My first experience with MCS was at the 2004 Warped Tour. A couple of my friends had talked about them but I had never heard their music before that point. As soon as they finished playing their first song, I was hooked. I immediately bought both the albums they had released by that time, and within weeks I knew the lyrics to almost all their songs and was following their career on several websites. In the 5 years since I became obsessed, I have watched them perform live 6 times and am looking forward to seeing them again this January at 1st Avenue downtown when they kick-off the release tour for their newest album.
It is rather difficult to truly explain all the reasons why I love MCS, one because there are so many reasons, and two, because some are just difficult to put into words. One major factor is the fact that they are a local band. Over the last few years, I have developed a strong association and appreciation for local artists, and it all started with MCS. I see it as the same idea as supporting our hometown sports teams; you always want to represent where you come from. I take personal pride knowing that a band as incredible as MCS came from the town where I was born and raised .
Now, let's put sentimentality aside and discuss the more technical and aesthetic reasons that MCS is the greatest band in the world. First and foremost, they are wonderfully unique. MCS has implemented both innovative musical techniques and a rare, personal connection with their fans to create a style all their own. Their lyrics are very unusual and at the same time so straightforward and easy to relate to. Not only that, they are very creative and beautifully poetic. Their seemingly simple yet vastly complex instrumental compositions mixed with the melodic and emotionally charged voice of lead singer Justin Pierre collectively create irresistibly catchy songs that can either elate the soul or break the heart. Perhaps the best thing about them is also one of the most uncommon for bands these days, they actively avoid the curse of monotony. All their songs are individually unique, each one sounding different than the last. The fact that all their songs sound different and are yet all perfect just proves how talented this group is. In fact, in my opinion at least, MCS is one of the few bands ever that has yet to create an unappealing song.
Lastly, I love MCS because of their personality as a band. They are a group of musicians who love to have fun and goof around, all while making it obvious that they take their music very seriously. As is apparent in their music videos and live performances, they are experts at playing to their audience, creating an entertaining and unforgettable fan experience. The biggest reason I truly respect this band is that they maintain a firm connection with their roots, regardless of how famous they become. The consistently incorporate reference to Minneapolis in their lyrics and film many of their music videos here. They also never forget to let the hometown fans know that we are their favorite crowd; we gave them their start and boosted them to fame and they always let us know how much they appreciate our support.
For an example, here is a link to a music video of one of my favorite songs of theirs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAO8jKMm8Wc
So here is to MCS, the Pride of the Minneapolis music scene.
May the continue to amaze and surprise us for years to come.
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