anyone know what time the Lotz open today???




"we're the Toast Team & we cam in on the Hurricane"

WOOO HOOOO!

Hey all,

First show of tour tonight, then Friday and Sat. at Jones. Any zoners meeting in the lot? What do you think the scene will be like for the lots at PNC?

Matty

predictions for tonight first night holmdel tue 8/10

set 1

casey jones
maggie's farm@>
big river@>
tons of steel
pride of cucamounga
tennesse jed
big railroad blues>
greatest story>
passenger

headcount

set 2

aiko aiko@>
scarlet begonias>
dancin' in the streets>
st. stephen>
william tell>
eleven>
drumzspace
comes a time>
morning dew>
sugar magnolia>ssdd>
golden road

donorap

e. the weight

good luck getting that setlist, ha!

Box Of Rain

Box Of Rain

Robert Hunter, PNC Arts Center, NJ 8/10/04

Setlist:
Scarlet Begonias
Aim At The Heart
Might As Well
Box Of Rain
Into The Blue
New Speedway Boogie
Key To Your Room
Standing On The Moon
Brokedown Palace
Boys In The Barroom

that robert hunter set looks great keep up the good work taper rob

Let The Good Times Roll

Down The Road Again

Just a beard and glasses
and a smile upon his face......

Direwolf

those pics look great thanks rob i cant wait till tomarrow

The Dead, PNC Arts Center, NJ 8/10/04

Set 1:
Let The Good Times Roll
Here Comes Sunshine
@Black Throated Wind
^Time Stands Still>
Cumberland Blues
Come Together
Down The Road Again
Direwolf
Liberty
Headcount Rap

@=Bobby acoustic
^=new song 1st time played, sung by Warren

Looks like a nice list. How was that Liberty? Is Warren singing it?

i dunno about tonight, but previously this tour i seem to recall it's been duet of warren & bob

Scarlet Begonias

what did they open 2 set with

TRob (or someone else who is actually there), is the indication of a lack of jams between songs correct on that list? I.E., does the lack of arrows between songs on the list really indicate no continuation between them? Just curious, thanks.

**************** Setlist Update ***************


The Dead, PNC Arts Center, NJ 8/10/04

Set 1:
Let The Good Times Roll
Here Comes Sunshine
@Black Throated Wind
^Time Never Ends>
Cumberland Blues
Come Together
Down The Road Again
Direwolf
Liberty
Headcount Rap

@=Bobby acoustic
^=new song 1st time played, sung by Warren

And the answer is.......

taperrob what do you do to post pic ? all I ever get is the the link to come up for the photo

New Potato Caboose

New Potato

awwwwwwwwwwww man

hope it's as magical as I'm envisioning



*overrrrrrrr meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*

hope they had Phil turned way up for that one

I'm sure they did

many thanks taperrob!

Anyone know what the curfew is?

The Dead, PNC Arts Center, NJ 8/10/04

Set 1:
Let The Good Times Roll
Here Comes Sunshine
@Black Throated Wind
^Time Never Ends>
Cumberland Blues
Come Together
Down The Road Again
Direwolf
Liberty
Headcount Rap

Set 2:
Scarlet Begonias>
Doin' That Rag>
West LA Fadeaway>
New Potato Caboose>
Looks Like Rain
Passenger>
Drumz/Space>
Days Between> Jam>
Throwing Stones
Built To Last
U.S. Blues
Donor Rap
enc:
Johnny B Goode


@=Bobby acoustic
^=new song 1st time played, sung by Warren

Looks sweet. Solid NJ DEAD. Rockin good time I reckon...

Both Hunter and the boys did Scarlet Begonias, I wonder whose was better....

Thanks for the updates. Looks good from here on the left coast. Aint it good to be alive?

taperrob thankyou so very much for all that you do for us!!!!1 we appreciate you i would love to meet. will you be in atlanta? if so email me llucy327. i'm on aol. love you man

Just got back from the show. Left early - a real clunker. Oh well, there's always tomorrow night.

>>>>>>.Left early - a real clunker. Oh well, there's always tomorrow night

hmmmm, don't look like no clunker from here?

explain, please...

Time Stands Still? Is that RUSH? Cool if it is. I'm not a critic or a pessimist but does anyone else think that JBG encore is getting WAY overplayed? So much more to choose from.

Some broad stroke impressions:

Certainly the energy at PNC is a lot lower than at Tweeter Camden, for the 2nd year running.
This in spite of sitting in the 13th row center aisle for most of set 1.

