of the early-afternoon performances I caught on Saturday, I was taken with the Americana-meets-folk rock of The Head and the Heart. Later on, Northern Ireland-based modern-day rockers Two Door Cinema Club offered up a high octane set including classic material and dance-minded gems off the group's latest album Gameshow. Bon Iver returned to Coachellafest to perform a captivating set, highlighted by "45," Minnesota, WI," and the particularly sweeping "Calgary." Lady Gaga brought a bona fide party atmosphere to close out the proceedings with a two hour set featuring her dance hits and more country-flavored material.

Pharrell Williams, left with Hans Zimmer on April 18, 2017.
Photograph: Charles Reagan Hackleman ©Coachella 2017

Sunday also featured a mix of far-flung music champions. I caught Tycho and was impressed by the quartet's lush instrumentals blending dance rhythms, synth pop and shimmering guitar lines. And who knew how cool it would be that composer Hans Zimmer was such a cool act to add, performing concert-ready versions of some of his best movie music? His impressive cast of star musicians (including a full orchestra and guest turn from Pharrell Williams) was surely one of the fun surprises of the weekend, and his 65-minute set attracted around a massive crowd.

I look forward to immersing myself in as much music as possible this weekend at the Empire Polo Club.

Information: Coachella.com.

While Coachella will provide the perfect live setting to take in music, fans looking to take in some great music via their home theater system or while on a drive can pick up the newly-released Thank You, Friends: Big Star's Third Live...And More coming Friday, April 21, 2017 courtesy of Concord Bicycle Music. 

While you may not have yet heard of this film, make sure to track down the DVD/2 CD title filmed and recorded at a star-studded concert in Glendale, CA a year ago. The concert serves as both a celebration (for those who know cult heroes Big Star), and those who may not yet be familiar with the Memphis-spawned early '70s rockers.

The line-up of artists who perform songs from Big Star's discography include Jody Stephens (the only surviving member of Big Star), Chris Stamey (The dB's), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jeff Tweedy and Pat Sansone (both of Wilco), Robyn Hitchcock, Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and many more. The film and performances are truly special. A shining version of "September Gurls" (featuring Mills on lead vocals), tender "Thirteen" (with Skylar Gudasz) and a flat-out rocking "When My Baby's Beside Me" featuring most of the ensemble are among the fantastic versions on the must-own collection (directed by Benno Nelson). Information: ConcordBicycle.com.

The 10th Anniversary of Record Store Day arrives April 22, and countless brick and mortar indie record stores across the U.S. will celebrate the important event with special limited-edition releases from the likes of The Beatles, David Bowie, Rush, Elton John, the Cars and Fleetwood Mac going on sale for one day only. Visit RecordStoreDay.com for more information on this great event. Also, be sure to check out the most recent episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR and yours truly filmed a special Record Store Day preview at Pepperland Music in Orange, CA. Watch the episode embedded below:

Robert Kinsler

Coachella 2017 lineup announced: Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, New Order, Hans Zimmer, Two Door Cinema Club and many more to perform!

Here it is, after months of rumors who would perform and anticipation! Of course, many artists from all corners of the musical universe are set to perform in Indio this spring. Get all the Coachella details on the lineup here: https://www.coachella.com/lineup/

'August: Osage County' soundtrack set for release on Tuesday, Jan. 7

Well, tomorrow we see the first of the official 2014 releases. In addition to the Peter Gabriel And I'll Scratch Yours set for release on Jan. 7, here are details related to another notable release courtesy of a media release that landed in my inbox early this morning...

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK OF “AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY”
TO BE RELEASED ON JANUARY 7, 2014

A NEW SONG BY JD AND THE STRAIGHT SHOT, TRACKS BY BON IVER, ERIC CLAPTON, KINGS OF LEON 
& BILLY SQUIER, COMPOSITIONS BY GUSTAVO SANTAOLALLA

Sony Music is proud to announce the release of the original motion picture soundtrack of August: Osage County, featuring songs specially written for the film by Kings of Leon and by JD and the Straight Shot, as well as celebrated songs by Bon Iver, Eric Clapton and Billy Squier. These tracks are backed up by new music composed by Gustavo Santaolalla and others.  The original motion picture soundtrack of August: Osage County is available on January 7, 2014.

