Coachella 2012 Day 1

The drive from LA seemed to drag on, zig zagging for miles over drab grey overpasses and freeways. Finally, we pulled off in Palm Springs and James and I were both pleasantly surprised at our destination and how quaint and unique this little piece of desert was. It is such an iconic little town, known for its parties and weekend sojourns celebrated by Hollywood royalty both past and present. 

We checked into our hotel which was full of young people, drinking and partying like the American cliche that is Spring Break. A quick outfit change and we were ready to head to Coachella. I was so nervous I could barely pick an outfit, pack my bag or get on the shuttle bus to head to the festival. My mind was racing and my nerves were getting the better of me. I pulled it together and we made the 30 minute shuttle bus ride to the festival with a bus load of eager people like us. Drinking was abundant on the shuttle rides, as was preparing joints for the day.

View from our balcony in Palm Springs

The festival is actually in Indio, about a 30 minute drive from Palm Springs. We didn't mind the shuttle ride every day. Most people slept on the way home. It was dark and a great time to unwind and reflect on the day's events.

I purchased VIP tickets months in advance and the benefits were already obvious when we arrived at the festival. We were hurried to a very private VIP entrance into the festival with a minimal bag search and light pat down. Our friends who had General Admission tickets told us terrible stories of being frisked and harrassed as they entered the main gates.

Once we walked into the VIP area, James and I were literally speechless at how amazing everything was. Huge bars with no lines, air conditioned toilets with mirrors (an essential for any festival attendee), sofas to lounge on, phone charging stations, mist fans to help cool down, shaded areas, food trucks with amazing cuisine including mexican, ice cream sandwiches, fish n chips, espresso bar, smoothie bar, pide, japanese and the american staple, burgers. But best of all, the VIP area is gated off from the main area with plenty of space to sit, and it's elevated which means you can see over the crowd for maximum viewing.

Watching Arctic Monkeys in the VIP

Palm Springs sweltered in a heatwave. Across the 3 days at Coachella, the temp didn't drop below about 35'c.

While standing to get our Over 21 drinking wrist bands, I spotted Alexander Skarsgard from True Blood. I was WAY too shy to ask for a photo with him so I took this sneaky pic instead. He is beyond sexy in real life. And so tall, he stood out in the crowd so easily.

While sipping a few beers to help release the nerves, we watched Arctic Monkeys on the main stage. Having seen them a few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to hear how much better they are live. They played a tight set and a mix of new and old hits. Next we watched Pulp who were fantastic. Seriously, Jarvis Cocker is a god of some sort. He was dancing and twirling around, spilling red wine all over the stage and himself. He entertained the crowd and delivered the most popular hits from their songbook.

We nibbled on a few pulled pork tacos for dinner while we waited for Mazzy Star and The Black Keys to begin.

Border Grill food truck

Mini tacos = pure delight

Amazing art installations around the festival site

The Do-Lab, electronic beats & people smoking dope

Such a pretty sight

We had a prime view for The Black Keys in the VIP area and they played a super fun set with songs from both albums.

Towards the end of their set, we bolted over to the Mojave Tent to see M83. They were amazing, as usual. I saw them a few months ago at Laneway and they were even better at Coachella. The vibe in the crowd was much more intense. Midnight City got the biggest roar & support from the crowd but they finished on a high and we headed back to the VIP area to catch the start of Swedish House Mafia's set. I twisted James's arm to indulge in a chocolate cookie ice cream sandwich which DID NOT disappoint. The cookie was goey inside, the vanilla bean ice-cream was a heavenly way to end a 41'c day in the desert. 

Ice cream cookie sandwich for dessert? What would Michelle Bridges say?!

So beautiful... Our 1st night at Coachella was a success!

We walked the 1.5kms to the shuttle pickup and headed back to our hotel. The bus was silent and dark. My mind was racing, trying to process and store memories in my mind, to capture what I had seen and felt. 

We arrived back at the hotel at around 1:30am and decided to speak to the kids via facetime. It was so amazing to chat with them and see their little faces but I admit, I cried when we hung up the phone. With a huge time difference, we had to speak to the kids early in the morning. This didn't bother us at all since getting home from the festival + added jetlag in our systems meant that we didn't climb into bed every morning until about 3am. 

Triple J Hottest 100 2011

I did a post last year about the Top 10. I didn't listen this Australia Day but when I heard the results, I was pretty surprised. What do you think of the top 10? Any of your favourites in there?


