Beck w/ Flaming Lips

Last night we caught their warmup show for the upcoming tour. The good: Beck's vocals and acoustic guitar playing were fantastic. But that's all the good I can say about this show.

It was a dress rehearsal of sorts, so you expect some problems. But judging by what we witnessed at Carlemont College last night, they've got a real big problem. One which I'll sum it up thusly: The Flaming Lips and Beck are incompatible. Musicially, stylistically, artistically, personality-wise. It was just a mess, if you ask me.

Musical selections included an almost equal number of Mutations & Sea Changes tunes, plus a couple each from Odelay & Midnight Vultures. Both Sea Changes and Mutations are relatively subdued, right? Flaming Lips don't do subdued real well.

Be forewarned - this tour could be a total waste of your $ and time. Or, maybe they'll work out the kinks in the next couple of days....