Indie Kids Don't Dance, They Swim

The Pool Parties held at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn look like the most fun concerts this summer. With bands such as +/-, Yo La Tengo, and TV on the Radio, these weekly parties also have fun summer activities for the whole family including slip-and-slide, water volleyball, and dodgeball games. My inner-Jew is pleased as well when I found out that it's free! All you need to do is RSVP in advance, bring a smile, and come on in. Taking place for nine consecutive Sundays this summer, these concerts are wonderful events for people of all ages, races, and sexualities to enjoy some summer sun and fun while listening to great music together. Have fun!

How Many No Money Boyz Are Crazy??

I feel that I must proclaim my love for M.I.A. Ever since first hearing her chant-like 'Bucky Done Gun' in late 2005, I have been bewitched by her eccentric music that is impossible of being placed into one genre. After the success of '05's "Arular," the London-born Sri Lankan performer is ready to release her latest work "Kala" about her time in Liberia and is now rocking with a new blonde bob and crazier than ever hand-made clothes. Her CD is expected to be released in the U.S. on August 21 and with her recently approved visa to the U.S. (she had been denied one last May due to her song "Sunshowers" which appeared to express support for the terrorist organization LTTE), she'll be touring all over the country this summer, including a performance at the Siren Festival on Coney Island on July 21. From her out of control music videos to her non-epileptic friendly website, I'm expecting it to be an insane show.

The Ting Tings Really Can Sing

If there was any previously unknown band at Glastonbury last week that everyone will be listening to in six months, it will without a doubt be The Ting Tings. From Manchester, England, this band is composed of just one guy, Jules, and one girl, Katie. Unlike other guy/girl groups today such as Matt & Kim or the White Stripes, however, this band has a completely unique sound. With Jules on drums and vocals while Katie on guitar, base drum, and vocals, the two are very successful at twisting genres and producing strong addictive beats that result in a new and fresh sound. Having been together for just over seven months, this band still doesn't even have an official website. However, those who attended Glastonbury received a show comparable to that of a long-time veteran of the stage. Really, though, it was only their fourth gig... ever. With sexy, attitude-filled songs such as "That's Not My Name," the Ting Tings limited-release EP is now sold out everywhere. But when listening to their eccentric and retro-feeling music you'll be singing for the rest of the day, it easy to see that they really have that something every artist strives for.

Essentially any information about them is in this video:

Which Is My Suitcase?

(photo courtesy of this is my suitcase)

This is my suitcase seems to be the band that everyone on Myspace has been talking about lately. With their giddy and lovable music, this quirky group of kids hailing from Columbus, Ohio are ready to make a big impact on the music world. Consisting of an uncommon selection of instruments that include the tamborine and glockenspeil, this is my suitcase (yes, all lowercase) brings a whimsical twist to the genre of indie pop. Lyrics do not solely pertain to subjects of love and hardships, but also unorthodox topics including dentist appointments and worms in apples; all sung by the euphoric lead singer Joe Camerlengo whose unique voice effortlessly slides up and down the scale. With backup female vocals by Andi Atwood, I am reminded of Sufjan Stevens (think 'The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders' from Illinois). Actually, they've even been described as "Ben Folds being hugged by Sufjan Stevens at 100 miles per hour" on their last.fm profile.

Surprisingly, this is my suitcase is still and unsigned band. However, with their recently announced cross-country tour with The Format, they are just on the verge of making it big. This is because possess both a captivating and delightful quality that distinguishes them from many other bands today. With that being said, I believe it's now only a matter of time before they are noticed by a major label and receive the attention they have deserved all along.