Divine Fits Played Letterman (Video)

On Friday night, Divine Fits paid New York a visit, and continued to prove that just about any track from their killer debut could serve as a TV-worthy single. In this case, it was the beat-driven "Baby Gets Worse". The track was simplified from its already-great studio incarnation, and really benefitted from a juxtaposition of instrumentation, with a palpable back-and-forth. What's more, the track emphasized just what makes the Fits' live show so great: a relaxed Britt Daniel easing in with killer bass lines, and a frenetic Dan Boeckner tearing it up on guitar. In short, rock wizardry. Watch now, above.

Beady Eye Played Live At Letterman: Video, Review

Last night we had the pleasure of stopping and catching Beady Eye in a one hour performance at the David Letterman show. As you may recall, the band is the manifestation of Oasis-sans-Noel, and has delivered a debut record that definitely pulls its weight. Different Gear, Still Speeding dropped in February, and the band is currently touring in its support.

After an entrance that was reminiscent of the opening of a title bout, the band immediately dove head on into a rocking set that drew heavily on 60's garage rock, both in sound, and in the band's on-stage aesthetic. Nonetheless, there was the undeniable vibe of a band who have toured the world together a number of times, and from the second you hear Liam Gallagher's voice, it's nearly impossible to not recall his greatness as Oasis' frontman.

Gallagher was clearly on point, and interested in getting fans in Beady Eye's corner. To be sure, the singer embraced his typical swagger and "fuck all" attitude throughout the show. Looking more than a little bit like an agitated boxer, he swayed and fought with the microphone throughout. However, he also engaged with fans throughout the show, giving high-five's on his entrance, saying hello throughout the show, and posing for photos whenever he saw a camera. You could definitely feel the love.

For us, the highlights of the set were "The Roller" and "Millionaire", but we have to be frank: the whole set was amazingly solid. It's a real pleasure to see a band that has so much history take a stand and deliver exclusively new material, and see it work. The set is clearly well rehearsed, and the songs were more than able to stand on their own agains the weight of the band's history.

Thankfully, you don't have to take our word for it: CBS has the whole gig streaming, and you can catch it below. Additionally, there's the band's TV Broadcast of "The Roller", which is completely worth your time. And, if you haven't figured it out thus far, we'll just lay it out for you: you can count us among Beady Eye's fans, now more than ever.

Beady Eye plays Webster Hall tonight.

The Walkmen Played Letterman - Video

Last night The Walkmen stopped in at David Letterman and delivered a killer version of Lisbon's lead track, "Juveniles". Not only did the band nail it, but (much like in December at T5) Hamilton Leithauser's voice was seriously in top notch form. No doubt, Lisbon, is a record that takes a while to own you, but if the band keeps putting it on stage like this, it's got a long way to go before it gets worn out. If you haven't heard it, get on it. Now.

mp3: The Walkmen - Juveniles

Gorillaz Played a 45 Minute Set For Letterman - Video

This vid dropped on Monday, but if you have yet to see it, it's well worth your while. Gorillaz (complete with 3D animation and human appearances, including Paul Simonon!) played a 45 minute set following their appearance on letterman, and it's fantastic. CBS is being kind enough to stream it for time being (above), but there's no telling how long that will last. Watch it while you can!

mp3: Gorillaz - Kids With Guns

Tweedy And Staples Played Letterman, Covered CCR - Video

Passing up the opportunity to deliver a track from Mavis Staples' latest (Jeff-Tweedy-produced) record You Are Not Alone, the pair opted instead to deliver a totally solid Creedence Clearwater Revival tune. On last night's Letterman appearance, they each take a verse on "Wrote A Song For You", and the end result is a solid run through the classic jam. Check the vid above.

A Few Words On Karen O

The other day here at HAD headquarters, we were discussing the lovely rock and roll goodness that makes up the loveliness that is Ms. Karen O. Over the course of the discussion, it became known that about half of us had seen the above video, and the other half had not. Suffice it to say we are now all educated, and you should be too. Checkit.

Broken Social Scene Augment Full Length With EP

The new full length from Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record, is set for imminent release on May 4th, and this week began streaming online. On top of that, the band has a spring tour mapped out in support of the album. However, not to be outdone by their own hype, the band has kicked it up a notch further: This morning the band announced an EP that is set to accompany their latest release.

