2002 All Over Again: Rentals and Ozma at Emo's

We've been trying to figure out for a couple days just what to make of this show. We know that our official reviewer didn't care for it. Some of our commenters enjoyed it for what it was, while others apparently think reunion tours are shams. We know the whole night could've been improved without the huge line to get in or the heat or the ridiculously loud, screeching music during the soundcheck.

Eh, in the end, we decided that it was, simply, fun. The Chronicle's Darcie Stevens, describing a different show, hits on why: "Once upon a time, music was about expression, an escape from life while expounding upon it. The last decade has seen that drop by the wayside in favor of image..."

Ozma and The Rentals have always bordered on cheesy, sometimes tongue in cheek, sometimes probably overdoing it. The show was no different. Both bands may have shown some rust, but at least the music was earnest and, for once, not weighed down with the seriousness that has seeped into indie rock.

More pics below the Expand-o-Tron.