A Sweet Spot Review
by Rachel Waxman |
It is often a place to flee
from, not towards. Hence my surprise when this year I found
myself frequently zooming down on the PATH train, drawn to
that famed Garden State; New Jersey. In a province known for
its Costcos and Ikea (what’s the plural of Ikea anyway?)
is nestled a little shrine for the latest in music- Maxwell’s
of Hoboken. |
Maxwell’s in is an unassuming little place on the corner
of a major Hoboken traffic magnet. Tucked away from trendy Lower
East Side holes and pretentious Midtown ultralounges, Maxwell’s
attracts local flavor and those brave New Yorkers willing to brush
elbows with bridge and tunnel commuters. This cozy venue oozes
atmosphere as candle light plays on the closely packed tables,
the proximity of which lend intimacy to dinner and a bit of unabashed
eye stalking. You can keep a close watch over your bandy candy
too, as every table has an unencumbered view of the stage. Top
acts from the UK and USofA visit the small suburban stage constantly,
confirming its superior status among live venues. Toss back a
few at the lengthy bar, and chances are your favorite rockstar
will be standing right next to you. Or, head over to the big jukebox
in between sets to select material ranging from The Clash to the
Shins.
On the cusp of their
astonishing success and fame, a little Scottish quartet
by the name of Franz Ferdinand strutted their stuff on the
tiny Maxwell’s stage in February, treating those in
attendance to a night full of sharp songs sung in sweaty
splendor, and a night they will never forget. Trading haggis
for home fries, the guys stuck around the restaurant and
chatted with their fans, a stark contrast from their Webster
Hall performance in the later part of the year where they
were untouchable.
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One hazy summer night,
four lads from Ireland by way of California dropped by to
spread some of their catchy, laid back tunes. The appreciative
crowd welcomed The Thrills like they were long lost brothers.
The Thrills responded in kind and were happy to spread their
cheer to the little, smoky room. Their soaring harmonies
and glorious instrumentals temporarily transformed the tiny
Jersey room into a West Coast oasis tinged with Irish accents.
<<< A Vintage Sonic Youth Flier
From a
1982 Maxwell's
Appearance |
| Representing all that is
right with solo rockers today, Butch Walker took Hoboken by
storm in mid-2004 with one of many frequent visits to this
favorite Jersey destination. Dressed in Vans and trendy jeans,
Butch was a hero for both emo-tives and hipster kids alike.
Songs about racecars and heartbreak were performed with complete
abandon, bringing rhythm to the body and tears to the eyes.
Claiming the whole space as his own, he walked right off the
stage and into the reverent crowd as they converged around
this charismatic troubadour. He mounted the bar and the place
became silent, ready for his heart-felt love songs. It was
magic. Score one more for Mr. Max and his drinking Well. |
Waxman and Walker- Cute Couple Huh? |
Rounding out a fantastic, yearlong string of shows were two hot
new acts fresh from the United Kingdom. Somber, pensive Hope of
the States brought interesting and sometimes hypnotic background
movie shorts corresponding to their songs. Maxwell’s had
no trouble adding multimedia flair to their normal stage set,
a testament to the venue’s versatility. In sharp contrast
were the perky Futureheads, who delivered enough enthusiasm to
move the most stubborn Englishman’s feet.
As 2004 progressed, the voyage from Union Square to Hoboken became
less of an annoyance and more of an adventure. Each successful
night at Maxwell’s resulted in that signature scent of sweat
and cigarettes (Beer and a cigarette at the same time? Indoors!
That might be reason enough to venture away from Manhattan’s
cold embrace). The mere thought of crowding into the small room,
making a beeline towards the steps near the wall and waiting in
hot anticipation for my newest New Favorite Band gets my heart
racing. I’m eagerly anticipating the trip back to New Jersey
in 2005, a feeling that even now strikes me as wholly abnormal.
Maxwell's is located at 1039
Washington Street in Hoboken, NJ
& on the internet at http://www.maxwellsnj.com
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