The orchestra is dreaming

Several years removed from their '90s indie rock flag-bearing days, it's nice that Sea and Cake frontdude Sam Prekop can still provide a perfect soundtrack for a hot summer spaceout. Like a palm leaf fanning you as the sun pulls up the water from a cool pool dip, this tune holds attention for exactly the short time it needs to and then politely recedes into the blue sky. And you bask in day's drift until the calendar reclaims your time.

Sam Prekop - The Company

We will never let you go

I'd say any weekend that includes attending a Def Leppard concert and a 3 year old's birthday party speaks to a well-balanced life. The only thumbs down goes to the Greyhound bus company, which demonstrated the kind of resignation about its shabby incompetence that cancels out any potential sympathy. Also, I discovered that restless, annoying children on buses are much more annoying when they're speaking German. In the spirit of balance, here's a band of Germans with a well-developed sense of grace.

The Notwist - Gone Gone Gone