I’m not sure how many readers previously knew what a Rube Goldberg machine was (even if they played with one as a kid - see Mouse Trap), but now that OK Go’s latest video has surpassed six million views just a week after its debut, it’s safe to say that the word is getting out. And the song itself is pretty cool, too.
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OK Go - This Too Shall Pass [MP3]
(Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, 2010)
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OK Go - This Too Shall Pass (Passion Pit Remix) [MP3]
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OK Go - WTF? [MP3]
(Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, 2010)
On Friday night, I headed to the video release party for “This Too Shall Pass,” held on the rooftop terrace at the Los Angeles County Mueseum of Art. Outside, as the crowd gathered, I noticed some people dressed up in tuxedos, suits, and formal dresses … but also funny hats. Of course, these were the talented bunch who worked on the video! It was a special night for them, not just the band, who would perform an acoustic set and participate along with the video’s creators in a Q&A.
A small stage was set with wooden chairs, guitars and my favorite - a mini Orange amp. Three members of OK Go — Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind and Andy Ross, sans drummer Dan Konopka — got settled and ready to play. Before they began, Kulash, noticing that some of the standing-room crowd were not able to see the stage, asked for a bench in front and for others to sit on the ground so that fewer views would be obscured. He also acknowledged the presence of his father, which made the intimate gathering seem like the audience was at their house. (Blankets from their closet — to fight the slight chill in the air — would have been helpful!)
True talent is apparent on a simple acoustic setup, and these guys have it. The anticipated acoustic set started off with “Here It Goes Again,” the song made famous by the band’s first viral video — better known as “the treadmill video” — which still inspires me to go to the gym. When the band launched into “Shooting the Moon,” Twilight fans let out the most cheers, recognizing the song from their beloved saga.
A couple of months ago, I saw members of OK Go perform with Black Francis and other members of the Pixies at the Echoplex for a benefit. At that event, Kulash seemed to be on the most natural high possible, so it made sense at this one when he mentioned the next song was by “the best band in the world.” No, not the Beatles, the Pixies, and they covered “Velouria.” Black Francis would be proud.
Kulash then took on a solo ballad from the new album called “Last Leaf.” I distinctly remember his words of “if it takes forever, then forever it will be” and felt at home. Where’s the couch?
The band offered another new song, “Back from Kathmandu.” Kulash encouraged us to sing along, and we did. Fans knew the lyrics so it wasn’t a problem. Other fans giggled as the mini Orange amp that Ross was using made some rather “unique” sounds.
And last but not least, we heard “This Too Shall Pass.” Afterward, ironically, the crowd booed, as they knew that after just six songs, the set was over. Kulash assured us more cool stuff was in store, kicked off by a screening of the music video, which we watched outside on a huge screen.
Originally to be held outside, the Q&A was moved indoors due to the colder-than-expected weather. It turned out not to be the best idea, as some gave their attention to the Q&A while others ignored it and chatted loudly at the bar.
Kulash and the president of Syyn Labs, Adam Sadowsky, took questions from the audience. It was a little difficult to hear the questions and answers clearly but from what I gathered, there were no injuries during the making of the video. I was actually quite distracted by the cool hats the Syyn people had on. I want to hang with these people.
After the Q&A, Nordwind came over to DJ and got people dancing. I ventured over to the other end where parts of the video’s mechanism were stationed (see pics below). It was great to see them up close and I’m still in awe of the talented people of Syyn Labs and, of course, OK Go for making another innovative video.