Entitled Lo-Fi For The Dividing Nights, the ten track record will be comprised of songs culled from the SOMA studios "B-Room" during the recording of Forgiveness Rock Record. Apparently (according to band member Charles Spearin), the B-Room provided a facility for musical catharsis and creation during the recording sessions. In a press release from the band, he had this to say:

"I know that some bands write their songs, rehearse them and then record them. Not Broken Social Scene. In recording Forgiveness Rock Record we did it our usual way: swimming in chaos and making it up as we go along. We started by loosely sketching out 30 songs in my garage, driving to Chicago, recording 20 of those, and then writing 20 more. The point was to never stop working. Whenever we got exhausted or overwhelmed we would take a breath, pick up our instruments and jam purely ‘for spirit purposes’. It was musical-therapy of sorts. Part of what kept the ideas flowing was Soma’s smaller, second studio where we could test out new ideas and experiment with overdubs. While John worked in the main room, this B-Room quickly became our musical kitchen where we cooked up soups of sound without the pressures time and money.

One evening, as a kind of exercise in spontaneity, Kevin, Brendan and I each took turns writing and recording minute-long “songs” with minimal overdubs just to see what would happen. We kept saying to John “we’re making you an EP!” It was a sort of first-thought-best-thought approach to music making. Within a few hours we had six lovely little soundscapes, one of which ended up being the closing song on Forgiveness Rock Record, ‘Me & My Hand’, and the rest became the beginnings of Lo-Fi For The Dividing Nights.

As we continued to work on Forgiveness the B-room became more and more important as both a musical and social outlet - there are a lot of us in Broken Social Scene and it’s hard for us to sit on our hands – so naturally Ohad, Sam and Sebastian each recorded a song in the same spontaneous way. ‘Song For Dee’, the only traditional “song” on Lo-Fi For The Dividing Nights, Brendan, Kevin and I recorded when we found out that our good friend Wayne’s dog died and we wanted to cheer him up.

All of the songs on Lo-Fi For The Dividing Nights were recorded in Soma’s B-Room while Forgiveness Rock Record was being made. What these songs have in common is that they were all written in a spirit of playfulness and fearlessness where we could throw our discrimination to the wind and let the judges and critics take the night off. This tiny B-Room sanctuary fomented a very positive frame of mind, ultimately leading to one of the most enjoyable album-making experiences we’ve ever had. We hope you enjoy listening to these songs as much as we enjoyed recording them. "

Needless to say, we're pretty damned excited to hear the news that we'll be getting what essentially an entire bonus Broken Social Scene record this spring. That being said, the EP is apparently a limited time offering associated with the inital release of the record, so pay attention if you want to get your hands on a physical copy.

In other news, the Broken Social Scene family will be appearing on Letterman tomorrow night to perform "Forced To Love". Yes, we'll be watching.

Forgiveness Rock Record drops on May 4th.

mp3: Broken Social Scene - Forced To Love

Spoon Played Letterman - Video

If you weren't too tired from an outing to the Guggenheim, then you may have caught Spoon tearing it up last night on Letterman. If not, we've got the vid for you above.

Joined by White Rabbit Stephen Patterson on floor tom and percussion, the band tore through a killer version of "Got Nuffin". Not only was the mix killer, but Britt Daniel continues his trend of seeming more and more comfortable on the tube. His machine-gun guitar antics were in full effect, and it was the closest we've seen him get to his concert persona on camera.

Our only disappointment is that that Dave didn't let the boys play a full show.

mp3: Spoon - Got Nuffin (Live In Camden, get the full show at archive.org)

Vampire Weekend: Contra Drops This Week

Yes, we know it's poppy, accessible, and everyone loves it - even the New Yorker! But that's kind of the point, isn't it? We kind of suspect that that there's not much of the Vampire Weekend fan contingent that's looking to them for difficult, terse rock and roll. Quite the opposite, actually.

That being what it is, we were psyched to catch the band delivering "Cousins" on Letterman last week (see above), and getting ready to drop their latest Contra, tomorrow. The full record is already streaming at their website, and there's a boatload of pre-release hype going on this week. The following week (as previously mentioned), the band will be playing three nights at three separate New York venues. If you miss out, we're thinking you're probably bound to regret it later.

UPDATE: MTV has also apparently relaunched "Unplugged", with Vampire Weekend as the series opener. Check out vids here.

