These days, the term “supergroup” is more likely to produce groans than glee from serious music fans. On paper, the idea looks good â€"a bunch of independently monster musicians get together to jam out equally monster songs â€" but in practice you end up with Supernova (save them Storm Large!). Toss “indie” in front of the whole thing and that just means it’s a group full of people you’ve never heard of, from bands you don’t care about, dicking around instead of finding a real hobby.

Watching the New Pornographers rip up the Bumbershoot Mainstage today Bobble Tiki couldn't help think that's what Vancouver, B.C., native Carl Newman originally intended this group to be â€" a part-time hobby where he could fine-tune the perfect pop band without fan interference.  He'd take time away from his underrated band Zumpano, gather up pals like pre-twanged Neko Case and Destroyer frontman Dan Bejar and enter the pop laboratory.

As evident from today's crowd, large considering it's an early show today, The New Pornographers became much more than a distraction for Newman.

The band's lush arrangements and jangly guitars thrilled the large crowd, especially on "The Bleeding," "Mass Romantic," "Body Says No," "It's Only Divine Right" and "From Blown Speakers."  Sound problems interfered with "Jessica Numbers" and "Graceland."

They took a few momemnts to poke fun at Kanye West's ego.  Newman explained they have opened for West before but haven't been within 1,000 feet of him.  "We are not allowed in his general area," said Newman.

They ended the show with pop bomb Sing Me Spanish Techno.

BTW, check out who was checking out Bobble Tiki in the photographer's pit. 

Nice! â€" Bobble Tiki