(Seriously, The Native Americans Called Coney Island “The Land Without Shadows” And I Can See Why)

I’d never been to Coney Island before, nor had I ever attended Siren Festival, despite years of planing and plotting to do both. When I saw that Frightened Rabbit, the Scots behind my favorite album of 2008, were playing, I decided to finally pop this cherry. How was it?

Here is the a point-by-point review (including pictures and video) “after the jump”

Coney Island itself. I hate to use the word “authentic”, out of fear of sounding like a giant hipster douchebag but, well, Coney Island is authentic. Perhaps the last authentic place in the City of New York (unless being a guido is authentic to Staten Island, then that’s a very authentic place…). It’s decrepitly beautiful. I loved it and want to go back. The Cyclone was awesome. For such a short little coaster it sure packs a pretty intense punch. Nathans was did not disappoint. I was able to find more locations from Requiem For A Dream than I could count (apparently I can only count to four but still…). A+

Siren Festival Crowded as all else, I don’t really think there is another festival like this. For better or worse. It’s an experience. It was made a much better experience because of the next point…. B

Nora from I Rock I Roll gave me her +1 so I was able to enjoy the show in the comfy and (relatively) shaded confines of the VIP area instead of with the crowded and sweaty plebeian masses. I know you already hate me so I won’t even bore you with the details of the day-long open bar and private bathrooms we had… A++

Built To Spill Believe it or not (and most of my friends choose “not”), with the exception of one song, I am completely unfamiliar with Built To Spill. So then how did I gain my position as a music reviewer without this knowledge? No idea. Shawn must have done a poor background check on me. So I was really looking forward to Built To Spill Saturday evening. And you know what? I can see why they’re regarded as the legends they are; they’re just a great band. B+

Frightened Rabbit Best album of 2008. Despite the gloomy subject matter of their songs, they seemed like they were having the most fun of any band I saw at Siren, throwing beach balls into the crowd and bouncing them off each other as they played. B+

Bear Hands I really don’t know why these guys are not on a major label, as they are a rare band that appeals to both critics and the record buying public. I just wish they would finally release something other than their somewhat poor EP. B

The Raveonettes Another band I was unfamiliar with outside of the mass hosannas they receive from my friends. If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written (this includes my 3rd grade book reports) then you will know I’m not a fan of “swirling guitars”, shoegaze, and songs built upon feedbacky noise. That said, these guys managed to make it enjoyable when they actually decided to start rocking. I’d like to see them again in a smaller venue. B-

Monotonix So is that rumor about these guys being not crazy Israeli Stooges wannabes but rather a Zeppelin cover band from NJ true? Either way, they played in the crowd and the security wouldn’t let ANY VIPs into the VIP area where I might have actually been able to get a look. Fail, but it wasn’t Monotonix fault. [no grade available]