Death Cab for Ben Gibbard & a Big Art Show, Hon

Did anyone get a chance to see REM on Wednesday at Merriweather? How was it? Did they seem tired? I saw Death Cab for Cutie there on Monday night. Let's just say it's safe to say that Ben Gibbard has a glandular condition. I mean it was really hot out, and while I'm sure it was hotter on stage, he not only soaked through his shirt and pants, he sprayed sweat everywhere every time he moved. He kept saying how hot it was between songs and I was thinking...wow, is it that hot though, Jesus? Can't they afford towels at Merriweather for the talent? He looked like he was going to drop dead. Other than that the show was awesome (or as rocking as a Death Cab for Cutie show gets, you know?). I saw them in San Francisco at the Warfield about three years ago, and at the end of the show, he's always like "drive safe." I don't mean to be cold, but who died? It's got to be someone he neglected to follow into the dark, right?

This Friday you've got the Squaaks, Soul Cannon, Egg Babies Orchestra and Gary B and the Notions at the Ottobar. Plus it's Friday the 13th, so there's got to be a lot of creepy stuff going on, huh?

Speaking of creepy, Load of Fun is throwing a Big Art Show all weekend, featuring performances by the Thrushes, Stalking Horses, Gunwife Gone, Heroin UK, Sonadors and more.

Another all-weekend, daytime event is the irreplaceable Honfest. Still more popular than Hampdenfest always. Other Hampden news: Atomic Books is moving in with Atomic Pop next month and Squidfire's moving to the Avenue...strange, eh? But I love it all, so that's good shopping news.

Saturday, could it be our own little wonderful band Thank You playing with the huge act Battles at the 9:30 Club...is it the same Thank You? Anyone know? They are so cute and fun to dance to...

Plus, let's not forget Dad this weekend...take him out to see the Charm City Roller Girls knock each other out.