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The Dodos were simply Magik*
By nick g | February 26, 2010
The Dodos played with the Magik Magik Orchestra at the Palace of Fine Arts in SF Feb. 24. Photo by Anne Ostrowski
The orchestra and band thing doesn’t always pan out to be the best idea in the world. Death Cab touring with orchestra - yes. Radiohead and strings - sure. Metallica and a symphony? Not so hot. That’s why when I went to see the Dodos last night with the Magik* Magik Orchestra at the Palace of Fine Arts, I was hoping for a great show, but there was this lingering doubt…
A giant marimba and cello opened the show, to the surprise of many in the still-filling auditorium. The show opened with the Magik* Magik Orchestra playing a series of 20th century works. One was a world premier of a piece involving battery-powered toothbrushes played on violins and cellists using their instruments in ways that should not be described to children (not because its gross, because they wouldn’t understand it. Geez).
After the orchestra had the stage, the Dodos began with drums (no bass drum, though), marimba and, of course, acoustic guitar. A handful of songs later, the second intermission broke our trance. Schmoozing and boozing in the lobby and it’s back for some great music, but there was this lingering doubt…
Doubts are like farts. They hang around until something else takes your mind off of it. When the Dodos began the third set and the orchestra started behind them, my stinky, rotting doubt dissipated. The arrangement was very subtle and never overtook the band. Violins, violas, cellos, a double bass, light percussion, woodwinds and a small female choir actually improved the songs rather than just making them louder. Simple but effective arrangement made the experience so enjoyable.
There are some shows where I really feel like I should thank a band or someone for what I just experienced. It’s like someone just did something very nice for me, and though it was kind of expected it was done very well. That’s the kind of stuff that reminds me not to take anything for granted. And I am very thankful for that
Topics: BAY AREA, Events, Reviews |
March 1st, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I loved how you tagged this post with fart. -A