The songs on the album make up an irresistible compilation. “Last Mile Home” by Kings of Leon, a soulful track with an understated guitar accompaniment, was specially written for the film by the band. The acoustic version of it was used for the end titles and the track featured on the album.  The simple, moving “Violet’s Song” by JD and the Straight Shot was also recorded for the movie, and as a special treat the soundtrack includes the pleasure of hearing the actor Benedict Cumberbatch perform as a singer (“Can’t Keep It Inside”). The album opens with eerie electronic echoings in “Himmon TX” by Bon Iver, with the smoky voice of the indie group’s frontman Justin Vernon. The third track is an absolute classic of country blues, “Lay Down Sally” from Eric Clapton’s album Slow Hand. A further well-known number is Billy Squiers’ hard-rock “The Stroke”. These veterans are joined by an up-and-coming star: the American singer-songwriter John Fullbright showcases his drawly Oklahoma vowels in the laid-back but energised “Gawd Above”. 

To accompany these songs Gustavo Santaolalla and others have composed atmospheric film music. The multi-talented Santaolalla is best known for his work writing movie scores and producing albums. He has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score, for his work on Babel and Brokeback Mountain, and two Grammy Awards as an album producer. He is also the founder of the electrorock-tango band Bajofondo, whose latest album, Presente, was recently released by Sony Music Masterworks. Of his  compositions for August: Osage County, the longest is the “End Credits” track, melodious and fittingly subdued music in which orchestral strings underlay twangy guitar chords. Santaolalla wrote two further pieces for the album. In addition, four short compositions by Adam Taylor highlight the pensive aspects of the movie, and to round everything off there is a brief but groovy hidden track by the Grammy-winning film and TV composer Mateo Messina.

August: Osage County is the much-anticipated movie version of an award-winning play with an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard and Misty Upham. This calls for a high-class soundtrack, a call which has been met by combining superb songs – both fine new releases and classics by famous performers – with excellent compositions by Gustavo Santaolalla, Adam Taylor and Mateo Messina.

About the film 
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year. It continued with a successful international run and was the winner of five Tony Awards in 2008, including Best Play. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is directed by John Wells (THE COMPANY MEN).

Tracklisting

1. Himmon, TX                                                         Bon Iver   

2. Last Mile Home (acoustic version)      Kings Of Leon  

3. Lay Down Sally                                                  Eric Clapton

4. Don't Let Go                                                        Adam Taylor   

5. The Kiss                                                                  Adam Taylor   

6. The Stroke (album version)                       Billy Squier   

7. Gawd Above                                                        John Fullbright  

8. The Decision                                                       Adam Taylor

9. Forward                                                                 Adam Taylor

10. Violet's Song                                                    JD and the Straight Shot   

11. Can't Keep It Inside                                     Benedict Cumberbatch

12. End Credits                                                       Gustavo Santaolalla  

13. And Then They're Here                              Gustavo Santaolalla  

14. Barb Balcony                                                   Gustavo Santaolalla  

Hidden Track Street Beater a.k.a Sanford and Son Theme   Mateo Messina

Grammy Award-winning Bon Iver immerses 'Austin City Limits' with magic touch

Singer-guitarist Justin Vernon, left, leads Bon Iver through a potent performance on Austin City Limits.

Radiohead kicked things off on the new season of Austin City Limits with an intense, fast-paced concert of experimental rock that set a high bar for those acts who follow in the weeks ahead. On the next episode of the legendary music series set to air this weekend, Bon Iver delivers an equally enthralling series by immersing the audience in its textured and artful sonic brew that literally is as much about the sound created by the nine musicians as the stellar songs they perform.

I had wondered after catching Bon Iver in a potent performance outdoors at Coachella in Indio earlier this year, if the group's sound and style gained that otherworldly element because of the epic desert setting. Although  expansive site may have played a part in the ethereal vibe, Bon Iver exhibits all those magical moods and sounds on the ACL episode too. Don't miss it...

