Thursday, June 5, 2014

Late Night Opportunities – The Afghan Whigs and Spanish Gold

     Each weekend, we update the column on the left to identify the performers who will be appearing on late night shows in the U.S. There are a number of benefits that come from paying attention to these opportunities to see a band in a live setting. Some bands are just unpredictably good in a concert setting. Future Islands and New Politics are good examples. We saw New Politics on Sunday, only because they were one of the bands at a one-day festival we attend annually. They put on a great show.
     Other times, we record a late night show that includes unknowns, at least to us. It’s a discovery mechanism. One example is Spanish Gold, which is the subject of the second half of this post.
      And then there are those times when we just don’t appreciate a band, but the late night appearance provides the awakening. Enter The Afghan Whigs, which has reunited. They were on the June 4 David Letterman show. The process flow was (1) watch the show, (2) repeat the three and one half minutes, and (3) buy tickets to see The Afghan Whigs at the Fillmore in October.   
      “Matamoros”

     At least for now, Sub Pop is offering The Afghan Whigs’ “Algiers” as a free download. If your browser doesn’t show the download icon, CLICK HERE.

     There is also a free download of “Matamoros,” the song performed on Letterman. This recorded version just does not have the same effect. If your browser doesn’t show the download icon, CLCK HERE.


     Also this week on David Letterman, Spanish Gold made an impression. Someone on the Letterman production crew was a little too smitten by one or both of the females, but the emphasis on maximizing their time in the recording didn’t affect the quality of the musical performance. Spanish Gold identifies itself as a trio. This is a supergroup comprising drummer Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket), guitarist Adrian Quesada (formerly of Grupo Fantasma) and guitarist and lead vocalist Dante Schwebel (City and Colour, formerly of Hacienda). Like many supergroups, it is difficult to identify a hometown. Spanish Gold cites Austin/Louisville/Nashville. 
     "Out on the Street" by Spanish Gold

      "Out on the Street" by Spanish Gold, the Soundcloud stream

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