At first listen of the Meat Puppets, one is tempted with an impression of experimental Pink Floyd “Wall-” like channeling here, but accuracy’s sake will note that the operatic idiom behind these songs has been exhibited at least as far back as 1995’s “No Joke”, and subsequent trials from Curt’s solo master piece, “Snow”, and the texturally generous “Rise To Your Knees”.

Now, however, the breadth of instrumentation is no longer in the back seat. It’s right there in the guts of the entire record. And while it is not overstatement to declare a connection here to the heights of the E Street Band, the results from last summer’s sessions clearly continue the Puppets’ trademark forging of subtle yet iconoclastic lyrical sweetness and remarkable musicianship. Were a short description required, confidence is the defining term and attitude. This is a record that is brilliantly framed by the band’s sometimes folksy, always fluid wanderings. The Puppets gladly let the material step out as first fiddle, content with understanding songs this strong only come along once in a great while, and better to serve them than the other way around.

The Meat Puppets.
A must-see show.
Friday.

Details 9/3/10