Here is the official release on the Bon Iver episode, including the setlist:

Austin, TX—October 11, 2012—Austin City Limits (ACL) Season 38 hits its stride with a breathtaking performance by 2012 Grammy Award-winning Best New Artist Bon Iver in a standout ACL debut. The new episode airs on Saturday, October 13 (check local listings for times). Joined by an eight-piece band for the occasion, frontman Justin Vernon turns his intimate confessionals into orchestral pop anthems in his first turn at ACL. Vernon performs songs from Bon Iver, Bon Iver, the 2012 Grammy Award-winner for Best Alternative Album, and also includes gems from his 2007 breakthrough For Emma, Forever Ago. “This is a trip,” a heartfelt Vernon says from the ACL stage at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. “I used to be on the other end of the screen when I was 10.”


Bon Iver is the moniker of Wisconsin native Justin Vernon, a name derived from the French phrase for “good winter.” Written during a secluded winter stay in a remote cabin in Northwest Wisconsin, Vernon crafted a stunning collection of bold, ardent musings layered with pastoral melodies and his hauntingly smooth falsetto into Bon Iver's acclaimed debut For Emma, Forever Ago. In 2011, Bon Iver released the much-anticipated follow-up, Bon Iver, Bon Iver, earning two Grammy Awards in 2012 for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album.

“In my opinion, Justin Vernon is a musical genius,” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “The music he creates through Bon Iver transcends anything else out there in pop or rock. The orchestration may be dense and the lyric abstract - to say the least - but together the effect is riveting. Seeing it live really brings it to life in a way ACL does best.”

Vernon had high praise for his debut ACL experience: “This is the only perfect, wonderful music show that we have.”

BON IVER SETLIST


Perth

Minnesota, WI

Brackett, WI

Towers

Blood Bank

Skinny Love

Wash.

Beth/Rest

For Emma


Season 38 Current Broadcast Schedule (seven additional episodes/artists to be announced)

October 6, 2012
Radiohead

October 13, 2012
Bon Iver

October 20, 2012
Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples

October 27, 2012
The Shins
Dr. Dog

November 3, 2012
The Civil Wars
Punch Brothers

November 10, 2012
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2012 (Hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring performances by Carolina Chocolate Drops, Richard Thompson, Alabama Shakes, Lifetime Achievement Honoree Bonnie Raitt and more)

  The complete line-up for the full 13-week season, including seven episodes to air beginning January 2012, will be announced at a later date. Check acltv.com for additional episode updates.



About Austin City Limits


Austin City Limits (ACL) is a television series on PBS that records and broadcasts original musical performances from exciting new talent and legendary artists of all genres.




Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. In 2012, ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin.



ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by AMD, Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department and Dell. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Radiohead to kick off new season of 'Austin City Limits' on Oct. 6

Having seen Radiohead at Coachella, in Arizona and Washington, DC this year, how excited do you think I am to see the band when they kick off the new season of Austin City Limits next month? Having also caught Bon Iver and The Shins in Indio, the new season of ACL looks really strong. Here is the official press release that landed in my inbox this morning...

Preview Radiohead on Austin City Limits season premiere; Click here

August 28, 2012-- Austin City Limits (ACL), the groundbreaking PBS television series, returns for an unprecedented 38th Season this fall with a stellar line-up of performers. The first episode will premiere Saturday, October 6th, showcasing the iconic British band Radiohead in a rare full-hour television performance. Check local listings for times.

The upcoming season features a roster of the best in popular music, including Bon Iver (2012 Best New Artist Grammy Award winner), Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples, The Shins, and The Civil Wars. Audiences have unparalleled access to featured artists in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver their most inspired and memorable performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from its new home at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin.



“We’re proud to continue the tradition of presenting a diverse, eclectic mix of some of the most original music being made today,” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “One thing that hasn’t changed in the last 38 years is that ACL has a way of bringing out the best in an artist’s performance – whether it’s a rising new star or a legend. This year is no exception.”


Austin City Limits’ legacy continues to grow. This year, ACL received a rare Institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in television. In June, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced that nearly 40 years of ACL footage will be digitally archived in perpetuity at the Museum's new Library and Archives in Cleveland. In 2009, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame declared ACL a historic rock & roll landmark. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only television program to ever receive the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest award for artistic excellence, which it was awarded in 2003.


