All Points West | Why to get there early

Sure, you've got Radiohead and Jack Johnson bringing the festivities to a close each night in spectacular fashion but what could be better than spending the day in the sunshine while listening to great tunes? Get there early and take a listen to up-and-coming bands that some day might be inheriting those very same headlining slots. Here are my top picks!

• Mates of State, Friday, 4:45pm / Queen of the Valley stage
  Kicking things off on Friday don't be afraid to check out melodic musical duo Mates of State. Their new album Re-Arrange Us just came out a short while ago so you will likely hear some tracks off of that, along with some oldies but goodies like "Ha Ha" and "Goods." Their quirky keys and drums will definitely get festival-goers bopping.
• Grizzly Bear, Friday, 5:15pm / Queen of the Valley stage
  You might have caught Brooklyn based Grizzly Bear on Letterman July 23rd, where they played a new song "Two Weeks." Fingers crossed we get to hear that one again, along with some other favorites. They're incredible to see live and their performance is sure to please.
  
• Metric, Saturday, 3:45pm / Blue Comet stage
  On Saturday, Emily Haines and crew, Metric will set the tone. This is a band I have yet to see live, and it's been a long time coming. They've been on tour with previously mentioned Mates of State. Coming to us all the way from Canada, the band recently played an acoustic version of the new song "Gimme Sympathy" at Coachella. Will they do the same for All Points West? Let's hope they do!
• Animal Collective, 5:00pm / Blue Comet stage
  Hearing Animal Collective will be an energetic musical whilrwind that will most likely blow you away. Because their songs sometimes run long, there's no telling how many they will get to play, the only way to find out is to see for yourself!
• Rogue Wave, Sunday, 2:45pm / Queen of the Valley stage
  Rogue Wave, who has been on tour with All Points West headliner, Jack Johnson, will have an afternoon set on Sunday. Their latest album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate came out last September, and it's definitely worth checking out before you head over to their performance! Although I must say I am a fan of their older stuff too, hoping that we will get to hear songs like "Eyes" and "Kicking the Heart Out."
• Cat Power, Sunday, 5:00pm / Blue Comet stage
  Chan Marshall, otherwise known as Cat Power will be performing later in the day over at the Blue Comet Stage. Her latest album Jukebox consists of covers that range from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan. You could even catch her on the Juno soundtrack, with her cover of "Sea of Love." But her covers aren't the only songs that we'll hear. Cat Power has a full discography that with luck she will pull from liberally, especially tracks off of The Greatest

For a full listing of artists that are playing as well as their respective set times, head on over to the official APW schedule.