Jack White's Third Man Records is something of a mad scientist's musical laboratory. The label headquarters in Nashville doubles as a combination record store/performance venue, and serves as ground zero for Mr. White's various insane projects (including but not limited to: Mechanical Monkeys that play unreleased music, inventing new types of vinyl, and shenanigans with one Conan O'Brien).
The most recent act to pass through Third Man's halls is The Cold War Kids, and they were certainly more powerful than a band of mechanical monkeys. The band graced the Nashville stage on December 12th, and played to a sold out crowd. The setlist touched on old favorites and showcased new songs, including a barreling rendition of "Skip The Charades" from their upcoming third album, 'Mine Is Yours' which is set for a January 25th release. The song sticks to the Kids' signature mid-tempo sprawling indie rock formula, though the tune is meatier than the bands previously skeletal compositions. The four-piece ran through a full set list including breakout single "Hospital Beds."
The entire show was recorded direct to analog tape and will be available as a vinyl LP at a later date, which, knowing Third Man Records, will probably be complete with a set of wings. The Cold War Kids will be starting a US tour on March 3rd to support their forthcoming album. See below for the setlist as well as an exclusive look at the performance of "Skip The Charades."
Royal Blue
Audience
Louder Than Ever
I've Seen Enough
Cold Toes
Skip The Charades
[encore]
Hospital Beds
Bulldozer
Santa Ana Winds
We Used to Vacation
Goodnight Tennessee