Greetings from Indio

Somewhere in the California desert, one-hundred-and-five degrees, fahrenheit. Greetings from the Coachella festival.

Went to hear Air (yes, the french band), The Cure, The Pixies! Great, two-day festival. But I just have one word for everybody: RADIOHEAD! Those guys blew me away. I've heard all the hype, but they really deserve it. Ask my friend David from Venezuela, who was jumping in rhythm to the beat, for almost two hours. Yes, they were amazing ...

Hung out with my man Eliot, who cracked everyone up (crack??) with his hilarious jokes. We were all laughing and sweating and crying and sweating and laughing. Did I mention it was 105 degrees? And did I mention Radiohead?? OK. And Wilco dropped out, so Beck showed up and did an impromptu, acoustic performance. Pretty fab, Mr. B. He tried to get a beat going with a Gameboy (yes, a Gameboy!) but it didn't quite work, and that just added to the charm. They were selling water in the desert for two bucks a pop, and we spent like a million dollars out there ...

I think every musician I know in LA was there. Ran into Norwood from Fishbone. He is one of the premier bass Gawds of our time, without a doubt. Did I mention that he's playing on my new record? Zow! Plays on two tracks. I'm so grateful! He's got the fattest bass soundaround, and ya know ya gotta check it out, righttnow. Ran into one of the guys from No Doubt that I know, no doubt. Chatted with Sir Jason Falkner about all things musical under the sun (see related story from last year: "Jason Challenged Todd to a Mick Jagger-esque Dance-off in a Berlin Bar." Good stuff ...

At some point, some random hippie-babe brought out this tiny black cat, that she's smuggled in. It crept on over to me, and fell asleep in my arms. Suddenly, I had all kinds of new friends! So cute. Wrote a poem, "To protect the cat that doesn't strike back. Purrr." Someone said that that kitty felt like her whole universe was my hand. I just cupped that sweet little creature, and assisted in her repose. She was mellow and sweet, while the rock raged around her.

Awesome music, all 'round. Muse (UK) kicked ass. I'll re-mention The Pixies. Legends. The space-y trance dance tent was interesting, too. Danced with my friends, and sweated and laughed and danced. HEAT! ("Gee, I wonder if anyone has any ecstacy in here??") And did I mention,

RADIOHEAD!

Best from tha desert, (of men's minds) -Todd
(I'm Hot.)

Posted by calico at May 07, 2004 10:56 AM

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