So traffic's moving along and I'm thinking about the video for "Tightrope" and something occurs to me. Monáe's collaborators include Big Boi (of Outkast). While I'd stop short of calling the "Tightrope" video derivative, it shares certain similarities with the video for Outkast's "Hey Ya".

Things I enjoy about this:A) Cover of a well-known pop songB) Joseph Gordon-LevittC) Cover of a well-known pop song that now sounds a little bit creepierD) Joseph Gordon-LevittE) A performer who is very clearly having fun with what he's doingF) Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Entertaining in an oh-god-why-can't-people-control-themselves sort of way was the drunk girl who sprawled out on stage, and eventually got up to drunkenly dance on the stage. This is why we can't have nice things, people.

This Week in Great Music: 9/6 - 9/12

Despite August being Lollapalooza madness, not many Lolla artists made it onto my most-listened mix for the month. August's mix brings you eleven songs, featuring everything from the glam pop of Lady Gaga to the old timey bluegrass of Carolina Chocolate Drops.

In the last couple of years I've become increasingly frustrated with mainstream music magazines, Paste included -- not because they've changed, but because I've changed. Reviews of new albums look like mad libs with interchangeable clichés; feature articles aren't much better, though they have more research in them.

I can't describe this song as anything other than sexy. "Fistful of Swoon" slinks along, propelled forward by the rough voice of Mark Charles Heidinger and the twisting harmonies of Rose Guerin. It builds off of a simple guitar riff and just a handful of delicate piano notes, and even the video, shot in stark black and white, manages to be both sinister and alluring.

I dare you to watch this video and not grin. Who doesn't like a gigantic water balloon fight?

The most exciting thing going on is this weekend's North Coast Music Festival, running Friday through Sunday at Union Park. Three-day passes are sold out, but single day passes are available for $40.

Looking for something to do tonight? Head out to the Logan Square Auditorium for the Square Affair, a celebration for, what else, Logan Square.

Yesterday, you were introduced to Mel, one of my fantastic new writers for the site. Today, say hello to Chantaal.