When we last left Metric, they were riding high on a satisfying, but aerobic, egoflex. Their second album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, had done them a few favors. A determined schedule of touring kept the engine warm through the winter, enough so that the spring could coast home. The summer came and went like pillow talk, setting the band up for an awkward second date with its setlist.

So when they hit the Paradise for the second time in ‘04, Metric came bearing a six-pack instead of flowers. Cordiality was AWOL as the routine began to set in. The magic of the prom had worn off; it’s a new school year. Anticipating the same songs as last time, the crowd was semi-existant and chock full of clown-nosers.

In premeditated response, the band played 5 new songs, all of which receiving conked, muted reactions. The band barely knew the songs, and the crowd didn’t at all; guaranteed makings of a ho-hummer.

Of the usual songs, the highlights involved the even-more-usual singles and the 6-hour version of “Dead Disco”, during which I was able to visit the bar twice. The setlist for this show was set about 6 months ago.

Mizz Em kept the chatter consistent, but instead of whispering sweet nothings or giving us Viagra, she busted out her smartass side. Like a caged bear, she hopelessly thrashed around, giving us hints of her past energy, but never plugging it in. If only…

…we had all been ok with missing each other this time around. If we didn’t need the excitement, if they didn’t need the money, and if Ghostbusters never existed, it wouldn’t have happened this way. Despite all of the tired tension and shuffling feet, the show had to go on, and at the very least, velvet pop gets another leaf on the branch.

Sigh.