A couple of issues: venue appears to have some kind of decibel restriction, so that the songs which sound good turned up really loud get left off the list. Exception to this was Passenger, which the boys did a real fine job on, though not quite in the same league as the Q.

Camden overhang is a lot more acoustically dynamic as well, though PNC's in prettier. On the plus side, PNC has a nice slope, which makes it easier to see over the person in front of you.

Finally, the security was nice, but not as lax as at Tweeter. Virtually no dancing in the aisles permitted, even if you have an aisle seat.

JBG encore again, hopefully the last o the tour?!? I really hope this means they won't play it again in charlotte or ATL.

Does bob like this tune bcuzz he's singing it to john kerry?

This year LTGTR was better than last year's.
Here Come Sunshine was much sweeter at Shoreline.
BTW was solid
Cumberland Blues was really jumping, crowd picked up on it nice and had a good time.
Come Together a real surprise to most I think, thoroughly enjoyed. Lyrics not delivered as well as by John Lennon, but hey, that's life.

Down The Road Again was very nice. I enjoyed it here and at Saratoga, it starts out like FOTD and has nice Jimmy licks around that pattern. I like the way Mickey delivers the lyrics, just can't figure out what he's saying, so I'll have to look it up.

Dire Wolf and Liberty pretty standard.

Scarlet Begonias well done
Doin' That Rag not bad
West LA Fadeaway ok, Bobby on the lick.

New Potato Caboose very exciting, I'll confess I've never heard it until this evening.

Looks Like Rain One of my favorites, but Jimmy doesn't have the raindrops quite as interesting as Jerry yet.

Passenger Favorite of the night, always good since the Q revived it

Days Between Nice Warren tune, very mellow and easy to hear, a little slow coming out of space.
Now we've had Dew, Stella, and Days Between, I could go for a show without a Warren groaner.
Throwing Stones Excellent to hear, a real crowd pleaser, Bobby at his happiest.

Built To Last never my favorite
U.S. Blues about average. Bobby did better on the words than the time Rob wasn't turned up at the Beacon. Crowd loved it.

Donor Rap
enc:
Johnny B Goode Very well done, ended the show at 11:29:45.

As for the curfew, I think there's a soft curfew at 11:00 and a hard one at 11:30.

Bobby got all he could out of this one. Phil was on for donor rap almost immediately after the show ended, then the band was out, and Bobby called out the number of rounds of leads to end at exactly the right moment.

Sometimes you need a control freak.

looks like the next three shows are gonna be hot.

I had so damn much fun tonight. Total blast. Very weak show. Well, actually, the first set was very hot - probably 2nd best of the 4 I caught this tour - and the 2nd set pre-drums was solid, though not outstanding. Then came the 4th quarter. Whoever said "clunker" above nailed it. We were all trying so hard to dig it, but it just wasn't happening. Days Between is the first Dead tune I've ever heard Warren do that I have no interest in hearing again. It seemed like about 12 minutes of very slow, pretty, boring music. And there's no jam. Every other Jerry balad has some really cool instrumental parts to it. Days Between just seemed interminably long, and went absolutely nowhere. Walking around people-watching, it really seemed like everyone was simply bored. But we knew it wouldn't last long, and they'd come back and rip it up to the end, because they've been playin' great all night so far. But then it did last long. Very long. But the night was still young, and we knew they'd take us down the stretch in a big way.

Nope. Throwin' Stones, the only tune I was really hoping not to hear, knowing that I likely would. As it turns out, it was far and away the best tune after space. Ouch. But it did rock. I went down and danced up and down the aisle between the 100 and 300 sections (or 200 and 300?)and had a great time really getting my dancing ya-ya's out for the first time all night. I had a blast, but had I not found such a fun place to dance, I doubt I'd have been quite so happy.

Anyway, I knew it was too early to end, and they did NFA recently, so big surprises were left! Woo Hoo! Built to Last to take us home baby! C'mon man. It was so deflating. I love the song, but it just doesn't work in any way in a 2nd set. It killed the Lewiston PLQ show in the 2nd set a few years back. But it was worse tonight.

So I cruised back up to my friends, still smiling, having a great time, knowing Built to Last ain't no closer, so we have something big coming up. Lovelight had been the hunch all night, and they teased it for a bit coming out of space. Whatever it is, it's gonna smoke no doubt. They saved the pre-drums section from going to mellow with a rippin' Passenger, and we knew they'd do it again.