# 10

Hilltop Hoods - I Love It {Featuring Sia}

My review: I cannot stand Hilltop Hoods. End of story.


# 9

The Jezabels - Endless Summer

My review: I adore this song, this band, the lead singer. Was ecstatic to see them in the Top 10. Well deserved.


# 8

360 - Boys Like You {Featuring Gossling}

My review: Yuck. I can barely listen to 8 seconds of this song before clicking X.


# 7

San Cisco - Awkward

My review: Local Perth band San Cisco are pretty new to the scene but this song is pretty cute. Another hipster band, who I wonder if they will last the distance. I do love the female drummer though!


# 6

Lana Del Rey - Video Games

My review: It's still early days for LDR. I feel sorry for all the negative media coverage she is getting. Too big, too soon? Time will tell. This song was released in late October and STILL made the Top 10, so she definitely has a huge fan base in Australia. UPDATE: She has just announced that she is cancelling her upcoming Australian tour and all other future tours.


# 5

M83 - Midnight City

My review: I have been a huge fan of M83 for years. The hipster kids really jumped all over this single and its appearance in the top 10 didn't surprise me. I recommend listening to the WHOLE album though, it's musical genius. One of the best opening songs from a new album in a long time.


# 4

Boy & Bear - Feeding Line

My review: Sydneysiders Boy & Bear have had a huge year. Winning 5 Aria's in 2011, they had 3 songs in the Top 100. I should like them, but for some reason I'm undecided. This song is happy and harmonious though.


# 3

Matt Corby - Brother

My review: Holy mother of God. This song is brilliant. Corby was the runner-up in Australian Idol 2007 and was blessed he didn't win, considering so many people have gone onto sweet NOTHING after winning Idol. This song was written about an argument he had with a friend. The emotion and lyrics are amazing. Plus he is pretty easy on the eye, which helps. This is dreamy. I love it.


# 2

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

My review: The filmclip is hilarious. A struggling actor who was supposed to be an extra ended up being the star of the clip. The song? Amazing. I love The Black Keys, I highly recommend you check out their albums. They are performing at Coachella in April, and I am so.freaking.excited!


# 1

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know {Featuring Kimbra}

My review: Obviously the biggest song of 2011 took poll position. I love the song, the film clip, the artist. Gotye's songs have appeared in the Top 100 before and I'm sure they will again. But I'd appreciate the radio stations removing this song from their playlist. Time to move onwards and upward.

Shake It Out

Last week, I jumped onto ticketmaster as soon as the ticket presale started and it paid off, because I have front row seats to see Florence and the Machine in May 2012. I cannot wait. If you listen to one song this week, make sure it's this one.


It's always darkest before the dawn. So true Flo, so true.

Turning Page

This song is stunning. Yesterday while driving around, doing the Christmas shopping, I found myself crying my heart out when this came on my ipod.


It features on The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 1 soundtrack which is where I discovered this gem of a tune.


Happy listening, or sad in my case.


xx

Endless Summer

Finally the warm weather is here. A welcome change, from that "in between" spring weather when you still need a jacket and jeans.


After reading some summery posts by Corinne from The Daze of my Life, Kristi from Giggles Down Under and Emily from The Beetle Shack, I've been inspired to post about the upcoming summer season.


I love summer...

Late night dips in the pool, the first ocean swim, bbqs with family and friends, fish and chips, sunsets, drinking a really cold beer, the smell of fresh cut grass, sunscreen, beach hair, wearing thongs or even better, barefoot, maxi dresses, watching the cricket over the xmas break, wrapping xmas presents, big storms, starting a new year with a fresh perspective and hope.


And I've found my theme song for the summer, check it out below.

Flashback Friday.

Aerosmith - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing


Yes, I'm a day late. But that's ok when you have a newborn! This week's flashback is dedicated to my prince Edward. Cheesey song? Yes. But Aerosmith rock and this song is exactly how I feel about my newbie son.




Happy weekend everyone.




xxx

Lullabies

I was a big fan of lullabies with Abigail. I had an ipod dock in her nursery and we played lullabies to her most nights which she loved.


Rockabye Baby are instrumental lullaby renditions of rock bands. I just checked their website and some new additions have been added. I'm definately buying the Weezer, Aerosmith and Journey releases. These lullabies might not be everyone's cup of tea, but Abigail loved them and I'm hoping Edward does too.

