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.

My Notes On The Latest Albums

Dan Auerbach, "Keep It Hid"
-Can anyone say rock n’ roll? Auerbach's solo album is a must-buy...it’s like listening to the Black Keys but with a full kick ass band (otherwise known as Hacienda) and I’ve been listening to this non-stop!

Blitzen Trapper, "Furr"
-A bit country pop, this band was a favorite of mine at SXSW, and I have no idea why I didn’t like them before!

The Airborne Toxic Event, self titled
-Another favorite at SXSW, a mixture of a bit Arcade Fire, Bush, and Lightspeed Champion, with a killer violinist

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "It’s Blitz!"
-Their third album and typical Karen O, but they bring something new to the table here—keep making more!

Wilco, "Sky Blue Sky"
-I’m excited to see this album play out in concert—check out Wilco if you haven’t already, their experimentation might take a bit to get used to, but trust me you’ll love them!

Peter Bjorn & John, "Living Thing"
-I’ve been anticipating their second album, but who hasn’t? These guys stood out at Coachella, and if you liked “Young Folks” you will be pleased

Camera Obscura, "My Maudlin Career"
-Same dreamy voice, same original sound. They played in this small, beautiful church at SXSW and it felt like heaven

Coner Oberst, "Outer South"
-Album is released May 5th, but I got a sneak peak at Coachella. Oberst, otherwise known as Bright Eyes, does folk rock at it’s finest

Chairlift, "Do You Inspire You"
-You know their song “Bruises” featured on an ipod nano commercial, but the rest of the album is solid and very different (keep an open mind), and they did a impressive job for us at SXSW

Felice Brothers, "Yonder Is The Clock"
-I’ve been talking about these boys non-stop and their dusty, rustic folk rock sound; with vocals reminiscent of Dylan. You feel like you’re in a barn during a country jam session drinking beers—in the distant past

Ida Maria, "Fortress ‘Round My Heart"
-I like this album, but it’s still growing on me—I’ve gotta support my fellow Norwegians! I like her loud rock tunes but more so when she slows it down, and I hear she’s great live

M. Ward, "Hold Time"
-One half of the band She & Him, and the talk of the town at Coachella, this album is a great one to sit back and relax to, or to pop in your car during a road trip

And look out for Hockey, if you like the Black Lips you will probably dig these dirty boys!

NY Summer Shows

Summer in New York is the absolute best time to see shows--the amount of bands coming through increases ten-fold.
So far here are my picks:

Phoenix
Music Hall of Williamsburg
6/18
Terminal 5
6/19

Wilco
7/13
Keyspan Park

MGMT
Prospect Park bandshell
7/1

The Roots
Highline Ballroom
Several Dates

Animal Collective
Prospect Park bandshell
8/14-8/15
Terminal 5
5/13

Keane
Radio City
5/27

Apostle of Hustle
Bowery Ballroom
6/10

Allman Brothers
Jones Beach
8/27
Red Rocks (Colorado)
9/5

AC/DC
Giants Stadium
7/31

Phish-Several Shows
Jones Beach
Merriweather (MD)
8/15

Allman Brothers Band & Widespread Panic
Merriweather (MD)
10/9

All Points West Festival
Liberty State Park, NJ
7/31-8/2