Locksley & The Gaskets @ Mercury 12/11: Hugs from Sweaty, Skinny Guys

Last Monday night, two of my favourite bands of the year played Mercury Lounge- Locksley and The Gaskets. I believe my jaw actually dropped when I read the line-up on The Bowery Presents' website. It was a great birthday surprise.

First up, was Locksley. I saw the group perform for the first time on Halloween at the Musebox party. That night, the band were dressed as superheroes (all except the drummer, I think he was James Dean), it was nice to see them in regular clothing this time. Hailing from Brooklyn, Locksley are all 60's Beatles pop. Their sound might be a bit of a one note, but they play that note so damn well. In their act as well as in their music, the band pays homage to their 60's predecessors by wearing mod style clothing and taking a collective bow after their set. It is completely endearing and really solidifies their purpose, making their music come to life onstage. Their new album, Don't Make Me Wait, is a great, happy, stroll down a musical memory lane and if you can't think of what to buy somebody this Christmas, might I suggest it. I have yet to play it for a person whom hasn't loved it.

Next up were my favourite find of 2006, The Gaskets. I still remember fondly the night I first saw them at Pianos in April. They came on after the singer I was there to see, Ryan Star. I had read on Jerry Yeti's blog how much he liked them, so I asked the people I was with if they wouldn't mind staying to check them out. I still get thank yous from those friends. The Gaskets' set that night, so many months ago, blew me away. It is a special thing when you instantly fall in love with music; that is the kind of music that stays with you always.

I was listening to a story on the news the other day about laughter being contagious. For me, The Gaskets are pure joy and you can't help but catch some of their laughter when they sing. Every show of theirs, I find myself acting like a fool, throwing my hands in the hair and obediently clapping in triple time when Ross demands it. The Gaskets are a party in a beat box.

I think you all have read enough about how much we love these guys. But since it is Christmas, I would like to thank Ross and Teddy for so many fun shows this past year, especially for playing our Anniversary party in July- sorry I was so drunk. I hope to see you guys just as often next year.

Anyway, it was a great night, two dancerific bands, two cute guys on my arm and two sweaty hugs from rock stars (that's right, I just called you guys rock stars).

MP3: Locksley, 'Why Not Me'
The Gaskets, 'Hold Steady, Hot Weather'