Motion City Soundtrack Show Review

[Jared Kaufman]

Sorry I'm a day late with this, but I have a lot going on "behind-the-scenes" so I'm juggling quite a few things. Anyway, below you'll find my review for the Motion City Soundtrack (http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com) show that took place this past Sunday, March 19th at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. The Format (http://www.theformat.com), The Matches (http://www.thematches.com), and Men Women & Children (http://www.myspace.com/menwomenandchildren) were on the bill as well.
So, the first thing I noticed when this tour was announced was the diversity of style, sound, type of music, etc. among the support bands. The first leg had OK Go (http://www.myspace.com/okgo), Plain White Ts (http://www.myspace.com/plainwhitets), and The Spill Canvas (http://www.thespillcanvas.com) where the second leg had the bands listed above, Now, in my opinion, the second leg is much better; however, I respect the planning of this whole tour due to the fact those involved tried to have a little something of everything going on throughout the night. More bands and tours should try this! I heard a lot of people talking about how they loved the fact not one band was the same, there were all kinds of style brought to the table, and so forth. This is a good thing people!

After the doors opened at 5:30, Men Women & Children took the stage at 6:15. If you're not familiar with this band by now, then do yourself a favor and check them out (their self-titled debut album came out today). I believe this is the band that has perfected the current "dance-punk" craze. With a top notch live show including strobe lights, people rushing the stage in monkey masks, and bubbles, the band got the party started; that's right, Pink has nothing on these guys. TJ Penzone (lead singer) has a way of controlling the crowd with his dead-on vocals and stutter-stepping dance moves. Better yet, what's more entertaining than watching the whole band spaz out during a strobe light fiesta? This band doesn't stop moving when they're performing, and neither will you. It was quite the pleasant surprise to see a handful of kids singing-a-long; even those not familiar with the material were definitely into it as well. Promise me that if you're going to see this tour you don't miss these guys, ok? Ok. That's one-for-one.

Now, if you're following that act, you have a lot to live up to. The Matches took the stage next with Shawn Harris (lead singer) dressed in Alice In Wonderland-like black and white striped pants and a black Clockwork Orange hat to match. From the opening bass line, guitar chords, and blaring drums, you knew the night was meant to be loud. I've never really been into this band and am definitely not that familiar with their material; however, they kept my attention the whole time they were playing. Blazing through fan favorites from their E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals record as well as a new jam or two, The Matches kept my head bobbing, hands tapping, and feet shaking. Their live show (intensity, passion and so forth) is not something to be missed. That makes it two-for-two.

The Format. Sigh. I can't say enough good things about this band. This evening was going to be my second time seeing them, but please realize if they came around the DC area more that I'd see them every single time. Last time I had the pleasure of watching them was at the Jimmy Eat World (http://www.jimmyeatworld.com) and Taking Back Sunday (http://www.takingbacksunday.com) arena tour in April of 2005; so, as you can imagine, I was looking forward to the more intimate setting. With a barefoot Nate sporting his tan blazer and shaggy haircut (don't forget the purple and green shaggy rugs they lay on the stage to "set the mood"), the band kicked things off with "Sore Thumb." Now, first off, Nate is one of my favorite lyricists. His way with words is spectacular and he writes in such a way that you can't help but to sing-a-long. The opening song of their set more than convinced me of this. Nailing every song from start to finish, including all the bests from Intervention & Lullabies, "Snails" and a new song entitled "The Compromise," this band just kicked themselves up even higher in my list of favorite acts. There's a melancholy honesty in the lyrics, but just in the way they're delivered live gives you a sense of hope and wonder. The words are tough, but the live show is more than fun. Their new record, Dog Problems (which should see release mid-summer), has every reason to be one of my most anticipated of 2006 after seeing them this past Sunday (as well as the fact I haven't stopped listening to them since the show). By the way, if you haven't, go join The Living Room (link is at their official website (http://www.theformat.com)) and download their new EP, Live From The Living Room: Vol. 1. It features four new songs from the new record in acoustic form, but it more than gives you a taste of what to expect. That's three-for-three.

A few cranberry and vodkas later, it was time for Motion. City. Soundtrack. I think it's safe to say these guys have more than the best reputation for putting on a stellar live show; a review isn't even really necessary. Either way, I'm here to report on what I saw and heard. Seeing as the show sold out, the band has more than proved themselves in the DC area, especially at the 9:30 Club, which they have brought the rock in numerous times before. Moog handstands (I always tend to watch Jesse when I see these guys live) and all, Motion City tore through song after song which included everything from "The Future Freaks Me Out" and "My Favorite Accident" on I Am The Movie and "Hold Me Down" as well as "Everything Is Alright" from Commit This To Memory. There was barely any commentary, just music as the sea of people on the floor swayed back and forth as they lifted each other one on top of another to reach the barricade. From the fast paced songs to the slow down "ballads," everyone was singing-a-long, everyone was moving, everyone was into it. Don't think I need to say it, but that's four-to-four -- HOMERUN!

This is a rock show. From beginning to end, every band had everyone doing something. Even when a band I wasn't too familiar with was onstage, I couldn't help but feel and want to be involved. If I were to book a tour, this is how I'd do it. The night was nothing but fun and I loved the sheer fact not one band sounded like the one prior or after. How many shows have you gone to where at least one of the supporting bands left you with your arms folded and checking your watch every two minutes, wishing for it to end? Well, I can reassure you that that won't be the case here. Trust me, if you're the type to pick your concerts wisely, then make this one of the few you attend. When it comes time in December to recall the best tours of the year, this will definitely be near the top of the list.

[quitmyscene]

excellent. i'm seeing this show on friday. i, too, never really got into the matches, but a friend told me that even if you don't like them, they're live show is really great. and this seems to confirm that.

i can't wait to see the format again.

[ACA]

I saw this at the TLA in Philly, and I'll see it two more times before going to see MCS on the MTVU tour for another three times. Can't say enough good things about MCS.

MW&C are a solid opener, though I wish they'd be the main support so I don't have to sit through the The Format bullshit for two more nights. I wasn't a fan of The Matches on Epitaph Tour, but I'm definitely digging them this time around and picked up their CD: wise choice.

I wish the east coast had The Plain White T's. Awesome, awesome band.

-ACA

[Jared Kaufman]

I saw this at the TLA in Philly, and I'll see it two more times before going to see MCS on the MTVU tour for another three times. Can't say enough good things about MCS.

MW&C are a solid opener, though I wish they'd be the main support so I don't have to sit through the The Format bullshit for two more nights. I wasn't a fan of The Matches on Epitaph Tour, but I'm definitely digging them this time around and picked up their CD: wise choice.

I wish the east coast had The Plain White T's. Awesome, awesome band.

-ACA
Whoa, did you seriously just talk bad about The Format? I mean, I respect your opinion, but I've never met a person who didn't like them and definitely have never heard anyone say anything bad about their live show or music. Crazy.

[ACA]

Whoa, did you seriously just talk bad about The Format? I mean, I respect your opinion, but I've never met a person who didn't like them and definitely have never heard anyone say anything bad about their live show or music. Crazy.

I'm not doubting their talent (live or studio), but their music is completely unappealing (to me). The First Single is *by far* their standout track and a really rocking song. I've got two EPs and an LP from them, and if they made more songs like The First Single, I could see myself digging this band.

Some of their new songs could go in that direction, based on what I heard live. That'd be rad.

But as of now, their catalog is completely unappealing sans that track. As such, I find their live show a complete bore.

-ACA

[thechrisformat]

I saw this at the TLA in Philly, and I'll see it two more times before going to see MCS on the MTVU tour for another three times. Can't say enough good things about MCS.

MW&C are a solid opener, though I wish they'd be the main support so I don't have to sit through the The Format bullshit for two more nights. I wasn't a fan of The Matches on Epitaph Tour, but I'm definitely digging them this time around and picked up their CD: wise choice.

