The Wiltern was packed all the way to the very last row. The assigned seating thing was an unusual feeling for an indie show, and sitting shoulder to shoulder in an amphitheatre with hundreds of young adults (some of whom apparently don't shower) gave the impression of being at a university lecture. When Professor Murdoch stepped on stage he laid out the lesson plan before playing a single note: the full spectrum of charismatic pop would be covered here. From mellow to happy, old to new, with a bit of blues and dance to round things off.

Belle and Sebastian impress by being musically tight, coordinated and fun to watch. Murdoch creates a connection with the audience like few frontmen can, although accidently falling into the crowd while shaking the fan's hands probably helps. He dances like a computer-science major would, but with his rockstar status he can pull it off. Besides, the guy can run betweeen the keyboards at the back of the stage to the frontman's mic while singing like a diva and without missing a beat.

While the band's set of multi-talented musicians make for diverse instrumentations it also forces lengthy gaps between songs as the guys and girls trade guitars for keys, violins for flutes and basses for trumpets. It is clear that their inter-song shuffle is a well-rehearsed thing, but there is just too much going on to make it unnoticeable to the folks patiently sitting in their seats.

With the nearly 2-hour lesson covering Belle and Sebastian's repertoire from pre-Tigermilk to The Life Pursuit the students got their ears full and went back to their dorms happy. Those of you that didn't make it to class should take not of the following announcement: B&S will return to Los Angeles in July to play at the Hollywood Bowl accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.