MGMT doesn’t like to play by the rules, so you’re going to have to play by theirs if you want to figure out what special game they are up to.
For six people in six cities, they’re getting a special experience. One has already passed, and today at 2:30 p.m. EST Philadelphia is getting a special location clue at whereismgmt.com.
Fans have an hour to show up and then two hours to complete the adventure.
MGMT’s game will also be played in Boston, Austin, San Francisco and Los Angeles on later dates on whereismgmt.com.
You must be 18 or older to participate. Good luck.
The psychedelic rockers behind “Kids,” “Time to Pretend” and “Electric Feel” have been working on their sophomore release and today, you can finally hear the first single off the forthcoming album Congratulations (I use single lightly since the band said they didn’t want “singles” off this record).
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
Johnny Brenda’s in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia has gained a legendary reputation for hosting great live music and on October 22nd, 2009 the second floor of the venue delivered all that and more. Drug Rug, a lo-fi indie folk band from Cambridge, Massachusetts opened the show. Upon entering the stage, they were greeted with a respectful applause but it seemed obvious most people were not familiar with this band. During their set, the musicians showcased their talents by trading off instruments and proceeding to play some spectacular indie rock tunes. By the end of their set, they had won over the audience and proved to be worthy openers for the incredible performance that was to follow.
Portugal. The Man headlined the show in front of a sold out crowd of eager twentysomethings. While most shows these days seem to consist of more waiting than watching, Portugal. The Man were up on stage and playing without much delay, keeping the audience fresh and lively and ready for another intensely satisfying set. Front man, John Baldwin Gourley, entertained the sea of onlookers with his enthusiasm and relentless energy for almost an hour. They played a variety of songs in their set since their music has shifted over the years from progressive pop/rock to the epitome of an indie rock band. While they seemed to be widely categorized in this genre, they are far from your average band. These guys played with a laid back attitude but an intense vibe. Most of the songs played were in support of the latest record, The Satanic Satanist. However, the primary hits from previous albums were also covered like the crowd favorite “Church Mouth.” At one point Portugal. The Man covered David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” followed by a well-greeted MGMT song.
The flashing lights and smoke on stage were a perfect blend to the band’s somewhat abstract and experimental sound. A constantly changing light show highlighted the bands enjoyable movements on stage while racking up points for the hip venue. Johnny Brenda’s was a perfect match for this lively band and equally fun crowd. In addition to the music, Gourley deserves some serious recognition for the mustache and long mane he was sporting. I’m betting this native Alaskan definitely had that style going long before it was hip.
After the set had finished, encore chants began and as sure as the day follows the night Portugal. The Man was back on stage for two more songs. It was an awesome night with some awesome tunes, and those of you that missed out on the sold out show, well, you better buy your tickets in advance next time this quartet comes around.
Set List:
And I
People Say
AKA M80 The Wolf
The Sun
Work All Day
Church Mouth
Do You
Everyone is Golden
Moonage Daydream- MGMT
Mornings
New Orleans
The Woods
My Mind
Fatal error: Call to a member function itemLookup() on a non-object in /home/nickrdavisps/popwreckoning.com/wp-content/plugins/amazonsimpleadmin/AsaCore.php on line 1681
