E-dubs genuinely likes dapper Parisian synth-rockers Phoenix. Just last week, in fact, we led our Must List with their new single, "1901," from the upcoming Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, due May 26. But we were a little surprised to hear they’ll be the musical guests on SNL April 4 — especially since host Seth Rogan will probably bring in some of the biggest ratings of the season.
True, high-caliber indie acts (Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, TV on the Radio) come on the show regularly. But the alt-inclined musical guests who’ve appeared so far this season — amidst bona fide bold-faces like Kelly Clarkson, the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift — such as Fleet Foxes and Ray Lamontagne, have a much higher profile than les garcons in Phoenix (LaMontagne’s last record, Gossip in the Grain, debuted at #3 on Billboard in October; Phoenix has never cracked the mainstream charts Stateside).
So why, we wonder, did Phoenix get the nod? Is Seth a secret Francophile? Does the show’s booker just like the new record? Or is it possible that (sacre bleu!) singer Thomas Mar’s relationship with H-wood royalty Sofia Coppola (he is baby daddy to two-year-old Romy, though the duo are not married) helps the cause? Mysterieuse! What do you think, readers? Are you stoked, or underwhelmed?
Personally, I’ve still got their 2000 super-jam "If I Ever Feel Better" on my iTunes Top 25 Most Played (seriously, it’s a weird list). I’ll be interested to see if, as relative unknowns, they can pull it off.
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I LOVE Phoenix! So excited to see them on SNL.
I love “If I Ever Feel Better”. When I first found it, I think I listened to it 50 times in 2 days.
it’s spelled garcons, not garconnes
I LOVE Phoenix. Wish they’d play some concerts in the states, but if SNL is all I get, I’ll take it!
Phoenix? Wow i havent heard of them in a while, interesting that they are going to be playing…I really liked the “Its Never Been Like That” record. Good for them!
I’ve heard that the new Phoenix album is very good (don’t ask me where) and it may be a breakthrough for them here in the States. We’ll see. If this is true, that’s cool that SNL is exposing them to a wider audience. No matter what happens, they must have one of the best agents in the world to have gotten them that kind of gig.
Run Run Run is in my iTunes’ Top 10 most played songs. This band has always just needed a chance in the US. This could be their chance. Besides, the Jonas Brothers had no business being on an adult show. SNL needs to stop booking Miley and the like and remember who watches their show – and book more bands like Phoenix. And where’s Sondre Lerche and Aqaulung?
why not? fleet who? fleet foxes and arcade fire gimmicks are mere flavors of the month, phoenix are not as big as such flavor of the month bands, but they have a way more interesting career. who cares where are they from?
I just saw phoenix on SNL. Blown away! Better rush this album to iTunes…
WHAT WAS THAT ?SNL CAN NOT AFFORD A BETTER BAND THAN THAT?….THAT WAS BORING !
Incredible performance! I remember the closing song from Lost in Translation, but it really clicked with three songs on SNL. I IMMEDIATELY grabbed their music on ITunes. If they come to Philly to play, I’ll be there too.