Yeasayer + MGMT + Fang Island do JB’s (and happy belated VD)

You may have noticed I have been MIA in the posting department. It’s not that I don’t care; it’s not that I don’t want to; I’ve been seriously overwhelmed with work and trying to make time for the other bologna in my life. So consider yourself Happy VD’d, TGIF’d, and all that merry hoo-ha. Shall we?

Last night, Yeasayer played at Johnny Brenda’s with MGMT and Fang Island. I’d been looking forward to the show for months and fortunately nabbed tickets (not yet knowing who I’d bring) right before they sold out about a month ago. Unless you live in outer space–and still, I’m not sure that’s a good excuse–you know that Yeasayer and MGMT are probably the two most-hyped bands (under Vampire Weekend) on the circuit. And after last night, I can tell you that’s 50% justified.

Fang Island started just before we arrived. Mostly instrumental rock with Animal Collective-ish undertones and occasional gang vocals, they were quite enjoyable. By the time we bought a drink, they were already done playing, so unfortunately, we only heard a couple songs. They’re definitely on my list of bands to check out.

While waiting for MGMT to go on, some lads came around with shoelaces. I thought I overheard him ask someone if they wanted “MGM laces”–like Metro Goldwyn Mayor, the movie studio–which I was definitely not interested in. We also explained that we don’t wear shoes with laces, so they wouldn’t do us much good. But upon learning they actually had the band’s name on them, and with me being a fan (at the time), I figured I could do something crafty with them (corset?). Well, after an insanely long setup, the guys came on and started their set. To summarize: BLLLLAAAAAAAH. Boring? Yes. Is their frontman an overconfident, over-the-top ass? Yes. Did their music or stage presence contain an ounce of energy? No. Was I severely disappointed? YES. Apparently, they’re only good in recording. I didn’t even recognize the songs I knew until about half-way through, when I recognized a lyric. And though they tried to be cute by referring to photocopied pictures of hand-drawn mythical birds as though it was their playlist, throwing in comments like “[soandso] doesn’t want to play that one tonight,” they came off more as jackasses. So 20-25 minutes through, right before what we thought was their last song, we left and went outside to wait it out. When we decided it was safe, we went back in to wait for Yeasayer to come on. Much to my disgust, they were still playing. In fact, they played about 5 more songs after we came back in, all equally uninteresting. And to go out with a bang, they ended with a Zeppelin cover?? (Or so I’m told. What do I know about Zep?) ‘ So over them. Brooklyn Vegan agrees: “Last night’s show at Bowery Ballroom (Feb 13, 2008) confirmed what I already thought: I don’t like MGMT, but Yeasayer are amazing/ awesome/ insert-one-word-that-means-I-think-they-are-really-great-live-here.”
Audio:
MGMT – Time To Pretend
MGMT – Kids
Photo:

Yes, those are yellow shoes and purple jeans. I didn’t say the boy didn’t look great.

Bird playlist

Ok, I’m so drained from disliking that I barely have the energy to praise Yeasayer. I’ll just say that they were everything I hoped for and more: energetic, moving, talented, interesting, fun, etc. Their frontman is completely adorable; he’s like one of those kids you went to high school with who was completely awkward and nerdy, but looking back now, you should have known s/he was destined for rock and roll greatness. They rocked so much synth magic, I thought my heart would leap out of my mouth and dance on stage. Yeasayer are going on the road with Man Man next, and I’m quite disappointed they’re not bringing the show to Philly, but I’m confident they’ll be back soon enough. I will SO be on the lookout.
Audio:
Yeasayer – 2080
Yeasayer – Red Cave

Photo:

Hey Lindsey: how psyched was I when I spotted this burly man sporting a man-dress (also featured above)?? Only you know!

See all the photos from the show (there are lots more) here.

Thanks for reading!

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