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Coachella set times: Black Keys vs Cut Copy and other disturbing conflicts
When Coachella finally released the set times for its 2011 festival (April 15 - 17 in Indio, California), excitement quickly turned to dread as the annual realization that we can't see everything began to sink in. With six stages spread out over the Empire Polo Club, there could be plenty more conflicts, but a few of them just hit especially close to home this year. Here are four frustrating conundrums -- a hipster's "Sophie's Choice, if you will -- and our attempt to make an endorsement:
Friday
Match-up: Black Keys vs Cut Copy
Set times: 8:40 to 9:30 and 8:35 to 9:25, respectively
The argument: Probably the worst rivalry on the line-up, Black Keys boast sexy rock tunes that literally beg to performed outdoors in 95-degree heat... while Cut Copy shows are always a nonstop dance-gasm, regardless of venue.
The victor: It's a draw. Go with your heart on this one.
Saturday
Match-up: Delta Spirit vs The Radio Dept.
Set times: 4:05 to 4:55 and 4:05 to 4:50, respectively
The argument: Young California rockers with a serious soul influence and penchant for bizarre instruments, Delta Spirit have a special place in our heart for creating the song played over the closing montage of the "Friday Night Lights" series finale. On the other hand, the Radio Dept. have been putting out dreamy, inventive pop since the '90s and could get extremely playful during their set.
The victor: Delta Spirit. Clear eyes, full hearts, people!
Sunday
Match-up: The Strokes vs Chromeo vs Phantogram
Set times: 8:55 to 10:00, 8:35 to 9:20 and 8:55 to 9:40, respectively
The argument: Recently reunited 21st century rock gods going head-to-head-to-head with two very different acts. Chromeo, the synth-infused Canadian dance duo will probably be the biggest Strokes distraction, but Phantogram -- getting a surprisingly late set time, if you ask us -- are probably the stronger of the alternatives. And yet...
The victor: The Strokes. Their South by Southwest shows were supposed to be great, and given the fickle nature of the band, there's no telling how many opportunities you'll get to see them live again.
Match-up: Duran Duran vs Duck Sauce
Set times: 7:25 to 8:25 and 7:30 to 8:25, respectively
The argument: Are the New York DJs as big of a draw as Duran Duran? Not remotely. Do we still want to rock out with the sweaty masses to "Barbra Streisand?" Oh yeah.
The victor: Duran Duran (We'll save a prayer for you, Duck Sauce.)
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wow, those two pictures above are rock stars? They look like former Kinko employees. It's a sad state of rock n roll when musicians are lookin like a bunch of nobodies. I bet there music blows too.
What the hell does it matter how a band looks? You know they're just normal people right? And no, neither the music of the Black Keys nor Cut Copy "blows," and I don't think you can comment on the "state of rock n roll" when you judge based on looks alone and haven't even heard their music. And besides, you can't be that big of a rock fan if you haven't even heard of the Black Keys...