The Deal: Over-the-top band puts together mayhem and music for hometown show on two-hour DVD.
The Good: “Yoshimi,” “She Don’t Use Jelly,” “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” — there’s a little bit of old and new sprinkled throughout the setlist, but the visuals are as much a part of the show as the music. You see the saucer land as singer Wayne Coyne then rolls out in his giant hamster ball; Captain America runs about; aliens and santas line the stage; odd camera angles, as well (my favorite is the one on the microphone.) The disc even includes some of the behind-the-scenes stage setup footage and MP3s of the audio.
The Bad: The spaceship is already outdated as the new one they unveiled at Bonnaroo is covered with mirror balls. The clips of audience members talking about the Lips — while hilarious — are also distracting when placed between songs.
The Verdict: The Flaming Lips know how to put on a show, and this is the next best thing to seeing them live (without being hit in the face with confetti).
This article appears in Aug 8-14, 2007.
