The Gaslight Anthem
I got a note in late September alerting me to a band from New Jersey called The Gaslight Anthem. In the note was mention of Springsteen and the Clash. So naturally, I went to eMusic and downloaded ‘The ’59 Sound’ right away. I have to be honest, I struggled with it for a while. The music was passionate and filled with great riffs and catchy hooks. But lyrics-wise, I thought they were trying a little too hard to pay obvious homage to Mr. Springsteen. Case in point: “Meet Me By the River’s Edge”…
See I’ve been here for 28 years.
Pounding sweat beneath these wheels.
We tattooed lines beneath our skin.
No surrender, my Bobby Jean.We’ve been burned by all our fears.
Just from growing up around here.
Our father’s factories marked our cars.
While Eden burned against the stars.
And with song characters like “Sally”, “Janie” and “Mary” throughout the album, well, though I could appreciate the idea that they were hugely influenced by the Boss, it initially grated on me a bit.
But over the last few weeks, I’ve been softening, and opening up more to them. Drawing me in especially with the very affecting song “Here’s Lookin’ At You Kid”.
AND THEN, they showed up on Letterman last night. And they played “The ’59 Sound”. And they played it with such passion and intensity… The bass player striking Paul Simonon poses. The drummer pounding hard with some amazing fills. And lead singer / guitarist Brian Fallon as the ultimate front man.
Last night on Letterman, I “got it”. What a performance (and Dave was obviously impressed too)…
I am fully converted now.
Locked in.
Buy The ’59 Sound.
7 Comments
Michael
I stayed up to watch the performance last night (along with the Bill Hicks tape) and was really impressed, like you said they’ve got the passion down. I knew you’d eventually come around… welcome aboard buddy!
Jeffro
*love* these guys! i’m really hoping that a DC date will be added to their tour calendar – i really want to see ’em live!
Steve
They kicked ass on Letterman!
I don’t know if she still have them uploaded or not, but Heather over at Fuel/Friends had a couple of concerts posted a few weeks ago.
Great stuff
Malchus
Glad you are hearing what I did when I sent you that email, Pete. I haven’t seen Letterman this excited about any musical guest in a long time.
Over at Backstreets they have links to Brian Fallon (lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem) discussing Springsteen’s influence on his life and then performing an acoustic, solo version of “Backstreets.”
I can’t wait to see what these guys do next.
Pete
Thanks again Malchus…. it took me a while, but I finally came around. Amazing how one look at a live performance can completely win you over…
Anonymous
I saw them in Manchester on the 4th Feb.They where Fantastic we had a really good night.
I cant wait to see the again.
Pete
Just bought ticket for April 21st, here in Tempe, AZ.
Can’t wait!