The Verve, Portishead Confirmed For Coachella

The first major confirmations for Coachella were announced this morning. Billboard has reported that The Verve, Portishead, My Morning Jacket and others will be performing at the festival, which takes place from April 25-27 in Indio, California. Word is more acts will be announced today so stay tuned.

The Verve: "The Thaw Sessions"

In case you haven't heard, The Verve have reunited (!!!!!).

Announced in June on BBC Radio 1, the original lineup (non-original member Simon Tong is staying on with The Good, The Bad and The Queen) opted to head directly into the studio and start rehearsals for their forthcoming tour and album. As of now the tour is only happening across the pond, but given that the whole thing sold out in less than 20 minutes, there's hope for American performances.

Bass player Simon Jones has revealed a number of new song titles the band have recorded since reforming, including "Sit and Wonder", "Judas", "Appalachian Springs", "Mona Lisa" and "Rather Be". In addition, the band posted a 14-minute jam session that is the result of the reunion rehearsals. Entitled "The Thaw Sessions" (a reference to a bonus track from Urban Hymns), the track is classic Verve. Ashcroft is in full-on shamanistic meditation mode, McCabe noodles into the outer limits, and the rhythm section groove like they did in the good ol' days. Link to I Rock Cleveland to download "The Thaw Sessions." If you're a fan of The Verve, the next year is going to be awesome.