Bloc Party @ McCarren Pool, Brooklyn, NYC | pics

I was there! I was fuckin' THERE!

The weather was great. Mew and The Secret Machines were as good openers as one could hope for, especially The Secret Machines. Bloc Party was pretty good as well. However they played so little. I couldn't believe it when they left the stage after "Helicopter." They finally decided to come back for an encore, but it was not enough. I don't want to sound like the dinosaurs who look down on young bands, but when I look at this and a real show like the recent Elvis Costello/Allen Toussaint gig I have seen at Beacon Theatre (they played for 3 hours non-stop and the audience was having the time of their lives), it makes me wonder just how seriously Bloc Party takes their musicianship and their audience. Where was "Luno"? Why not more of the new songs? If they played longer, it would have been an almost perfect day. Now I feel like I did not get my money's worth. And they must have made a lot of money filling that place up $40 a head.

I agree about the overall niceness of the affair, but I actually felt the time was just right. It felt like I waited around more at this show than any other I've been to before, and 5 hours of standing (with about only half of that being show time) was starting to tax. I think Bloc Party played just long enough. In fact, I would have even loved to hear Mew play a bit more. I really, really liked Mew. And of course, The Secret Machines were pretty tubular, as you said.

And Bloc Party's encore was like what, four songs? That's not bad for an encore, is it?

fantastic picture

Im Sure Ill Bring my Ipod with me :)

they don't have any serious musicianship. their musicianship is that of a retarded ska band. with british accents and tight t-shirts. blech.

Agreed that Bloc Party could have played longer, but they only have one album. Most people get bored when bands play their new stuff that no one has heard. Also, the sound is so much better than the free shows on Sunday. Did anyone see that guy passed out by the merch stand by the bathrooms? He was half in the dirt, half on the sidewalk passed out the whole time?

Did Anyone else wait in like for like an hour to get a beer! was it it like 2, or 3 beer tents for 5500+_.way to go clear channel!

did anyone see midlake at mercury last night? holy shit, that was a show.

more pics and setlists, etc up on the music slut

fantastic show!

Banquet, This Modern Love, Like Eating Glass and Helicopter are officially new classics. Deservedly so. "Silent Alarm" is as near to perfect as any modern album can get. The crowd ate these tracks up last night. Of course you'll hear... "They didn't play long enough"... "Only one encore?!?"... "$40 dollars is alot"... "Clear Channel sucks"..."The beer line was too long". I happen to agree with all these points. However, I also realize that I saw a set from a band that understands and delivers some of the best modern rock out today.

Banquet, This Modern Love, Like Eating Glass and Helicopter are officially new classics. Deservedly so. "Silent Alarm" is as near to perfect as any modern album can get. The crowd ate these tracks up last night. Of course you'll hear... "They didn't play long enough"... "Only one encore?!?"... "$40 dollars is alot"... "Clear Channel sucks"..."The beer line was too long". I happen to agree with all these points. However, I also realize that I saw a set from a band that understands and delivers some of the best modern rock out today.

looks like the played the exact same set at asbury park. what ever happened to mixing it up?

That show was absolutely incredible. I had the time of my life.

I thought for a 3 band bill the show was fantastic. The Machines rocked as usual but I had to wait in line for their whole set to grab beers...that beer system is def something they need to fix. Anyhow, Bloc Party rocked and so did the couple of new songs ("hunting witches"). As far as length, the place has a curfew and bloc party let two solid bands play their own sets. Overall, great night, great venue (sound is much better than the free shows but that everything to do with the massive sound system), but man that beer system needs to be fixed.

i'm sure due to the sheer volume (the sounds was great) and given that they were in a residential neighborhood they had a curfew to adhere to. it was perfect. except for the beer line. i didn't even bother trying to get into it. also 10 porto potties for 5000 people, the odds weren't good there either.

great Bloc Party set, but i'll never understand the appeal of Secret Machines.
The venue itself was a complete disaster in all the ways everyone has said. haven't seen a free show there, but i can only imagine it would be worse. They have a ways to go before i consider spending $40 there again...

"The venue itself was a complete disaster in all the ways everyone has said"

Uh, I think I missed the part where everyone called the venue a disaster. It sounds like there were some issues in terms of people and resources for those people, but on a whole I think the Pool is a GREAT venue. Nice size (Big, not too big), great views from all around, outdoorsy without being too wide open. It could use a little cleanup, but it's been out of the game for more than 20 years.

That said, 30+ bucks is a lot of money for any show. I suppose I'll shell it out for Neko Case, but I really had to think hard and long about this one.

The free shows are great, not nearly as many people and if you're not into some of the bands you can sit comfortably in the back and talk to friends.

Great venue. Easy to move forward. Spacious.

Just fix the beer line.

"Uh, I think I missed the part where everyone called the venue a disaster."

you, my friend, are quite the optimist.
yes, there were certainly problems with "resources", which is at least 50% of what makes any venue enjoyable.
the pool did have great sightlines and sound, i'll say. i was afraid it was going to sound like Siren. I think they hire junior high school students to do the sound for that festival.

I loveddd the venue. I think its absolutely amazing.

yeah, i have no idea what Lee is talking about.

Venue was great, Secret Machines and Bloc Party played extremely tight sets, and the weather was perfect. One of the most fun concerts I've been to in a LONG time.

Mew should have headlined. Best band of the night by far. I got there early to see them. I would have paid the $40 just to see them. They played for a half hour and seemed pissed at the short set time. They were just warming up when their set ended. They are the band of the very near future.

Wow to Ryans comment. There were these annoying doods right behind me who were saying the stupidest thing during the entire concert. I wanted to hit him so badly. He was like, "your just as boring as everyone else" in the most annoying voice in the world, really loud and it was so damb annoying. Then when they played so here we are and he said rub up to the person next to you, they were like FUCK ME HOLD ME FUCK ME. It was so annoying.

bp set list?

Secret Machines set list:

Nowhere Again/The Road Leads Where It's Led/Daddy's In The Doldrums/Alone Jealous & Stoned/Lightning Blue Eyes/First Wave Intact.

Bloc Party set list:

Waiting For The 718/
Positive Tension/
Banquet/
Blue Light/
She's Hearing Voices/
Hunting For Witches/
This Modern Love/
Like Eating Glass/
Little Thoughts/
Helicopter///
So Here We Are/
Price Of Gas/
Compliments/
Pioneers

Thanks to The Music Slut.

The show was awesome! I thought the venue was pretty sweet with a good view of the stage from most places. I sat on the back with my friends and enjoyed the view just as well. And the soy dogs made my day. Mew was great and The Secret Machines had their moments. I agree that Bloc Party was short but they only have one major album and most people would be bored if they played a lot of new songs.

"...most people would be bored if they played a lot of new songs."

Dang, what's up with the kids today?

only mildly curious to see Mew, but certainly not for 40 fucking dollars!!!

bloc party=big whoop

secret machines=why do they even bother?

the sound was pretty great from the lawn outside and it was free! EFF ClearChannel.

What a dumb idea to use that pool for some concerts of bands that no one really listens to. Unless of course you're one of those who moved to Williamsburg in recent years and think you're some artist that is above everyone. Well for someone who grew up in Greenpoint and spent most summers in the city, I say it would be better if they renovated it, then all those kids from Greenpoint and around could have somewhere nice to go instead of those rubber playgrounds or just hanging out at the pavements. Instead we have this ugly, walled off piece of land that just makes our neighborhood look horrible...I know, I went to JHS 126 for three years and had to look at this piece of junk. Fix it and make Greenpoint look nice!!!!!

Yeah. No one really listens to Bloc Party. Idiot.

I grew up in Greenpoint too, and I think it's great what they're doing. Without this, it would just be a walled off ex-pool. No concerts, nothing. And it's great for the surrounding economy (restaurants, delis, etc.).

And how/why would you rennovate it? I think it looks great. It has character. Would you want some ugly pastel color or something?

How would I renovate it? the way you renovate everything else dumb-ass. For you retards a piece of junk looks like it has character and you'll call road kill a piece of art. Why would I renovate it? because it's far more beneficial to have a pool than some dumb ass concert that is only geared towards one group of people. You wanna support the restaurants and delis? if we had a pool that wouldn't be a problem, in fact it would probably bring in more money as it would be open all day, not just evenings. And I dunno where the hell in Greenpoint You grew up, casue as far as I have heard, the only people who are against renovating it are those retards who came to Williamsburg about two years ago and think they can make another Village out of GP. Or like that lady from Montreal, what the fuck does she have to say about it?

