Adele’s U.S. debut, “19,” saw digital release all the way back in June, but, to my knowledge, it’s just now cracking the iTunes top 10.
Why the turn around in fortune for the torch singing Brit? My guess: Her Saturday Night Live performance. The show, enjoying great ratings thanks to the upcoming presidential election, seems to be playing the role of king maker with bands this fall.
Take Kings of Leon for example. The group had never debuted in the top 10 in the U.S. Then, following an appearance on SNL, the Nashville rock band’s new album, “Only by the Night,” was welcomed onto the Billboard 200 at No. 5, it’s best debut ever. (It’s previous best was No. 25 for “Because of the Times.”)
Anyway, I can’t find Adele’s SNL performance, but check her out on Letterman from a couple months ago below, along with clips from Beck and Seattle’s Fleet Foxes.
Adele – “Chasing Pavements” – Live on Letterman
I’m not a huge fan of Adele’s debut; often, it’s a bit middling. But “Chasing Pavements” is definitely one of the best songs on the record. She delivered it on Letterman just like she did on SNL this past weekend, with soaring skill.
Beck – “Modern Guilt” – Video
Beck has been seeming a bit down lately, what with that last album called “Modern Guilt” and a recent concert the New York Times called “somber.” So it’s nice to see him making with the funny. In this dry clip, Beck gets stalked, but in a sweet way. The black and white video gives off a “Hard Day’s Night” vibe. It’s not exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but it is amusing.
Fleet Foxes – “He Doesn’t Know Why” – Video
Foxes, now with goats.
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