thinking of a dream I had
A minute shy to Sunday morning, I had to cross "successful impartial/unbiased music critic" off the list of possible future professions. Even though I've listened to their records numerous times, I wasn't sure that bands like the Walkmen really existed, anymore. They seem so out of place to me. Good music seems so out of place to me, these days. But it's true: great, inspired, original-while-still-borrowing-on-classic sounding bands still exist, and better yet, they visit Columbus on their tour and share their music with you for under twenty bucks.
After two pretty bland "hey, let's check out the bar" openers, the Walkmen came on to make up in full (and then some) for what felt a lot like lost time. Hamilton Leithasuer has a shot at being one of the best frontmen on planet Earth, I found it impossible to look away as he gripped the mic, belting out "What happened to you.." without question and half sideways under the shimmering reverb-drenched sound of a rickenbacker and a floor tom that sounded and, more importantly, felt similar to being chased down by a speeding train.
It was at that moment I realized I could never give an unbiased music review, I get too caught up in it and become too elated. And the feeling only got stronger throughout the rest of the set. The music was a mix of smoke filled rooms, Miles Davis suits, Dylan, duel pianos that wouldn't be out of place in that wedding scene from the Godfather, and the tijuana brass. This also marks the first time that I've seen Columbus concert goers going crazy and actually having a great, unabashed time at a show. Way to go, guys, I thought to myself..thanks for making Little Brothers all warm and fuzzy.
Walking out with ringing ears, I felt very accomplished..musically punch-drunk and accomplished because I was reassured that night that music can still be pretty good.