McCarren Park pool on Sunday July 27th

Yep, it rained. That seems to be everyone's first question. Everyone, that is, who passed up the chance to see Brooklyn natives MGMT play for free on Sunday at McCarren Pool. And they were all correct in their skepticism of the forecast. The clouds disappeared for an hour, letting the sun beat down on the thousands of people standing in line (which followed the circumference of the block), only to roll back in as quickly as they left and open up to drench the sunburned and sweaty hipsters (and occasional Manhattan music lovers such as myself). It was like nature's challenge to fans seeking a free concert: just how much will they endure?

Suffice it to say, I didn't stay for the whole show. I'm surprised I stayed long enough to wait out the line and get inside at all. I'm not surprised, however, to hear that MGMT gave a great show.

The party was opened by the Ting Tings, a UK band that will be playing at Lollapallooza this weekend. Their poppy sound makes a great soundtrack to the dodgeball, boozing shenanigans that are a staple to McCarren Pool parties. The lyrics are slightly aggressive, and only enhanced by the pixie blonde singer's punky delivery.

After an extremely long changeover, (the interim stereo music didn't distract me enough from the rain, I guess) Black Moth Super Rainbow took the stage. Their music is all instrumental, with heavy emphasis on synthesizers. As suggested by a friend, it would make a great soundtrack, but that doesn't mean we're going to wait in line for three hours "to hear the soundtrack from Indiana Jones". Or the Black Moth Super Rainbow again, particularly in a venue as overbearing as the McCarren Pool on a dreary day.