This show was an oasis in a desert of mediocrity. I saw 11 shows this run. And over the years I’ve come to view this tour much the way you do: a necessary practice run for Big Cypress.
But in the moment we didn’t know this. In the moment these were forgettable shows and sets. Trey on his keyboard, seemingly unconnected to the audience or the rest of the band.
I found this tour to be boring at the time.
But this show?
This show was an all timer. I saw 36 shows in 99. I’ve got 12/11 and 7/25 as the best shows of the year. (Other than Cypress of course.)
My 3rd show and definitely the best for me as well. In reading through much of this amazing project I know that Rob is a bit of a Mule hater, but I think this one really cooks as well. Every song is just at such a high level. What a show!
Rob, love the reviews and enjoy reading them all. I question, though, whether 1997 the consensus peak? I'm the camp with Aug 93, Fall 94, and Fall 95 as the peak. And I swear I'm not alone. :)
Have had hard time finding the words for this show. Really, the Ghost. A top 10 jam for me personally, maybe a top 5 even. One of those jams where I know every phrase, every shift, every breath. Trey, Mike, and Page are having the most relaxed conversation with each other that just never lets up. There’s no consensus peak, and it’s very 3.0 in the way they just keep at it, always moving forward. The difference is they’re playing with that laid back, 99 swagger. I just find it to be absolutely exhilarating all the way through the -> 2001. I could listen to it forever and not get bored. Nine thumbs up.
This was my second-ever show, and it's still the best one I've ever seen. I love relistening to it, though my (biased) take on the show-opening Hood is much more glowing than yours!
This show was an oasis in a desert of mediocrity. I saw 11 shows this run. And over the years I’ve come to view this tour much the way you do: a necessary practice run for Big Cypress.
But in the moment we didn’t know this. In the moment these were forgettable shows and sets. Trey on his keyboard, seemingly unconnected to the audience or the rest of the band.
I found this tour to be boring at the time.
But this show?
This show was an all timer. I saw 36 shows in 99. I’ve got 12/11 and 7/25 as the best shows of the year. (Other than Cypress of course.)
Release the soundboards Mr Shapiro.
My 3rd show and definitely the best for me as well. In reading through much of this amazing project I know that Rob is a bit of a Mule hater, but I think this one really cooks as well. Every song is just at such a high level. What a show!
Rob, love the reviews and enjoy reading them all. I question, though, whether 1997 the consensus peak? I'm the camp with Aug 93, Fall 94, and Fall 95 as the peak. And I swear I'm not alone. :)
I think Fall 97 would win a plurality, if not a majority.
Why the Mule hate?
Have had hard time finding the words for this show. Really, the Ghost. A top 10 jam for me personally, maybe a top 5 even. One of those jams where I know every phrase, every shift, every breath. Trey, Mike, and Page are having the most relaxed conversation with each other that just never lets up. There’s no consensus peak, and it’s very 3.0 in the way they just keep at it, always moving forward. The difference is they’re playing with that laid back, 99 swagger. I just find it to be absolutely exhilarating all the way through the -> 2001. I could listen to it forever and not get bored. Nine thumbs up.
This show is a bonafide heater and, as time passes, it continues to surprise that we haven’t seen it officially released. Would love to hear it!
This was my second-ever show, and it's still the best one I've ever seen. I love relistening to it, though my (biased) take on the show-opening Hood is much more glowing than yours!