Week in Rock: Signs of Summer Edition

Tinted Windows Would Like You to Take Them Seriously
Last Monday, the power-pop super group known as Tinted Windows took the Mercury Lounge stage for the first time ever. If you haven't heard, the group consists of Taylor Hanson, James Iha, Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, and they released an album this week. Despite your skepticism, they are a remarkably competent group, who appear to have every desire to shake the gimmick status and establish themselves as a legitimate band. The show on Monday, along with late night TV appearances this week and some SXSW sets, were certainly steps in the right direction. The music is catchy and lighthearted, but performed with a genuine joy and self respect, rather than coming off as some sort of half-baked cash grab at their own expense. They have household names and faces that surely helped get them a break in the first place, but this seems much more of an attempt to turn the page on their pasts, rather than stretch their faded stars a bit longer. Their music might not click for everyone, but nobody should discount the attempt. They are for real.

Coachella Happened
The 2009 festival season has begun. Coachella went off without a hitch last weekend, signaling the beginning of the Summer for many music fans. Despite fears that the economy would keep many home and out of the sun this year, attendance did not seem to be an issue out in the dessert, with the festival reporting the second largest crowd they've ever hosted. This was the 10th year of the fest, which has grown to become one of the biggest festivals in the world, attracting celebrity attendees shoulder to shoulder with the masses. While the likes of Paul McCartney, Morrissey, The Killers and The Cure all lived up to fan's expectations, the lasting memory of Coachella 2009 will be, of course, the naked wizard getting tazed. Congrats, young man, you've upstaged a Beatle.

Summerstage Schedule Released
As if this coming heat wave wasn't enough of a sign that the Winter is mostly behind us, the Central Park Summerstage lineup has now been officially announced. While some of the shows had already been announced, the rest of the calendar is now filled out though mid-August. As always, there is a mix of free and benefit shows, featuring bigger artists, whose ticket sales help pay for the rest of the run. This year there will be a scattered selection of pay shows, including Explosions in the Sky, The Indigo Girls, 311, and TV on the Radio. The free shows will kick off with Josh Ritter and the New York Pops, and continue with several shows a week, including Q Tip, M. Ward, and dozens of other acts. For the full listing, check out the Summerstage website.