Time to hop off the MMA-train and give some thoughts on last night’s Gaslight Anthem show.

The show celebrated the bands third full length LP, American Slang – and was held at Irving Plaza – a venue that, if memory serves correct, I haven’t been to in about 8 years.

Note: Sign #137 that I’m getting f’ing old: one of my favorite bands was playing a small venue and rather than fight my way to the front I decided to watch from the back.  Seventeen-year-old Ken would kick my ass over that one.

The band took the stage and opened with American Slang and Old White Lincoln.  I couldn’t put my finger on it but something seemed off on their sound.  I got a bit anxious, but my worries were put to rest though on the next song – Stay Lucky, the second track off their new album.  They killed the song and we were now off and running.

The set was broken up into two parts.  The first half way basically the entire new album all the way through with a few classics mixed in – most notably ’59 Sound and We Came to Dance.  If crowd reaction was any indication, then I’m correct in calling Orphans the best track on the new CD.  People were going bonkers for it and the band absolutely nailed it.

They took a quick break with about 30 minutes left and then came back to play a number of old favorites including Red at Night, Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts, Great Expectations, Senor and the Queen and a killer rendition of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.  I didn’t think they were going to do Wooderson, but then - BAM - third to last song they break it out.  The crowd was sent home happy with traditional closer – The Backseat.

I’ve seen them four times now and I would say last night was the best yet.  When telling people about the band I am often asked ‘who do they sound like?’ but this is a question I can’t answer.  They are truly one of the most unique acts out their.  If you’re a fan of good music that you can rock out to and will want to listen to repeatedly – this is the band for you.

American Slang is going to take the world by storm and it won’t be long before seeing them at a place like Irving Plaza is a distant memory – so enjoy it while you can.

Top 3 songs of the night:

1) We Came to Dance
2) Orphans
3) Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Check out their MySpace for some good tunes: http://www.myspace.com/thegaslightanthem

Check back tomorrow for some TUF11 Finale predictions.

-Ken