Lykke Li - I’m Good, I’m Gone (Black Kids Remix)
Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance

Well, she’s totally buzzing. She just released her first album ‘Youth Novels’ in the UK, and Lykke Li is destined to come to the US sooner than later. If you missed her at SXSW or the handful of shows she booked over the nation afterwards, keep your head up. She’s all booked up across the pond until mid August of 08, but has about a month where she could ‘possibly’ come to the US. I’m thinking with the buzz that I’ve been getting about her, it’s gonna happen. Maybe not then, but maybe for a winter tour.

Currently, there are no slated plans to release ‘Youth Novels’ in the US, so your best bet on getting your hands on this music is by hitting up here and here and here. (visit 5. Secret Chapter)

It’s amazing that this girl is only 22 years old, has her own record label, and has music that I actually enjoy. Another artist makes it big from Myspace, and this time, I’m not even mad about it. I hope you aren’t either.

Tegan and Sara - So Jealous
As a guy, I find myself often falling in love with rock chicks. About 3 years ago, I stumbled upon Northwestern folk rock singer Brandi Carlile. I immediately bought her album, burned a few copies for friends, and actually paid their way into a show. After about 15 minutes into her set, I looked around and noticed that the normal venue clientèle was not there. In fact, the small 400 person Casbah was filled with gay women. I was smitten with a girl I could never have.

Then I discovered Tegan and Sara. Writing off their music initially because of it’s pop rock bubble gumminess, I found myself in a car with a friend rocking out to it months later. Once again, I bought the cd and headed off to a show. This time I knew about their sexual preferences, but I figured it was okay to still fall in love with them, seeing as how they couldn’t really manage to break my heart. (and still haven’t).

I just got to see them at Coachella for the third time, and they put on a damn good show. Make sure you check em out next time they’re around. I guarantee you that you’ll love the music, and everything in between it.

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.

Oh me. Oh my. Oh Yipee! On tax day, Austin City Limits released it’s lineup for its fall music festival taking

place on September 26th - 28th. At only $170, you should get your tickets now, as I’m sure they are bound to sell out with a lineup like this. As headlining will be the Foo Fighters and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (does anyone else think this is an unusual duo?), you have 3 days filled with amazing music.

For anyone near Texas, this is your festival. Maybe not as hard rock as Lollapalooza, but the diversity is there, and even with great headliners, there are some amazing unnoticed acts at this time. Once the summer dies down, this is a perfect time to be in Austin, as the weather is extremely nice, and it’s a great 6 month spread from SXSW. Some other noticeable artists throughout the weekend are….

*Gnarls Barkley *Manu Chao *Band of Horses *Silversun Pickups *Patty Griffin *Tegan and Sara *Beck *Okkervil River

Some artists that are going to be there that you might have not heard about yet, but SHOULD.

*Vampire Weekend *Flyleaf *Stars *Mates of State *Tristan Prettyman *Ryan Bingham *AA Bondy *City and Colour

I’ll do my damndest to get to Austin. For the whole lineup, follow picture…