A Quickie Review: Mercury Rev

I had two new experiences last night: having dinner at Yakitori Boy, and seeing Mercury Rev live.

Well, at least one of those is transcendant.

This is not to say that Mercury Rev doesn't give its audience a solid and empassioned performance, with lead singer David Baker appropriately swooping his arms in the general direction of other band members. There was the customary visual projects behind the band.

But I've seen this done before, and it was done better. (Feist and Sigur Ros come to mind). This was because those other artists were working to engage the audience with the theatrics as a supporting act. From the opening song of MR's set -- and, please forgive me, the title is escaping me -- it was clear that this was an act of self-indulgence...but the faithful (who were clearly in attendance) were welcome to come along.

Yeah, don't do the dreamy elongated "jam" on the first song. Hello? We're over here. Come back.

I was pleased, but not thrilled, to hear "The Funny Bird." But the songs were performed so spot-on that one could have just has easily not braved the cold, the hyperactive smoke machines, and the seizure-inducing on-stage lights and just listened to the CDs at home. JDS and I looked at our watches, nodded in agreement, and headed home.

We have much to do today and needed the sleep.