The kids love The Beets, and so do I
Two toddlers dance to the Beets at Brooklyn Museum
When I first saw The Beets in Austin, Texas, it was hard to tell if I liked them. Maybe it’s the extensive touring that has followed since, or just better PA systems, or even a clearer state of mind on my part, but I’ve grown to like them quite a bit.
Their album is called Spit in the Face of People Who Don’t Want to Be Cool, an apt command in the present’s muddle of music culture, especially in a place like New York City. In fact, the message on the packaging is worth noting: “The Million Dollar Man” threatens singer Juan about not signing to The Millionaire Records, and the text below reads, “A collection of one million songs about money, power and regret”; on the front, “A collection of 12 songs about being cool”. Those 12 tunes are all great lazy, lo-fi, catchy, moving about leisurely because their own wholesomeness produces plenty of direction, motion and speed to keep them all going, giving in only to friction and gravity, which brings them to a satisfying end.
They played with Crystal Stilts and Grass Widow past Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum, though I didn’t get to stick around for the last two. I made an attempt to listen as if (given the context that this was not their normal audience) I was listening to them for the first time, and from that viewpoint, it seemed like the music scene was in a good shape. Continue for all the pictures.
Download “Happy But On My Way” by The Beets
The Beets perform at Brooklyn Museum
A woman smiles while watching The Beets play
The reflection on the glass looked as if The Beets were playing outside
Passersby look in to see The Beets play at the Brooklyn Museum
Juan, singer of The Beets, prefers to wear shades indoors
Juan, singer of The Beets, perfers to wear shades indoors
The Beets play at Brooklyn Museum
Jose, bassist of The Beets, at Brooklyn Museum
The drummer of The Beets at Brooklyn Museum
Ducktape sticker says "The Beets" on an amp
The Beets perform at Brooklyn Museum
Setlist of the Beets performance at Brooklyn Museum
November 7, 2009
Brooklyn Museum,
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
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