Re:Coachella

This past weekend in Indio has left me with a handful of awe-worthy memories, some overplayed tunes stuck in my head, sore feet, and the feeling that I sure would be pissed had I paid to get in. But I can’t be completely negative. There was a cluster fuck of amazing artist who blessed us with their music… Even if they did the year previous as well. And I can give thanks that I didn’t have yet another near death experience as I did in 2007. I can even go as far as to say that Kraftwerk wasn’t as weird (or interesting) as I thought they’d be. But how the hell do so many people make it through the weekend camping out in the literally blistering heat? Had we not had a pool just 5 minutes away to jump into I’m certain that I just might’ve died… Or come home after just a few hours.

It wasn’t all depressingly sweaty and strenuous however. We did get the pleasure of zoning out to St. Vincent & Portishead. And if you really need me to give you the run down on Prince, then all I can say is “Youtube that ish asap!” ‘In The Arms Of An Angel’ nearly made me forget that I had spent $80 on beer and a lemonade that tasted like cancer. M.I.A. (& her seizure inducing visuals) gave us all what we came for, but someone should really tell her to ease off the gunshot samples. I felt like I was at Virginia Tech for 40 minutes. And what can I really say about Hot Chip’s performances that you don’t already know? This was the only act that I had seen the year previous, but went back for more. As far as my math goes, it’s Hot Chip + desert = good times. At one point I even hoisted a friend onto my shoulders and pretended we were in Cancun on some MTV spring break show circa 1998 (minus Dave Holmes and Birkenstocks). I feel it necessary to add that my friend, myself, and the surrounding 20 lunatics were all topless at this point. For those of you who don’t know me, this is an extremely hilarious visual since I’m a pale 125lbs. Technically, I shouldn’t be lifting anything above my knees, but the bacon I ate that morning must’ve boosted my strength. Hulk status!

I peaced out Sunday morning, and headed back to cooler ground. I hear that Sean Penn got blitzed and tried to convince the sea of young people to (and I say this with extreme embarrassment and humility) join a caravan with him & (are you ready for this?) Everclear, which would travel to New Orleans and back… The purpose of said trip was never explained or even hinted at. I also heard that Roger Waters was amazing… And went on forever… And ever.

Simon Coltman - Riverside

I really can’t find anything but woefullness in this song, which comes from no namer Simon Coltman–a young singer/songwriter out of London. Next to a warm blanket or Jamie’s big brown eyes, this song might just be the most heart crushingly comfy thing that’s come into view in a good long while. We’re going to try and snag Simon for an interview in the next few weeks to see when he plans on releasing his next digital EP, what his favorite pizza toppings are, and if we can expect to hear some of these collaborations he’s talked about anytime soon.

Believe me, this song is perfectly happy being played on repeat. It’s been my personal theme song for about 3 weeks and counting. The brutally honest recording style might not be intentional, but it’s a perfect home for the shaky vocals and gentle tone of Coltman’s folkish finger picking. Some of the chord changes can be jolty, and painfully amateur, but once again, it fits with the overall presentation of his music. It will be interesting to see if this boyish charm is lost in his future works, which will most likely be available for free download at his site, so bookmark it.

Click HERE for lyrics.