The Best in Late-Night Music: Week of April 27
Baltimore.
This was a hard week. The kind that makes it hard to write about music. Until I realize that music is what makes Baltimore bearable. After the nightly cable news assault, late-night TV music is nearly the only relief for my head and my heart.
This week’s performances were voices of optimism, hope, fury, and emotion. Much like that city north of D.C. Thank God for these bands bashing it out in the late hours. Thanks to all of these bands for bringing some comfort. Sing it loud. Sing it proud. Music matters, people. Especially in the dark hours.
This week’s late-night champ: Blur
The Britpop legends making first U.S. TV appearance in 15 years playing music from their first album in 12 years. ‘Nuff said.
MONDAY
The Wombats on Late Night With Seth Meyers
Liverpool’s powerpop darlings tore through the single “Greek Tragedy” from their recently released album Glitterbug — although I was a bit distracted by bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen’s uncanny resemblance to Ed Sheeran. Dig his harmonies, though. These guys give me faith in the future.
TUESDAY
Future Islands on The Late Show With David Letterman
A little over a year ago, Future Islands blew Dave’s mind with a spellbinding performance that included lead singer Samuel T. Herring’s explosive Bolshevik dancer /Capt. Kirk/Henry Rollins possession. Dave brought ‘em back for a triumphant return where they debuted a new single, “The Chase.” It was magical.
WEDNESDAY
Shakey Graves on Late Night With Seth Meyers
Austin, Texas’s Alejandro Rose-Garcia was a one-man band, and now he’s got a power trio with grit and guts. Shakey was beautifully ramshackle and rowdy, playing his single “The Perfect Parts.” No wonder Austin’s mayor once gave him his own day. He’s Americana for the people.
THURSDAY
Blur on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
If some unknown band played “Ong Ong” on their late night TV debut, I’d have a hard time going to sleep. The song is infectious, singalong, perfect pop. It’s celebratory and grand. Hearing it come from the newly reunited Blur is enough to make me need a diaper before bedtime. How can a band sound so fresh and vital after all of these years? I’m smiling through the rest of springtime.
Manic Street Preachers on The Late Late Show With James Corden
And no British late-night TV takeover would be complete without a rare TV appearance from Manic Street Preachers. They brushed off their ’96 classic “A Design for Life” with their typical beautiful bombast. Catch them on tour now, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album The Holy Bible, and thank me later.
Follow The Reverend Shawn Amos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+
Listen to the Reverend Shawn Amos on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud
