McCarren Pool
July 22 2007
Picture courtesy of Earfarm
My first trip to McCarren Park was filled with bittersweet nostalgia for old Greenpoint haunts and longing for carefree work less days. The beating sun was no match for this incredible music lineup, replete with Oxford Collapse, Annuals, and Band of Horses. After waiting around for about hour, lazily drinking my lager to hip hop sounds from the mid-90s, Oxford Collapse walked on the stage. The lead singer, dressed in a plain t-shirt, umbros and what are no being referred to as “Risky Business” Sunglasses, looked like he came straight from an down South frat party. But when they started to play, all worries about poor fashion choices attenuated, and I was very enthralled in this nouveau punk performance. Though the band cited Brooklyn as their home, they sound like a Scottish inflected version of 70s punk. Oxford Collapse has the rhythmic instinct of the Clash and eager momentum of the Sex Pistols. “Please Visit Your National Parks” was a crowd favorite, and the introduction of a brass section was an unexpected complement to the band’s already compelling performance.While Oxford Collapse gave a lively performance, they were undeniably showed up by second act Annuals. The six-piece band gave an explosive performance, showcasing energy, style, and musicianship. The band’s catchy eclecticism was matched only by their enthusiasm, with the lead singer frenetically leaping from keyboards to drums to guitar. Where debut Be He Me has moments of prog indulgence and saccharine 70s nostalgia, in a live performance these elements are invigorated and take on new meanings. The already lush and layered “Brother” was the apex of this frenetically charged performance, commanding a trance-like attention with every pounding drum rhythm. At about six o’clock Band of Horses took the stage. I first saw the band when lead singer Ben Bridwell’s facial hair was at a more respectable, non-truck driver length. But the reverent crowd at Mccarren Park was a happy change from the ignorant and disinterested Oxford Missisippeans that surrounded me when I saw the band opening for Iron and Wine. BoH are a great band and Everything all the Time is an amazing album, but after 4 hours, 3 beers, and the uninspired nature of the first few songs, I decided to head home. As I was walking along the outside of the park I heard them play “The Great Salt Lake” and thought maybe I should have stayed.
BiB correspondent: Lindsey Maddox
Trees Not Trash Benefit Show 
