Garden Sessions: Marcy Playground - Sex And Candy October 12th, 2018 Underwater Sunshine Fest

About Marcy Playground

Marcy Playground is an American alternative rock band consisting of three members: John Wozniak, Dylan Keefe (bass), and Shlomi Lavie (drums). The band is best known for their 1997 hit "Sex and Candy", which spent close to four months as the #1 Modern track on the Billboard charts. Band leader John Wozniak joked that the song needed it's own accountant.

About This Footage

The Garden Sessions footage of Marcy Playground performing "Sex and Candy" on October 12th, 2018, during the Underwater Sunshine Fest at City Winery New York, is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the band's continued relevance two decades after their breakout success. The clip is notable not only for its content but also for the context in which it was filmed.

At the time of this performance, Marcy Playground was celebrating their 20-year anniversary as a band. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1997, had become a platinum-selling classic, with "Sex and Candy" reigning supreme on the Billboard Modern Rock chart for an impressive 15 weeks. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy hooks and John Wozniak's witty lyrics.

The Garden Sessions footage itself is remarkable for its intimate setting and relaxed atmosphere. Marcy Playground sits down in a lush garden, surrounded by nature, and performs a stripped-down version of "Sex and Candy". This arrangement allows the listener to appreciate the song's melodic nuances and Wozniak's distinctive vocal style. The performance also highlights the band's ability to adapt their sound to different settings, showcasing their versatility as musicians.

What makes this clip significant is that it captures Marcy Playground at a pivotal moment in their career. Having taken a hiatus since 2012, the band was gearing up for a comeback tour, which would feature stops across the nation as part of the Rockin' Roadtrip tour with Fuel and Dishwalla. This performance serves as a precursor to their return to the road, giving fans a taste of what's to come.

The Underwater Sunshine Fest itself is also worth noting. As a celebration of alternative rock music, the festival provided a platform for Marcy Playground to reconnect with their roots and pay homage to the genre that has defined them. The event's eclectic lineup and relaxed atmosphere created an ideal setting for the band to perform in a more stripped-down, acoustic format.

The clip also offers insight into the band's creative growth over the years. Having released four subsequent albums since their debut, Marcy Playground has demonstrated a willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. While some may view this as a departure from their original sound, it's clear that the band is committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories.

As a viewer watches this clip, they'll be struck by the band's chemistry and camaraderie. Wozniak's banter with his bandmates is infectious, and the relaxed atmosphere of the performance only adds to the sense of camaraderie. This footage serves as a reminder that Marcy Playground is more than just a nostalgia act; they're a band that continues to create music with passion and purpose.

The release of their debut album on vinyl for the first time ever is also a significant development. As a nod to the band's cult following, this move acknowledges the enduring appeal of "Sex and Candy" and its place in alternative rock history. The fact that 1.4 million copies of the album were sold back in 1997 speaks to its timeless quality and the band's ability to connect with audiences across generations.

As Marcy Playground prepares to embark on their comeback tour, this Garden Sessions footage serves as a testament to their continued relevance and dedication to their craft. It's a rare glimpse into the band's creative process and a reminder of the enduring power of music to bring people together.

Curated from public records and music databases.