After four long years, I finally got to see OK Go in Austin again. It was a spectacular sold-out show at the Parish (a venue I haven’t been to in five years; Stereophonics with Augustana) filled with numerous surprises. I think everybody in the Austin area was equally excited because the tickets were all gobbled up two months ago; OK Go tends to have a strong turnout here so I was shocked they didn’t book a second show but they’re due in the LA region for this weekend’s Maker Faire courtesy of their Rube Goldberg video (I’m not linking to it, it’s old news).
Andy juggling his multi-instrumental duties.
Most of the show featured tracks from their new album Of the Colour of the Blue Sky which I am growing to like more as I listen to it again and again. Unlike OK Go and Oh No, Colour is a departure from their past sound of short Power Pop songs with snippets of wit. This record is slower, more introspective and heavily orchestrated as “This Too Shall Pass” demonstrates. Therefore it didn’t grab my attention right away yet it can often be a good thing. Woodface is my all-time favorite album Crowded House ever did (unless the June release is amazing) and I always remember how it disappointed me the first couple times I listened through it expected a repeat of the 1986 debut.
Back to OK Go.
- Tim on backing vocals and bass.
Last night they were in top form playing hits from all three albums. Damian let the audience vote on them doing either the Pixies’ “Debaser” or the oldie “You’re So Hot.” The latter won. When he mentioned the Pixies, I assumed it would be “Gigantic” which is what they did on the tribute. The set was devoid of any other covers sadly; they do Toto’s “Hold the Line” and ELO’s “Don’t Bring me Down” really well. As the picture above shows, there were frequent bursts from the band’s confetti cannon so I have a big handful as a souvenir to go with their piece de resistance from the show…a USB thumb drive containing a recording of that show with videos and the current record! For years I’ve read about such concerts but never had any luck seeing such an opportunity. Leave it to OK Go to finally come through on a personal wish! I can only hope numerous other bands wise up to offer such things (Duran Duran I’m looking in your direction), they’re the ultimate souvenirs or swag in my opinion. Until the SQUID recording device from Strange Days gets invented.
- Dan giving someone a souvenir after the encore.
There were two big highlights and Somara caught one in its entirety on camera (I’m pursuing permission from the band before distributing it). The first was them performing “What To Do” with a series of bells. Funny and amazing due to the precision required. The second was saved for the encore when they darkened the stage and returned wearing jackets with LEDs embedded on the backs. The lights displayed characters which “rolled” like a slot machine until the word “go” or “ok” appeared (I forgot which). Then the quartet jumped into “WTF?” utilizing white fur-lined guitars (all Gibsons) with colored laser lights nested under the headstocks (I looked up guitar anatomy to get this right). Now I recall a third which impressed a music nerd such as myself. During “A Good Idea at the Time,” Damian’s guitar needed to be tuned up after the first chorus so Tim, Andy and Dan kept going with a little lead guitar improvisation from Andy until it was all fixed. Then they smoothly moved on to the second verse. I am excited to hear this again when my USB drive arrives (via the website). Damian even thanked Andy for his quick thinking.
Damian, the evening's MC and storyteller.
I know I’ve blathered on about OK Go’s live show for years but last night they demonstrated how there’s more to them than being “that band with the treadmill video.” Sadly, this North American tour is winding down as Austin is near the end of it. Their site shows OK Go doing a few more shows in the States and then they’re off to primarily Europe the remainder of the year. Hopefully they’ll plan a second blitz in late 2010/early 2011. Meanwhile, I’ll let you check out my USB drive to get a sample.
Lead guitarist/vocalist for Earl Greyhound.
Two acts opened for OK Go this time. The first was Robert Francis. He was alright, nothing really grabbed my attention but I wasn’t driven to boredom or checking my iPhone to catch the ongoing Bulldogs v. Stars game (my Stars won in OT). The second I liked more, Earl Greyhound, a power trio from Brooklyn which had similarities to Skunk Anansie and the Noisettes through the bassist’s vocals. This opinion may change once I listen to their CD I scored for 10 bucks.
The bassist/vocalist of Earl Greyhound.