Rockabilly, Mark Ronson’s Faves and Guitar Rock at CMJ

My late afternoon music watching began with Marnie Stern. Stereogum.com music writer Amrit Singh says her album will likely make his top ten list this year – those are big words! She is pretty and blond but you’re not looking at anything but her hands – she is an INCREDIBLE guitar player.

Our CMJ Artist Lounge showcase was solid, starting with the Rumble Strips. This UK band counts Mark Ronson among their biggest fans and he is producing their next album this month. They played a new song and, from the sound of it, they already have a hit single. I really loved these guys and they couldn’t be nicer.

Women, from Alberta, Canada, followed with a mostly instrumental set. Their set required an active listener to fully appreciate the guitar interplay and intricacies of what they were creating. Their last song was a highlight, escalating slowly but intensely and then gently dissolving into drums and then silence.

Takka Takka played 4 shows on Wednesday but singer Gabe says this was the most fun. He’s got an honest voice and some David Byrne-like shoulder shaking moves.  The guitar work was beautiful and all their songs are unique but feel connected, which is something I really lke.

Rounding out the night was the Dexter Romweber duo. Or, as someone called them last night, the first White Stripes. Apparently Dexter’s earlier band, Flat Duo Jets, had a huge influence on Jack White and, in his new incarnation, he is playing with none other than his sister Sara. And she KILLED the drums. It sounded like a combination of Frankie Valli, Dick Dale and Reverend Horton Heat and it was really different and refreshing.   

RR