Whoa, Whoa...

The weather's getting warmer, we've set our clocks forward and this can only mean one thing: concert season will soon be upon us. It kicks off next week with SXSW in Austin, where a seemingly infinite stream of bands will play to those lucky enough to make it down to Texas. The list is overwhelming and I'm relying on coverage from websites like NPR and Fuel Friends to keep me up to date on the most exciting musical happenings.

Producing even more exciting news, Pitchfork announced the lineup for their Chicago festival this past Friday, which is perhaps, at least for me, the most appealing festival lineup I've seen so far. Amongst Friday's headliners are two of my favorite bands: Built to Spill and Yo La Tengo (!!!). Instead of having the bands present one of their classic albums in full, as they've done in the past, this year Pitchfork is allowing the concert-goers to vote for which songs they want each band to play. How dreamy. Neither Saturday or Sunday's lineups could possibly be a let down, even after those unbeatable bands. The National and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart play on Saturday followed by Grizzly Bear, the Walkmen, and Vivian Girls on Sunday.

I'm left pretend-arguing in my head about which day I'd choose to attend, if forced to pick. There isn't a single day that wouldn't guarantee a fantastic show, though if pressured enough I'd probably choose Saturday. I spent most of 2007 listening to the National's pristine album, Boxer, and I still haven't seen them in a venue that does them justice. And I love the new self-titled album by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, a poppy and fun collection, evoking a sense of nostalgia for indie bands of the 90's without dripping of sentimentality. I can only imagine their shows must produce a good time.

While I sit in my apartment, reading and dreaming about these festivals, I can't be too sad. I know there will be plenty of shows to look forward to in New York this summer. It's all just beginning...