Vampire Weekend have three dates in New York City from 1/17-1/19 at United Palace Theater, Webster Hall, and Bowery Ballroom.

mp3: Vampire Weekend - Horchata
stream: Vampire Weekend - Contra
pictures: Vampire Weekend at the HAD Archive

Julian Casablancas Played Letterman

Julian Casablancas played Letterman last night (check the video above), and while it was a pretty straight-from-the-record performance, we have to admit it still got us psyched. Julian's deadpan drone takes on a completely different feel in the live setting, and with his shows on the east coast over the next week, we couldn't be more excited to catch him at Terminal 5. Yay!

mp3: Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

Julian Casablancas Winter 2010 US Dates
Jan 8 Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts
Jan 10 Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 12 9:30 Club ., Washington DC
Jan 14 Terminal 5 New York, New York
Jan 15 Terminal 5 New York, New York

Dirty Projectors On Letterman: Video

We know, we know: The hype has reached a fever pitch, and even mentioning Dirty Projectors at this point feels like taking a dip in the pool of indie cliche. The catch is that the band really _is_ that good, and their record really _is_ that fantastic. Which is why we were more than a little psyched to catch them in fine form on Letterman last night.

The girls were all dolled up, the arrangement of "Cannibal Resource" was slightly tweaked, and Dave Longstreth was continuing his gradual transformation into David Byrne circa 1981. But most importantly, the song sounded absolutely killer, and the band nailed the live delivery (as they're wont to do) in every way. All the more reason for you to get out and see them this fall.

Check it out above.

Dirty Projectors Fall 2009 US Dates
Oct 20 Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
Oct 21 Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 22 Black Cat Washington, DC
Oct 24 Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 25 Nitetown Lafayette, Louisiana
Oct 26 Antones Austin, Texas
Oct 28 Rhythm Room Phoenix, Arizona
Oct 30 North Park Theatre San Diego, California
Nov 1 Bimbo’s San Francisco, California
Nov 3 Aladdin Portland, Oregon
Nov 4 Neumo’s Seattle, Washington
Nov 7 In the Venue Salt Lake City, Utah
Nov 8 Bluebird Denver, Colorado
Nov 9 Granada Lawrence, Kansas
Nov 11 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nov 13 Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
Nov 14 Opera House Toronto, Ontario
Nov 15 National Montreal, Quebec
Nov 17 Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
Nov 18 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Nov 19 Music Hall of Williamsburg New York, New York
Nov 21 Music Hall of Williamsburg New York, New York
Nov 22 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Paul McCartney Gives Farewell Tour Preview On Letterman

Sure, he's 67, and sure the ticket prices are ridiculous, but let's face it: he's PAUL MCCARTNEY! I mean, come on - one half of the most formidable song writing duo in history, and more importantly a legendary performer who's closing up shop. As far as we're concerned, there's no reason not to catch Sir Paul on his farewell tour, provided you have the cash to make it happen.

Just in case you don't, Sir Paul's looking out for you: earlier in the week he staged a free outdoor mini-concert outside of David Letterman's studio in New York. He's a bit older, and it shows in his voice, but bottom line: Macca's still got it. Check out the vid above, and we'll see you out there!

Paul McCartney Farewell Tour Dates 2009
Aug 1 Landover, MD
Aug 5 Boston, MA
Aug 6 Boston, MA
Aug 15 Atlanta, GA
Aug 19 Arlington, TX

Feist Joins Wilco On Letterman For "You And I" - Video

Now, this is more like it. After Wilco's relatively uninspired performance on Conan a couple of weeks back, we were happy to see them nail "You And I" as they paid David Letterman a visit.

Of course, it didn't exactly hurt things that Feist was on hand to help them out and add a fair dose of energy to the mix. As she sang with Tweedy, it was clear that he was more than a little happy to have her on hand, as was the rest of the band.

In fact, we can't say we've seen the Wilco crew be quite so grin-filled in quite a while. Then again, can you really blame them?

Lily Allen: "The Fear" (Live On Letterman)

Sure it's snarky and poppy, and everything that substantive music lacks, but that's sort of the point, no? Whatever it is, we've been obsessed with this tune since we saw Lily Allen on Letterman in April. No question: "The Fear" is tasty.

