FESTIVAL | Starting this weekend, we'll be bombarded with three consecutive music festivals: Sasquatch!, Volume and finally Elkfest. There's no need to panic. Just do all three — especially Volume. You still have a week to get your Volume festival wristbands for two whole days of outrageous fun and 80 bands. Go to volume.inlander.com to purchase your two-day passes ($17). Find out everything you need to know in the special Volume pullout guide in this issue.
ALBUM | "There are hundreds of ways to get through the day," Conor Oberst croons on his new album Upside Down Mountain. One of the best ways for you to pass the time right now would be to take a spin around this record. All by himself, without the help of bandmates from Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk or any of his many other acts, Oberst creates something truly worthy of summer. Hints of Paul Simon and Neil Young glimmer through his songs, but the tunes never sound dated. They're full of mostly light, chirpy instrumentation and philosophical lyrics. Perfect for a summer road trip.
ICE CREAM | I'll go on the record: ice cream is delicious. Luckily — or not so luckily — Brain Freeze Creamery has opened up right across from the Inlander office in Kendall Yards. They offer many flavors outside of the chocolates and vanillas, and you'd be remiss to pass on the Dulce de Leche. A mix of caramelly coffee and toffee goodness, it goes down velvety smooth. Yes, one scoop is $5, but every once in a while (every day?) one needs to splurge. Grab a bowl and sit outside with the radio tuned to a Mariners game; it'll seem like summer is already here.
