The Killers
August 3, 2008 @ Parc Jean Drapeau
DAY 1 - Osheaga Music Festival - Virgin Mobile Stage
I would like to start by admitting that I am not a huge fan of The Killers however, over time I must confess that their music has grown on me. That being said, I arrived at Parc Jean Drapeau expecting a half decent show. Sadly, disappointment wasn't too far behind!
Maybe it was the fact that legendary punk rocker, Iggy Pop, had just left the adjacent stage (after what I was told was a block party of a show!) or maybe it was the fact that it was a Sunday night; nevertheless, the crowd awaiting Brandon Flowers and his entourage was significantly smaller than expected. Appropriately enough, The Killers made their way onto a stage illuminated by a giant "K" and adorned with a large bouquet of flowers. "For Reasons Unknown" kicked off the show promptly at 9:15, as scheduled. The set followed with what was probably the band's biggest success "Somebody Told Me" as the crowd sang along. It seemed as though the band was just getting warmed up for what would be a night of hits and ballads. However the set that followed fell apart almost instantly as the band struggled to weave together such tracks as "Shadowplay", "Bones", and "Tranquilize" to name a few. They were able to pull themselves out of the water as they made their way into "When We Were Young" however their rescusitation was short lived. Their rendition of "Sam's Town" could only be described as lacklustre as the crowd began to disperse in droves.
It was only towards the end of the show that the band was able to garner a reaction from festival patrons as they launched into their hit "Read My Mind". They ended their main set with the song that, as Flowers said, 'started it all for [them]', "Mr. Brightside". It was almost as though The Killers had set fire to the crowd as fans sang and swayed to what was probably the one energetic performance of the night.
Despite the unasked for encore, the band re-emerged only seconds later with "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" and "The River is Wild". They officially ended off the night, early, with "All These Things I've Done" which I must admit, included a (excuse the pun) killer guitar solo! Overall however, the show was seriously lacking in practically every aspect. Not only did their set have no flow what-so-ever, the band was seriously lacking stage presence, and the little drama that was put in seemed overly excessive. It almost felt as though the band had done a similar gig so many times before that they had lost interest.
MGMT
August 4, 2008 @ Parc Jean Drapeau
DAY 2 - Osheaga Music Festival - MEG Montreal Scene
Photo by M. Thibault
Probably one of the bands that seemed to hoard the most media attention at the festival -- at least by the overly present media passes seen, MGMT was definitely an act not to be missed! Despite the recent downfall and muddy area, fans and newcomers anxiously awaited the 'electronica noise rock' formation and were more than forgiving regardless of technical difficulties which triggered a late start.
From the start, MGMT brought it's crowd into a dream-like trance as they opened with "4th Dimensional Transition". Despite their sometimes cheesy lyrics, the band was able to seduce their crowd with their quest for pleasure. Their set continued with crowd swayers like "Pieces of What", "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters", and "Electric Feel". Then, as if out of nowhere, MGMT launched into the unmistakable lavish electro synth sounds of "Time to Pretend". As expected, this was the highlight of the show as fans and newcomers swayed and sang together in harmony.
At this point, I must get something off my skin. I absolutely cringe when I attened a show and fellow patrons anxiously wait for a certain hit song only to disperse right after. Sure enough this was one of those shows! Sadly, as the band hit the last few notes of "Time to Pretend" within a matter of seconds, the crowd had lost interested. In the end, it's their loss seeing as the duo continued their electro synth tyrade with "The Handshake" and "Kids".
The Go! Team
August 4, 2008 @ Parc Jean Drapeau
DAY 2 - Osheaga Music Festival - MEG Montreal Scene
Photo
by M. Thibault
This is one show you have to see to believe! I had heard of The Go! Team in the past, but to be honest, I hadn't had a real reason to check them out. Osheaga would not have been any different save the part where I bumped into a group of friends who suggested I drop by the show.
The only way to describe this show would be cheerleader college rock. For those of you rolling in your graves, I thought the same but before you judge, please do yourselves a favour and give this ensemble a shot! The show consisted of a mix of high energy 70's funk and action sounds. Audience participation is almost a mandatory thing as the band's stage presence is through the roof but not overbearing. This is possibly due to their lead singer who not only has great vocals but seems to lead the six-piece band almost as a squad leader would lead her troupe.
If you can overlook the few so-so acoustic tracks, definitely an act to check out!
Jack Johnson
August 4, 2008 @ Parc Jean Drapeau
DAY 2 - Osheaga Music Festival - Virgin Mobile Stage
Photo by Patrick Beaudry
Well, the weather couldn't have been any better as festival patrons gathered hours in advance to catch a glimpse of the festival closer. This year, it was no one more fitting than Hawaiian singer, song-writer, Jack Johnson. The crowd was lined with the young, the very young, and the younger, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the performer who built a cult-like following.
Johnson seduced his audience almost immediately as he emerged onto a very simplistic stage arrangement and greeted the crowd with "Hello, nice to finally be here with you" followed by a performance of "Hope". He continued with favourites of his previous albums such as tracks like "Do You Remember" and "Flake". Fans were awe-strucken as Johnson jumped into a rare solo within "Sleep Through the Static". One of his most recognized works, "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" warranted a restart as the crowd jumped into the refrain before Johnson could even begin to sing the song himself. Anyone could foresee that Johnson would have no choice but to do a rendition of "Upside Down" however what ensued was somewhat unexpected -- a flood of parents perched their kids on their shoulders while they held up stuffed Curious George toys.
The rest of the night consisted of a mellow blend of songs such as "Wasting Time", "No Other Way", "Belle", and "Staple it Together". As for surprises, Johnson welcomed fellow festival goer, Matt Costa and finally confirmed the rumour of the week by welcoming Jimmy Buffet on stage! Johnson closed off with "If I Had Eyes" followed by an encore.
In the end, Johnson blended his set efortlessly allowing his fans to almost feel as though they were just steps away from the warm waves of a Hawaiian beach. As many put it, all that was missing was a campfire.
Photos courtesy Gillett Entertainment Group
Photos taken by the respective names tagged to them
|
Additional Info |
| » The following results match your topic interest |
 |
|
