Brief Notes: Brooklyn Responds

Here are my quick notes from Brooklyn Responds last night:

Richard Buckner – played 4 surprisingly good songs. Much better than I remember. Could really rock out if only he had a drummer.

They Might Be Giants – highlight of the night. Played longer than I’d expect. Best songs were “Fingertips” and the ABC Nations song, but really everything was enjoyable. Flansburg was absolutely hilarious.

Aziz – still just as funny the third time, if not better.

Wrens – no drummer, and so they didn’t play their best stuff. Seemed a bit lost even. Charles Bissell’s opening solo song was really really good. Very short set.

Nada Surf – tight songs geared towards 13 year old girls. Not my thing, but pleasant enough.

Sam Champion – about 35 people remained for their set. Fantastic. More enjoyable than their official show Friday, which was waaaaay too crowded. They still rocked out.

Also: saw Sam Champion on Friday. I was tired and cranky, so I’m glad they played Southpaw last night when I was far happier. I saw Jordan Blaugrund of the Head Set at the Mercury Lounge, but didn’t want to disrupt his conversation to say hello. They play Tuesday at Knitting Factory.