Last night consisted of work, work and a bit of work. I couldn't be happier that the weekend is coming and we only have one show at Webster Hall. Thankfully Thursday's band was Tegan and Sara. Their whole crew was great and the show went way too smoothly. I feel like after the past couple of shows things are taking shape over there, but its probably God's way of making me think everything is cool and then (s)he sends the plagues. Fuck it. I'm ready for it. After we closed down the doors, I popped up to the balcony to catch a few songs that actually impressed me. It was the first time I'd heard the band. The second song in their encore was a Bruce Springsteen cover that they introduced by saying their parents knew a biker gang back in the day. When the twins were seven (I don't know if that's exactly right) they took them to a show and the biker gang was able to score them tickets in the parking lot. Another funny moment came when Glenn came through the club. I asked him why he was there to which he replied that his 1st high school girlfriend now dates Sara. Small world!

After the show I walked around aimlessly listening to records and sipping margaritas in the heat. By midnight I was back home hanging with Kyle before drifting off. This weekend should prove to be the polar opposite of my week. Tons of shows including: Ponys, Chin Up Chin Up, Knife Skills, Siren Festival and Dungen. Hopefully I can pay attention long enough to give you a recap, but its going to be difficult as I hope to drink lots of frozen beverages. It will hopefully be a long weekend. My main concern is that I manage to last and avoid bailing too soon. Warning to my friends - if you see me with the crazy eyes, slap me until I snap out of it.

Take Me To The Festival. Feed Me Tacos.

So New York and Chicago are hosting two solid festivals this weekend. Let me first address the situation in my adopted home town. The 5th Annual Siren Festival is going down at Coney Island tomorrow afternoon. Some people have told me the lineup sucks. Some have expressed concerns about the weather. Everyone needs to grow a set and man up. Siren Festival is always cool no matter what you do. If the bands blow, go to the beach or eat some bacon-cheese-fries. If you're too hot, go jump in the ocean. If you have to take a leak, find the arcade. If you are bored, ride the cyclone. Either way it's going to be a good time. Mother Nature may try to stop us, but she'll have to get up pretty early to fool me - I'm bringing a trash bag. So without further delay, here are my picks for the Siren Festival:

Must See: Spoon, Dungen, Q And Not You, Brendan Benson, VHS or Beta

Might Check Out: Be Your Own Pet, Ambulance LTD, Diamond Nights

Wouldn't Mind Seeing: Nine Black Alps, Morningwood, Saul Williams

Could Give A Shit: Mates of State, The Dears, Detachment Kit

Get all the set times and directions from the Siren website.

Now onto the 1st Annual Intonation Festival brought to you by our main competition, Pitchfork Media. For a full preview, check out what Noah had to say in the Preview section of Loose Record. Even though I'm not going to be there, here are my picks:

Must See: Les Savvy Fav, Broken Social Scene, Hold Steady, Dungen, Out Hud

Might Check Out: The Decemberists, AC Neuman, DFA 1979, Thunderbirds are Now!

Wouldn't Mind Seeing: The Wrens, Four Tet, The Go! Team, Deerhoof, Head of Femur

Could Give A Shit: The M's, Xiu Xiu, Tortoise, Magnolia Electric Company

Don't Know: Pelicans, Andrew Bird

Get all your vital info from the Intonation website.

Ok kids, go for it this weekend. Drink too much. Eat too much. Smoke too much. Dance too much. Fuck too much. Talk too much. Spend too much. Make out way too much. And by all means Rock the fuck out.