Passion Pit, a commentary

Guilty pleasures. We all have them.
They're the type of habits we like to keep in secrecy to avoid public scrutiny, but also to keep its sanctity - it is yours and only yours.  No explanations asked, allowing you to fall back on them when in need of comfort.  Yet, it's important to realize that the operative word here is guilty.  They're usually mind-numbing, lo-fi, pleasure generating rituals... we fall like flies hypnotized by the light.


My guilty pleasure? Well... I have several, but for practical purposes I'll admit that I follow Gossip Girl (I know I'll regret admitting it, more so having a written proof).  Now, a week ago I was filling my heart with hollow joy, when I was shocked, more like perplexed by the sound of a familiar tune.  Yes, the featured song of the week that gave closure to the addictive sitcom was "Moth's Wings".   Passion Pit on Gossip Girl.  I felt mildly betrayed/disappointed... like something had been stolen from me.

No no no, I'm not being ridiculous, do allow me to expand.  I saw Passion Pit at the Great Scott on May 15th, a secret show before they embarked on their national tour.  They emanated energy and love and dance and music... they were at home!  Hate to use cliche analogies, but it was a true diamond in the raw.  Now, everywhere you click you see Passion Pit.  "The Reeling" was nominated for Breakthrough Video for the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, not to mention they were also featured on the front cover of last week's Improper Bostonian.

Where am I trying to go?  No.  Sell-outs is not the word I'm looking for.  They are being exposed to the public and their PR staff is doing a great job.  They are making it big and I am ecstatic for them.  But, even they can be overplayed.  THIS is the upsetting part, to see how artists are idolized and then destroyed by "the machine".  I came across this video the other day...  MGMT making a fool out of themselves.  

I enjoy dancing to MGMT, I do!  But, really? Passion Pit is usually compared to MGMT because I guess both can be catalogued as separate strands of dream/dance pop.  I hope it is just a comparison.  I know it is.  I trust Passion Pit will know better.


And in the mean I must say... Quality TV or not, Gossip Girl can be considered a measure of success.  It's 'hip' and it's streamed across borders.  So, I vow to thee and say, Dear Passion Pit:  Congrats, guys!  You made it. Be careful not to go through the roof, and remember your peoples, who saw you roaming around Allston Village.  Oh, and do come back. Please do.