Perfect for Spring: The Rumble Strips “Girls and Boys in Love”

More inside…

The inestimable Lady Blackheart (local Milwaukee DJ and Goth-wannabe) pointed me towards the Rumble Strips video, and since it’s sunny and nice and sunny in the Upper Midwest today, I just had to share it. Also, since I am fresh off a pre-screening of (the totally rad) Shine a Light last night, I’m in a music mood. So here you have it: a ramblin’ music roundup!

Some music videos, with plenty of help from L.B.:

• Travis - “Flowers in the Window” - a little bit old, but a great song for Springtime nonetheless. Also, a brilliant video.
• Beirut - “Elephant Gun” - Lavish.
• The Fratellis - “Chelsea Dagger” - I dare you not to dance.
• Black Kids - “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend” - a Lady Blackheart favorite.
• Hot Chip - “Ready for the Floor” - Wicked color, wicked retro.

And then a little bit on the live side:

• Andrew Bird - “A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left” - Live at Bonnaroo, 2006.
• The New Pornographers - “All the Old Showstoppers” - Live in L.A. I want to carry Neko Case’s children, that is no secret.
• Bon Iver - “Skinny Love” - Live at the Uptown Bar, Minneapolis. I am currently obsessed with this song.
• Cloud Cult - “Pretty Voice” - Live in the 89.3 the Current studios, Minneapolis.

What do all these live tracks have in common? Well, this year’s Rock the Garden at the Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens, of course. The show has been on hiatus for the last few years, but I was lucky enough to catch the last one (which featured the Bad Plus opening for Wilco). The setting is surreal. Check it out if you can!

Also, if you’re in Milwaukee, you can check out Lady Blackheart DJ-ing at the Riverhorse Bar in the Riverwest neighborhood on April 26th. And, truth be told, you can find either her or myself there just about any random night of the week.

OK, I’m done being a shameless pimp for the day. Promise!