Cities and Coasts/These Knees/Summerays

With a great debut on streets now (Postcards from the Great Lakes), Cities and Coasts have tossed a cool beach rock vibe into the wintry Cleveland music scene. “I grew up listening to the Beatles and Beach Boys and '60s pop and rock stuff,” guitarist Nathan Hedges told Scene last year. “When I sit down and write, this is the most natural, easy thing that comes out. I think I've suppressed it because I wasn't in a band that could do Beach Boys vocals or Beatles harmonies. I was like, 'Fuck it. I want to put out the record I want to put out with the players I want.' It turned into this cool thing.” Now, just imagine Brian Wilson waxing poetic about the wonders of Lake Erie, and you’ve got a good thing goin’ on. (Sandy)