Thank You Canada, For The Lovely Feathers

At first glimpse I thought this video was weird, but then I actually really started digging the song, and the video. I can already tell that I'll be liking the Canadian band The Lovely Feathers, and their sophomore album, Fantasy of the Lot is out now.

Monsters of Folk--Free Download

If you just can't wait for the album to come out September 22nd, like me, you can get a free download of "Say Please" on their official website.  It makes me excited, very excited.

Wilco Blew My Mind

Yup, that's right. The best birthday present a girl could ask for...a concert on the beach that was mind blowing. After a weekend celebrating I was weary about spending a Monday night in Coney Island, but the weather was so nice, the friends were just right, and the band was perfect. I caught the end of the very loud Yo La Tengo set and had no idea what was in store for me. The sun was setting and the wind was blowing through my hair above the sandy beach, and Wilco nailed two psychedelic, guitar ripping, beautifully played masterpiece sets, with guest appearances by Feist, Grizzly Bear, and Yo La Tengo members. Several beers later, it all ended with a cab ride home amongst friends singing happy birthday to me at midnight. Thank you, thank you, Wilco.

A Big Week For Coney Island

Yo La Tengo is opening for Wilco tonight at Keyspan Park and there are still tickets available on craigslist for $30. Wilco is one of those bands that is just plain and simple; a great live band. Their new album, Wilco (The Album) is delightful.  From itunes album notes, "Wilco has been straddling the line between careful songcraft and artful experimentation for the majority of its existence...balancing 70s soft-rock sweetness with extended, ardently arch ams and studio mastery."  Singer Jeff Tweedy even duets with Feist on the single "You and I."

The Siren Music Festival is also this weekend in Coney Island. The line-up is the best I've seen yet--Built To Spill. The Raveonettes, Spank Rock, and Francis and the Lights, among others.  The festival is all day Saturday and you can even enjoy the amusement park, albeit a bit dirty.

This Ain't No Gossip Girl

Beth Ditto is raw, feisty, a fashion risk taker, and large and in charge--in such a good way. I loved The Gossip's debut album, Standing in the Way of Control, and Music for Men seems the next logical, and possibly even better follow up. Ditto reminds me of a modern day Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane.

Catch the official "Heavy Cross" video here, but below is a taste of what Ditto can do.