SET 1:

NICU: Little sloppy in the beginning. Huge crowd swell for some reason in the middle of this one and again towards the end. >

My Soul: Standard.

Black-Eyed Katy: Sounded more put together than the Vegas debut. Super funky. This one was over a minute longer versus the Vegas version too. Seemed well received by the crowd.

Farmhouse: Great trills from Trey in the climax.

The Old Home Place: Standard.

Billy Breathes: Standard. Love Trey’s solo.

Cars Trucks Buses: Standard.

Scent of a Mule: Fun with Pete.

Poor Heart: Fun with Pete

Taste: Trey destroys his section, so much trilling. This version seemingly gets no love. I think that goes to show how deep the Taste bench was in 97. There were so many all time versions from the summer that I think this one slips through the cracks. Would recommend!

Hello My Baby: Standard.

SET 2:

Timber (Jerry the Mule) – Things just get super weird and summer crunchy almost right away. This would have been a white knuckle ride at the show, very intense. Dark. Evil. By the ten minute mark they take their collective feet off the gas pedal and opt for deep space. Minimalistic jamming, very ambient section. Around 14:30 they hit this beautiful section, very soothing and beautiful. It’s essentially the same passage from 7.297 Stash (starts around the 19 minute mark). It’s cool that they copied it and tagged it in here because it’s one of the most mesmerizing, gorgeous passages they have ever played. Exquisite. Easy all timer, probably the best version ever and highly recommended. The segue is sick. ->

Simple: Standard. ->

Wilson: Standard. >

Harry Hood: Dear Lord – the magnificent build and incredible peak after peak on this one is just about unrivaled. Unbelievable version, easy all timer and highly recommended! >

Izabella: Raucous rock and roll. Some serious wanking going on here, lol.

ENCORE:

David Bowie: Insane build at 11:15, stratospheric! Around the late 14’s tension is ramping up significantly and by the 15 minute mark it’s about all you can take, wow. Very intense! Highly recommended and an all timer.

Summary: Enjoyable first set but the weakest (by far) of the tour so far. Second set is a different story. Timber and Hood each boast all timer status with Timber likely being the best ever. Hood is right up there too. Bowie is awesome. What a comeback they made in set two. All that energy transferred nicely to night two at McNichols into one of the best shows they ever played. As for rating this one, I am good with the current rating of 4.15/5 (180 ratings) – that seems like an accurate representation.

Replay Value: Taste, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Harry Hood, David Bowie.