Damn, some of you guys are bitches.

Wisconsin would kill for some shows like you guys are having, in a venue that looks pretty fucking killer.

Be glad for what you have.

Eat yo' cheese....I agree with whoever wrote that letter regarding opening the pool for swimming. Unless you are sweatin' your balls and the closest beach is the maaaaaaad dirty coney island, you got nothing to say

i went to 126 as well! did i beat you up several times back then? i'm thinking i did.

Haha doubt it

the rundown: great picture. good drummer. ho-hum lyrics. completely forgettable songs.

Renovating dude: Do you have any idea how much money it would cost to renovate the pool back into, well, a pool? Leaving it dry for 20 years has ruined most of the critical infrastructure.

As for supporting local business: What do you think we're doing? Take a look around, the neighborhood is thriving!

And no one listens to Bloc Party? Dude, take 10 minutes and walk to one of the free concerts with a band "no one listens to". It was PACKED at the Of Montreal show today and I heard it was even busier at the Bloc Party show.

Be glad that an ugly eyesore has been turned into some kind of community resource.

Also I'm pretty sure this will be the only summer that they'll have concerts there...I heard its already been sold & condos will soon be built there..so enjoy it while you can

seems like it's gonna be "meh" show when they come into los angeles... and ya, their setlist is a little bland, given the fact they only have one album. which they sound exactly like when theyplay live.

Bloc Party is welcomed in the brotherhood of....

WOLFMOTHER!!!

you have only one choice my wolfbrothers....

if it's been sold, then I'm sad.

Sure, they need to put some major work into it if it's going to be a pool or a concert venue, but so far, it's pretty darn sweet (and definitely unique)

That said, I wouldn't have paid $40 for it. Bloc Party is a $20 band in my book.

As far as the venue was concerned, I was incredibly peeved at the way the Of Montreal show was run. Confiscating water bottles at the door, and then charging $2/bottle inside (and then running out) in 95 degree weather during a 6 hour show is inexcusable, and dangerous. Otherwise, it was a pretty awesome venue, and I hope that it stays around for awhile to come. I find it hard to believe that it's being turned into condos, given that the department of parks owns it.

According to wikipedia, a sizable chunk money has been set aside by the city to improve the pool as a performance space until the money's around for it to be turned back into a pool. Personally, I think it's a great thing for the city.

i just wanted some beer

Yeah, I wanted some beer too, and they only had five different kinds of Brooklyn.
Anyone who had anything bad to say about the free shows is dead on. They didnt have any soda inside, so I had to walk to the deli to buy some. Then when I came back, I had to walk back through the entrance where people were, like, asking for donations. When I got back, the girls inside were wearing skimpy bikinis and a ton of guys had their shirts off, it was revolting. To top it off, one of the four bands wasn't awesome like the other three, so I had to play dodgeball and watch people fall off the slip n' slide to amuse myself. God! McCarren Pool Parties Suck.

"I wanted some beer too, and they only had five different kinds of Brooklyn."

Brooklyn Brewery owner Steve Hindy supports the use of emiment domain to force out property owners in downtown Brooklyn in order to make way for the Brooklyn Nets stadium. In addtion, 85% of Brooklyn Beer is actually brewed in Utica. So much for a "local" hero. Please do not support Brooklyn Beer.

http://www.fansforfairplay.com/archives/2006_02_12_archive.html

OK, I am kinda stunned that people talk about how they liked to sound at McCarren Pool. In my opinion, having seen The Secret Machines elsewhere (Webster Hall, Hiro Ballroom) it was AWEFUL. I am a fan of both TSM, Bloc Party and Sunday's headliner Of Montreal. They ALL SOUNDED TERRIBLE! They play in front of a brick wall and play towards a brick wall. The bass for all bands was horrifically muddled by the reverberations from this crappy crappy venue!

I am a resident of Greenpoint for almost a decade now. They fix the damn pool and have the shows on the beautifully surfaced Football/Soccer Field. You can't kill astro-turf with foot traffic.

Did anyone notice something on Sunday, (and Saturday)? Or rather, not notice... In a world of sponsorships we are constantly being bombarded with logos, tie-ins, announcements. The JellyNYC free shows have sponsors, but were arent being "drowned" in them. Did you see all the unadorned black fabric on stage? Wonderful!

i can't believe you idiots paid for that shit. clear channel can fuck off, as should anyone who went to that show.

