@raidcehlalred said:

The Ball probably was the end of an era, but it's misrepresented. If, as @johhnyd states - whose opinion I always respect - the band wasn't venturing into deep ambient soundscapes, I agree only to the ambient extent. Your assessment of CB is spot on, and better than my hurried, blurry mush; but 94 and 95 find the band venturing deep into jarring, electric, Fripp-induced screamscapes. With _Remain in Light_ in sight, I now see CB as the band doing exactly what they wanted to do in a room they probably never imagined playing.

Like your tiers, particularly the YIN/YANG....

Of course I agree regarding the twisted exploratory psychadelic jams of 94 and 95, but my (also hurried) point was that the (C)Ball did not contain a Fleezer or Mud Island type jam to define it, or a long raunchy space-disco 2001, or 39 minute 46 Days, for example. Rather, it seemed a blend or flow of the energetic precise speed jazz-washed through prog-rock into tight arena rock that perfectly capped 92-96. What people say about 12.31.1995 - how they call it a "perfect show" or "the best rock concert ever" (not that I'd stake those claims) but they strike me as applying to the Clifford Ball even more so.

It was like Phish. Running through their catalog. Supercharged by freakin laser beams. Probably with sharks swimming around the field for good measure.

And thank you for the respect; I've been enjoying your comments recently as well!