I have seasonal music swings like no ones business. Three weeks ago I couldn’t get enough of Darker My Love, the Black Angels and the Pink Mountaintops and this week I just can’t stop spinning the six new Regina Spektor songs I have on repeat. These extreme phases pass, but for this time when I’m feeling all springy and want to drift in and out of consciousness in a park, last night’s show at the Knitting Factory is the perfect soundtrack. I first stumbled upon the Chalets eons ago via their Nightrock EP and I just fell in love. Four songs, thirteen minutes and one of the catchiest refrains around - “I know you love me but you’re fucking crazy” in three part harmony. I saw them play CMJ and was just swept away in the dresses, the winkingly cheesy choreography, the tight harmonies, the shouty choruses and the instrument switching and last night was a re-affirmation of my love for Peepee, Pony, Chris, Enda and Dilbot. The songs are ridiculously catchy. From “No Style,” to “Love Punch,” to “Nightrocker,” the hits are there and they deliver them with so much pep it’s damn near impossible not to be smitten with the Chalets. Seriously. Listen to the songs here and if it doesn’t make you smile you need to step outside and stand in the sun for a few minutes and remember it’s springtime.
And as if red polka dotted dresses and handclapping weren’t enough, then Art Brut took the stage. Yes that is his singing voice and yes Art Brut is ready. I feel like Art Brut is always circling through New York, and that’s just fine by me. I never really put on Bang Bang Rock & Roll and listen to it all the way through, and yet I know all the songs. Maybe it’s because I have a friend who loves Art Brut so much he’s developed the ability to put pretty much any word, regardless of the amount of syllables into the “Art Brut, Top of the Pops” format. Seriously, try it in the office now. Pick a coworker whose first and last name you know and tell them they’re “top of the pops.” Who wouldn’t love that? Am I completely giddy on spring? Perhaps. But when you’re on a Chalets/Art Brut hangover, it’s hard not to be. They both play again tonight at the Knitting Factory in NY and if you think you’re ready to be as chipper as I am this morning, I would highly suggest you go and check it out.
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