So I've Been a Little Quiet Lately, but now I'm Speechless
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I just saw Of Montreal in concert, and well, I'm speechless. This concert will move into one of my top 10 concerts ever.
I'll have to compose myself and expand further, later, but here are some of the wonderful things that came to me as I watched them perform:
This is the New Psychedlia with visuals by Hanna Barbera
Kevin Barnes wears his influences on his sleeve - er...cod piece (?). Most notable Eno in the Vocals, Bowie in the swagger and stage pressence.
Somehow Barnes and team can make a melangé of influences that are so recognisable sound so incredibley original that you don't feel as though your being subjected to a rehash of "what's old is new again". Instead it all sounds as crisp as if the lid has been just been popped open.
Rock can be danceable, theatrical, and poppy - yet still rock.
Barnes can push boundaries that you thought Bowie and the glam era exhausted, and still find yourself a little uncomfortable at times by it, but also totally under his spell.
Whatever sinking boat analogy you must use to describe the current state of the music industry, rest assured, Of Montreal have taken the life boat, landed on the island Lost takes place on, and have already re-envisioned a new society.
Who says the album is dead - if I didn't already own the album, I could have bought a Chinese Lamp version of Skeletal Lamping from the merch table and downloaded the whole album when I got home. That or bought one of the 6 other ideas in which Of Montreal have re-invisioned the very form of what an album is.
Skeletal Lamping didn't make much sense as a follow up to Hissing Fauna... until I saw it performed live with the other songs. Now it makes total sense - it's a continuation from where Fauna left off (but probably still better in a live context).
There aren't many shows I've been two where I felt like I was witnessing the begining of something big, but this was one of them. It was an all ages show, and I felt the perceptions that the young ones in the audience may have about what was possibe in music, being melted away.
Sure the albums sound very electronicy, but these dudes can play! Holy shit, their drummers are SO good. And they are all multi instrumental. Barnes may like to prance around and shake his butt, but he can also play!
That's all for now. I must close my eyes and re-live it, again. My brain is still taking time to digest it all.
Comments (17)
I've got the album but have yet to really give it a good listen. Sounds like you had a great time, I'll give the album a go tomorrow. Thanks for the write up!
and for god sake, see them if you can. It took me about 15 years to finally see Radiohead, and this was so much better (and I've only been listening to Of Montreal for the last year).
I hate to compare, but I'm just trying to put it into perspective.
Ah, Of Montreal! I've been meaning to check them out forever, and this post inspires me to follow through... :D
dude....you're a great writer/reviewer.
i love this band but haven't seen them live yet. what i love here though, is your description of their live show's impact on you.
i've been involved for years with NARAS defining the Alternative category for Grammy nominations. this paragraph is quite reflective of my beliefs and how I've helped to define the category:
"Somehow Barnes and team can make a melangé of influences that are so recognisable sound so incredibley original that you don't feel as though your being subjected to a rehash of "what's old is new again". Instead it all sounds as crisp as if the lid has been just been popped open."
your other thoughts regarding things like the album concept and the music industry in general address reasons why i remain here.
NICE!!
You have been quiet lately, so I haven't had a chance to say that for our Thanksgiving this year, I made your Pumpkin Spiced Mousse recipe you gave me last year.
It was delicious. Thanks.
Do you remember sending?
ive been wanting to see them live now for a while, but i havent known if id be up for the craziness. judging from your post, it seems like it might be worth the potential kevin barnes shock factor....
Someone had an out of body show experience....good for you! Waiting for the full frontal review, I'm very interested in this band lately.
Seeing them was one of the greatest times I've ever had at a concert. You're one up on me, I couldn't even find the words to post about it on mog, my mind was so blown. What cover did they play for you guys at the end? I think they were planning on doing one at the end of every show, we got "Smells like Teen Spirit" at mine.
great write up, makes me wish I was there. Also, glad to see you back around, you have been missed
Thanks everyone, I've missed you as well, but rest assured, I may have been quiet, but I've been lurking around these parts!
Robin - Thank you, it means a lot to be able to write something that effects the likes of someone like you. Believe me that it works both ways as to why I love Mog, when someone such as yourself can comment on a post by someone like myself. I'm humbled.
Annie - I'd forgotten, but I remember now. I'm glad it was enjoyed. Ill have to give you my Rum Cake recipe for Xmas, which is even more popular!
Summer - please see them. don't let what people say keep you away from anything. You'll always miss out on some potentially great stuff when you close your mind. I realise when I try to explain the group to some, they probably would be offended by the bluntness of some of Barnes' lyrics, but really, there is so much more to enjoy about the music and the performance as art, that you can put it aside.
Anna - Truely. Please study both Hissing Fauna and Skeletal Lamping, and see them when they return to Europe in 2009 (please also try to see them in a club if possible).
Jules - "Teen Spirit" with us as well. I'd read about it, but it still fit so perfectly. I'm assuming the set list does not change too much with all the staging necessary. I haven't felt so excited to sing "Teen Spirit" since the damn song came out, it was exhillerating. It felt like the torch was being passed to the younger generation. Amen.
Rawk - Good to be back. Hope to add a little more to the Mog revitalization project I've seen going on.
I always miss my favorite devil....really.
Rum cake you say?
Bring......
It.....
On.......
Oh...It's broughten! Gimme a little time to get it to the nets.
very well put, Tyler. Skeletal Lamping does not beat Hissing Fauna... in my book (a 2007 favorite, until now) but i still think it's a great record.
Wow... sounds like an amazing show and I agree with Robin -- great description. I'll even put this in my top 10 concert reviews!
Thanks!
Sounds spine tinggling good! All ages too, I like that.
Welcome back, Tyler! Great review. "Kevin Barnes wears his influences on his sleeve - er...cod piece (?)." Now that I'd like to see. Actually, on second thoughts...