Mike Wexler @ Sin-e, NYC | CMJ | Pics, MP3s & Stuff

“The next big name on the new-folk scene is a deeply engaging singer-songwriter free of affectations… with the most gorgeously sandy-textured voice we’ve heard in ages” Time Out NY

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Back to CMJ. I had some time between Walking Concert at Sin-e and Wolf Parade at Bowery Ballroom. I decided to stay at Sin-e a little longer.

MIKE WEXLER @ SIN-E FOR CMJ | SEPT 17, 2005

The next band was supposed to be Tomorrow’s Friend. Their description emphasized their many members, but only two guys were setting up on stage. I figured it was probably Mike Wexler who was listed later on the bill, but I decided to ask one of his friends to make sure. The friend confirmed it was Mike, rolled his eyes, and looked away. Ouch. I guess Tomorrow’s Friend cancelled.

Mike started to soundcheck. He didn’t like how the lights looked, and he let the sound/light guy know it until everything was just right. Mike came off as an asshole, as did his friend. With a bad taste left in my mouth before he even started, I couldn’t enjoy the show. I snapped the above photo and left after a few songs.

When I later sat down to find out more about Wexler, I was disappointed to learn that he’s been compared to M. Ward, and his recorded music actually sounds pretty good. Now I have to give him the benefit of the doubt, and check him out again. Maybe it was me. Maybe he was in an especially bad mood.

DOWNLOAD MIKE WEXLER (MP3s)
Tropic of Gemini
I’d Like to Solve the Puzzle
March Violets

“One of the most hyped releases to come out this year is Mike Wexler’s debut EP. But it was a different kind of hype than what music lovers are used to. It wasn’t the overwhelming press machine of a Pitchfork or a major indie or corporate record label, it was more of an honest word of mouth hype about what everyone knew was going to be a great record from an amazing artist, no matter if it sold 2 or 200,000 copies. Wexler has the voice, minus the lisp, of Tom Rapp of the late 60s psych-folk band Pearls Before Swine.” [Uncommon Folk]

“Mike Wexler sings with the gruff voice of a tired throat. But gently, almost soothingly-the way your eighty-year-old longtime cigarette-smoking grandmother can comfort you between her hacking coughs. Without the hacking coughs. And with intricate, pretty, yet interestingly varied guitar work that ranges from bluesy to folksy.” [The Deli Interviewed Wexler]