So much hostility! WHere are the pictures?!

Speaking of hostility, here are my photos from the show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/baonguyen/sets/72157594216845851/

BP put on a solid show, but i didn't think the whole day was quite worth $42. if anything, it just made me regret never getting off my duff and seeing them at any of the smaller venues for a lot less.

"Speaking of hostility, here are my photos from the show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/baonguyen/sets/72157594216845851"

im in the one were kele is talking to the crowd he was talking to me and my sister cos he met us in New Jersey before there show there and we got Blue Light dedicated to us, he also gave me the setlist and i got russel's pick

"Speaking of hostility, here are my photos from the show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/baonguyen/sets/72157594216845851"

im in the one were kele is talking to the crowd he was talking to me and my sister cos he met us in New Jersey before there show there and we got Blue Light dedicated to us, he also gave me the setlist and i got russel's pick

The pool was left to fall apart over 20 years ago by Greenpoint locals who feared an influx of "undesirables" who would come into the neighborhood to use the pool. 'For Renovating", do some research before spouting off. Then again, the neighborhood I grew up in in BK didn't even HAVE a pool, so what do I know?

"and i got russel's pick"

I can't bring myself to tell you what I misread that as at first.

Matt, you are a snob. The sound at McCarren Park Pool was perfect. Stop trying to cover up your indie snob attitude with lame excuses.

Although I showed up for Secret Machines, Mew was the best of the three bands that night. They blew me away, and I'd never heard (or heard of) them before. I'm thinking we all will soon, though.

so i saw mew/bloc party last night in denver, and i have to say that mew blew my mind, i had no idea of what they were about , but altogether a solid show by both groups, i did take a couple of photos ...check here

www.julioenriquez.blogspot.com

Any chance we'll get to see the rest of your pics, Brooklyn Vegan? This little tease was so swell... Thanks! h.

Interesting how many of you thought that Bloc Party played well, though a short set. Did anyone else hear how off the singer was all night? And the lil slight pauses that seemed to throw off the songs? I saw these guys at Electric Factory in Philly last fall, and that show was spot on. The singer played horrendous here, but of course the rest of the band was on (that fuckin drummer rocks!). Dissapointed on ticket prices, but typical. Fucking Clear Channel.

Anyway, the sound at McCarren was left to be desired as well, but maybe most of you were towards the front. If you stand at certain points you get a weird phaser-like bounce left to right from the speakers, not so cool. Mew rocked, Secret Machines showed a lil promise, but got kinda boring (don't get me wrong, I used to be big into jam bands, but these guys don't change it up enough and play too long).

As far as renovating the pool, nice idea, but it would cost some beaucoup bucks, I have a feeling once the new tenants in the 5-6 new buildings you can see from the pool—and the myriad of others going up—move in, we'll see that pool change into something. Perhaps a smaller version of the pool would work to keep it more local and less expensive.

Either way, though I'm one of those transplants (from upstate), I agree with the GP native, mainly cuz my grandparents grew up here in the 20s-30s when the pool was in its heyday. You crazy 'activist' hipsters do like to poke your heads in places you don't belong, but natives do have the 'newbies' to thank for a lot of the good things that have happened to the area. We are, after all, in NYC, a city that constantly changes. It wasn't always Polish in GP (my ancestors were Italian and Hungarian). I know, clear as mud where I stand on the matter. Ah, diplomacy!

Interesting how many of you thought that Bloc Party played well, though a short set. Did anyone else hear how off the singer was all night? And the lil slight pauses that seemed to throw off the songs? I saw these guys at Electric Factory in Philly last fall, and that show was spot on. The singer played horrendous here, but of course the rest of the band was on (that fuckin drummer rocks!). Dissapointed on ticket prices, but typical. Fucking Clear Channel.

Anyway, the sound at McCarren was left to be desired as well, but maybe most of you were towards the front. If you stand at certain points you get a weird phaser-like bounce left to right from the speakers, not so cool. Mew rocked, Secret Machines showed a lil promise, but got kinda boring (don't get me wrong, I used to be big into jam bands, but these guys don't change it up enough and play too long).

