A (Sort of) Review of Dan Deacon
Several years ago, I was walking to a party at college, holding a cup of grain alcohol punch. (Purchase Punch as it was called at my school.) When I walked into the door, everyone was crouched down on the floor and huddled, so that campus police couldn't see the illegal party happening. I crouched with my fellow brethren. The cops swept passed the "G Block" of the Old Apartments in their car. The moment the coast was clear my friend Dan jeered, and everyone jumped up and started slamming into each other. I would like to imagine that is the genesis for Dan Deacon's infamous countdowns--although I'm not sure he would ever agree.
Back to last week where I saw his vision fully realized. What I found to be even more exciting was the musical accompaniment. While previously he had been tied to the samples and his persona to boast the depth of his work, having a full band seemed more natural for his compositions. Fortunately, I saw the show at Bowery, where the sound system could really support the breathe of the work.
The audience was, of course, thoroughly engaged. Dan is the type of guy that was always able to bring people together in a way that everyone just wanted to have pure fun. The fun often has many layers or rules (in a sometimes nod to John Cage). It is these engaging games that keep the intimacy between performer and audience, and-- I would argue--creates a small, brief community between the show goers. His ability to maintain this with bigger and bigger audiences is no small feat.
I am fortunate to have known Dan as much as I have, and I think its great to have someone like him contribute to the music community as he has and will continue to do.
Comments
That's pretty good, Miles.
Posted by: Lisa | May 29, 2009 01:21 PM
Shorter review of Dan Deacon: One time I downloaded a Dan Deacon record and heard 'Woody Woodpecker' and only barely resisted the urge to stop my iPod to pieces and kick it into a storm drain.
Posted by: Miles | May 29, 2009 08:59 AM