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Mumford and Sons show hopeful sign of things to come

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Mumford and Sons show hopeful sign of things to come

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I’ve never heard an outdoor crowd louder than it was during the climax of British folk-rockers Mumford & Sons “I Will Wait.”

Mumford’s crowd was louder than when Passion Pit played their summer hit “Take a Walk” at Centennial Olympic Park during the Party in the Park back on May 15. It beat the time when Muse’s bassist slayed the crowd during “Hysteria” in the Final Four free concert series at the same venue. Nothing I’ve seen beats Mumford’s sold-out Centennial crowd singing so loud it sounded like they were crammed into the Tabernacle rather than the standing in a field.

Mumford and Sons played a sold-out show at Centennial Olympic Park Tuesday night.

Mumford and Sons played a sold-out show at Centennial Olympic Park Tuesday night.

With acts like B.o.B., Outkast and Usher, Atlanta has been a hip-hop music mecca for a long time. That’s one of the things that draws people (like me) to the city. But this summer, show after show has proven the city’s thirst for rock’s A-listers.  Sting, Of Monsters and Men, Bob Dylan, The Killers — just tons of great bands — have played this year, and I can’t wait for more.

And Mumford’s “smack you in the face and then nurture you with a beautiful ballad” show just left me craving more top-notch live shows. They hit the ground running last night, playing their 2009 breakout single “Little Lion Man” second in their set.  The band’s banter showed the quartet are grounded despite their relatively new international fame. They talked about taking time off to visit their mothers, they showed plenty of love for the artists playing with them and the group brought out both opening bands for a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together,” a loud, electric guitar-filled contrast to their typical acoustic-y sound.  They closed with “The Cave,” leaving the crowd screaming for more.

In just over a week, any lingering rock lust in that crowd should be sated at Music Midtown. The Sept. 20 and 21 show will feature some of rock’s heavyweights among its 22 bands including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Journey, Cake and the Arctic Monkeys. Tickets are still available here for those interested. I for one can’t wait, but I’m even more excited to see just how great Atlanta’s rock scene becomes.

Especially if it means rowdy, intimate shows at the Claermont lounge

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