Word on the street is that a conga line has never been formed in the Fine Arts Center here at Calvin. That was before They Might Be Giants (TMBG) invaded and set the standard for future shows at Calvin.
However, I viewed this unprecedented show of crowd spirit from the balcony. This was due to the fact that after the warm-up band Gravel Pit played, I could no longer bear the main floor sound.
The Gravel Pit, despite looking really cool, did not get the crowd moving. Some fans yelled when they mentioned their songs, evidently having heard of them before, but their show did not really explain why.
Any attempt to remember their set brings a recollection of a long, loud, fast-paced medley of many songs which all sounded the same. For those who caught their rendition of Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love" during their afternoon soundcheck, it was the most enjoyable part of their show performance.
TMBG on the other hand, gave everyone what they wanted with their zany performance. John Flansburg (the big John) danced while playing guitar and singing to the four corners of the stage. The other John switched instruments with flourish, and even laid on the floor for the beginning of one song. Graham Maby (formerly with Joe Jackson) played the bass with a goofy smile, and the organ in the Fine Arts Center has never had a better night. Their shows really are as quirky and fun as their music.
Complete with an encore of their new song "Exquisite Dead Guy" sung by floating puppet heads in a sea of blackness, the concert was happy overstimulated fun. To those of you who did not attend, but instead see bands like Bush or Stone Temple Pilots, for a fraction of the cost you could have seen a great show and been able to walk home. There is better music and more fun right here at Calvin.
And unlike most old bands, TMBG played their hits. "Particle Man", "Istanbul", even "Sapphire Bullets of Love" were all songs in the setlist. Obvious crowd favorites, the Giants deserve credit for playing these songs which they have probably played hundreds of times before.
TMBG are great musicians, but more than that, they are unbelievable entertainers; those who attended surely did not regret their fate. There were even people who danced the whole time. And although Gravel Pit was not exactly the most appealing band, it was different, and they were good musicians. Sometimes a warm up band’s purpose is done if they warm up and not overheat the crowd--in which case Gravel Pit was perfect. In any case, if you like to be happy and have fun, then you should have gone to the TMBG show on Monday.