Let's all give a big hand to the following CMJ performers thus far: Frankie Palmer (his violinist, flutist, etc.) for showing us, on Wednesday at Rockwood Music Hall, that jaded L.A. still knows a thing or two about country music, even if Entourage's Adrian Grenier was the one passing around the collection bowl. Feist, for bringing down the house at the Knitting Factory with her soulful singing and uncanny knack for audience participation. Shiny Toy Guns, for urging the hipsters at Crash Mansion Thursday night to smile, shake their hips and do other un-hipster-like things in honor of dance. She Wants Revenge, for heating up Pianos without breaking a sweat. Dios Malos, for packing Scenic with teenage girls and bearded connoisseurs. And Britain's the Rakes for building massive buzz, killing every single practice set leading up to tonight's main event at North Six (11:00 pm), and still being generous enough to buy at least one CMJ staffer a beer. - Steven Chen, Associate Editor CMJ New Music Monthly
