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Consequence of Sound Presents: 25 Coachella Predictions For 2011
Much like a nuclear family structure and procreation, speculating is in our DNA. We as humans can't help but try to figure out what the Universe will have in store for us based on previous events (and, in the case of our ancestors, by the way certain animal bones were shaped.) While we may no longer be using that skill to track saber-toothed tigers, we can use it in an even more deadly hunting ground: Coachella. Each year, the festival looms on the horizon, and each year music dweebs across the world attempt to divine the line-up from various leaks, conversations, and agreements that may or may not have happened. Like the mighty alpha male, though, we're going to give you something better than hearsay: actual, scientifically derived (thanks to a methodology that included late-night Cheeto binges and throwing darts at a board) odds about the line-up for Coachella 2011. We've scoured the Net and our own notes and are happy to present some realistic odds about who might actually grace the Indio, CA stage this April. And if we're wrong, we'll totally understand if you want to beat us with clubs.
By Alex Young (@AlexYoung) and Chris Coplan (@CCoplan) of ConsequenceOfSound.net.
David Bowie
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 100 to 1
Why He'll Play: Regardless of the year, there's always the Bowie rumor. So even though the aging rock legend is retired, according to his wife, there's always a chance that Coachella can convince him/show him enough money to play a special one-off.
CoS Says: This is Coachella's holy grail. It's got to happen sometime, right?
Radiohead
Last Coachella Appearance: 2004
Odds For 2011: 75 to 1
Why They'll Play: Thom Yorke and friends are still putting the finishing touches on their eighth LP, but aren't ready to confirm anything just yet. Still, the only peeps Coachella-goers have been clamoring for more than Bowie and Daft Punk are these guys.
CoS Says: Given just how unpredictable they are, Radiohead may have been signed on to play Coachella '11 since Coachella '08. Or they could boycott festivals entirely and instead dedicate their lives to creating human sculptures.
The Rolling Stones
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 60 to 1
Why They'll Play: According to Hits Daily Double, the band has been in negotiations to headline Coachella 2011; however, that report was quickly shot down by the band's representation as "false." Glass half full? Perhaps the publicist just didn't want to let the cat out of the bag so soon.
CoS Says: Glass half empty: It's hard to put money on a group of sixtysomethings who used to do more drugs in a day than Weezy will do in his entire life.
The Who
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 50 to 1
Why They'll Play: Based on last year's Super Bowl performance, most folks would probably prefer The Who stay as far away from Coachella as possible. But fun fact: they almost headlined Coachella 2010. So maybe they'll actually show up for ’11.
CoS Says: And maybe they'll actually play a good set?
The Strokes
Last Coachella Appearance: 2002
Odds For 2011: 50 to 1
Why They'll Play: The New York rockers officially officially have a new studio album on the way, and Coachella would be a nice venue to debut new tunes.
CoS Says: Who doesn't want to experience the best part of NYC while getting to stay in beautiful California?!
Daft Punk
Last Coachella Appearance: 2006
Odds For 2011: 50 to 1
Why They'll Play: Ever since Daft Punk announced plans to score theTron: Legacy soundtrack, Coachella-goers have been dreaming of the possibility of the iconic duo making their live return in the fields of Indio. Unfortunately, Daft Punk recently put a damper on those dreams by revealing they have no plans to play the Tron: Legacy tracks live. Whether that also means they won't be touring in 2011, however, remains to be seen.
CoS Says: Make broken dreams whole again with one simple performance, you wonderful French robots you.
At the Drive-In
Last Coachella Appearance: 1999
Odds For 2011: 40 to 1
Why They'll Play: Coachella has a history of scoring much-desired reunions, and few are more yearned of than that of At The Drive-In. The Texas rockers have teased the possibility of a return for some time now, and rumor has it that Coachella has been courting them.
CoS Says: If the rumors are true, the hookup would be an affair we'd all love to watch.
Fiona Apple
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 40 to 1
Why She'll Play: Supposedly, Miss Apple also has a new album in the works—and what better place than to make a strong first showing?
CoS Says: She's weird, she's mysterious, and she's talented—a match made in Heaven with the crowds at Indio.
R.E.M.
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 30 to 1
Why They'll Play: R.E.M. seemed like a sure bet earlier this year, but with all the other worthy candidates the odds of them playing don't seem as great these days. That said, Michael Stipe & co. have a new album due out this spring and they've never played Coachella before.
CoS Says: There's something wrong with such a groundbreaking band never playing Coachella. Very wrong.
Aphex Twin
Last Coachella Appearance: 2008
Odds For 2011: 30 to 1
Why He'll Play: Aphex Twin remains a Coachella fan favorite and with a new studio album rumored for next, we can't see why he wouldn't join.
CoS Says: Three years is an eternity in Coachella time; give the good people of Indio something to get freaked out about already, will ya?
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 25 to 1
Why They'll Play: The Montreal post-rock gods don't seem very festival-friendly, but they've already confirmed to play an ATP festival in Japan next Spring. Plus, they have a scheduled gig at a Los Angeles-based venue owned by GoldenVoice, a.k.a. the company behind Coachella.