Flashback Friday.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole


This song makes me weep when I listen to it. I'm so excited and anxious about the birth of my little wee one, so soon. And hearing this just sets off the tears.


Happy weekend everyone,


xxx

Lotus Flower vs Single Ladies

I am a huge Radiohead fan. And on Saturday their new album, The King of Limbs, was released worldwide. I eagerly waited for my 1st listen and while I'm not 100% in love with the new sound, the 1st single is interesting.


Of course, nowadays so many people have so much time on their hands that hilarious videos get made overnight such as this.


Check out Thom Yorke dancing in his new film clip Lotus Flower, dubbed over Single Ladies by Beyonce. Yes, it's silly. But I'm pregnant and bored. And it doesn't take much to make me laugh at the moment.

Flashback Friday.

Fleetwood Mac - Landslide


I was fortunate enough to see Fleetwood Mac live in Sydney in 2009. Stevie Nicks is a living legend. She is amazingly talented. I cried when they sang this song, one of my favourite FM songs, Landslide.


Happy Friday everyone,


xxx

Flashback Friday.

Girlfriend - Girl's Life


Today's flashback is quite tragic I admit. But I was SUCH a fan of Girlfriend. Every girl my age was. This clip is just such a time warp. The lyrics are terrible. The outfits inexcusable. Dancing with a bunch of flowers? Hysterical.


Happy Friday everyone,


xx

Flashback Friday.

Shakespeare's Sister - Stay


This is probably my favourite song of 1992. The filmclip is abstract and bizarre. The song is the perfect love ballad though. Enjoy.


xxx

Flashback Friday.

Beastie Boys - Body Movin'


Top song from a seriously cool bunch of guys. I'm lucky enough to have seen the Beastie Boys once and they were fantastic. James and I heard a BB song on the radio yesterday and remembered how awesome they are.


Happy Friday afternoon.


xx

Triple J Hottest 100 2010

I like listening to Triple J. Commercial radio can be SO repetitive and boring. I have to watch what I'm listening to with Abi in the car though, as Triple J isn't censored and the occasional swear word does pop up from time to time.


Every Australia Day, Triple J count down the hottest 100 tracks of the previous year and tally the results for the top song. I listened to some of the broadcast yesterday but missed hearing the top 10. I was pretty shocked to hear the results. Some were predictable, others a real surprise.


Here are the top 10 songs of 2010, according to Triple J listeners. Have a look see and you be the judge.


Number 10

Somebody To Love Me {Ft. Boy George & Andrew Wyatt} - Mark Ronson & The Business Intl.

My review: I actually like this song. Great collaboration with Boy George and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow.




Number 9

Art vs Science - Magic Fountain

My review: I'm not a fan of Art vs Science at all. It's just noise to me. I can appreciate dance and electronica music, but this is just blerg.




Number 8

The Wombats - Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)

My review: The Wombats are cute but don't blow me away. This song had alot of commercial success too so its presence in the top 10 didn't surprise me.




Number 7

Cee Lo Green - F*ck You

My review: I love this song. It's very commercial now and was featured on Glee which made it even more successful. You might recognise Cee Lo Green as the lead singer of duo band Gnarls Barkley.




Number 6

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime

My review: This was a real surprise to see in the top 10. Swedish born Adrian Lux has a hit on his hands here, with the help of Axwell (DJ, remixer, record producer and record label owner, also from Sweden)




Number 5

Boy and Bear - Fall At Your Feet (cover)

My review: Yes, this song is amazing. But it's not theirs! I don't think cover songs should make the top 10, in my opinion. Yes, this cover is ok but it's nothing amazing. James Blunt's cover is much better.




Number 4

Birds Of Tokyo - Plans

My review: Huge commercial success. Played at the Aria Awards ceremony in 2010. No surprise this was in the top 10. I heard the band talking on Triple J today and they were also surprised that the song was THAT popular with Triple J listeners. Great song though.




Number 3

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel

My review: I absolutely love this song and the band. A trio to begin with, 2010 was a bittersweet year for them. Just as they started to become successful, lead singer Charles Haddon committed suicide by jumping from a telecommunications at Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium. The whole album is fantastic, I highly recommend it.




