Spare-Ohs

Day 2 done. 1 to go. I've gone to two multi-day music festivals in my life - Coachella in 2004(2 days/2 nights of shows - I didn't camp), and Sasquatch in 2006(3 nights/2 days of shows - 3 nights of camping) and I can only imagine how exhausted those who attended are by night. But it's an exhilirating feeling at the same time. I caught a few bits and pieces of performances yesterday through AT&T Blue Room including much of Andrew Bird, Regina Spektor and The Arcade Fire, as well as bits and pieces of The Cribs, The Frames, Jack's Mannequin, The Fratellis, and Ozomatli's sets.

I've only recently discovered Andrew Bird mostly due to his recent Take Away Session for La Blogatheque for which he wandered the streets of Paris, France playing guitar and violin, whistling and serenading for whomever wanted to listen. Mr. Bird's Coachella set yesterday was a full band affair, combining his classical musicianship with more conventional pop sensibilities. He seemed to go over well with the crowd. I'm sorry it took me so long to notice. Video below courtsey of Brooklyn Heathen(who ripped it from the AT&T Blue Room stream):

YouTube: Andrew Bird - "Plasticities" (live at Coachella 2007)

Regina Spektor performed a solo set with herself on keyboards. She was the definition of charm, enticing the audience with her playful keyboard melodies and vocals, and simplest of banter like saying she was honoured to play the festival or apologizing for some technical difficulties seemed to bring out the best in the crowd. Or maybe it was the was she leaned over her keyboard a few times, and I swear she was out there, if you know what I mean. Video below courtsey of Brooklyn Heathen(who ripped it from the AT&T Blue Room stream):

YouTube: Regina Spektor - "Apres Moi" (live at Coachella 2007)

There was a palpable excitement for The Arcade Fire's set. I watched most of it and it was great but I do sense a toning down of their onstage antics. None of that motorcycle helmet banging craziness. Win did jump down to the audience's level during "Rebellion(Lies)" though. Below are a few videos over at YouTube courtesy of Brooklyn Heathen ripped from the AT&T Blue Room stream:

YouTube: The Arcade Fire - "Rebellion(Lies)" (live at Coachella 2007)
YouTube: The Arcade Fire - "Keep The Car Running" (live at Coachella 2007)

Stereogum keeps the awesome Coachella coverage coming here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Coachella Valley's The Desert Sun has the local perspective on yesterday's experience(including the sweltering heat).

Check out Coachella coverage over at NME and The L.A. Times.

The Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot posts about his day two experiences.

Billboard's Jaded Insider posts about his(her?) experiences of day one and day two.

Go over to AT&T Blue Room and watch Junior Boys' set NOW[well, at least as of the time of this posting]!