concert review

This past Sunday marked the end of an era. The incredibly popular and beloved Pool Parties that have graced McCarren Park for the past three summers are no more, which is a shame because they have given many locals and people from far and wide the chance to see excellent musicians in action for free.

Of course, it was only fitting that the last band to grace the pool’s stage (for a free show, that is) was none other than Hoboken’s greatest, Yo La Tengo. They, after all, represent the local scene in a very big way, hailing all the way from the dirty shores of Jersey. Their provenance, however, is a mere fact; that Yo La Tengo can almost always be found across the Hudson is purely coincidental. But what isn’t just coincidence is the obvious relationship between Yo La Tengo and the summer season.

The band’s inclusion during this year’s pool parties (and particularly, their inclusion as the last act to perform) means someone actually put thought into creating the roster for the final summer at McCarren Park, for Yo La Tengo is indicative of this lovely season. Their low-key, indie rock makes for the best soundtrack on a lazy, summer day. This past Sunday was one of those days.

Not the least bit concerned with actually watching most of the show, I sat on the side of the pool, sipping on juice and eating a veggie dog, as Ira, Georgia, and James performed songs about summer with boogie-boarding dance moves to boot. That is the type of atmosphere this trio creates, relaxed and almost careless, especially when playing to a crowd that chooses to slip ’n’ slide while listening to good tunes.

It is rather sad really. I know that JellyNYC is already looking for another space for next summer, but McCarren has a certain inimitable feel.

We shall see. In the meantime, I would like thank Mayor Bloomberg for shutting down one of New York’s most unique venues in order to return it to use as a swimming pool. I hope he knows that it’s going to be quite difficult to keep his future watery haven from being tainted by copious amounts of piss, probably drifting to the bottom of McCarren from the trunks of a 5 year old.

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