MGMT & Beck - Live at the Aragon Ballroom 10/03/08

The Aragon, named after a providence in Spain, was designed to replicate a Spanish palace courtyard with the  illusion of being outside under the night sky.  The detailed mural of space and the overall surreal feeling you get from the venue and the sci-fi viking swords protruding from over the stage was the perfect place for MGMT to unleash their brand of psychedelic pop.  It almost felt like their own little version of Pink Floyd's Live at Pompeii.

In regards to the band's set, I was really curious to see how the band would sound because I caught them as part of San Diego's Street Scene Festival a few weeks prior and in all honesty, the sound wasn't the best during a couple of the songs.  Luckily, it was just a fluke.  I had a feeling it was because a few of the other sets I caught at Street Scene had a few technical issues in regards to the sound as well.  This time around, I thought the band sounded great and from the number of people dancing around me, I wasn't the only one.   My personal faves during their set were the obvious "Electric Feel" and "Kids" as well as the epic "Of Birds, Moons & Monsters" and "Pieces of What".

The most pleasant surprise of the band's set in San Diego and subsequently reaffirmed in Chicago is the band's secret weapon.  What is it you ask?  Their lead guitarist, that's what!  The guy is the most rock n' roll guy I've seen in a long time.  He resembles a mix of Glen Danzig and a young Ozzy Osbourne, has perfected the headbanging and rock poses and totally destroys it on guitar.  There's basically a whole separate show going on on his side of the stage.  It goes without saying that those who were with me at both shows threw up the devil horns more than once in appreciation of his guitar prowess.  \m/

As far as Beck goes, the guy is in a class by himself.  Whether it's the Tropicalia, his special brand of Hip-Hop, Funk, or Rock he executes it flawlessly.  In regards to highlights from the set, I'm particularly fond of "Loser" since I once listened to that song 76 times in a row.  Yes, 76 straight times!  I did it while sitting in the back of my parents car during a family vacation as we drove through Alabama.  I still remember all of the words.  Another cool moment during his set came when Beck and his band donned headsets and used samplers and drum machines for "Hell Yes" and "Black Tambourine".  I'd love to know what music app Beck was using on the iTouch he was holding if anyone knows.  Aside from that, "Nicotine & Gravy," "Where It's At," and "E-Pro" stood out as being some of the best songs of the night.

Needless to say, it was great to catch MGMT and Beck before the end of their time together on tour.  If you have the chance to catch them together or not, don't miss the opportunity.