As far as renovating the pool, nice idea, but it would cost some beaucoup bucks, I have a feeling once the new tenants in the 5-6 new buildings you can see from the pool—and the myriad of others going up—move in, we'll see that pool change into something. Perhaps a smaller version of the pool would work to keep it more local and less expensive.

Either way, though I'm one of those transplants (from upstate), I agree with the GP native, mainly cuz my grandparents grew up here in the 20s-30s when the pool was in its heyday. You crazy 'activist' hipsters do like to poke your heads in places you don't belong, but natives do have the 'newbies' to thank for a lot of the good things that have happened to the area. We are, after all, in NYC, a city that constantly changes. It wasn't always Polish in GP (my ancestors were Italian and Hungarian). I know, clear as mud where I stand on the matter. Ah, diplomacy!

Interesting how many of you thought that Bloc Party played well, though a short set. Did anyone else hear how off the singer was all night? And the lil slight pauses that seemed to throw off the songs? I saw these guys at Electric Factory in Philly last fall, and that show was spot on. The singer played horrendous here, but of course the rest of the band was on (that fuckin drummer rocks!). Dissapointed on ticket prices, but typical. Fucking Clear Channel.

Anyway, the sound at McCarren was left to be desired as well, but maybe most of you were towards the front. If you stand at certain points you get a weird phaser-like bounce left to right from the speakers, not so cool. Mew rocked, Secret Machines showed a lil promise, but got kinda boring (don't get me wrong, I used to be big into jam bands, but these guys don't change it up enough and play too long).

As far as renovating the pool, nice idea, but it would cost some beaucoup bucks, I have a feeling once the new tenants in the 5-6 new buildings you can see from the pool—and the myriad of others going up—move in, we'll see that pool change into something. Perhaps a smaller version of the pool would work to keep it more local and less expensive.

Either way, though I'm one of those transplants (from upstate), I agree with the GP native, mainly cuz my grandparents grew up here in the 20s-30s when the pool was in its heyday. You crazy 'activist' hipsters do like to poke your heads in places you don't belong, but natives do have the 'newbies' to thank for a lot of the good things that have happened to the area. We are, after all, in NYC, a city that constantly changes. It wasn't always Polish in GP (my ancestors were Italian and Hungarian). I know, clear as mud where I stand on the matter. Ah, diplomacy!

PS sorry bout the 3 posts, wonky wireless connection lately :/

I have some pics up on my site.

http://www.thewongway.org/?p=21

yeh but he pauses to vary around the songs, if you have heard his lives sets before he always pauses in the same places so the live experience if different to just listening to the studio songs

is there a barrier between the front row and the stage?

yes there was

Hi !!! Must be nice to be able torun second life on your computer and have gigs of streamed rock concert music directly to your computer. You must pretty much be all american bread folks. The future of the world. The cream of society. Well don't forget to employ folks like me,on your way to the privileged top, so I can maintain my lousy internet connection (ten bucks) and pay for my close to poverty level shack.(700) and Food (400).
It seems to me that web3d is shooting for the stratosphere and leaving the normal people behind.
Well, don't forget that eventually, you have to land back on earth, amongst US. :)

Hi !!! Must be nice to be able torun second life on your computer and have gigs of streamed rock concert music directly to your computer. You must pretty much be all american bread folks. The future of the world. The cream of society. Well don't forget to employ folks like me,on your way to the privileged top, so I can maintain my lousy internet connection (ten bucks) and pay for my close to poverty level shack.(700) and Food (400).
It seems to me that web3d is shooting for the stratosphere and leaving the normal people behind.
Well, don't forget that eventually, you have to land back on earth, amongst US. :)
Oh... and EAt SOME MEAT!!!!! whats wrong with you vegans????

Hi !!! Must be nice to be able torun second life on your computer and have gigs of streamed rock concert music directly to your computer. You must pretty much be all american bread folks. The future of the world. The cream of society. Well don't forget to employ folks like me,on your way to the privileged top, so I can maintain my lousy internet connection (ten bucks) and pay for my close to poverty level shack.(700) and Food (400).
It seems to me that web3d is shooting for the stratosphere and leaving the normal people behind.
Well, don't forget that eventually, you have to land back on earth, amongst US. :)
Oh... and EAt SOME MEAT!!!!! whats wrong with you vegans????

pictures?

not too bad
nice!! i can't express how much I love IT, oh yeah, the nation are pretty good too.