The Happiest Show on Earth

QUESTION: What has...

— about 2 dozen dancing people in animal costumes

— twice that many high-powered flash lights sweeping in all directions

— four 4-ft diameter disco balls casting a million specks of light

— a dozen or so brightly-colored, confetti-filled, 3-ft diameter balloons bouncing around the audience

— a spike mounted on the tip of the guitar head to pop said balloons, resulting in a shower of confetti

— fog machines

— non-stop intriguing video footage

— lots more confetti

— strobe lights

— a singing nun puppet

— Teletubbies

— AND strippers?!!

ANSWER: It's the Flaming Lips' live show!!

Imagine the spectacle described above (most of these elements were occurring simultaneously), while the band breaks into the uplifting first notes of "Race for the Prize." I've seen a LOT of rock shows, and I can tell you, none have so many dancing bunnies. Or any dancing bunnies at all, really. It made me feel like I was 6 years old. If I'm ever told to close my eyes and go to my "happy place," it's gonna be that stage at the Orpheum.

The Flaming Lips opened for Beck, who given the album (Sea Change) he was touring to support, wasn't nearly as mopey as I had expected. The Flaming Lips backed him up for most of his set, which included the hits and some good picks from Mutations. But to me, Beck was at his best that night when it was just him on stage with an accoustic guitar or harmonica (although, I can't resist his dance moves).

A great night of rock, and a show like I've never seen before. It's refreshing not to feel so jaded.