July 8–15, 1999

sound and vision

Star... Fucker!

There’s a thin line between putting on a good show and making a fool of yourself. During the final moments of Echo Orbiter’s set at the recent Philadelphia Pop Festival, group members pummeled a giant cardboard robot head, obliterated a couple of guitars and violently dismantled their drum kit. Such Who-style antics elicited scorn from some audience members while enthralling others. Similarly disparate reactions welcomed The Perils of Pauline, who outfitted the back of the stage with enormous band member head shots. Some dismissed the display as pretentious self-aggrandizing, yet it certainly left a lasting impression. What if every band engaged in arena-rock theatrics, overblown stage sets, or attempts at performance art? Sure, Beck can get away with breakdancing like your doofy little brother, but what about shmoes still working the local scene, like, well, your little brother? When can one work those hiphuggers without being hokey? Tell us where that line is (or just who pulls it off the best or worst) and the author of the most interesting answer will receive a copy of London Live, a new book that documents Britain’s club scene from the Beatles to the Sex Pistols. Send your replies to City Paper Music Department Dorks, 123 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.

—CP Music Department