Three Hot Nights

I could never understand why the biggest Southern California music festival is in the middle of the desert. To me, enduring triple-digit temperatures to catch the Pixies reunion just seemed like pure sadism on behalf of Goldenvoice. Nevertheless, Coachella always draws a crowd. And this year, the festival has grown to epic proportions.

Amidst the perpetual rumors of a Smiths reunion and the last-minute news of a possible Police show, Coachella's 2007 lineup was announced today. There's a ton of big names: Björk, Interpol, Sonic Youth, The Arcade Fire, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Decemberists and a bunch more.

The big news, however, is that Rage Against the Machine are reuniting just in time to headline day three. If you read Gustavo's story on Zack de la Rocha a couple months back, you'll know that de la Rocha had previously, as Gustavo put it, "gone Mexican" and eschewed his rap-rock roots. Well, turns out that he must still have a little rhyme in him because RATM is going to be back at their overtly-political thrashing pretty soon. My guess is that, at the very least, they'll be able to put a new spin on "People of the Sun."

My biggest qualm with this year's lineup? Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining the second day. I don't know how many more songs about California I can take, people. Seriously.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, January 27th at 10:00 A.M via Ticketmaster.