Hot Desert, Hot Sounds

This year's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival -- taking place April 16-18 in Indio, CA -- boasts a genre-crossing lineup that's packed with stadium rockers, hip-hop innovators, electronic whizzes, and indie up-and-comers.

SPIN's editors have picked 25 must-hear acts from the festival's bill, including Brit powerhouse Florence and the Machine, superstar rapper Jay-Z, and San Francisco buzz band Girls (left to right, above). Writer Steve Kandell offers his take on why these artists matter -- and you can listen to their songs while you read.

Browse the 25 must-hear bands gallery now. >>

And be sure to visit SPIN.com throughout the festival weekend for the best Coachella reviews and photos on the 'net, updated daily.