Jen's CMJ Day 2

I started off my day in the basement of Cake Shop waiting to see Jack Penate. There was a little drama getting in as the Cake Shop people didn't want to let badges in until half way through Jack's set. As we were trying to convince the door guy, Jack walked in so we, well mostly just Jed and Chris, told our sad story to the man himself and the door guy resignedly waived us in after he heard Jack say he would see what he could do.

Jack put on an awesome little set full of poppy, upbeat tunes. Even with just him and his guitar, he was great. Us Americans were so damn lucky to see him in a setting like that. God bless CMJ.

Next up were ivy leaguers Vampire Weekend. I dug the soulful, rock pop but wasn't as blown away as I thought I would be. Another band I was grateful to have seen in such close quarters though.

In the evening, I headed over to set-up for After the Jump's night at The Music Hall of Williamsburg. This was a really solid line-up, if I do say so myself. Big thanks to Josh Moore over at The Hall who helped set it all up. Alberta Cross were definitely the surprise, a country vibe rock band from London, they were incredible. Foals were outrageous, if not a bit jet-lagged. Locals guys Sam Champion have really perfected their live set and A Place to Bury Strangers pulled out all the stops. My favourite of the night was definitely Yeasayer. Holy hell, they are amazing. YOU MUST SEE THEM.

Around 2am, I bowed out and drove home where I promptly collapsed into bed.