How is the album almost 25 years old? Gosh. I knew the singles from back in the day, but never really explored the album. My loss. Holes and Goddess remain outstanding. Such quality, crafted songs. The understated vocals draw you in. Quality listening.
Don’t really know Mercury Rev. I knew Holes but was only half-aware it was by them. And from the voice on that track, I assumed they were a comedy / pastiche band. And I still have that feeling as I listen to the tracks after Holes. The melody of Tonight It Shows made me initially think it was a cover of Stairway To Heaven. And I just don’t like that voice (sounds put-on). The high register (which in places sounds like someone playing a saw) and the fragments of popular and throwaway tunes do nothing to change this perception. I don’t find the album offensive, and it does have a old time Hollywood movie / dreamy quality in places. But call me a misery - music is music and this type of silliness is not what I look for in a band or album that I would choose to sit down & spend much time with.