1. The Canadian sisters, with a four-piece backing band, performed a solid 20-song set, half of which was filled with their new album Heartthrob, sprinkled throughout and out of order but played in its entirety. “Now I’m All Messed Up," off the current effort, takes on an entirely new life when the sisters Quin blast it live with their harmoniously powerful voices, a true highlight. The live strength of older songs was also evident on “Burn Your Life Down” and “Where Does The Good Go,” each with added energy and beautiful vocal interplay between the siblings.

Tegan and Sara

photo_camera

arrow_left_alt arrow_right_alt

subtitles subtitles_off open_in_full close_fullscreen

2. The openly gay sisters have become the new Indigo Girs in that many people expect the entire audience at their shows to be exclusively lesbians. And while there was a large contingency from the LGBT community, hipsters, indie rockers and pop kids of all kinds filled the polite crowd. T&S polled their fans how many locals versus tourists were there and it was just about an even split.

3. The Quins told a story about how this was their second time playing a pool, but last time they weren’t nearly as famous and the only people listening were the lifeguards. Tegan noted just how special headlining this town is for them, “It’s pretty cool when you come to Vegas and see your name in lights. It makes you feel like a superstar a little bit.” She went on to say that they spent a good portion of Tuesday taking pictures in fronts of the signs advertising the show.

4. T&S were very appreciative at the large turnout, clearly aware what a special weekend of music the Cosmopolitan had in store, noting that New Order and Yeah Yeah Yeahs would be there in the next few days. Not mentioned by them: Friday’s headliner, Vampire Weekend.

5. With the smell of greasy meat wafting through the air (in that gross, not good way), I couldn’t help but think about the world’s most outspoken vegetarian, Morrissey, who has cancelled his last two appearances at the Cosmopolitan due to health issues. If he got a whiff of the sausage smell that permeated the Boulevard Pool area on this night, he might never reschedule those dates.

6. I really wanted to see more of Portugal. The Man but admittedly got caught up watching a not-so-heated game of pool on the third floor featuring superstar chefs and Chopped judges Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant and Marcus Samuelsson. If they were being judged on their skills in 8-ball, they all would have been chopped.