I think I’ve written this post about a million times now, but I would be thrilled to write it a million more: Pilam’s Human BBQ is my favorite music-related event in Philadelphia. Period. Hands-down. Simply put. Finito. And you know how much I loathe this godforsaken town.

So what’s so great about it? The free food (veg and non-veg), the bands, good vibes, and the welcoming nature of Pilam make it worth my time every year. For me, it’s the official start of spring, and when my first pangs of longing for summer begin.

This year I’m excited specifically because not only am I DJing (more on that in a sec), my good friends, Brooklyn’s Oxford Collapse and Philly’s own Brown Recluse Sings are playing, in addition to a slew of awesome bands.

So yeah, I’m DJing, 8:30 p.m. to midnight, along with England Belongs to Twee/FunVampires.com’s own Brian Labuda. You know the deal — indie rock, girl groups, power pop, and more. After us it’s Dave Nada and Cullen Stalin, who are part of the amazing Tax Lo party that goes down in Baltimore. And after that, the party will rage on until the next sunrise.

Anyway, here’s a track from Bellevue, who are reuniting for BBQ this year. (Thanks to Ben Morgan for tipping me off to the tune.) I think I saw them once or twice, most likely at Pilam. (Oh the hazy memories.) It rocks in a strangely Kinski-esque way (except that the vocals are terrible):

While I appear to be in the small, small camp that enjoys most, if not all, of Chris Leo’s creative output, this performance of [what I argue to be one of] the Greatest Songs Written By A New Jersey Band In The Past Fifteen-ish Years fits the clingy, damp sensations of today.

Because it’s that kind of day, here’s “His Saxophone Is My Guitar” from The Van Pelt’s 1996 release, Stealing From Our Favorite Thieves. Those paying close attention might recognize a WPRB show with a similar name.