Ah, the joys of spring: drinking outdoors, taking off that goofy winter jacket, and sweaty rock shows. The NCAA tourney was not enough so I'll have to have some April Madness as well. This month's theme: Bands that make great records but are even better live. Starring:

Grizzly Bear, April 9 at Tonic w/ Stars Like Fleas and Paul Duncan (in case you haven't heard: the Tonic has been having some rent problems lately so you should come out to help save the best music venue in NYC). Grizzly Bear's debut has been a local sensation but their live show is a totally different experience. Plus they've added another guitarist since their shows in New York last fall. This is the last show of the tour so they're tighter than ever: 4 part harmonies, free form noise production, and the most charismatic front man in the land, Ed Droste.

Oneida, April 16 at Knitting Factory w/ Magnolia Electric Co. Oneida never fails to blow me away every time I see them. Twice I have forced someone to accompany me at an Oneida show and both times I was vigorously thanked for the evening of fuzzed-out bliss. Plus they have a gong!!!

Supersystem, April 20 at Mercury Lounge. DC bands just know how to put on good shows (I know, I know. Technically Supersystem is a DC/NYC hybrid nowadays). I saw them last year with no expectations at all and was rewarded with one of the best shows I saw all year.

If you see me at the shows, buy me a drink. This Stylus gig isn't exactly paying the bills.