Holy lord Jesus. The 80’s are back, with a vengeance. Maybe I was just in the dark, or listening to the softer side of synth by filling my Itunes with Air and Royksopp. Until a friend recommended Cut Copy to me.

After listening to their record, I was sure it was just some DJ like experience. After seeing them live at Coachella this past weekend, it is anything but. An upbeat-indiepop-dance act, is exactly what they are. Anytime one of their tunes come on, I immediately wanna white boy dance. It’s like the first time I saw the A-Ha ‘Take On Me’ video. Absolutely brilliant. Check out 3 of their tunes below and buy the record. Start your weekend early.

Cut Copy - Quick Mix

You’ve bought your tickets. You’ve booked your hotel or cleaned up your tent. You’ve worked out the necessary rations of food/liquids and other necessary questionable items. And everyday that Coachella gets closer, you look at that lineup and get confused.

Who is that band? What do they sound like? Where are the from? What stage will they be on? Can I make it there if after ’such and such’ band and take a potty break? Friend, you must calm down. You must breathe easy. In less than a week you’ll be on the grounds of one of the best festivals this summer has to offer. And I’m going to make it easy on you. I want to make sure that your experience is one you’ll never forget.. so here we go.

The problem lies here. Coachella hasn’t posted their exact time schedule yet. So, I’m going to give you the recommendations, and link you to some songs from bands that you will love. Hopefully, if the lineup release is indicative of the show times, this should be safe. Click on the pictures for links to preview.

Friday: Rogue Wave, Cut Copy, Architecture in Helsinki, Vampire Weekend, Jens Lekman, Santogold, Aesop Rock, Tegan and Sara, Aphex Twin, The Breeders, Jack Johnson

Rogue Wave - If you were one of the fortunates to ever enjoy the movie Just Friends, that song that they kept playing over and over was Rogue Wave - Eyes. It’s a short little catchy ditty. This kind of band will start off the festival with not too much rock and pizazz. It’s going to be early Friday, and we need to ease into this rocking lineup. The boys of Rogue Wave are going to do just that. We have so much room to cover.

Cut Copy - Electronica Dance Party!! While it looks like this will be slated somewhere in the 1-2 range, it is a bit early for my taste. I’m not ready to break out the glow sticks just yet, but I am full of java and red bull at this point, so I will be ready to dance. These boys rocked socks at SXSW, and are sure to do the same here.

Architecture in Helsinki - Australian indie pop. Not one other festival lineup in the states gets them. They’re not even playing a headlining show. Or opening up for anyone. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. That, and they’re music is really good. It’s filled up with synths, boy and girl vocals, and by this time during the day you’ll just be hitting your festival stride.

Vampire Weekend - Fun. Fun. And more fun. These New Yorkers are all the craze amongst the under indie worlds. The self titled debut is a hit amongst the critics, and the haters can’t find any justifiable reason to hate. Simple hooks, easy melodies might have you dancing, and surely your upcoming beer buzz will enhance this act to unexplainable levels.

Jens Lekman - This swedish crooner/songwriter grooves. I just recently got into his tunes, and love every bit of them. Fans of Josh Rouse will like this guy, as he brings some orchestra folks along with him, and one hell of a back beat for your run of the mill brown eyed, brown haired guy. Also, if Andrew Bird or Beirut is all up in your Ipod, this is your guy.

Santogold - Oh, you don’t know about Santo? Hear this. Last week she opened up for Gnarls Barkley in New York City. She is jazz, she is soul, and she is the rhythm & blues. All the latest reviews say this Brooklyn babe gives up serious energy in her shows. Maybe the new Amy Winehouse? Wait. She actually has meat on her bones.

Aesop Rock - He bears no resemblance to the Beastie Boys, yet hails from the same place. He actually can rap, and he actually can perform. He writes songs that revolve around video games. What could be cooler than THAT? Nike also commissioned him to do a 45 minute instrumental CD for runners. Though not a runner myself, I find these tracks awesome to listen to.

Tegan and Sara - Ah yes. The Canadian sisters. I had the pleasure of seeing them in late 07, and was blown away. The hype is real, and understandable. Girls can rock, they’re proof. They are performing everywhere this summer though, so if you have another chance to see them, you might wanna check out Serj.

Aphex Twin - I’m not really sure what you’re looking for me to say. Aren’t those two words (Aphex Twin) enough? It’s time to dance again kiddies.

The Breeders - So you were too young see The Pixies in the 80’s and 90’s. But you still spin Surfer Rosa, and are probably on your 3rd copy. With the recent release of The Breeders Mountain Battles, Kim Deal is lo-fi fantasmastic. Even if you disliked the Pixies, you’ll want to check out a few songs from Kim Deal and friends.

and of course, Jack Johnson. (I’m not a fan, and you probably are) So we’ll our count our losses and still part ways as friends. Part 2 (Saturday) up soon. Marinate in Part 1 for a bit.

Why we like it: Cause I’ve had those glow sticks in my freezer forever, now it’s time to break them out and use em!! I have a feeling that if you put on this record at any given place, and at any given time, people are going to dance. It’s full of great beats, perfectly placed samples, and interesting bass lines. Usually remixing records and not making their own, SMD shines through with this new release. If you don’t want the whole disc, at least sign up for ‘Hustler.’ The best thing about this record is, you can put it on and chill out as well, you don’t ‘have’ to dance.
Why we don’t: Some synths can be quite ear-piercing. This is only occasionally, so, you won’t be bothered as you’re grooving, but you might wanna turn your treble down a bit. Screw your neighbors, they need to dance to, so put the bass up.
Like Artist: Digitalism, MSTRKRFT, Cut Copy
Genre: Electronic, Dance, New Rave

Out of the ashes of other bands often come great bands. If you actually look at your favorite bands and trends, rarely is your first band gonna make it. Such is the case of Simian Mobile Disco, which is a great project. Lately I’ve really gotten into their music, and look forward to their show here in San Francisco at Mezzanine on April 26th. Typically I haven’t been one much for electronica or techno, and maybe as I get older, I get wiser, and my ears become smarter.

Through a friends recommendation who ‘was sweaty dancing away’ to Cut Copy at SXSW, I took the time to check out their tunes as well, and to paraphrase a former roommate, ‘absolute brilliance’ shines through. I found myself in the car on the way to work spinning imaginary glow sticks, possibly scaring the bejesus out of my fellow commuters.

Once I hit up the show, I’ll give you all an update of how it was. Currently, if you get in before April 7th to Itunes, Cut Copy has the selected single of the week. You can also find a couple of their songs on selected indie podcasts. KEXP song of the day has them featured awhile back, as well as the IndiePOP podcast feed. Check out those two bands and what ya think.