Day two of the CMJ Music Marathon proved to be one of the most unique concert-going experiences I’ve had.  British rockers The Duke Spirit played an incredible set at 2:30pm at the Puma store in Union Square on Wednesday.  Despite the oddness of the “venue” (which was fully acknowledged by frontwoman Liela Moss, “I hope that song helped you in your sock-choosing process”), the band still killed.  Moss’s vocals sounded like a feral Grace Slick mixed with a hint of retro Duffy cuteness.  And even though their “venue” wasn’t even a venue at all (note the vest-sporting mannequin in the background of several of my pictures below), the band’s sound was clear, rocking, and incredible.  If you ever get the chance to see this band, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket.

Next, I headed a bit further uptown to the Ace Hotel to check out Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.  Although their set was supposed to be much longer than it turned out to be, the band still managed to pack in a ton of good tunes, some new, some old.  The lobby of the hotel, though far from being considered a traditional “venue” either, seemed to work well too.  It was cozy and intimate and really allowed the band to showcase their best sound.  Another win for CMJ!