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.
[click to continue…]
Tagged as:
cmj,
dale earnhardt jr. jr.,
oberhofer,
the drums
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
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.
Tagged as:
class actress,
cmj,
dale earnhardt jr. jr.,
the drums