The season premiere marks Radiohead's long-awaited and unforgettable debut appearance, taking to the ACL stage for the first time. Viewers can tune-in to their local PBS station for the season premiere on October 6; check local listings for times. For the second consecutive year, Austin City Limits will travel to Nashville to capture highlights from performances at the 2012 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards ceremony. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, this special presentation of Austin City Limits will showcase Americana music, which is American roots music based on the traditions of country and other musical styles.


Season 38 Current Broadcast Schedule (seven additional episodes/artists to be announced)



October 6, 2012
Radiohead

October 13, 2012
Bon Iver

October 20, 2012
Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples

October 27, 2012
The Shins
Dr. Dog

November 3, 2012
The Civil Wars
Punch Brothers

November 10, 2012
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2012 (Hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring performances by Carolina Chocolate Drops, Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin, Alabama Shakes, Lifetime Achievement Honoree Bonnie Raitt and more)


The complete line-up for the full 13-week season, including seven episodes to air beginning January 2013, will be announced at a later date. Check in with the ACL blog for additional episode updates.

About Austin City Limits



Austin City Limits (ACL) is a television series on PBS that records and broadcasts original musical performances from exciting new talent and legendary artists of all genres.




Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. In 2012, ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. 
 


ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by AMD, Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department and Dell. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

New 'Music Worth Buying' episode, Bon Iver, Heart, Stripes and Lines, Kut U Up

This post is a collection of various (and noteworthy) news and notes, as well as an invitation to watch the latest episode of Music Worth Buying...

This week TJR immerses into dark psychedelic rock world of the Black Angels latest album Phosphene Dream. Meanwhile I celebrate Joan Osborne's latest album of soul music titled Bring it on Home. - Check it out and give us your feedback"

Bon Iver Announces New U.S. Tour Dates

Last week Bon Iver released a new iTunes Session (click HERE to stream its version of "Beth/Rest") and picked up the award for Independent Album of the Year at the inaugural Libera Awards curated by the American Association of Indepedent Music. Bon Iver's label has announced new dates along the Eastern United States, including two additional dates in New York at Radio City Music Hall. Anais Mitchell will open for most of these dates. Much has been said of Bon Iver's transformation into a nine-person live band. The Miami New Times in a recent live review, captures the essence of this magic particularly well: "Often, live music is an attempt to approximate something captured in a studio. As exceptional as Bon Iver's recordings are, Bon Iver in concert is an entirely different creature. By turns defiant and pliant, pained and triumphant, with Bon Iver, the songs are not merely live but living." Check out the full list of tour dates at the band's Web site here.

2010 Proves banner year for Heart with new studio album and hardcover memoir arriving this fall

With Heart's Fanatic, a new studio album, and Kicking and Dreaming, an insiders' memoir, arriving this fall, 2012 is shaping up as a banner year for the iconic American band who--beginning with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," and "Barracuda" in the mid-1970s running through 2010's Red Velvet Car--have created an enduring catalog of bona fide stadium rock classics and power ballads while establishing a lasting template for women in rock.

* * * * *

Fanatic, Heart's 14th studio album, arrives Tuesday, October 2.  The group's second full-length studio album for Legacy, Fanatic premieres 10 new essential performances from sisters Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson on songs including "Fanatic," "Dear Old America," "Walkin' Good" (featuring Sarah McLachlan), "Skin and Bones," "Million Miles," "Pennsylvania," "Mashallah," "Rock Deep (Vancouver)," "59 Crunch," and "Corduroy Road." NOTE; YOU CAN READ MY REVIEW OF HEART'S EXCELLENT CONCERT IN ANAHEIM IN FEBRUARY 2012 HERE. SPECIAL THANK YOU TO KELLY A. SWIFT FOR THE USE OF HER IMAGE FROM THAT SHOW.

The first album of new music from Ann and Nancy Wilson since 2010's Red Velvet Car had its Top 10 debut in 2010, Fanatic was recorded in hotel rooms and studios up and down the West Coast, with Grammy-winning producer Ben Mink back at the helm with the Wilson sisters drawing from their own lives and personal experiences as inspiration for their music.  "Dear Old America" comes from memories of a military household and is written from the point of view of their father, a Marine Corps officer, returning from war ("When I get home, I'm going to own this town/Shine this medal/Wear that crown…."); "Rock Deep (Vancouver)" harkens back to the city where Dreamboat Annie was written; and "Walkin' Good" (a duet with Vancouver resident Sarah McLachlan) captures the joy of finding new life in a new love.