I wish the east coast had The Plain White T's. Awesome, awesome band.

-ACA

never talk bad about the format again! i will hunt you down... jk. i went to the tla in philly too. mwc did an awesome job opening and it seemed like the corwd was into them. the matches - meh. i was there to see the format and they were amazing :love: . i stayed for an hour of mcs and i never realized how much their fans are in love with them. everyone knew the words and was dancing to them, it was pretty cool too see.

[Jared Kaufman]

I'm not doubting their talent (live or studio), but their music is completely unappealing (to me). The First Single is *by far* their standout track and a really rocking song. I've got two EPs and an LP from them, and if they made more songs like The First Single, I could see myself digging this band.

Some of their new songs could go in that direction, based on what I heard live. That'd be rad.

But as of now, their catalog is completely unappealing sans that track. As such, I find their live show a complete bore.

-ACA
Ah ok -- I can respect that.

[soulineyes]

I'm not doubting their talent (live or studio), but their music is completely unappealing (to me). The First Single is *by far* their standout track and a really rocking song. I've got two EPs and an LP from them, and if they made more songs like The First Single, I could see myself digging this band.

Some of their new songs could go in that direction, based on what I heard live. That'd be rad.

But as of now, their catalog is completely unappealing sans that track. As such, I find their live show a complete bore.

-ACA
well that's why, it's not unbelievable that some people are more a fan of the poppy radio type rock. judging by the fact that they were dropped by atlantic after writing their new record, my guess is the format are not out to play what people want to hear, but play what they want to play. that is why I love their music so much, not just cause I enjoy the songs, but because I enjoy their attitude and their work ethic. amazing band.

[ACA]

Also, since we're on the MCS subject, I'd like to point out that while I like CTTM, IATM songs make for a much better show. Having seen this band grow out of a *FIVE-YEAR* sidestage Warped Tour freak act into a (somewhat) MTV success is great, but their old shows were so much better.

In Philly, they played around five slow songs: far too many on a band that thrives on energy. I honestly pray they don't go the route of many other bands I used to love and go completely slow on me. All MCS is great, but their new choice for a single is atrocious and their slow songs are on such a lower level than their fast songs.

This band thrives on their energetic songs. Not hearing Throwdown or Don't Call It Comeback (or some other high-energy songs) the last three times I've seen them isn't good at all.

-ACA

[ACA]

judging by the fact that they were dropped by atlantic after writing their new record, my guess is the format are not out to play what people want to hear, but play what they want to play. that is why I love their music so much, not just cause I enjoy the songs, but because I enjoy their attitude and their work ethic. amazing band.

The TLA is a great place to see a show, you would have loved it: every one of The Format's members checking their mics, tuning their instruments, carrying amps, setting pedals.. seems to only happen at the TLA these days. Brings back the fond memories of Thursday or Bear Vs Shark (RIP) in basements, doing all of their setup and singing and playing in the crowd.

The Format's one guitarist (big guy, beard) plays some seriously solid guitar. They're also not nearly as sloppy as they were when I saw them with Something Corporate/Yellowcard.. they actually sound on the money.

So I guess you guys are stokked for their new CD.

:P

-ACA

[not_kidding]

I went to this show and agree with pretty much everything said up there.
I was never really into the matches but it was interesting watching them play, even if i was just looking at the singer's pants and haircut the whole time . . .

by the way jared, my friend molly says that she sees you at almost every show we go to. honestly, i haven't looked and she's too shy to go say hi, but i just thought i'd share.

[thechrisformat]

The TLA is a great place to see a show, you would have loved it: every one of The Format's members checking their mics, tuning their instruments, carrying amps, setting pedals.. seems to only happen at the TLA these days. Brings back the fond memories of Thursday or Bear Vs Shark (RIP) in basements, doing all of their setup and singing and playing in the crowd.

The Format's one guitarist (big guy, beard) plays some seriously solid guitar. They're also not nearly as sloppy as they were when I saw them with Something Corporate/Yellowcard.. they actually sound on the money.

