[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP6IFmfCU-o[/youtube]

Once upon a time, of Montreal were the askew folkpop arm of the Elephant Six collective. Small shows, funny lyrics, and muppet voices. Then, either suddenly or gradually (it’s often hard to tell, with churning membership and shifts from collective to auteurism), Kevin Barnes transformed the group into something very different. Stage and album production leaped into the realm of grandiose and intricate. Now, touring behind Skeletal Lamping, shows become two-hour performances packed with theatrics, costume changes, rotating sets, and plenty of glam-infused danceable rock to lead you on a rambling journey through the author’s shifting ideas of identity. Oh, and as you can see in the above fan video, it’s a whole lot of ridiculous fun.

They’ll be bringing the modern variety show to Seattle on Wednesday 19 November [showbox_sodo]. Tickets are $20, but we have a pair to give away so that a lucky one of you can experience the spectacle for free. Send a note to seattle.metblogs at gmail.com including your full name and I’ll pick a winner at the end of the day. Fun facts about bizarre celebrations will get your entry extra credit.