I thought that with a new website, I’d bring less old excuses about running out of time (Alexa, you know the drill, play me some Paramore stat), but here we are.
I’ve actually a fair excuse this time and most of you probably don’t know, or care, but I’m moving houses at the moment – as for those who did know, where the fuck where you at when I had to get that couch up those stairs?!
Oh well. Happens.
But rest assured – or keep celebrating my oh so welcomed absence from socials – my usual shenanigans will resume soonish. Most probably when I’m done emptying the infinite amount of boxes left and get access to an actual 21st century internet connection. That being said, I’m just in too deep in the Coachella goodness to care about adulting for now so I won’t let my own limitations – verbal and technical – get on the way of my urge to never shut up.
So here’s a few things I’ve found worth noting down after rummaging through social media for this first weekend at Coachella – hence the neverending unpacking.
No Doubt
showing us how it’s done – and that old is new will always work with such solid foundations in people’s hearts. They were the cultural reset we all needed in our lives – and in our ears. It’s been 84 years and damn that felt good.
Billie Eilish
proving big time that she always meant to come out in her own terms – and dude, she’s def not shy about it – and kicking any queerbaiting allegation in the arse along the way. If you haven’t caught the snippet of her new song ‘Lunch’ yet, prepare to be served.
Chappell Roan
winning everyone over and going from her little pink pony club to a queer icon supernova overnight – yes, I’m a smartarse. Been watching her rapid growth for the past few months and that first performance at Coachella was everything I could have wished for her. If that stage presence is not enough to sweep you off your feet, her infectious joy definitely will. And those tunes? Best time guaranteed. Ha. It’s up to you if you wanna have a good time after all. (Do it.)
The Last Dinner Party
serving us a memorable performance and stealing everyone’s heart in the process. What a band AND what a crowd – those singalong were mesmerizing. I guess that’s definitely the end of dinner parties in tiny venues at this point, but when you see the sense of intimacy they managed to bring to a festival crowd I guess we’ll be well fed wherever they take us next. You’re nothing short of brilliant TLDP, go shine your light on everyone else – those original sinners will always be on your side.
Blur
returns and we get a “You’re never seeing us again so you might as well fucking sing it” – don’t fucking remind me lad, for the love of every Coffee & Tv I’ve ever had in your honor. I wasn’t expecting Damon to break my heart, but again I guess he wasn’t expecting the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd unloading all those anthems. What was that Coachella? How? Why? HOW? I know we’re not all sprogs of the parklife but still. Honest example : Boys and Girls. How are you not shouting those damn lyrics back? That’s the EASIEST singalong in terms of wording AND vibes. Are we too old? Nah. Don’t give me that too old, too young bullshit. This song is forever and you can’t change my mind about it.
Sublime
Just Sublime. In another heart breaking to thousands of pieces moment – in a good way, kinda – we also got one hell of a reunion fronted by none other than Jakob aka BRADLEY’S SON. I don’t know if the melancholy or the pride hit harder but seeing the kiddo bring us the summertime was pretty special. And it got better (or worse for my weakened heart?) – playing these songs on HIS DAD GUITAR. Crying much yet?
Renee Rapp
bringing the giant scissors on stage. That’s all. (worth noting because it made me snort and I’m terrible audience – also, hot.)
GWEN STEFANI
Yes again. Gwen FUCKING Stefani reminding everyone that once a badass, forever a badass even when you’re just a girl – gosh, this woman has given us decades long of inspiration and definitely continues to do so! Rock on Gwen.
Gwen Stefani, almost 55, mother of 3, giving a masterclass about stage presence doing the classic ND concert move—climbing the scaffolding and making all the boys sing “Im just a girl” #Coachella #nodoubt pic.twitter.com/vKUCxCwZJ5
— J.H. MacAl (@JH_MacAl) April 14, 2024
I still probably have just as much content to go through and feels to unfold but I’m off to another kind of unpacking for now – sigh, adulting sucks. In the meantime, here’s a few links that hopefully won’t be taken down too soon to relive that first weekend @ Coachella.
