The post-CMJ recovery time is almost 3 weeks, at least for us late 20’s grandmas. When you get a press pass, you need to pack as much in as you can, and this year was no exception. It was my personal goal to see not only as many bands as physically possible (and that your pass allows you entry into), but also a good mix of music to round out the experience. While CMJ tends to trend much towards indie-rock then anything else, there was certainly a wide spectrum within that genre. My big regrets include not seeing as much hip hop as I could have, but that happens when all of the shows I want to see are at 12:30 AM on a week night. Basically, not being super-human. Regardless, here are some highlights:
Marnie Stern, Wild Nothing, The Drums @ Santos Party House: These were just a few of the bands on the massive line up at Santos on Wednesday night (October 20th) that I was able to catch. Marnie Stern, for those who are unawares, is a fucking fantastic guitar player. She will blow your freaking mind. Plus she has a total potty mouth. Which you dirty Racket readers will love. Wild Nothing played after, and were good for the dreamy indie set. Their debut Gemini is one of my favorites of the year, so I was very pleased that they were just as good live. The Drums went on at 1:15, and even though we were DEAD tired, they perked us right up. Their surfer-rock style, on the surface, seems pretty basic, but live it sounds layered and complex. Plus, singer Jonathan Pierce, was very lively, singing weird variations of the songs and dancing all over the place. I basically fell in love with him, even though he looked like he was 12.
John Vanderlice @ Mercury Lounge: This man certainly knows how to work a room, from the stage. His gentle folky-indie rock has been a staple in the scene for years, and anyone who will publicly criticize Myspace is my new favorite person. His set was peppered with both newer tunes from his latest LP Romanian Names, and some older tracks. It was a very intimate experience and one of my favorite shows because literally everyone seemed pleased to be there. That’s the beauty of CMJ: you get to choose who you want to see, and don’t have to sit through filler or be bored during an opening set. Needless to say, the entirety of Mercury Lounge was in awe on that Thursday night (October 21st).
Francis & the Lights @ Knitting Factory BK: Dance party central! Definitely worth dragging my lazy ass out of bed to make it to Williamsburg at 1 pm on a Saturday (October 23rd). I had missed them a couple of times previously and was very happy to catch his retro vibes live. Sort of like the Cure mixed with Prince mixed with Jamie Lidell, Francis wore his Ray Bans through most of the set. He was high energy the whole time, showing off his slick dance moves. He took a break to play the snare drums for a few songs, but overall, he was all about the vocals. And what else would you expect from someone who calls himself Francis Farewell Starlight?
Active Child @ Brooklyn Bowl: This wasn’t on my original show agenda, but I was very happy I ended up catching the show. There is no word other then haunting (maybe “beautiful”) to describe Pat Grossi’s entrancing voice. A former choir boy, Grossi transforms this style into a trance-worthy indie pop style, and makes good use of a harp, not something you see very often at a rock show. Combined with keyboards and some guitars, it was a cerebral experience not be missed live.
-Judy Nelson