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Beck Hansen is one of the most talented men alive. Period.

Hansen, better known to fans around the world simply by his first name Beck, played at the Universal Amphitheater Monday night with the Flaming Lips. This lineup assaulted the audience (in a really good way).

The Flaming Lips is no regular opening act. The band certainly hasn’t had the mainstream success of Beck, but it’s one of the biggest college rock radio bands in the country and Wayne Coyne and company know how to put on a show.

When the opening act fills all the seats in a venue as big as Universal, you know you’re in for it, and the Flaming Lips didn’t disappoint. The band played fully equipped with confetti, a posse of people dressed as stuffed animals, a wild light and video show, and more confetti.

The band put on a Vegas-worthy show, while acid-rocking through some of its best songs including the current single “Do You Realize.” Coyne’s signature move was pumping his fist in the air and waving the audience up for more noise and clapping. Odd from a nearing middle-aged white guy with graying hair and goatee? Yes. Appropriate for the surreal show? Yes.

After a short break, Beck came out (as Coyne had made sure to tell the audience he would) and opened with a solo acoustic set. Comprised mostly of songs from the new album on acoustic guitar, which were mellow and nice, the real highlights were two older numbers. Beck broke out a harmonium (he said he was just learning to play) for a gorgeous version of “Nobody’s Fault But My Own.” Delving way back into his catalogue, Beck performed a fast foot-tapping “One Foot in the Grave” on the harmonica.

Soon enough, the Flaming Lips took residency behind Beck on stage and the energy hit another level. Coyne flashed hand held lights on Beck throughout the show, and as a backing band, the Flaming Lips injected Beck’s tunes with a psychedelic vitality.

The material off of “Sea Change,” Beck’s newest album, inspired the audience to sit back and listen to the rich tones Beck laid down with his strong vocal performance. The best of the “Change” material was a sped- up version of “Lost Cause.”

The songs from Beck’s other albums had the audience standing up – and Beck dancing around. Not only did Beck’s voice stand up incredibly well, his guitar playing looked effortless, his harmonica, harmonium and keyboards work was all great, and the man can dance, dance, dance. From the robot to the splits to slippery groove moves, Beck jammed through his hits. He played “Loser,” “Where It’s At,” and “Devil’s Haircut.” He also played lesser hits but equally compelling songs “Cold Brains,” “Tropicalia,” and “Nicotine and Gravy,” all of which resulted in intense auditory pleasure.

The only thing that could have used a bit of work was Coyne and Beck’s not-so-witty banter.

Beck’s oh-so-witty lyrics and musical skill more than made up for it.