‘The ’59 Sound,’ The Gaslight Anthem on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’

by JAY LUSTIG
David Letterman holds up The Gaslight Anthem's album, "The '59 Sound."

David Letterman holds up The Gaslight Anthem’s album, “The ’59 Sound.”

We’ve already included a few “Late Show with David Letterman” performances in the 350 Jersey Songs series, including “War Torn,” by Nicole Atkins, and “Flint Hill Special,” by the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys. But with the show coming to an end tomorrow, here’s another one: The title track of the New Brunswick-based band The Gaslight Anthem’s 2008 album, The ’59 Sound, as performed in January 2009.

It’s a top-notch, kinetic performance, and Letterman himself seems to appreciate it. “How ’bout that? My God, that was good!” he says, then makes sure to shake hands with each band member.

“What are you, the drummer?” he deadpans when Benny Horowitz steps out from behind his kit.

“Just tremendous! Thanks for coming over the river!” he concludes.

New Jersey celebrated its 350th birthday in 2014. And in the 350 Jersey Songs series, we marked the occasion by posting 350 songs — one a day, from September 2014 to September 2015 — that have something to do with the state, its musical history, or both. To see the entire list, click here.

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