Coachella promises to entertain music fans

Southern California's favorite festival, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, otherwise known simply as Coachella, dropped its lineup a few weeks ago. A few days later, tickets for the festival sold out in only a few hours, even though the 2012 festival is spread over two weekends to accommodate its massive explosion in popularity over the past few years. What could have been so appealing about this lineup that nearly 100,000 people snapped up these tickets so quickly? A scan of the lineup reveals some obvious superstars alongside hidden gems. If anyone is lucky enough to snag a ticket, below are the top eight artists who will be showing exciting new sets at Coachella this year:

Bon Iver: Since the band's self-titled sophomore effort last spring, Bon Iver has been selling out shows all over the country. Justin Vernon's soulful voice and lyrics will translate into a completely moving yet heartbreaking set. The crowd will most definitely be brought to tears if he plays anything from his killer debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago."

Justice: Justice's hit "D.A.N.C.E." will be great to dance to in the Sahara tent at Coachella this year. The French electronic duo has a lively, energetic sound that will complement the intensely detailed scenery and backdrop.

The Head and the Heart: This band's unique sound comes from its integration of violin melodies along with vocal harmonies, piano melodies and prominent drums and percussion. Check out their earnest, folksy tone on "Rivers and Roads" or on "Lost in My Mind," the catchy, top hit single.

GIVERS: Although the days in the Indio desert are notoriously hot, the brightly lit daytime will be the backdrop to complement GIVERS' stylistic techniques. Their sunny, reggae-tinged sound is pure fun and perfect for dancing. It is not too overwrought with technical effects, so it is likely that the band will deliver on the promises the band's new album "In Lights" delivers.

Yuck: This band is far from what its name implies. Yuck's highly distorted, hard-rocking sound is in the same vein as Coachella headliners the Black Keys, with a bit more grunge. Whether it is a good or bad thing is up to the audience decide, but it should be one heck of a high-energy set.

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg: This was the deal sealer for many people who purchased Coachella tickets. Not only will it be exciting to hear the pair together in songs like "Kush," but they are also bold and entertaining individual performers. Tracks from rapping and producing legend Dr. Dre's long-rumored and anticipated album "Detox" could possibly be featured during the set. Guest appearances from some of Dre's protégés, like Eminem, would not be out of the question. And who doesn't want to hear the famed middle school dance jam "Drop It Like It's Hot" live? In the haze of fantastic artists at Coachella, this duo stands to make some music history and close out both weekends in style.

Beirut: Influenced by all sorts of eclectic world music, there are few other bands making music as intriguing or unique as Beirut's. They make interesting use of the accordion, adding a unique aspect to their sound. This indie rock gem of a band definitely deserves the high billing it received on this year's lineup.

Radiohead: One band that has always made intriguing and unique music is Radiohead. This is the band that has convinced many fans to go to Coachella this year. Tickets to Radiohead's regular tours are highly elusive, so an opportunity to see them on a stage as grand as Coachella's is a can't-miss experience. This revolutionary group is worth seeing live.

This was a tough list to compile, since the lineup this year is absolutely stacked. Honorable mentions include the Black Keys, St. Vincent, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Real Estate, Florence + the Machine and many, many more. If anyone was not able to snag a ticket to this year's Coachella, have little fear. With the rate at which this year's two-weekend festival sold out, there could end up being a whole month of Coachella next year!

Originally posted on USDradio.org