There's a lot to look forward to this year. Tons of great music from all over the world, a giant water misting sculpture, a solid lineup of DJs at the Dome, including Ed Banger talent and the cream of the Los Angeles crop, and those beloved Tesla coils are back. Set times have been announced, so we ran through the acts making a pre-emptive game plan, trying to avoid the obvious. We haven't mentioned EVERY band, so don't get offended.

FRIDAY
The main stage should offer some interesting people watching. Diehard indies pogoing with Franz Ferdinand before getting pushed out of the way by ex-emos (or current practitioners) settling in to worship at Morrissey's feet. These, in turn, must then make room for the older demographic's arrival with Paul McCartney. Beware disgruntled ex-wives. You can't go wrong watching Black Keys bring down the blues, literally, at sunset. Then, check out legendary Leonard Cohen. If you don't know who he is, that's ok, but don't tell anyone. Drop in for a couple songs by hip hop hotness of the moment N.A.S.A. and mascara-loving hipster royalty Crystal Castles. Proceed to drooling over Aaron Behrens of Ghostland Observatory's dance moves. Delve into some Beirut folk-pop, Patton and Rahzel's beat-box wonderment, and make a final stop at The Presets from Australia before finishing the night with that ex-Beatle guy.

SATURDAY
Those unable to attend Anthem or URB Magazines' daytime pool parties should not be overly bummed. We'll show you pictures afterwards. Besides, Cloud Cult and Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti play early. The former is a less extravagant Of Montreal and the latter provides reverb laden art pop. A spectrum of pop and rock in the afternoon includes psych rockers Dr. Dog, NME's "best new band" of 2008 Glasvegas, and boys singing together, Fleet Foxes. M.I.A. appears on the main stage with special guests, including Rye Rye's booty bouncing rapperness. Pick up a lesson in funk from Booker T and the DBT's. Get your punk history with Henry Rollins and Turbonegro. For the closing band, the choice comes down to Gang Gang Dance or MSTRKRFT? Tribal rhythms or strobe light? Bare feet or sunglasses at night?

SUNDAY
If you're still standing at this point, congratulations. Check out The Knux and their silly, fun hip hop and punk babes, Vivian Girls. As you walk to Friendly Fires, yell what's up to L.A.'s gritty duo No Age. Perhaps you'll arrive at Sebastien Tellier in time to see him go down on his microphone. Regain your innocence with Lykke Li, and feel the beauty in a Beyonce cover by Antony and the Johnsons. Here's where the main stage draws us in with Peter Bjorn and John and Yeah Yeah Yeahs back to back. If you can get away before My Bloody Valentine and The Cure, Late of the Pier's experimental indie rock balances influences of the Rolling Stones with watching cartoon segues in foreign languages. These Brits don't appear regularly on our side of the pond so they're worth a look-see. Here's hoping the Cure's 9:25 pm start time indicates they will play for three hours.

So you're ready, the weather tells us Sunday is going to be the most brutal.

Be sure to study your 2009 Festival map, so you can shut your brain off upon arrival and let the rodent part of your instincts be your guide.