As I we make the journey back to southeast Ohio, I feel like I got away with something. It’s an odd sensation. Like when your grandpa would give you $5 and tell not to tell your brother or sister. I’ve been seeing this band since 1991. Sunday night was special. The bustouts galore, 38 minute Ruby Waves and a Trey that seemed rather pleased with the performance. The smile was contagious.
The Landlady opener signaled that this show was special. That was confirmed by the Olivia's Pool that followed. Shafty is great but I prefer Olivia's. I was at the last one in Denver so it was kind of a bizarre time machine to see it’s return. Then comes the TMWSIY sandwich. I heard parts of the sound check version at MPP, so I was thrilled that they decided to bring it out. By the time the got to Meatstick I had to pee so bad that it hurt. Meatstick as a bathroom song? It’s been a while since there hasn’t been a bathroom song in the 1st 30/40 minutes of a show. But I was glad I choose Meatstick. I think I was giggling like a schoolboy after each of the next several selections that it’s almost pointless to recant my thoughts on each. However, About to Run is maybe my favorite new addition to the catalog. I saw it a Blossom and it caught my attention. Sunday’s version took me for a ride. So much fire, so dark, so dreamy. I hope this beast continues to grow. It has a ridiculous amount of potential.
The 2nd set starter Mercury is a great tune that I’ve been blessed with seeing some very good versions. Sunday night’s was no different except it felt a little shortened. Maybe because of what was to come. The Ruby Waves floored me. I danced, I stood in stunned silence and again I giggled. People seem to love to argue the best this, the best that. The best jam of the 3.0 era? I’m not sure. That is too subjective for me. Should it be in the conversation; absolutely. The joy Trey exuded during those 38 minutes seemed to provide a level of bliss to his playing that you don’t see everyday. The Steep and Swept Away rode on this bliss to bring me almost to tears; stunningly beautiful. The Icculus carried with it all the force of band that knew it was kicking ass and taking names. Trey seemed to hardly be able to contain himself through the narrative. And the Reprise was just to remind us that yes indeed you just saw Icculus.
With the open notes of YEM, it was that I’ve died and gone to heaven moment. Well played and with a bonus Catapult and Contact thrown in for good measure. Hell, even a life altering song selection. I love the reminder that More provides. I know it’s not necessarily a lot of people’s favorite but I think it does a good job of reinforcing the lessons provided to us by the helping friendly book. It was like the band was saying, “now go back to your normal life and spread a little light”. Knowing that Tweeprise was lurking did nothing to dampen the power of its opening. It was a full on dance party with all those in attendance collectively rejoicing what they saw with a familiar yet distinct ending.
Jaw was dropped, face was melted, etc, etc
It was a great run and Sunday’s show will be talked about for years to come. And it think I was on the fence on going because of adulting.