But what you are forgetting folks is that Helium stunk live. What works really well on album does not carry over well in a club atmosphere.
I've never forgotten how much they stunk live. It's been a lifelong regret of mine that I saw Helium twice and Polvo nonce.
The "D&D" stuff on the Magic City always struck me as strictly metaphorical and slightly tongue in cheek. Pavement was writing songs about Cotton Mather (Pacific Trim EP) and the Civil War around this time, and Timony was writing songs in the style of early Puritan American short stories about Satan. It seems to me more old-timey Salem Witch Trial type stuff then D&D stuff. Ayway, Magic City has some great sonic touches, though I suppose there are one or two stinkers.
"XXX" is one of the greatest indie rock songs ever.
Everyone I've ever met has always shrugged off Helium. I'm pretty psyched there are other people that actually like them. And FOT's no less!