I have about as much trouble liking Mercury Rev as I do disliking them. I saw them perform at Coachella in 2005. They went on late and played well past their time. I was trying my best to get as angry as I could that they were holding up Spoon, who were scheduled to finish out the night. But when “Holes” came on and lead singer, Jonathan Donahue, belted out the sweeping ballad in a manner that would not be out of place for a conductor for an all-transvestite orchestra, I couldn’t help but suspend any animosity. I can still visualize his giddy and over-dramatic presence in front of a projected backdrop of romanticized nature imagery. It was an incredible experience. Although I can’t get it to most of their dreamy-pop meets Flaming Lips sound, “Holes” kills me. I think its because every line ends on the same note, like they’re all questions. I still don’t understand how its the first song on Deserter’s Songs. What a finale it would have made.
: Mercury Rev - Holes :
: Mercury Rev - Diamonds :