So I guess you guys are stokked for their new CD.

:P

-ACA

haha, yes... stocked... and i thought mcs did play "dont call it a comeback"??? maybe im wrong, i dont know iatm too well, but i thought they did.

[hot time in DE]

I was at the philly show too, at it was great. One of the few shows where every opener had something completely different to bring to the table and was able to pull it off. There were only a few people i saw who seemed bored during the first three acts, but the rest of the fans were great.

[ACA]

haha, yes... stocked... and i thought mcs did play "dont call it a comeback"??? maybe im wrong, i dont know iatm too well, but i thought they did.

No, they definitely didn't.

Did you get those sweet Thursday and Thrice stickers after the show? I grabbed a handful, they're sweet. Also, did you get to meet the band before hand, I got a nice signed poster.

-ACA

[Jared Kaufman]

I went to this show and agree with pretty much everything said up there.
I was never really into the matches but it was interesting watching them play, even if i was just looking at the singer's pants and haircut the whole time . . .

by the way jared, my friend molly says that she sees you at almost every show we go to. honestly, i haven't looked and she's too shy to go say hi, but i just thought i'd share.
Aw, that's not cool. Make sure you two come up and say "hi" next time (even if I'm on my Sidekick).

I love meeting readers and talking to them; so, you and your friend have zero excuse.

[thechrisformat]

No, they definitely didn't.

Did you get those sweet Thursday and Thrice stickers after the show? I grabbed a handful, they're sweet. Also, did you get to meet the band before hand, I got a nice signed poster.

-ACA

o, im not a huge mcs fan, but i wasnt sure. no, i didnt get the stickers... i left mcs a lil early (i didnt hear them play everything's alright or hold me down) - im guessing they played those, but i wasnt there for them. i wanted to meet the format - i emailed the manager and everything and he said he would see what he could do, but i never got to hear back from him, so i didnt get to meet my heroes :-( . my friends went to the dc show to meet them cuz the philly one sold out so quickly though. but "on your porch" made my night. sooo beautiful.

[domesticyeti]

i was at this show. MCS was amazing as usual, but MW&C really impressed me. everyone go see them live. you will not regret it

[ACA]

Now that I remember, the "pits" at the Philly show were easily the worst "pits" I've ever seen. It was like push-moshing, lead by fat ten year old girls and skinny twenty year old guys who look like they'd be blown away by the wind (really windy day, actually). I've seen better "pits" for bands like Cartel or Plain White T's. Shame.

-ACA

[not_kidding]

Aw, that's not cool. Make sure you two come up and say "hi" next time (even if I'm on my Sidekick).

I love meeting readers and talking to them; so, you and your friend have zero excuse.

hey now, i don't even know what you look like, thats my excuse. my friend is moving in a week so i guess she'll never get the opportunity, but if i see you at another show i promise to come say hi. you going to the ottobar on the 1st by any chance?

[NoseOverTail]

Philly show was unbelievable. Such a fun night. Front row center bitches. I'd never seen the Format before, and they totally won me over.

[Jared Kaufman]

hey now, i don't even know what you look like, thats my excuse. my friend is moving in a week so i guess she'll never get the opportunity, but if i see you at another show i promise to come say hi. you going to the ottobar on the 1st by any chance?
What show is that?

[not_kidding]

What show is that?
never mind, last time i looked at the schedule nightmare of you was playing, apparently not anymore . . . i'm smart, its at the black cat now

[fire on my lips]

i was at this show. MCS was amazing as usual, but MW&C really impressed me. everyone go see them live. you will not regret it
I'm seeing MW&C sunday and cannot wait.

[Jared Kaufman]

never mind, last time i looked at the schedule nightmare of you was playing, apparently not anymore . . . i'm smart
Btw, I have no clue what you look like either -- your pic is a picture of someone falling into a barrel. Unless I see that at a show, I'm not gonna be able to find you.

