Oh, Do You Know The Lumineers?

I caught a performance by The Lumineers on Saturday Night Live this weekend, since I record that show, and I’ve found myself watching it again and again since then. I’m sure nerves played with their voices a little bit, but they really looked like they were having the time of their lives that night. It makes me smile.

Says Wikipedia, some of the band members hailed from New York, but relocated to Denver, Colorado in order to make ends meet in a less expensive city… that takes some balls, I reckon. The two gent met the lady with the cello, and they’ve basically been working their asses off ever since. Must have been a bit of a coup to play SNL. By the looks on their faces, they were just pinching themselves at their good fortune.

I kinda love this band. I enjoy folk-rock as much as the next guy, and everything I’ve heard come out of this band so far has me toe-tappin’ and finger-snappin’. Their songs are simple and catchy, and their lyrics are… lovely. I’m very glad to see people use instruments like cellos in ordinary-band sorts of ways – as opposed to baroque-style bands with age-old instruments doing Led Zeppelin covers, or an all-sexy-lady bevy of classical violin players playing rock anthem tunes. (Sure that’s all cool and whatnot, but the appeal of a gimmick is usually short-lived.) It’s nice to see someone’s musical talents (probably honed since high school) used in contemporary ways, and become successful at it.

Now, they’re nominated for two Grammy’s this year – for best new band, and for best Americana Album. I don’t know who else is in these categories, but I’d be very pleased to see The Lumineers walk home with one. It’s always nice to see hard work rewarded, right?

And I wish I could upload the SNL version, but that super-sly Lorne Michaels sure knows how to block people from scamming his monies. (Good for him.) Here’s the official video.

I was at McDonald’s with my wee Birthday Beauty the other day, when Ho Hey came on the radio. Ava Scarlett’s head snapped up during the first few bars, which she recognised instantly… and by the time the chorus came on, I noticed nearly everyone in our busy section of the restaurant was mouthing the words or nodding their heads from side to side with the sing-song-ness of this sweet song. I suppose it’s the undeniable simplicity that people respond to.

I belong with you, you belong with me

You’re my sweetheart

I can’t help but like this song. Know what I mean?

Comments