Recent years have seen exemplary performances from Mudhoney, Dinosaur Jr. the Stooges and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, which all served to remind just how important their contributions are to the fabric of rock 'n' roll. On Saturday, Mercury Rev added their breakthrough album to that list - and added a surprising cover from a prog rock legend's back catalogue for full measure.
By definition, the opinion of band haveing an album in its entirety and correct running should deliver little in the way of surprises. But by the Mercury Rev reach 'Endlessly,' it becomes clear this isn't to be a straightforward album show. Stretching out from its origins as a divine lullaby, the song flexes its muscles thanks to a pumped-up rhythm section. But it's with 'Opus 40' that Mercury Rev really take flight, the song benefiting from an extended coda that would have made the complete soundtrack to the Rapture, had it really happened.
And if Jonathan Donahue's voice takes some time to fall down - 'Holes' is approached with a wavering apprehension - Mercury Rev are on fearsome form, especially on the climax, a rollicking reading of 'Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp.' Fusing a hoedown with Italian house influences, the call becomes a joyous celebration.
Mercury Rev's capacity to surprise continues into the encore as a cross of Peter Gabriel's 'Solsbury Hill' appears, as unexpected as it is magnificent. And yet, as evidenced by the inclusion of 'The Night is Rising,' 'Car Wash Hair' and the more recent 'Senses On Fire,' Mercury Rev were not only confirming a classic album, but a really remarkable career.
Watch the Video for Mercury Rev's 'Goddess On a Highway'
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