Or not. Fuckin US Blues. It was really, really hard to keep the smiley face on at this point. Even worse, it became clear that this *was* the closer. Eeek.

Keep smiling. We all had fun, right? Great party, great friends, great dancing, the works. We were with a buddy at his first show, and we were trying hard to not let him know how lame it was until we'd heard his own thoughts. But it was hard.

Looking back, it clearly smoked for the first set, 3rd quarter was very solid, then they just ended so weak it can be hard to focus on the earlier stuff. But it's all good. If I were in town I'd sure as hell go tomorrow, cause you know it will be a big one.

The song selection seems very interesting. A ton of Jerry tunes. SPAC was clearly a Jerry (mostly Warren's Jerry tunes) night, and it was fantastic. This was a Jerry night, but it was all the short ditties. Dire Wolf, West LA, Built to Last, etc. Lots of first set tunes throughout. All fun songs, but not much to chew on.

Of the 4 I caught this tour - 2 Great Woods, SPAC, and tonight - this has to be the weakest of the bunch, although I liked first set more than a couple of those shows.

One interesting thing I noticed tonight was that there were 2 tunes - West LA and US Blues - which I can say with no hesitation that I liked better than any GD version I saw. That's mainly because I never much liked either tune, especially West LA. A rare Jerry bathroom tune. But they ripped it up, and Warren did some great slide work. I really enjoyed it. In the old days I could never get into US Blues, mainly because it was always and only an encore, and seemed too trite. But I think this band does it really well and gives it a little more power and I like it more than the good Ole Grateful Dead themselves. How incredibly refreshing.

As much as I like to root on Bobby for singing Jerry tunes (not because he does it, but because of how it sounds when he does it), Scarlet is so much better with him instead of Phil. Nothing like if PLQ would have Rob sing it, but still much better than Phil. Thank God they spared us the Fire. Once a tour is enough (well, too much), and I got one in Mansfield. Fire is the only tune I've ever seen a post-Jerry band do that I really with they'd just put away. Or have someone else sing.

Ok, enough for now. Can't wait for PLQ in the fall...

RALLY>CHAR BROILED PHISH!!! CAN'T FUCKING WEIGHT!!!

johnny b good has to be a tongue in cheek Kerry message. not even weir would play a song that often.

I missed this PNC show, but I am going today. With the way they have been splitting up songs/pairs, I just KNOW that we are going to get Fire tonight.....

MICKEY, PLEASE LET SOMEONE ELSE SING!!!!

I know this sounds un-grateful, but the rap just doesn't do it for me. I like the idea of Rob and the Q though.....

John Kerry has been using JBG at the end of his stump speaches, just heard that on NPR this morning.

Thank you God - PNC was great - they have sounded great every time I have seen them there. I was really kinda low after Mansfield which I thought really bit in terms of energy - from the band. Last night they played great, sounded great - lovin' it. It wouldn't be as interesting if people didn't b*tch the morning after but absolutely no complaints about the scene and sound last night. Everybody have a great time - and I would rather hear Mickey than not at all. Agreed - Fire tonight and tho I haven't flipped back - I think Just A Little Light.

People don't move at the Sarah McLachlan show which made last night even better.

>>>>John Kerry has been using JBG at the end of his stump speaches, just heard that on NPR this morning.


Thank God GWB isn't using Dark Star or St Stephen or we'd never hear them played again.

looks like a great setlist i am hopeing for a fire on the mountain tonight would really bring my soul alive

art

Glad they got them all out in one night

Liberty
West LA
Day between
Built to last

Barely liked those when jerry sang them and I love every other song Jerry ever sang! really broke the stride each time.

Cant wait for tonight
Shakedown
help slip
Eyes
Low Spark

all due soon enough.

Here's my review of the show.

First off, you may not have known, but if you bring 10 nonperishable items, you will get a free poster. It helps local food banks and the poster is pretty cool. I saw the Stanley Mouse poster - pretty cool - they may be substituting Billy's artwork for the next round of posters.

Generally, Warren is a great addition to the Dead and besides performing well in his own right, covers for a lot of Bob's miscues and lyrical gaffes.
Jimmy sounds great depending upon where you stand but its clear that he can play anything, any note, any lick, anytime he pleases. He's that damn good. Jeff has come into his own on keyboards - he could be turned up a little brighter in the mix, but his performance added great color and texture to the show. Phil was his usual animated self. Vigorous nods of assent and full body wiggles - good stuff! Mickey and Billy, like a fine wine, get better with age.

Candace's light and on the backdrop screens remain killer as always.

