By: Tony Wilson
Dear Mr. Kevin Barnes,
I would like to say thank you.
Thank you for coming to town with your bandmates in Of Montreal this Sunday night (at Town Ballroom). With your busy schedule and widespread popularity, I truly appreciate you bringing your act into this fine city.
Thank you for bringing along your cohort in calamitous music, Ms. Janelle Monae. JM’s last album, Archandroid, showed the world that she’s not one to be easily labeled. She’s got pipes, and she’ll use them in a multitude of styles. The schizophrenic songstress is sure to wow the crowd.
But more so, I would like to thank you for being a bright light in the murky world of rock and roll. You’ve done this in so many ways, it’s hard to to keep track. Perhaps it’s your outspoken nature. For one, this op-ed went a long way to provide me some perspective on what the realities of being a musician is like. The article came out shortly after I first began listening to Of Montreal, and also after I had seen said TV commercial. So often it seems people are quick to judge based solely on their own outside perspective. Being a fan of indie music is like being in the eye of the ‘hipster hurricane’ where any move in the direction of mainstream is met with disapproval, and many times musicianship is outweighed by trendiness. You provide a great example of how creativity doesn’t bow to culture.
Thank you for proving that spunky pop music can be about the realities of life. Many of your songs and lyrics are directly related to real life experiences. You share with your fans, and that takes courage and conviction. It’s refreshing, and appreciated. Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer is one of my favorite albums for proving this so gosh darn effectively.
And also, Mr. Barnes, thank you for never getting tired of what you’re doing, and always being willing to evolve. The band’s latest album False Priest, the 9th full length you’ve released, finds you experimenting even more with saucy lovelorn rambles. It’s also a return to a fuller sound, whereas some of Of Montreal’s previous efforts felt almost like solo affairs, there is a collaborative feeling to Priest that gives the album some serious life. Lead single “Coquet Coquette” has been stuck in my head for days. The album, as is with all Of Montreal albums, provides that quirky spastic pop, and those ridiculous one liners that I’m sure your fans fist pump the hell out of at the shows.
Last but not least, thank you for having fun with your career. The over the top, Flaming Lips-esque spectacle of a stage show you bring is sure to beat out whatever they got running across the street at Shea’s on Sunday night. Entertainment is guaranteed to even the casual listener. While I’ve only been able to catch the show in a festival atmosphere, I’m brimming with anticipation to see what the extravaganza is like indoors.
Yeah, so, thanks. I just kind of always wanted to say that. Looking forward to catching your show on Sunday.
Tony
Of Montreal (tickets)
Sunday, September 19th
Town Ballroom
681 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-3900
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Tony Wilson is a freelance music journalist. When asked
about his experience he says “I’m just a guy who likes music”. Follow
his musings at xsonicanarchyx.blogspot.com or email him at xsonicanarchyx@gmail.com.