Beach House

These last couple of weeks have been crazy. Between a paid blogging position, an admissions blogging internship for Lehigh University, and two jobs so that I can travel while abroad next semester, I am left with very little time to myself. Fortunately, Beach House's Teen Dream has been there to help me through it all. An album that graced almost every top 2010 list, Teen Dream is an easy, relaxing listen that can make a stressful time peaceful.

With sultry melodies that seem to glide over harmonies, synth and simple guitar, Teen Dream is completely cohesive. This duo from Baltimore have created an album in which each song flows perfectly into the next, which is part of what makes it so great. So it may not be "beach" music, a la Vampire Weekend or The Morning Benders, but sometimes this is so much better.

The MP3 links I provided have been removed due to copyright infringement, so you're just going to have to take my word on it. Songs like "Zebra" and "Norway" are must-listens. From Pitchfork.tv, here's "Walk in the Park", another Beach House gem.

Official Website
Myspace

2011 Music Festivals

Listening to music is one of my favorite pastimes, but nothing can top a live show. Fortunately, for music lovers like me, there are a lot of awesome music festivals each year.

Bonnaroo

Located in a massive field in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo is one of the most popular music festivals each year. People from all over the country roadtrip to the festival, and spend four glorious days listening to great bands, camping out with friends, basking in the sun, and, in many cases, doing tons of drugs. If you hate showering, washing your hands in a sink, and using clean toilets, this is the festival for you! The festival is June 9-12, 2011. The pre-sale begins on Black Friday, November 26th, at noon, at start at $209.50. Keep in mind that the lineup won't be out for months, but as a former Bonnaroo-attendee, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
Bonnaroo Website

Sasquatch
Out of all of the music festivals that took place last year, I stand firm in my belief that Sasquatch had the best lineup of them all. Located in Quincy, WA at The Gorge Amphitheater, Sasquatch brings you the ultimate indie lineup that would make any music-lover squirm. Unfortunately, it isn't so easy finding a pal willing to make the trek to Washington, so that might be an issue. But if you can convince someone to tag along, the festival is May 27-30, 2011, and tickets start at $295.
Sasquatch Website

SXSW
The great thing about SXSW is it isn't just a music festival. It is also a film and interactive media festival, also known as an entertainment and social media guru's dream. I've never been myself, as college life tends to get in the way, but I recommend you check this out if you have a break. The music portion is March 16-20 and starts at $595. Located in Austin, TX, I have to assume that this is a great festival - everything's bigger there, right?
SXSW Website

Pitchfork Festival
The dates for Pitchfork Music Festival 2011 have yet to be released, but if you have ever visited their website, you know it will be well-worth the wait. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this festival cannot be missed. You can expect dates in mid-July.
Pitchfork Festival Website

Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza can be thought of as the more tame Bonnaroo. With the luxury of staying in a hotel, and having the option to bathe, many people choose Lollapalooza, located in Chicago, for the hygiene. The lineup tends to overlap a little with Bonnaroo and Sasquatch, so keep an eye out for which makes the most sense for you. The dates are August 5-7, 2011, but that is all the information that has been released.
Lollapalooza Website

Musikfest
As a student at Lehigh University, I am embarrassed to say I have yet to attend a Musikfest. Each year ArtsQuest puts on a festival with a bunch of big and local artists. This upcoming Musikfest will be August 5-14, 2011, but the lineup has yet to be released. If you're a student in Bethlehem, PA, or you're willing to make the drive, I have heard that this is a great festival.
Musikfest Website