Number 2

Rock It - Little Red

My review: A great song from a great band. From all of the top 10 songs, this song should have been Number 1 in my opinion. Yes, it's commercial and pop, but still super cute. Abi loves dancing to it, so it must be a real winner.




Number 1

Angus and Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane

My review: I'm in two minds about this song winning the top spot. I used to be a huge fan of the Stone siblings, but I've gone off them lately. Hugely popular and commercial now, this song was a massive hit in 2010. I was shocked this was the TOP song, with so many other contenders not even in the top 20. I think I underestimated how popular the Stone siblings really are.

Musical Saturday

4 nights down, 4 nights to go, till husband is home. We skyped for an hour this morning which was fantastic. Abigail got all shy seeing herself on the computer screen, but loved chatting to her Daddy.

When James is away on business, we don't get the chance to talk very much because he is so busy. Even though today is a weekend, he has no down time. Instead, he is acting as a local guide of Singapore for his American co-workers as most of them have never left the USA and since we lived in Singapore for 2 years, we know lots of little secret spots off the tourist track.

I'm feeling very musical today. The weather is quite rubbish in Sydney. Muggy and rain showers. I've been enjoying having some quiet time this week and have managed a few naps here and there, and Abi is sleeping really well too. We both slept in till 10am this morning which was bliss.

Here are some of my picks for today.



Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
This song is amazing. I saw them live in 2009 and they were fantastic.



Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks (Fred Falke Remix)
I love this band, they are super cute. This remix makes me happy. The original is superb also.



Caribou - Odessa
This song is utter perfection. They are touring next month and are playing at Playground Weekender Festival. I would love to attend, the lineup is awesome. I'll be 9 months pregnant though, is that too far along to waddle around at a festival?




Lamb - Gorecki
Amazing band. They are also playing at PWF next month. This song is sheer perfection.



Sasha - Expander
One of my all time favourite DJ's. He is playing at Good Vibrations Festival next month. I've seen him several times, and he always delivers. This song reminds me of graduating from high school and schoolies week.




Counting Crows - Colourblind
One of my favourite love songs. It appears on the soundtrack for 'Cruel Intentions' which was a fantastic soundtrack.

Flashback Friday.

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

Last night the Gorillaz played in Sydney and I didn't go. Tickets weren't that expensive, but until last week, I thought I would be going to U2 this week already and didn't want to commit to 2 shows in 1 week.

Well, I didn't go to U2 and I'm kicking myself that I didn't go last night. Some friends on facebook said it was the best show they have ever seen, best live band setup, best this, best that.

Needless to say, I'm upset but I'll get over it.

This song is one of my favourites. Their clips are always brilliant. I'm stunned that Damon Albarn was so talented and successful with Blur and then managed to start another band who became just as, if not more, successful.

Flashback Friday.

U2 - Stay (Faraway So Close)

I have tickets to U2's 360 Live Show in 2 weeks but can no longer attend. James is off to Singapore for business on the same day so I'm giving the tickets to my sister to sell to friends.

I'm not too bummed as I'll be 27 weeks pregnant and trekking out to Homebush for the night will be hard, especially if it's hot and humid.

I'll keep my happy memories of their show from 2006 and hope that they tour Australia one more time before they retire.

In the meantime, here is today's flashback. One of my ALL TIME favourite U2 songs. This song is brilliant, and I love the acoustic version played in this video.

Happy Friday everyone.

xx

The countdown is on!

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas


Finally, December is here. The countdown is on till Santa drops into town.


This is one of my favourite carols ever. I actually don't like Mariah Carey AT ALL but her Christmas album is stellar. I've been nice all year, I'm sure of it. I'm writing my list today.

JT - I Think She Knows...

I am a huge JT fan and love all of his solo work. I even *like* a few N'Sync songs too, mostly because of him.

This song is definately one of my favourites, the interlude for the song 'Love Stoned'.

While I don't mind JT taking time out to persue acting, I cannot wait for him to record another album. If it's anything like FutureSex/LoveSounds, then I'll be very happy.

Flashback Friday.

Faithless - We Come One


Huge Faithless fan here. Have seen them live twice and they are brilliant. I love Sister Bliss and I think Maxi Jazz is one of the best front men ever!


They are touring Australia early next year. I'm VERY tempted to get tickets. This song reminds me of younger days, clubbing with friends and my first trip to Europe in 2002.


Happy Friday.


xx