[not_kidding]

Btw, I have no clue what you look like either -- your pic is a picture of someone falling into a barrel. Unless I see that at a show, I'm not gonna be able to find you.

haha, its a kiln, i work in a pottery studio. i don't have any good pictures on this computer.
btw i edited that post, the show is at the black cat now, which is much closer so i'm not complaining

[thelatestplague]

i saw it at the 9:30 club too, and i must agree, i have never been to such an amazing show. the line up was great and every band was different. especially men women and children, i have never seen such a random band, i loved it. and the matches are just awesome, and they're really sweet guys, although i wish they had played some of their other songs instead of some that they did play. i had never heard the format til that night, and they were good. and motion city soundtrack just kinda speaks for itself. lol. fantastic show all together. =D

[Scoobydumb56]

I didn't go to the show since tickets sold out but some of my friends did. They told me Motion City Soundtrack played part of Time Bomb by The Dismemberment Plan. Not seeing that mentioned has me slightly upset because Dismemberment Plan is such a radical band. I wish I could've been there to see it.

[not_kidding]

I didn't go to the show since tickets sold out but some of my friends did. They told me Motion City Soundtrack played part of Time Bomb by The Dismemberment Plan. Not seeing that mentioned has me slightly upset because Dismemberment Plan is such a radical band. I wish I could've been there to see it.

they stuck a little bit of it in the midle of one of their songs, but i don't remember which one. it was cool though, i chuckled while the drunk girl next to me loudly asked her friend why they changed the song

[Nate_RAWKS]

That was an excellent review i'm so glad Toronto is part of the 1st leg.

The Format are one of my favoirte bands and this will be my second time seeing them too. The last time was the same tour you saw them at in a huge venue. I'm so pumped to see them in a small venue this time.

[nizzlefoshizzle]

No, they definitely didn't.

Did you get those sweet Thursday and Thrice stickers after the show? I grabbed a handful, they're sweet. Also, did you get to meet the band before hand, I got a nice signed poster.

-ACA

I am 100% positive that they played "Don't Call It a Comeback" at the philly show.

[shoelaces]

they stuck a little bit of it in the midle of one of their songs, but i don't remember which one. it was cool though, i chuckled while the drunk girl next to me loudly asked her friend why they changed the song

I'm pretty sure it was during "Boombox Generation." I got really excited.


I didn't love the show as much as I was expecting to, though. It was the first time I'd seen or heard Men, Women, and Children, and while they put on an entertaining set, I wasn't crazy about the music. I like the Format, but a few of my friends who saw them with me on the TBS/JEW tour last year passionately hate them and made it clear again on Sunday. I like the new Format songs a lot though. I've always loved Motion City, but I was a little disappointed by their song selection. I know they can't play everything, but I feel like they missed a lot of songs I'd have much rather heard ("Shiver," "When You're Around," "Hangman," "A-OK," etc).

[not_kidding]

I'm pretty sure it was during "Boombox Generation." I got really excited.


I didn't love the show as much as I was expecting to, though. It was the first time I'd seen or heard Men, Women, and Children, and while they put on an entertaining set, I wasn't crazy about the music. I like the Format, but a few of my friends who saw them with me on the TBS/JEW tour last year passionately hate them and made it clear again on Sunday. I like the new Format songs a lot though. I've always loved Motion City, but I was a little disappointed by their song selection. I know they can't play everything, but I feel like they missed a lot of songs I'd have much rather heard ("Shiver," "When You're Around," "Hangman," "A-OK," etc).

ditto on the song selection thing. i mean, i liked everything they played, but it seemed like it went by so fast i was expecting to hear more than i did.

[juan_believes]

Great review. One question, what time was the show over?? I have a bus to catch!

[shoelaces]

On Sunday, MCS went on stage at 9pm and were done with the encore by 10pm.

[Nate_RAWKS]

Great review. One question, what time was the show over?? I have a bus to catch!


I hope i see you there... it's gonna to be a sick show.

[thechrisformat]

I am 100% positive that they played "Don't Call It a Comeback" at the philly show.

thank you! i thought they did, but i could've still been in awe from the format's set.

