Performing rights society (and keepers of the mysterious black box), BMI, honored Philadelphia’s original man-eaters Daryl Hall and John Oates last night at the 56th Annual Pop Awards. 

Industry moguls, legendary songwriters and BMI artists stood crammed together like a rush hour train in the corridor of the ballroom at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel (that's the “Reg. Bev. Wil.” for all the Pretty Woman fans out there). I suppose it is easier to mingle when you're already standing on someone's neck.

The drinks were strong, the cologne, stronger, and the company, divine.  After a string of awards -- including BMI Song of the Year to Hinder for “Lips of an Angel”...  huh? -- the Hall and Oates tribute began as most important things do, with a montage. 

At the conclusion of the festive medley, some variation of the band Lifehouse began the live show with a  cover of Every Time You Go Away, made popular by Paul Young in the mid-80s. 

Next to the stage was Fall Out Boy’s often overshadowed frontman, Patrick Stump, with a charming and pepped version of Rich Girl, that has me hoping FOB will head more in the direction of balmy yacht rock for any and all forthcoming endeavors. 

The final tribute went to the perpetual hit machine, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who told a story about hearing H&O on radio as a teenager and being confused to learn that "blue eyed soul" meant they were actually white dudes.  Then he got down with a sexy sing-a-long of Sara Smile. 

Hall and Oates graciously appeared following this homage and posed for a few photos before gearing up guitars for a breezy, three song, teaser set of Maneater, Out of Touch, and She’s Gone.  The audience was eager and the performances were spot on.

Achieving the BMI Icon status at this stage in their career is timely honor given how popular the Hall and Oates sound is with the hip set (see: Chromeo).  The new kids love it because it fills in many of the gaps where corporate music has failed them, and the older kids love it because it conjures memories of a past life filled with shoulder pads, Trapper Keepers, Barbie corvettes and stolen kisses under the stairs at Hebrew school

If you like to touch strangers and you also have $200 you can see what I mean for yourself.  Hall and Oates are playing two exclusive club dates this week at The Troubadour.

Side note: My favorite thing about Daryl Hall is that he looks like his name should be John, while John Oates’ curly locks and fancy mustaches so clearly scream Daryl.  They should have switched first names long ago.  My second favorite thing is that JO always appears slightly dejected and a bit like he secretly wants to shank DH in the spleen.  Thoughts?

Hall and Oates @ The Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood
8pm - buy tickets