VIDEO OF THE DAY — THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM: “GREAT EXPECTATIONS”

Jersey indie rockers the Gaslight Anthem kicked off their three-pack of New York City shows on July 26 with a stirring performance on Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, their home state behind them, the new World Trade Center tower glittering downtown. Following a set by fellow Jersey punks the Bouncing Souls, which brought quite a dedicated contingent of their own to the outdoor show, a talkative Brian Fallon led the Gaslight Anthem through a twenty-song set that featured songs from throughout their career, opening with the hot title-track pair of “Handwritten” and “The ’59 Sound” and closing with a sizzling version of “The Backseat.” Along the way, Fallon spoke about his desire to have Ryan Gosling’s band, Dead Man’s Bones, join them on tour (instead of Gosling making Only God Forgives 2, which Fallon said was really not necessary), thanked the rabid fans, who occasionally formed a large mosh pit, for sticking by them during some tough times, and announced that the band would be heading back into the studio shortly to write and record their fifth album. Lead singer and guitarist Fallon, guitarists Alex Rosamilia and Ian Perkins, bassist Alex Levine, and drummer Benny Horowitz appeared to be having a ball at the show, which included a guest appearance by Dave Hause on “45” and a cover of the Ramones’ “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg.” The Gaslight Anthem continue their hat trick at Irving Plaza on July 27 headlining Red Bull Sound Select Presents with Hause, Bayonne’s the Scandals, and Nashville trio Frances and the Foundation and will be back on Pier 26 on July 28 with the amazing Hold Steady.