It’s been some week around these parts. State Magazine finally hit the shelves from Thursday so do please pick up a copy and let us know what you think. Friday, I popped along to the Angel She’s a Killer launch thingy in Spy. Una knows all about it as her band MeNoFemBo is on the vinyl so well done to her. After that, I went to Dorans as my mate Ciaran Dwyer was playing with the wonderful Liam Trappe and Miracle Bell. I don’t remember much about MB though, as Ciaran kept offering devil-sludge Buckfast and Powers Whiskey so I ended up pretty drunk and had to go home.
Saturday was MGMT in the Academy which was SOLD OUT much to the band’s disbelief. I myself, was surprised to see so many up the front who knew the album tracks and were singing along especially for a new band from Brooklyn on their first visit. The set was a bit prog in places, but the highlight was the closer “Kids” which prompted a stage invasion. It was hilarious to see the bouncers look so confused. Rock ‘n’ Roll kids, Rock ‘n’ roll. MGMT are going to be back in May with even more support from the front. Ones to watch.
MGMT and the Stage Invasion
Sunday was film-day with a cinema viewing of Be Kind Rewind for starters. I’m disappointed with Gondry’s work of late. The Science of Sleep was sentimental mush and this was slightly too straightforward for my liking. Like with any Gondry film, it has some beautiful moments – both technically and visually but still, his most breathtaking work is in the field of music videos.
I also watched Cinema Paradiso for the first time. The first half was a superb account of a small European town a la Jean de Florette while the second half was a bit too maudlin to make much of an impression.
Anyhow, I’ve been listening to lots of new stuff so plenty of ammunition for this week.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
crapsticks! I meant to go to that gig too. just too busy 🙁
good gig, they played well and did some cool improv stuff between songs. Kids was chaos, i reckon the academy will be putting a barrier in front of that stage soon enough!
I’m guessing you saw the same version of Cinema Paradiso that got theatrical release here in Ireland?
In Italy they got a much longer version – and that version was eventaully released here as the Director’s Cut. It’s far superior to the shorter version adding 50 mins back in which completely changes the tone of the thing removing that maudlin nonsense and making the second half altogether much darker. Seek it out; I’d like to know what you think.
Flynnduism: dear God I hope they do put up a barrier…the place was feckin jammers eh??
Really good gig though..especially when they got ‘prog’…
Nay – it was packed around the bars and toilets, but the floor wasn’t too dense. Seems to be picking up the tripod traditions where half the crowd hang back and choke up the bar/loo/smoking access
I’d prefer to see it without the barrier personally, leads to a better rapport between performer & crowd i think. Though it could get hairy at times i don’t think the events on saturday were a danger to anyone
I’ve heard awful things about MGMT live. Were they sober for the gig? Guy I know who saw them in Austin when they were touring with Yeaayer said that was a serious factor in the quality of the gig.
seemed pretty sober. full band now, the 2 MGMT guys + 3 hired guns
haha sorry my man, “Devil Sludge”…. amazing
Was a great buzz though, Pity about my Howler of a gig!! haha
See you soon
C
EarlyMonday morning I fell off my bed and had to call 911. The E.R. stay was hellish. I came back home with several mispunctures in my back, in my sciatica nerve instead of in the place for a spinal tap.
Life is a bitch and then it can get worse.
I sent this link to del.cio.us
When I was leaving the MGMT gig I overheard one of the bouncers say to another…”Der was about 30 of them up on the stage but SHE wouldn’t let us get them off”.He was bullin’ that he couldn’t go up and crack some punters heads,so congrats to whoever “she” is.
It was a crackin’ show much better than I thought it would be