DMP - 8/19/06

(Originally Published 8/20/2006)

I packed 3 t-shirts as possibilities to wear to the DMP show last night. I had my Oingo Boingo “Dead Man’s Party” tour (Circa 1986), my farewell shirt or my new Dead Man’s Party shirt. While trying to figure out what shirt to wear, I had an epiphany. DMP is their own band; they are coming into their own as performers. While they play only Boingo music, they have a style and passion that separates them from an ordinary “tribute” band. These folks are talented musicians playing the music of my youth. (Thus, I picked the new DMP shirt). Editors note: in actuality I would have worn the shirt from 1986, but the damn thing doesn’t make it over my belly!

DMP had another impressive outing at the Belly Up last night. While the ideas of ”Fantasy set lists” and “obscure Boingo song you want to hear at the Halloween show” are floated around, one group is bringing us Boingo in a way it was meant to be. It is sooo nice to have semi-monthly Boingo performances back in my life again.

First, the obligatory set list (courtesy of OSJ):

01. The Winning Side
02. Just Another Day
03. Little Girls
04. Good For Your Soul
05. On the Outside
06. Dead Man's Party
07. It Only Makes Me Laugh
08. Running on a Treadmill
09. Nasty Habits
10. Capitalism
11. Little Guns
12. You Really Got Me
13. Only A Lad
14. Private Life
15. Nothing to Fear
16. Insects
17. Not My Slave
18. Gratitude
19. Reptiles & Samurai
20. Wild Sex
21. No One Lives Forever
22. Country Sweat
23. No Spill Blood
24. Ain't This the Life
25. Controller
26. Who Do You Want to Be

Encore

27. Grey Matter
28. Cinderella Undercover
29. Violent Love
30. Goodbye, Goodbye

I know my past reviews have been very broad, so if you have the time, I’ll try to give a detailed review.

Overall, I love what Rob does with the flow of the concert. They start off with the obligatory slow and mellow stuff. They got to play “Dead Mans Party” I suppose, but, I personally wish that song would die a swift and painless death. Sometime mid-show, they crank it up and don’t stop till the end. I applaud the energy and drive of the whole group.

Tonight, I started the show stage left, sitting right near the horn section. I can honestly say they are so tight really make DMP. Not only are Bruce, Darren and Jake (the trumpet guy) spot on, the three of them are incredibly talented musicians that appear to be having way too much fun. It was noted that this was Darren’s last gig with DMP. I hope this section survives. It’s not hard to find a replacement t-bone player, even a talented t-bone player is easy to find. But, the boys will have a tough time finding someone that brings the talent, drive and fun that Darren has added to the many shows I have seen.

Back to the show… Some time around Nothing to Fear I was summoned to the dance floor. I got off my big fat ass and went dancing. The dance floor was packed (anyone want to bet we were on the brink of breaking some fire regulation) and everyone was having a good time. The next 10-12 songs were a combination of pushing, shoving, and dancing akin to the best dance shows I saw in the 80s. Rob even blew me a kiss during No One Lives for Ever. If I were a chick, I’d be floored. Instead, I suppose I’m a little creeped out. I do find it funny that all of us 30 and 40 year olds are out there on the dance floor, knowing we should be slam dancing, but not having the courage or energy to start a pit.

The only negative for the evening came during the performance of Grey Matter. I know the bells are someone iconic symbol and need to be worshiped when they are on stage. The problem is that the sound guy seems to think a lot about them too. Way too much bells.

In closing, I would like to encourage all Boingo fans to get behind DMP. These guys love the music and are very good. NO ONE will ever replace Danny’s voice, but Rob is doing a great job adding his own style to the voice and performance. For those who never saw the real Boingo, the evolution of DMP is the same thing Boingo went through in the 80s. These guys are doing it in their spare time, though.

The small venue dance concert is the only way to see Boingo music performed. I am so glad DMP cares enough to keep the legend alive and am proud to be a fan.