Will success spoil Art Brut? Will Eddie Argos shave the moustache and pop some Trim Spa? A rhetorical question for some, a trivial matter for others, but for me a serious inquiry. U.S. record deals, distribution to chain stores, stylists, press junkets and People magazine reviews. Who knows what mass media and Wal-Mart shoppers might think of Art Brut. When you love a band you want them to be loved by others. But will too much love dull Art Brut's spiky edges?

For now Art Brut fans, don't be concerned. The band remain undamaged by their growing popularity. They returned to New York for the first of three shows shows as funny, irreverent and determined to entertain as ever. Art Brut's non-stop touring has paid dividends as their confidence and camaraderie has grown. The Bang, Bang Rock & Roll songs were refreshed with looser endings and updated asides from Argos.

I stick by my original comparison of Eddie Argos to Andy Kaufman's alter egotistic lounge lizard Tony Clifton. Instead of wailing off-key renditions of "I Will Survive", Eddie wandered the Bowery stage trading jokes with the audience, jumping rope with his microphone cord and generally living up the role of gregarious and endering showman. I can forgive him a few scripted banterisms ("Drinking sherry with Brian Ferry" instead of "Hennessy with Morrissey" in "Moving to LA", etc) when he pulls off spontaneous stunts like wandering up into the balcony during "Modern Art" or stopping "Emily Kane" cold in midstream to share a recent conversation he had with the song's subject. Turns out Eddie is not still in love with EK. He's just in love with being love at 15. Aren't we all.

And while the set list generally didn't differ from November, the band's delivery has improved noticeably, especially with the newer songs. No plans have been formally announced for a follow-up album, but the growth of the new material is a positive sign that Art Brut aren't one and done. Like it or not Art Brut may be here to stay. Top of the pops!