Boombox Experiment No 10

Well, what can one say about the April 19th boom box experiment here in Minneapolis, MN? It was truly amazing. The Flaming Lips put on quite a show that was both entertainment and beauty at the same time. I doubt Ill ever be to another show that will even come close to the uniqueness of this one.

This was the first time I had ever seen a "Boom Box Experiment," but I had been hearing about them from various peoples for about a year and a half. Needless to say, I was pretty excited about the prospect of seeing it after hearing about it for so long. It was held at The Polish National Alliance Hall, which I must admit was the coolest place to ever have a show in all of Minneapolis. It was like walking into a church basement, except it was upstairs and there was someone checking your name at the door. Most places that hold events are usually pitch black with huge, intimidating stages that almost elevate the performer to a god status. The Polish National Alliance Hall was most certainly not like this, and it was very refreshing. It was basically one big room with bare, hardwood floors and a very small stage at the front of the room where the Lips had all the sound equipment set up. On the sides of the room were these big, empty church pews lining the walls on both sides, with old, 1940s photographs of the Halls founders above them. Its the complete opposite of what youd expect at a "rock n roll show." Which is what made it so fun. I would definitely love to see a show there again. I know "the Poles" dont usually host things like this, but they should again in the future.

The layout of the boom boxes was quite interesting. They just had 40 chairs sitting up at the front of the room, 20 on each side, facing each other, with a boom box laying on each one, and some yellow "Caution: Do Not Cross" tape circling all of the chairs. Then, they asked for volunteers from the audience to come up and man the boom boxes. At first, not many people went up, but eventually they got into the spirit of things.

I personally did not go up, because I wanted to actually watch what was happening instead of having to worry about following the conductors. But, I kind of regret it now, because the people looked like they were having a great time up there, sort of making the music along with the Lips, in a way. So, if you ever go to one of these experiments, try to get up there and be one of the volunteers. Watching is fun, yes, but nothing can beat playing along with The Flaming Lips.

And the music... it was incredible. It was so beautiful yet so chaotic at the same time, and all the sounds that were coming from the all the mangled boom boxes were forming into this beautiful symphony that emotionally manipulated you. Yet, in a good way.

An example of what I mean. Not a great one, but an example none the less; At one point during the last song, which featured Meg Ryans fake orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally, the boom boxes which were accompanying her moaning solo were playing this beautifully dissonant chord over it, somehow making the audience feel that sex is the most beautiful thing in the world. But then, not much later, the nastiest, funkiest, bad rave-clubiest bass line comes in and all I was thinking was that sex is a disgusting, putrid thing which is only used to help sell Spin and Rolling Stone.

And thats what music all boils down too, the emotions it makes you feel. Not what band youre opening for, what label youre on, or if you know your major and minor scales up and down. The Flaming Lips seem to know this better than anyone Ive seen in a good long while. We, the audience, were totally at the will of the Lips and their boom boxes. Just waiting for the next, precisely calculated move which would take us in a whole new direction of consciousness.

And another reason that this was a good show was that IT WAS ENTERTAINING. They were true showmen. They talked to the audience, told some stories about previous shows, and generally seemed to be enjoying themselves. It sort of reminded me of a Rat Pack concert with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. giving the audience A SHOW.

So often, when you go to shows, the band shows up, plays loud and fast, lays their guitars on their amps for some final, pretentious feedback, and leaves, a lit cigarette in their mouths. It was very refreshing to have someone talk to you, and pass out a pamphlet explaining what each song was about. Not that I expect this at every show I go to, but it was a very nice change of pace.

All in all, it was a great experience, and I would definitely go again if I have the chance. It was a good time had by all.