Jack’s Mannequin is one of those bands I’ve been waiting to do a write-up on since I’ve been a member of this site, and now I finally have my chance. I consider Andrew McMahon to be one of the most talented men in music right now; a song such as “Caves” is undoubtedly one of the best of the past decade. Everything In Transit is one of my favorite albums; it is perfectly written pop music, there isn’t one bad song on that album. Now for the write-up:
Hit the jump to read on.
Jack’s Mannequin is a pop piano-driven rock band formed in 2004, by Andrew McMahon, the front man of Something Corporate. McMahon decided he wanted to make a side project after writing some songs which he found to be too different for Something Corporate. Their debut album Everything In Transit was released in August 2005, however Andrew McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia 2 months prior to the release of that album. McMahon’s experience fighting leukemia inspired their next album, The Glass Passenger, which had a much darker tone than the California-pop feel of Everything In Transit. The song “Caves” was primarily about Andrew’s experience with cancer, and is an absolutely amazing song. Their newest album, People And Things was just released on October 4th, and Jack’s Mannequin proves to be consistent in releasing only amazing records. Some stand out tracks from that record for me were “My Racing Thoughts”, “Amy, I”, “Restless Dream”, and “Hey Hey Hey”. I really, really recommend buying that record and supporting the best pop rock band around.
Get People And Things Here.
On the 12th, I saw Jack’s Mannequin, with Motion City Soundtrack and Company Of Thieves, at the Paramount in Huntington, New York. This venue was sick. It’s brand new, just opened up over this summer, and I have to say its my favorite venue I’ve ever been to. With a capacity of 1500 people, there really is no bad spot. I showed up an hour after the doors opened and was 3 people away from the front row. The venue was so clean and awesome looking; with graffiti all over the bathroom walls and exposed brick everywhere. My only beef with it was this was the only venue I’ve ever been where the no smoking policy was actually enforced and followed, which is a pretty huge positive for most people anyway.
Opening act-wise, Company of Thieves was excellent, and Motion City Soundtrack put on a fun show. Jack’s Mannequin’s show lived up to all my expectations, I had been excited for this concert since I first listened to Everything In Transit. Andrew McMahon is just as talented on stage as I perceived him to be on his records. One of the most memorable of the night was “Swim”, which was done with only Andrew and his piano; it was a beautiful and emotional performance. Andrew even broke out his rock edge (reminiscent of the Something Corporate days) for a couple of songs: “Mixed Tape” “Bloodshot” and “Bruised”. What I mean by Andrew’s “rock edge” is jumping around all around stage and standing on top of his grand piano, of course, which added such a fun aspect to the show and kept it from being too relaxed.Overall, the show lived up to my expectations and I had a great time.
LIVE FOOTAGE
(I apoligize for the camera being all over the place at the begining of this one,I was trying to see if I could record the screen):
Set List:
1. Television
2. Mixed Tape
3. Annie Use Your Telescope
4. Release Me
5. Amelia Jean
6. Spinning
7. Hey Hey Hey
8. Amy, I
9. Kill The Messenger
10. Restless Dream
11. Swim
12. Bloodshot
13.The Resolution
14. Into The Airwaves
15. Dark Blue
ENCORE:
16. Hammers And Strings
17. Bruised
18. La La Lie
