David Letterman Hearts Silversun Pickups - And So Does My Mom? Video of the Day

It was late 2005. I randomly ordered a new EP by an LA band off Amazon. The next Friday night, I was DJing early - well before the room was packed - and played a song by said band. One of the other DJ's, Brian Parris (a staple of the Atlanta music scene), says something like, "Are you playing Silversun Pickups?" I nodded. "I was going to play them tonight, too. That new albums is great." Again, that wasn't the exact quote, but you get the idea.

That holiday season I made my mom, who was in her early 60's, a mix tape of some of the best new songs I had come across. "Kissing Families" was on there. When I asked her for her feedback on the mix, she sited Silversun Pickups and Of Montreal as two of her favorites. (Yes, my mom has pretty good musical taste.)

So now Silversun Pickups are the first band in 15 years to have #1 "Rock" Single despite being an indie label a few weeks back. They are the new mainstream rock. (I assume since it has been a decade since I listened to a mainstream rock station.)

Anyway, I'll admit, I had not heard "Panic Switch" until watching this video. I'd love to not like it because the cool kids probably think they are a sell-out or something. But damn, that was a good song and a good performance. David Letterman agrees.