The title song is a celebration of the Wilson's life spirit: Ann and Nancy are fanatics about love, art, truth, and the belief that they can do anything together they set their minds to.  

"What a crazy year we are having," said Ann Wilson.  "Our box set, Strange Euphoria, and our book, Kicking and Dreaming, each tell the story of our lives so far, personally and musically. Our new album, Fanatic, tells our story as it is now and brings it all up-to-the-minute. What a thrill to have worked with both Charles Cross and Ben Mink respectively on these, and of course to touch the musical magic Nancy and I have always shared together. Anybody want to RAWK??"

Released in 2010, Fanatic's predecessor, Red Velvet Car (the first new studio album in six years from the groundbreaking Seattle-based band) entered the Billboard 200 best-selling album charts at #10, becoming the seventh Top 10 album of Heart's career.  Heart's critically-acclaimed first album for Legacy Recordings marked the return of Heart to the Sony Music Entertainment family, reaching #1 in sales on Amazon.com on Sunday, September 5.

On June 5, Epic Records/Legacy Recordings released Strange Euphoria, the first definitive career-spanning, multi-label boxed set retrospective chronicling the seminal American rock band Heart, personally curated by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson.

And, finally, if you are in San Diego this weekend, the poster reproduced here pretty much provides you with the details about a special concert on Saturday, June 30th...

Weekend 2 brings a myriad of musical riches to Coachella

Singer Thom Yorke of the band Radiohead appears to be peering into the night as seen on one of the gigantic screens positioned over the Coachella Stage where the acclaimed British band headlined on Saturday, April 21.

Everyone has a different Coachella experience. Many brave impossible elements or fatigue to catch as many performances as possible while others are fanatic about a specific artist and trek out to Indio for a single performance. Still others come to view the fantastic artwork installations, watch out for celebrities, party with friends or for no other reason than to say "I was at Coachella" (even if that means they attended a party in far-off Palm Springs and never actually set foot on the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio). For the record I have always come to Coachella to catch some of my favorite artists in the most thrilling of settings and for the joy of discovering great artists for the first time. After catching all or part of eight sets on Friday, nine on Saturday and another nine on Sunday, here are some highlights of my sonic journey through Weekend 2 (April 20-22, 2012) of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

I'm glad I arrived at the Coachellafest first thing because Friday's finest moments came early in the day. Don't get me wrong; I did enjoy seeing Pulp, Mazzy Star and the Black Keys in their respective turns that would come after dark. But a string of incredible performances following the kickoff from Mea (seen in the image on the left) came via Los Angeles Americana outfit honeyhoney, the eclectic Oklahoma-based Other Lives, singer-songwriter-guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr., country-folk rockers Dawes (whose "Time Spent in Los Angeles" and "Fire Away" simply rocked live) and genre-defying singer-songwriter-guitarist M. Ward set the perfect pace for me over the fast-paced day. With the exception of the experimental rock of the Jesse Tabish-led Other Lives, the wealth of roots music artists who were featured on Friday really was terrific. Dawes recalled classic Crosby, Stills and Nash, while Clark Jr. floored a packed Gobi tent over the course of 55 magical minutes with potent blues rockers like "When My Train Pulls In" and "Don't Owe You a Thang." Anyone who loves blues rock needs to discover this amazing Austin, Texas based artist (do yourself a favor and pick up his newly-released Bright Lights EP). Saturday's wide-ranging schedule yielded similarly-thrilling sets from early performers as well, although Coachella-goers had to contend with some of the highest fest temperatures in memory. Indeed, while checking weather conditions just prior to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' 3:40 p.m. set time I saw 106 listed as the current temp for Indio. A far cry from the cold and rain that had marked Weekend 1 of the festival a week earlier. But baking in the sun was made a bit easier thanks to staff hosing down those positioned near the front of the Outdoor Theatre, the spot where I caught three solid performances. Orange County-based Suedehead's hard-charging sound recalled Paul Weller's The Jam while We Were Promised Jetpacks blended post-punk and '80's alt rock into a rousing mix. The aforementioned Potter and company opened with the infectious singalong "Paris (Ooh La La)." Potter strummed away on her electric guitar while nailing high notes with her amazing soprano on the way through a 40-minute performance that boasted the depth and range of a full-length concert set. Highlights included the blues-rock of "Stop the Bus" and a musical tribute to the recently-deceased Band drummer Levon Helm.

