Why is the World in Love Again?
I’m probably going to lose some geek cred by admitting this, but here goes: I’ve missed every chance I’ve ever had to see They Might Be Giants live. So when I found out they were going to be playing in Kansas City in May, I immediately bought tickets. I knew Julie wouldn’t be able to go, due to her current night schedule for work, but since Morgan was graduating from elementary school and the sixth grade, I really wanted to take her to her first real rock concert. Morgan and I were even more excited when we heard the plan for the concert was to all of the songs from their album Flood in the order they appear on the album.
I’m happy to say the band exceeded my expectations. I’d always heard they were a great band to see live, but I was still floored at what great performers they are. John Flansburgh in particular is just amazing, bouncing around the stage and playing to the audience with incredible energy. They opened with a batch of different songs, then launched into Flood, and finished the night with two short but vibrant encores. John Flansburgh closed the show with one of the best last lines ever: “We’d like to keep playing for you all, but my guitar is fucked up. Good night!”
Morgan declared the show “awesome” and said this was “an awesome graduation present.” High praise indeed from an almost-seventh-grader! Me? As awesome as the show was, what made it really special for me was taking my daughter along. The performance alone made this one of the best shows I’ve ever gone to. Having Morgan with me for her first concert kicked it up to number one.
Wow–I would love to hear “Flood” live in order! Glad to hear it was great, and that your kid’s first concert wasn’t, alas, Hilary Duff, as mine’s was (her father took her [grin]).
whatever geek cred you might have lost, this makes up for it with tremendous “cool dad” cred.
Thanks, sylvie!
I was always a TMBG fan, but wasn’t hardcore until the first time I saw them in concert.
Nice review. I’m thinking of going to see them in Boston in a few weeks. I’ve seen TMBG three times before and they’re always great. I also know John F’s mother who is a lovely woman.
Can I just tell you how jealous I am of your relationship with Morgan? As the new step-mom to four, including two teen/tween girls, I would LOVE for them to be excited about going to a concert -or anything else – with me. But alas the oldest (14) hates my guts (and just wrote her father a letter telling him just that) and the 11 year old merely tolerates me. This is tough stuff indeed for the Cool Librarian to bear. Oh well, the twins are only 3, so maybe I will have a shot with them (except that by the time they are ready for a rock concert, I will probably need a walker!).
TMBG is a GREAT live show, and the perfect first concert. If the Barenaked Ladies or Guster ever tour your way, she’d love them as well.
You’re just awesome, Josh.
Well, I’ve been Morgan’s father for the past 7 years, starting when she was 5. She might not be so cool with me if I were just becoming her dad now. Being a step-parent can be really hard, especially with older kids. Hang in there. You’re still cool.