[romantic rights]

dont call men, women, and children a dance punk band.
they certantly not a punk band. nor nowhere near close.

[nizzlefoshizzle]

I'm pretty sure it was during "Boombox Generation." I got really excited.


I didn't love the show as much as I was expecting to, though. It was the first time I'd seen or heard Men, Women, and Children, and while they put on an entertaining set, I wasn't crazy about the music. I like the Format, but a few of my friends who saw them with me on the TBS/JEW tour last year passionately hate them and made it clear again on Sunday. I like the new Format songs a lot though. I've always loved Motion City, but I was a little disappointed by their song selection. I know they can't play everything, but I feel like they missed a lot of songs I'd have much rather heard ("Shiver," "When You're Around," "Hangman," "A-OK," etc).


They played hangman but yeah i agree with the song selection issue. I was disappointed that they didnt play Cambridge, that song rocks live.

[Jared Kaufman]

dont call men, women, and children a dance punk band.
they certantly not a punk band. nor nowhere near close.
Hence the reason I put it in quotes; due to lack of a better term.

Can you email me whatever genre diagram you use so I can keep my facts straight? Thanks!

[juan_believes]

I hope i see you there... it's gonna to be a sick show.
i'm there for sure, i've been listening to that 'She doesn't get it' song by the format a lot, i love it. I sent them a message on their myspace asking them to play it.

[Nate_RAWKS]

i'm there for sure, i've been listening to that 'She doesn't get it' song by the format a lot, i love it. I sent them a message on their myspace asking them to play it.


I could die and go to heaven if i heard that song live...

[juan_believes]

I could die and go to heaven if i heard that song live...
the videos on youtube make me drool.

[not_kidding]

Hence the reason I put it in quotes; due to lack of a better term.

Can you email me whatever genre diagram you use so I can keep my facts straight? Thanks!

i saw them called "electro-funk" somewhere . . .

[ACA]

Hence the reason I put it in quotes; due to lack of a better term.

Can you email me whatever genre diagram you use so I can keep my facts straight? Thanks!

Haha, I should make one. It'd be fun.

I'd say MW&C are dance-rock. That's what I'd tag 'em on Last.Fm.

Who knows.

-ACA

[waitingtoderail]

is saw this show at the hob in myrtle beach. the matches stole the show, they get better and better everytime i see them. i'm so pissed you guys got "sore thumb" from the format. that's my favorite song on "interventions and lullabies" and they didn't play it at the hob.

[The Rescue]

Motion City is coming to town on April 14th with Straylight Run and Lucky Boys Confusion. I've never seen MCS, but have seen LBC a few times and their live show is killer. I'm not sure if it's just those three or not, but either way I'd much rather have Men, Women, and Children, The Matches, and The Format. I love LBC, but don't like Straylight Run at all. And, well, LBC can't stand up to three bands. Ha.

Mute Math happens to be in town the same night, which blows. I want to see Mute Math terribly bad as well...decisions...

[jawkneephighv]

I wish this leg of the tour came to my fucking town. It makes no sense because The Matches ARE from my town. I'm glad to hear you liked them, man. Kick-ass review. :)

[RandomHero1230]

oh, how I love MCS

[ultragabe]

the matches live is a whole 'nother experience. I'd say...see their live show first, then buy their cd. You'll appreciate it more tenfold. But I'm biased...i went to their L3 shows. =)

[nerd-o-matic]

Yeah, I was at the Philly show and the Format blow me away, glad to finally see them in concert. MCS was great, of course, but I had trouble finding a good spot (first tall people, then teenyboppers with poor vocal ability). I missed the famous keyboard stunts. However, the show was fun.

Note: They did play Don't Call It A Comeback (it's one of my favorites and I was actually surprised them played; though I was pissed that they didn't play AOK).

[Middleofwinter]

I saw the first half with the Spill Canvas, OkGo, and Plain White T's. Familiar with all the bands (relatively) which was good. I thought it was awsome. :)