While the weather (thankfully) cooled a bit as the sun began to set, the intensity of the music making side of things never let up. From the energetic Kaiser Chiefs and U.K. power pop masters Squeeze, to Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (seen rocking on a mega-screen in the image on the left) and Portland-based the Shins, the day and evening brought one breathtaking set after another. Squeeze performed with a fire and intensity of an up-and-coming band, unleashing versions of timeless favorites including "Black Coffee in Bed," "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)" and "Is That Love" on the Mojave stage. Not long after, James Mercer led the Shins through a set that was the perfect setup for what was to come on the main stage throughout the rest of the night. Along with the delight of hearing the Shins perform a winning version of Neil Young's gem "Helpless," additional standouts came via the group's terrific new album Port of Morrow (notably the infectious upbeat "Simple Song" and decidedly sad tune "It's Only Life"). Following the Shins, Bon Iver played a 55-minute set that showcased the group's blend of folk, alt-country and indie sensibilities as the faithful cheered. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Justin Vernon displayed a musical style that often would find a quiet folk song grow into a neo-grunge roar. The stunning Bon Iver opener "Perth" (with its amazing guitar line and hushed intro layered with Vernon's falsetto vocals) was my favorite track of his set, but "Holocene" reached an almost similar depth. Radiohead performed a marvelous two-hour concert to finish off Saturday in grand fashion, featuring mostly-recent material off the troupe's last two studio albums (2007's In Rainbows and 2011's The King of Limbs) and some classic favorites, notably "Karma Police" and the night-ending "Paranoid Android." The English quintet, led by its charismatic front man Thom Yorke, utilized their experimental musical instincts and technology to enhance - rather than detract - from their concert show. With dazzling lights and a multitude of revolving projection screens, Radiohead immersed the crowd in an experience that was as much art as music. Weighty stuff that felt just right at Coachella. I got to the festival far earlier than I thought on day three so I was able to catch most of Gardens & Villa's set inside the Mojave tent. Until Sunday I never heard a group combine Thomas Dolby-styled '80s electronica with traditional Native American flute music. "Black Hills" mixed up a goth soundscape with a driving rhythm that got early birds moving to the music out on the grassy dance floor. Few who had gathered to watch Gardens & Villa left the Mohave tent once Brooklyn-based Oberhofer arrived on the scene with their own high-energy approach. The quartet's direction was mostly set on fun. Lead singer Brad Oberhofer injected some real life drama when he climbed high on the stage frame to throw flowers down into the enthusiastic crowd. Even frustrating technical woes resulting in First Aid Kit's keyboards not working properly did not dampen enthusiasm for the Swedish duo. Performing songs from both their The Big Black & the Blue debut and new sophomore effort The Lion's Roar, the siblings' shining harmonies and authentic '70s country folk was a joy. I predict very big things for these young sisters from Stockholm. The wide-range of styles of artists who perform at Coachella is an obvious attraction for music lovers. Sunday's finale summed that up clearly. I caught the indie R&B-flavored pop ensemble Fitz and the Tantrums (who shared a splendid reworking of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams"), the high-powered attack of Sweden's The Hives (I loved the band's new single "Go Right Ahead"), and the perfect set from Florence + the Machine (featuring singer Florence Welch) with dramatic crowd pleasers like "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)." Welch finally ended a seemingly-flawless hour-long set with the beautiful and involving "No Light, No Light."

Another Coachella to remember.

Music Worth Buying episode: Esperanza Spaulding & The Chieftains

Check out episode 85 of Music Worth Buying. We feature the latest albums from Esperanza Spaulding ("Radio Music Society") and The Chieftains ("Voice of Ages").