It was an Indie Pop extravaganza at The Mezzanine in San Francisco this Wednesday. The night began with local band Audrye Sessions putting out a very impressive performance. I posted a cover they did recently of Elliott Smith’s Waltz #2.  One of the more beautiful covers I’ve heard lately.  While their sound doesn’t quite gel with my overall music taste, their live presence gave me motivation to revisit that initial judgement.  Big, orchestral sound and beautiful arrangements.  Very talented and sure to go far.

Next up was Chairlift, who’s performance paled in comparison.  I know many people are big fans of this Brooklyn-based trio and they received oodles of publicity for the song ‘Bruises’ that was featured on an iPod commercial.  (Which I’ve come to realize that if I don’t already hate the band being featured on an Apple commercial, I soon will. The Ting Tings are a perfect example.) But this band does absolutely nothing for me – recorded or live. I mean really, who puts a chorus of ‘stop, drop and roll’, into a song?  Their lyrics are just idiotic. Here’s another one:  “The most evident utensil/Is none other than a pencil/Not a multi-colored stencil.” What?  My 3 year old could write more compelling lyrics. It’s like bad 80s music all over again.  The equivalent of Nena’s ‘99 Luftballons’. 

Thankfully Cold War Kids turned the vibe around with an energetic performance, albeit short.  Their rousing rendition of Saint John was great. Vampire Weekend played their usual set (this was the third time serendipity brought me to one of their shows this year) and they did not disappoint.  Love ’em or hate ’em, they do deliver.  It will be interesting to see how they follow up all the hype from this year.

Listen to Audrye Sessions‘ cover of Elliott Smith’s Waltz #2

Listen to  Chairlift, Evident Utensil (if you dare)

Listen to  Cold War Kids, Saint John

Listen to Vampire Weekend, A Punk