- photos by Jason Statler
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Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, May 31 2010. Jason Statler concert photo for www.thesnipenews.com
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros were halfway through their hit song “Home” when I arrived at the Commodore last Monday (May 31). A love ditty that includes whistling and some G-rated pillow talk, it’s sung in charming his-and-hers parts. It was an early show - start time 9 p.m. – and a Monday night. But, that didn’t stop the crowd from arriving (I’d guesstimate about three-quarters capacity) and swinging their arms all devotional-like.
“Home” really is a catchy song, so catchy that that day at my home, which is nothing like the loving utopia they sing about, I’d heard the tune hawking a Dell computer, or maybe it was Kea hatchback on the TV (Later note: Googling this query I discover that the song has been used in both a Palm Pre and Microsoft KIN One ad; their song “Janglin” is used in a Ford Fiesta spot).
Edward Sharpe is Alex Ebert, former front man of the LA new wave/pop punk band Ima Robot [best song - "Black Jettas". Ed.]. This incarnation of Ebert has his nouveau mullet all grown out (and, from what I could tell, partially dreaded) along with a lot of facial hair and a penchant for flowing, white tunics. And a lot more bandmates (10 – 13, depending on the event).
Consistent with this new look is a whole new musicality for Ebert: no more new wave electronics and rock star posturing. He’s traded it in for organic, folk rock and guru/’60s cult leader posturing. However, something about seeing a lean, barefoot man, sporting robes and religious scarves, singing songs called “40 Day Dream” and “Desert Song” and “Kisses Over Babylon” and “Om Nashi Me” doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t quite explain why. The music is good. The Magnetic Zeros seem happy. And, I can’t hold Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros‘ lack of originality against them (what’s original anymore?). Certainly, the mooning fans that crowded onto the stage at Ebert’s beckoning seemed blissed-out by the whole getup. Maybe I should just drink the Kool-Aid and shut up. Sadly, I am incapable.
Ima Robot – “Black Jettas” (Tommy Sunshine remix)
Ima Robot – Black Jettas [Tommie Sunshine remix] by tommiesunshine
