This one seems like a any easy choice for me, as The Walkmen performed one of my favorite sets of live music that I’ve seen all year. Their no-frills, vintage approach to their music and instrumentation has created a unique sound that is complemented perfectly with Hamilton Leithauser’s vocals, ranging from intense immediacy to patient swoon. The band landed on many’s radar with their single “The Rat” from their 2004 release Bows + Arrows. Their most recent release You and Me feels the soundtrack to a soul in constant travel and constant self examination.

The band formed in 2000 with members from Jonathan Fire*Eater, and are based in both New York and Philadelphia. They love their vintage instruments and tour with an upright piano. They play the same time slot as Dr Dog, which may present a problem for some, but not this guy.

MP3> The Walkmen ‘Red Moon’

The Walkmen: XBox 360 Stage Fri 3:30

This entry was posted on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 3:07 pm and is filed under ACL Festival 2009, mp3's, recommended.