Quarterlifeparty

MGMT (pronounced em-gee-em-tee) performed a truncated private show for 50 lucky 103.1 WRNR Annapolis listeners. I happened to be one of those 50 lucky listeners thanks to my girlfriend Jenn’s extra sensory ability to time a call becoming the day’s “tenth caller,” winning us two free tickets to the show. So, she and I as instructed, joined the line of “winners” at 11:45 a.m. inside the Ramshead Tavern Annapolis to redeem our stamp of admission. Side note: MGMT has a huge tour bus. Really?!?

For those of you familiar with this venue, you’ll know that it is unlike many are used to. The band plays on a 12-inch riser while the crowd sits at family-style tables, a la Bennigans. With that said, I will say that despite feeling embarrassed for the unsuspecting touring band who unbeknownst to them would be providing lunch entertainment, sitting in a chair a good distance between other audience members’ sweat, bad breath and loud conversation is a welcome thing at today’s concert venues. More should consider Bennigan’s family style seating.

The band took the stage 15 minutes behind schedule (thanks to my comfortable chair my feet were not sore from waiting) and opened with “4th Dimensional Transition,” which in my opinion is one of Oracular’s low points. Despite my preconceived feelings towards the song, its outer space psychedelia translated well to the live setting. The set was actually introduced as being an appropriate way to celebrate NASA’s 50th anniversary, which their intergalactic delay and keyboard section confirmed. Time to Pretend, the obvious choice for closing this micro-set was absolutely great. Of the 6 songs they played, it was (predictably) their centerpiece—no throwback gimmicks, just a good song. The residual nature of that keyboard riff could leave my mom humming for weeks after. Other songs in the short set were “Pieces of What,” “Weekend Wars,” “Electric Feel” and “Handshake Oracular.” If I’m missing anything, hopefully one of Quarterlife Party’s millions of readers will leave an addendum to this re-cap.

Overall, it was a cool experience, in an interesting venue, with a very cool band from this galaxy. Enjoy my video of “Pieces of What,” and “Electric Feel.”

P.S. I discovered that M.G.M.T. actually does NOT stand for management. It is in fact an acronym meaning,

Making Great Music Together

P.P.S. That is a lie. Please feel free to either spread that rumor, or create your own acronym meaning in our comment area.

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