Mercury Radio Theatre - The Blue Eyed Model

It appears that Mercury Radio Theater has intended to produce a recording that is both unconventional and creepy. If so, The Blue Eyed Model is then a success. Unconventional in that it hearkens to vintage radio theater storytelling, The Blue Eyed Model is a series of instrumentals punctuated with narration. Together, the music and narration tells the story of a young collegian by the name of Gregor who decides to build an ideal companion for himself. Enter the creepy side of the project. For those who have trouble following the twenty-three minute and four-second odyssey of Gregor’s ultimately unsuccessful quest to build and live with a girl assembled from spare parts, the accompanying booklet is full of little creepy drawings to fill in the gaps. The music is more interesting than the essentially mundane story it helps tell. Think Cake’s song "Arco Arena,” or perhaps early Camper Van Beethoven without the ethnic flavoring. Unfortunately, vocals are introduced to the songs near the end of the story, and the music is tainted with the surrounding silliness. The Blue Eyed Model doesn’t leave one much to return to after the first listen. The story is told, and to appreciate the accompanying music, the story must be heard again. If you enjoyed the story, you’re in luck, but I’m betting you’re not. [www.mercuryradioland.com]