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CMJ 2010: Day 2 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and The Drums

After a somewhat disappointing Day 1, I was really hoping the second night of CMJ would be much more fruitful. I started the night by popping over to an early showcase at Bruar Falls where Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. were playing. I got there ten minutes before the 7:30pm set and DEJJ still had all their gear parked outside the venue.

About 30 minutes later, their huge “JR JR” glowing letters had been set up and the guys took their places on the stage, commenting that they were going to do a stripped down set due to the limited space. (“So stripped down we’re wearing the clothes we normally wear under our jumpsuits.”) The Motor City natives did three lovely songs (including a cover of The Beach Boys song “God Only Knows”) before drawing their show to a close.

At the end of the show they announced that they’d be handing out comment cards (“like the ones they give out on Top Chef”) and that 5 meant awful and 1 meant fantastic ;). Based on that scale, I would have filled out my imaginary rating card at a 1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. charmed me with their fun, poppy songs and upbeat and funny banter.
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Some Moments from CMJ 2010

So I pretty much have not gotten any sleep the last two days and have had no time to blog because I’ve been too busy bouncing from show to show and have had little time to blog (with the exception of mobile blogging when I have reception).

But here are some shots from the shows from just a few of the shows I’ve hit during CMJ:

Tuesday, October 19th

CLASS ACTRESS @ Cameo Gallery
Elizabeth Harper of Class Actress
Verdict: Although I love some of her songs, I was sadly not at all thrilled with Elizabeth Harper‘s performance. Weak vocals and some awkward on-stage dance moves. Now I know how Avril Lavigne fans must feel after a live show.

Wednesday, October 20th

DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR. @ Bruar Falls

Verdict: Well worth their hype. These dudes from “The D” are funny and super talented. Would definitely see them again in their full jumpsuit glory. Funny bit from the show — that their set was so stripped down they were wearing the clothes they wear UNDER their jumpsuits. A few jokes about handing out comment cards “like they do on Top Chef.” Don’t forget, “5” means awful and “1” means awesome. 🙂

THE DRUMS @ Webster Hall


Verdict: Totally gaymazing live. SUPER fancy, fabulous hand gestures and dance moves, but in the most brilliant way possible. These hometown boys don’t come off phoney or fake, genuine talent and obviously driven. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

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CMJ 2010: Three Acts I’m Excited to See


So tomorrow is the first day of CMJ 2010 y’all! Here are three acts I’m going to try to see this year…let’s see if my stamina and liver can keep up:

CLASS ACTRESS

Local Brooklyn music maker Elizabeth Harper has been heating up the blogosphere with her sexy brand of synthy dance tunes and upbeat romantic pop songs seemingly influenced by Madonna, The Smiths, and the Cotton jingle “The Fabric of Our Lives.” It’s the music world equivalent of Cover Girl — easy, breezy, and beautiful.

Her song “Journal of Ardency” is slinky and sultry. It will make the girls dance with a sassy shimmy:

CULTS

“Go Outside” was pretty much my summer theme song. This NYC-based duo are pretty much going to put a dreamy, xylophone-heavy spell over the audience:


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