Anyone that says Boston's crowd is the worst to perform in front of was not at the Orpheum last Friday. I mean, what-a-show! WFNX hosted their annual "Miracle At Tremont Street" concert with Passion Pit, Phoenix** and Spoon as the guests of honor. What's not to love? It was heavy-loaded synth dream pop, french-infused alternative rock, and intense hoarse-vocal indie... it was rock and roll.
Passion Pit faced the Bostonian beast first. Personally, this Boston band is one of my favorite discoveries of the last two years, and from what I could see, also favorites of the ecstatic crowd. They have built a rather decent fan base. I'm talking about a crowd that was dancing and singing-a-long at the beat of Sleepyhead and Smile Upon Me, and unleash an deafening scream with Moth's Wings and The Reeling. I was happily surprised, why? Well, let's say, it was not their usual crowd twisting and shouting. These were young professionals and the trendy clique of girls wearing heels and heavy make-up. You have to understand that this is outstanding, having seen Passion Pit play at their niche, the Great Scott, before. Clearly, they are Boston's very own group of heroes that have redeemed dream pop and heavy synth melodies, taken away the "hipster-only" label and made it mainstream.
Phoenix followed the Brighton/Allston natives. All they needed was two songs to unleash a rampage within the Orpheum premises. Behold the power of the French! It has been a while since the last time I saw any band do what they did. I'm still unsure how they did it. When you listen to their albums, yes, you get mildly jolted, but how did they get happy-tunes with slightly romantic lyrics and turn them in to the loudest, craziest examples of contemporary rock I've ever seen? [and not to be presumptuous, but I've seen a lot]. And of course, it's worth mentioning that Thomas Mars was giving to the audience, as much as they gave to him. He finalized his set by coming off the stage, and sang among the crowd... falling, falling, falling... One word: EPIC.
The Austinites had quite a challenge; I mean, Phoenix had set a benchmark prettyhigh. Still, they gave a fight and brought the crowd on a musical roller coaster, from mellow toe tapping songs to throat tearing hollers.
These three bands are among the most acclaimed acts of the year. I gotta give it to the people in WFNX that made this possible. For lack of a better word, I have to say this was AWESOME. I was definitely heart-warmed with musical joy... may the holiday season officially begin.
* There's a few extra videos of the show... do check 'em out!
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.
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