MGMT- Kids @ Columbia Halle Berlin, Germany 12/6/10

The first time I saw MGMT they were opening for oF Montreal at the Middle East in Boston. This was before they signed to Columbia, before they 'played instruments', and before there were ever more than two or three people on stage. They were two hyper-energetic college kids, playing air guitar, air drums, and air keys while singing what would eventually be major hits(as far as indie-ish music goes) like Kids, and Time to Pretend. It was one of the most entertaining shows I had ever seen. I rarely purchase bands albums at shows but these guys were so unique I couldn't help myself. I purchased the album and uncomfortably danced through the entirety of oF Montreal's set with a CD in my pocket. I was excited to see where this unique, talented group would go. Pretty soon, I read they signed to Columbia, and read reviews knocking their lack of ability to play instruments live... I took the signing with a grain of salt, and the criticism with a grain of arsenic. The lack of playing instruments was one of the things I thought made the band so entertaining live...

I haven't seen them live since that first show and wasn't very impressed with their last album... having seen them live again post Columbia signing I must sadly report that this band is a dying carcass of the band they once were. I can't say for sure but I don't think one of the original two members is present. If he is there he's on so much Prozac that hes not recognizable. The current, 'lead singer', is one of the guys I remember but instead of concentrating on putting on a good show he now seems to concentrate on proving he's somewhat adept at playing the guitar. He has multiple pre-tuned guitars on stage that he grabs for the appropriate song...sometimes he grabs the wrong one and has to put it back... ??

This was not the show I wanted to see. I wonder what the departed member is up to these days.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• MGMT
• Berlin
• Columbia Halle

[avezaya]

The Bolivians were the only who knew all the lyrics

[SpoonYourself]

@tipo9999 Yeah, deadly serious. It's in my backpack right now. Someone hit me hard on my shoulder, I had black marks all over my body!

[tipo9999]

@SpoonYourself are you serious i was crying for it hahaha

[SpoonYourself]

I catched the towel :)