94.9 Independence Jam

Flogging Molly's front man, Dave King, roaring lyrics in that distinct and forward Irish accent. Flogging Molly headlined the 94.9 Miller Lite Independence Jam at South Western College in Chula Vista, CA. A quarter of a field of faithful Molly fans turned out for the show...moshing was relevant! Good music if that's your thing. The band is tight--meaning they play well together--and sound good for what they're trying to achieve musically--or have achieved?

The Hold Steady's lead vocalist, Craig Finn, has a likable approach to stage presence--comical, sometimes completely out of sync with the tempo of the song...yet he still manages to tell a story with his hand gestures, misfit facial expressions and random hops and sways around the stage. This man has a lot to say about a lot of ordinary and down to earth things and I always love bands that incorporate lyrics that talk about places--"Rainin' In Baltimore," Counting Crows--as does The Hold Steady. The song "Killer Parties" caught my attention." That song was exceptional live and got the crowd going--"Killer Parties almost killed me". I look forward to reading more into The Hold Steady and picking up a couple of their albums to find out what else they have to say. "The Swish" --another great song performed at the JAM-- is one more example of their original and creative lyrics--"I came all over the counter just to meet you."

Cold War Kids’ bass guitarist, Matt Maust, playing to the camera, while lead singer, Nathan Willet, vocalizes. Cold War Kids are something to be excited about. They played some infant songs from their new album not yet released. "St. John," "We Used To Vacation," "Hospital Beds" and "Hang Me Up To Dry," from CWK's debut album, Robbers & Cowards, were also performed. These are beautifully crafted stories...factual or fiction; not for me to decide. The music, lyrics and everything else--just look and you'll see it lying there--is what keeps me intrigued.

The Ting Tings' lead singer, Katie White. "Shut up and let me go..." I don't know if those lyrics are accurate or not, but it did stick with me.

The Whigs' Parker Gispert, bringing new meaning to the saying 'hogging the mic.' "Right Hand On My Heart" and "Production City," both on the Mission Control Album, are my favorites so far--I picked up Mission Control a couple months ago and had heard of them a few months prior.