Phoenix Played "1901" On Letterman - Video

We're not quite sure how to emphasize our enthusiasm for Phoenix being in the country, but we figure cold hard evidence is a pretty start. Case in point: The band appeared on Letterman last night, and delivered a rock solid version of "1901" to the masses.

From here the band's making a quick jaunt across the country: six dates in nine days, starting in New York and culminating in Los Angeles. All of the dates are sold out but one (we're looking at you, San Francisco), so it's all about craigslist at this point. Regardless, get out there: it'll be worth it. We promise.

xoxo

UPDATE: Stereogum has the band playing a stripped down boom-box version of the tune on Alexa Chung

Phoenix Are On Letterman Tonight

Confession time: Phoenix is in the country, and if you keep reading HAD, you're going to have to get ready for a barrage of posts about the band in the coming weeks. We think you'll better for it: the band is delivering some of the best rock music of the decade (if not all time), and backing it up with a live show that proves without a doubt that they've got talent to spare.

The band played Boston last night (more on that forthcoming), and is now headed down to New York, where word is that they'll be making an appearance on Letterman tonight, followed by a performance Friday night at Terminal 5. Regardless of where you find yourself in the country this evening, we seriously recommend you tune in for the Letterman broadcast. If it's anything close to their SNL delivery, it'll be one not to be missed.

UPDATE: The band's also on Jimmy Kimmel 6/26, KCRW 6/29, and playing Central Park in September - it's a media onslaught!

mp3: Phoenix - Lisztomania

EELS Played Letterman - Video

EELS appeared on Letterman last night, and we are sorry to say that the rock level was minimal. We don't know if it was the preference of late night TV, an attempt at wider accessibility, or just that E was feeling un-rock. Regardless, we were a little bummed to see E had picked one of Hombre Lobo's more chill numbers, "In My Dreams", for the appearance.

Not only was it a chill number, but the arrangement was sparse as well - just a drum kit, and E on the piano. Which is not to say it wasn't a solid performance: the song is charming, E sounded great, and as mellow tunage goes, it was top notch. That being said, given the vibe of the new record, we were just hoping for something with a bit more kick.

To check out the video (and Dave's playful jab at Hombre Lobo's coverart), click above.

EELS Are On Letterman Tonight

Here at HAD we just received word that EELS will be appearing on Letterman this evening. While we'll be sure to hook you up with some nice HD streams of the appearance as soon as we get them, we still have to encourage you to check out the live appearance. Somehow computers never seem to convey the full vibe as well as a nice big TV.

While there are no guarantees, we'd put some money down that E will be delivering the record's first single, "Fresh Blood", and we couldn't be more excited. It's been a number of years since we've seen E truly rock, and we can't wait.

In other news, Hombre Lobo managed to put in a respectable appearance at number 43 on the Billboard 200. This not only solidifies our thoughts that indie rock is taking over the world, but also that the public loves the rockin' E as much as we do. Natch.

mp3: EELS - Fresh Blood

White Rabbits Killed On Letterman

We already told you how psyched we are for White Rabbits' record It's Frightening that dropped this week, so we were psyched to see them positively nail the opening track "Percussion Gun" on Letterman this past Monday.

We have to admit, we were curious how the band would hold up without Britt Daniel's studio tutelage, and now we know. Which is to say: totally fucking solid. Rock and roll, kids.

White Rabbits are at the Independent June 20th, tickets are on sale now.

mp3: White Rabbits - Percussion Gun

Cursive Played Letterman, We Were In Awe

It seems more and more these days, we're seeing really solid bands on late night TV. We have no idea if this is because we're watching more late night TV, or if the situation has improved in some way. In either case, we're not complaining: it's great to be exposed to solid, new, live music in glorious HD. Case in point: Cursive.

The band played David Letterman last month (above) and delivered a totally show stopping performance of "From The Hips", from their new record Mama, I'm Swollen. To be frank, we had enjoyed little-to-no exposure to the band before this performance, and it totally won us over. Put differently, the ol' Tivo is not allowed to delete this clip until we say so, which is probably never.

The band's sound is a refreshing blend of raw rock and roll and finely tuned instrumentation. Their live sound is startlingly tight, and the performance above almost seems like it could be a studio take. Undoubtedly, the band owes more than a little inspiration to Modest Mouse. That being said, they manage a degree of melody and composition that is wholly their own, and awesome to boot. It was certainly enough to get us to go out and grab the record.