CoS Says: Conspiracy theorists unite!
PJ Harvey
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 25 to 1
Why She'll Play: Ol' Polly Jean just confirmed that her next studio album will be released in February, which means 2011 would be the perfect year for the acclaimed UK musician to make her long-awaited Coachella debut.
CoS Says: Harvey needs to play because England isn't the only one lookin' to do some shakin'.
Queens of the Stone Age
Last Coachella Appearance: 2003
Odds For 2011: 25 to 1
Why They'll Play: After nabbing Josh Homme's side project with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones last year, Coachella seems like a fitting place for the Homme-led Queens of the Stone Age to deliver their first major North American performance since 2008.
CoS Says: It's only a ten-mile drive from the band's hometown of Palm Desert to Indio.
The Chemical Brothers
Last Coachella Appearance: 2009 (DJ Set); 2005 (Live)
Odds For 2011: 15 to 1
Why They'll Play: If Daft Punk can't play, these guys would be a great alternative. And by the look of their upcoming itinerary, they'll already be in America around the time Coachella goes down.
CoS Says: Even if they're not Daft Punk, fans will graciously accept the dope beats of the Brothers.
Kanye West
Last Coachella Appearance: 2006
Odds For 2011: 14 to 1
Why He'll Play: Kanye has already confirmed that he plans to embark on his latest world tour in February, and considering he hasn't played Coachella since 2006, it's only appropriate that the rapper behind the year's best album would close out one of the festival's three days.
CoS Says: Either Kanye West plays Coachella, or we will never change our name to Consequence of Kanye.
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Live
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 8 to 1
Why They'll Play: In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in July, Danny DeVito let it slip that the acclaimed TV program may be bringing a live performance to Coachella in 2011.
CoS Says: Indie music seems to be attracting a lot of comedians these days; why not bring someone actually funny (suck it, Dane Cook)?
The Cribs
Last Coachella Appearance: 2007
Odds For 2011: 6 to 1
Why They'll Play: The Cribs were originally scheduled to play Coachella in 2009, but when a giant volcano fucked things up, the band was forced to cancel at the last second. They promised they'd be back for 2011.
CoS Says: Volcano, schmolcano; they're coming.
Cold War Kids
Last Coachella Appearance: 2008
Odds For 2011: 6 to 1
Why They'll Play: After falling victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, Cold War Kids hope to get back on track with a new album and world tour to boot. With West Coast dates scheduled for April, it seems as if they're relying on Coachella to give them an added boost.
CoS Says: Why go to Cali in April if not for Coachella? Is there a crafts fair in town the same weekend?
Beastie Boys
Last Coachella Appearance: 2003
Odds For 2011: 6 to 1
Why They'll Play: With MCA said to be healthy following a year-long bout with cancer, Coachella would serve as the perfect platform for the legendary hip-hop trio's long-awaited return. Plus, we know Coachella has already tried to get them once before.
CoS Says: Coachella wants the hot sauce; they want it so bad.
Titus Andronicus
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 4 to 1
Why They'll Play: Coachella is one of the few places that has yet to host a Titus Andronicus set. That should change in 2011 when the New Jersey punks hits Indio as part of their already confirmed Spring tour.
CoS Says: If you want people in California to sweat out their very essence you give them these guys (and gal).
Cut Copy
Last Coachella Appearance: 2008
Odds For 2011: 4 to 1
Why They'll Play: With their third LP due for release in February, the Australian dance group is heading stateside for a headlining tour this April. Coachella seems like a no brainer.
CoS Says: If there's anything Coachella likes more than $100 bottles of water, it's dance music.
Best Coast
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 4 to 1
Why They'll Play: One of 2010's hottest acts, Bethany Cosentino & co. can keep the buzz flowing by hitting their hometown festival for their first-ever appearance. Maybe boyfriend Nathan Williams and his band Wavves can come, too.
CoS Says: They're 2011's version of The xx. Only less depressing.
Robyn
Last Coachella Appearance: N/A
Odds For 2011: 2 to 1
Why She'll Play: The Swedish pop star is coming back to America this Spring for another round of touring, and she's reportedly told attendees of her recent concerts that an appearance at Coachella 2011 will be included.
CoS Says: If you can't believe a Swede, then who can you trust?
Interpol
Last Coachella Appearance: 2007
Odds For 2011: Even
Why They'll Play: With their new album still less than a year old, Interpol will hit the road this Spring for another round of touring and in a recent interview with Andamos Armados, the band confirmed that Coachella will be among the stops.
CoS Says: Cali might not have its economy, but at least it can have some of NYC's most depressing indie rock.
Arcade Fire
Last Coachella Appearance: 2007
Odds For 2011: Even
Why They'll Play: We're calling this one early. The band has already confirmed a Spring 2011 tour and we've heard from three separate sources that they will indeed be gracing Coachella's mainstage.
CoS Says: Because what better way to celebrate a potential Grammy win in February than a triumphant Coachella gig in April?
