Not too long ago, I had the chance to see a private university show of Jack’s Mannequin. This show came shortly after Andrew McMahon’s solo tour to support the release of Dear Jack. As a result, it was one of the group’s first shows as a full band after that break and while they were a little unpracticed (McMahon said they hadn’t played “Swim” in three weeks as a band even though that is the current single), they had an extra eagerness to their performance and a desire to have some fun during this reunion.
Erin McCarley opened up. The folk rock singer has roots in the Hotel Cafe and as a result, she has a definite Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles vibe. Joined by friend and musical companion Jamie Kenney on piano, McCarley impressed with her powerful vocals and Kenney provided a great compliment when he harmonized with her. When “Love, Save the Empty” came up in the set, the predominately female audience filled with your stereotypical “Grey’s Anatomy” fans got excited to hear the song popularized on the show, but I got excited when she took on Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner.” She made the song her own in an excellent rendition.
Andrew McMahon is one of my favorite performers. I love how he can make a huge room (in this case a gymnasium), feel like an intimate living room show as if he’s playing for his closest friends. I also love the crazy amount of energy he pours into his set. As his fingers fly across the key, he wraps his legs around the bench and bounces up and down until a final burst of energy causes him to either jump up on the keys or even hit the piano with his chair like he did on “Bloodshot.”
I also love how unique he makes each of his tours. There was a new intro added on “Dark Blue,” “Holiday” began as a solo piece, and I love when he slips into a cover of “U2″ and works bits of “The Mixed Tape” into “MFEO.”
Though “What Gets You Off” is the supposed “Orgasmanator” of the set, I would say that the audience got a greater high from “Bloodshot” or being rebellious enough to curse at a Catholic school during “Holiday.”
They band graced the crowd with a three-song encore that included their popular cover of MGMT’s “Kids.” Since it was a school function, it was an early night, but the band gave the audience a complete and fulfilling experience.
Set List:
I’m Ready
Bruised
The Resolution
Miss Delaney
What Gets You Off
Dark Blue
Rescued
Spinning
Holiday From Real
Crashin
Swim
The Mixed Tape
Bloodshot
MFEO
///
Kids (MGMT)
Watch the Sky
La La Lie
Jack’s Mannequin: website | myspace | interview 2009 | @ kegs and eggs | @ midland theatre | @ sokol underground | interview with pt. 1 | interview with pt. 2 | dear jack review
