CMJ Recap: Wednesday Day

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CMJ Recap: Wednesday DayCMJ Recap: Wednesday Day

"Don't beat your kids, they might turn out like me." And with that fine advice from an outspoken man on the subway, my second day of CMJ goodness began. For you out-of-towners, the 7-day unlimited-ride subway pass for $24 is a necessity.

CMJ is not only about the nightly showcases by signed and unsigned bands in venues across the city, but also the free day shows throughout, in places ranging from record shops to retail stores or art spaces. One such unique venue is the lovably cramped (or shall I say intimate) Other Music record shop. They slid over row after row of record aisles to make room for the packed-to-the-brim audience here to see a stripped-down acoustic performance by Tapes 'n Tapes singer Josh Grier and drummer Jeremy Hanson. Two members short of the entire group, their sound was surprisingly un-lacking and their songs came across less dancey and more emotional. The highlight of the performance was "Omaha", the track that I have been playing on repeat and just can't seem to get enough of these days.

Fellow music blogger BrooklynVegan continued with his tradition of putting on a free and impressive lineup for his multi-day party in the lower east side. Wednesday's day show took place at Pianos, a two story bar/restaurant/venue with just enough room for the crowd. Upstairs, I stumbled on The Undisputed Heavyweights, a band that AM New York described as "Frank Sinatra meets The Doors in a way only Stevie Wonder could dream of." A lounge band in the best sense with a charismatic lead and skilled musicians to back him up. Bluesy folk-rock that got me saying Amen (literally) as Casey preached the good word of rock 'n' roll during their song "Bitches Be Trippin". Go see this band (or at least grab some MP3s).

Downstairs at Pianos, The Little Ones also caught me by surprise. At first it seemed like typical rock group, but they slowly won me over with infectious melodies, clapping and chanting. It has a surf-rock feel so it was unsurprising when I found out they are from California, whose sun & surf obviously played a part. It's also worth noting how wonderfully air-conditioned the venue is. Nothing can ruin a performance for fans like being miserably uncomfortable and it would be nice if certain local venues (coughcommongroundscough) made the same investment.

Land Of Talk took the stage next. Elizabeth Powell's sultry voice is reminiscent of Azure Ray's Maria Taylor, but she's backed by louder guitars. She gives it her own unique spin by letting her voice slip in and out of falsetto. Elizabeth perservered as the finger she had cut while slicing onions the day before bled throughout her performance. Despite said injury, it was refreshing to see her smiling so often during the set. She was really enjoying herself, and the happiness was infectious. More bands should follow her lead and show that they're having a good time on stage, getting paid to make music, instead of the darker, serious route that many bands take.

Claiming to have the best burgers in the city (how can you not trust a chalk board hanging over a bar?), I ordered a burger from the bar. It was an excellent meaty delight that felt so wrong (but good) to eat at BrooklynVegan's soiree. The hand cut fries are also highly recommended.

After an intensely bad show in Gainesville a year ago, I was going to avoid Thunderbirds Are Now!, but showed up early for CSS and saw two songs. With a slightly better soundsystem than where I saw them in Florida, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that only half of their horrible performance was their fault.

Cansei de Ser Sexy (Portuguese for "I Got Tired of Being Sexy") is a band name with certain expectations. You wouldn't name your metal band that (or maybe you would, you rebel you). But if you crave sexy, poppy and dancey songs then you wouldn't be disappointed. Like a dancier The Go Team!, CSS front woman Lovefoxxx prances around stage with confidence. Strutting her sexy and silly dance moves, including "the armpit smell dance," Lovefoxxx kept the packed room fixated and wanting more.