On April 15, 2011, pilgrims from all parts descended upon the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, California. We came from far and wide, armed with tank tops, sunscreen, and glow-in-the-dark objects, to let our spirits free and bow down at the altar of the gods of rock and roll.

Though rich with rewards, this annual voyage is not with without strife–Crowds, heat, porta-potties, and so-cal bros are never fun. The toughest challenge of all, however, may be the decision one must make when five of his favorite buzzbands are playing at the same time on different stages.

There are many techniques for meeting this challenge. Some employ the 15-15-10-5-2 minute method, catching anywhere from one to four songs from each band. Others employ the “just go where the most hot chicks will be” method, which can work out well sometimes. I, myself, as a three-time festival goer, have decided that the only tried and true method is instinct. Instinct, my friends. When the heart craves Arcade Fire, the heart needs Arcade Fire. I allowed myself to stray from this strategy once or twice over the weekend, opting for methods one and two and various combinations thereof, and was left only with regrets.

Fortunately for those of you who made the same mistake, we can make up those moments here, on InsightBeautyNoise, as well as re-live those acts we did see that meant so much to us.

Below, in chronological festival order, are my top picks of the weekend.

So many more good ones but so few good youtube videos…

See you in 2012, Indio.

THE DRUMS – BOOK OF STORIES

YACHT – PSYCHIC CITY

CUT COPY – LIGHTS AND MUSIC

BRANDON FLOWERS + THE KILLERS – READ MY MIND

BRANDON FLOWERS + THE KILLERS – MR. BRIGHTSIDE

EMPIRE OF THE SUN – WALKING ON A DREAM

ARCADE FIRE – WAKE UP (with epic ball drop)

FOSTER THE PEOPLE – PUMPED UP KICKS

CHROMEO – BONAFIED LOVIN

THE STROKES – YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

THE STROKES – UNDER CONTROL