Posted on 10/19/2010 1:09:04 PM PDT by Cinnamon Girl
They gave a sold out performance at the Hollywood Palladium last night but you've probably never heard of them. The band members play multiple instruments including banjo, accordion, string base, mandolin, keyboard, drums and guitar (which the lead singer sometimes plays at the same time)-- yet they aren't a bluegrass band. They're not even Americans; they're a group of four young Englishmen.
It's hard to classify Mumford and Sons' music, but the closest description is probably "folk rock." Their most popular song, "Little Lion Man" is junked up with a curse word, but an edited version is played on the radio in America.
Some of their songs like Awake My Soul have a strong Celtic quality. Some, like the new Nothing is Written have Appalachian notes. (How often do you see someone cut loose on the banjo?)
Marcus Mumford, the lead singer, was strong and clear the whole performance last night. Even though he has a husky voice to begin with, it never diminished in quality, and he had to sing over an audience of 4000, mostly college age kids, singing along with him.
(here's one they couldn't sing along to because they didn't know the words ;))
These guys really know their way around their instruments and that in itself is impressive, but on top of it, it seems that every one of their songs is either really good or great. Plus all four of them put their guts into every song, not just Marcus.
I think they said they were kicking off their American tour in Los Angeles and that the Palladium was their biggest venue. Based on the extremely enthusiastic sellout crowd last night, I venture that they had underestimated their popularity here and will need to add more dates or larger venues. As Chief Brody said: "You're gonna need a bigger boat."
(Stomp along.)
Hopefully they will not say anything stupid like The Dixie Chicks.
Have you heard of them?
Love M&S!! They recently completed a project with traditional Indian (India) musicians that was very interesting.
Is that anything like a bass? As in bass guitar or upright bass?
Just curious.
FR is now an advertising forum?
GREAT BAND!
I was forced into an accordion lesson cult by my east coast Catholic Church as a little child.
The accordion usage by this band has me frightened. :-)
That’s interesting that you say that. Their opening act, a friend of theirs called King Charles, had a song about how he loved England in which he said that if it weren’t for America he’d be German. Most of the crowd probably didn’t get it, but I thought it was refreshing.
I was forced into an accordion lesson cult by my east coast Catholic Church as a little child.
The accordion usage by this band has me frightened. :-)
It’s an upright base? The giant violin thingy. I was just going to say “bass” but then you might think I meant guitar base.
|
Bump.
It’s “bass”.
“Base” is something different, not musical.
bump for checking them out. Thanks
That was a typo. Sorry.
Our daughter sent me a link to their music. She said it reminds her of Old Crow Medicine Show. Apparently, Mumford is touring with Old Crow.
sounds good
In all fairness, Cinnamon Girl did post this in chat.
I’ve seen less interesting posts including Youtube videos of gospel singing redtail hawks.
Not familiar with Old Crow. They are touring with two other British acts right now. Listen to “Nothing is Written” for your bluegrass. I was at fiddler’s convention last week. Love that music.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.