Aaand we’re back!

I had hoped to update my travels around the CMJ Music Marathon in semi-real time last week. But in hindisght, that was probably a little too ambitious. Between panels during the day, endless showcases at night and the general frantic rhythm of of the city, I barely had time to catch my breath, let alone sit down and write. So, in the interest of jotting my scattered thoughts down and sharing what I found, here are a some highlights — and maybe a lowlight or two — from the week that was.

BEST SHOW (CMJ EDITION): The Lumineers

Denver’s the Lumineers put on the coolest show I saw during the Music Marathon, and it wasn’t really close. The trio had the crowd at the Mercury Lounge hanging on — and often singing along with — every melodious word with an irresisitble blend of sing-song pop and rootsy Americana that recalls the sweeter side of the Avett Brothers, or perhaps Bowerbirds in their more uptempo moments.

Here’s a video of one of my favorite tunes, “The Dead Sea.”

And here’s one from a performance at the Skinny Pancake in Burlington last March.