I have been seeing shows since 1985. The first three songs out of the chute were great. Great jams, great playing, band warmed up and raring to go.

They lost a little energy on the new song, Time Never Ends, but Warren was pretty into the performance.

Cumberland Blues was great and well jammed, when Phil took his verse, the place erupted. "a lot of poor man got the Cumberland Blues, he can't win for losing, a lot of poor man got to walk the line, just to pay his union dues." Old Glory was billowing in the strong breeze above the lawn.

Come Together was great....really strong followup by Warren.

Down the Road Again was as good as it gets....it's a nice melody and Mickey's vocals and diction were crisp and to the point.

Dire Wolf was great....our friends showed up mid-set.

Liberty was a debacle mostly due to Bobby. I am sorry to cast aspersions, but maybe Bob needs reading glasses. Or maybe he should take an hour to read the lyrics before the show, kinda like cramming the short term memory before an exam.

Warren's backup / trading lyrics was okay. Whatever, the band tried to save Bobby by jamming out the song; alas, Bobby would have none of it, waving the band off declaring, "I'm gonna find my own way home" and he barely escaped and got out of the song. He fumbled the end jam by spewing lyrics over the closing notes. Song over,Bob mumbled something about voting which was even less intelligible than his reading of Liberty.

On to set II. Scarlet was a great opener and played in a 1974 style start to finish with a nice jam and wrapped up with a nice bow. Beautiful.

Doin That Rag was smokin'. Great. Excellent reading of the song by Warren. Band firing on all pistons. Except for Bobby - his gel screen / teleprompter went out mid song. There was a tech crew on stage trying to repair. Bobby looked lost so the band jammed around him.

Okay, so here's the 3-2 count with men on base and Bobby gives us . . . West LA.
A one way ticket to Clunkerville.

Song Selection - C'mon Bobby, with all the material that you have, the best you can pull out is West LA? You just released a greatest hits album, is there nothing in YOUR repertoire that you can think of playing that you have to play tripe like that song.

Band Following - no way. Phil vetoed the song. He was so bent about playing it that he stopped. In fact the whole band stopped. Warren and Jimmy and Phil tried to start some other jam - anything but West LA - but Bobby, was non-plussed and went there anyway.

Well, that was a great bathroom break and the song was still going when we exited the bathroom.

Alright, Phil had to repair the damage and repair it he did with a stellar version of New Potato Caboose. Phil was so on the lyrics, showing Bob and everyone that he's still got it - sitll got it?, why, he never lost IT. Furthermore, Warren's backup vocals harmonizing were perfect. Incredible harmonies. Bob, we got you covered, just sit tight and play rhythm guitar and keep your mouth shut. Great NPC. Tremendous. The energy level is back up in the set.

Bobby brought us back with an okay version of Looks Like Rain - extra side of cheese not held back.

Warren delivered the Passenger safely home and then hit a nice lick into drums. I think that Warren would have stayed out longer if given the chance.

Drums were cool but mellow. Mickey didn't beat the hell out of the beam tonight, but it was a nice segment nevertheless.

Lilting and long jam out of space - hints of other tunes and then a lugubrious and well intentioned slow reading of Days Between.

This was so mellow and laid back but lyrically, perfect and Jimmy's guitar was right on. I think this may have been as hot a version as I can remember. But it was a long version and pretty mellow.

The last three songs were cobbled togethter wholecloth because there was no where left to go after the Throwing Stones. I would say that Warren nailed the Built to Last which excited Phil greatly. It was a hot Built to Last, but when you look at the song selection, in the context of the rest of the set, they got stuck in the genre and stayed there. Warren and Jimmy smoked the Throwin' Stones Jam. They could have gone on forever. Similarly, Jimmy was playing classic licks on the US Blues.

Donor Rap was well articulated.
Bobby redid the voting rap stating "If all the deadheads in FLORIDA voted, then we would have a far different country than we do today." Well New Jersey delivered Gore in 2000 but whatever, spread the gospel and register to vote.

And then Johnny B. Goode followed by a group bow and commisseration amongst band members.

I am hoping for a little more belly of the beast at Jones Beach - a little more OOOMPH - and perhaps, a little practice by Bobby.

C'mon Bobby, if I can prepare for the bar exam and learn my lessons, you can perform well too.

See you at Jones.

Show was a stinker,Days Between had me thinking of jumping off a bridge. They HAVE to drop that one and Built to last imho.lets hope for more upbeat tonite!!

Excellent review Ben!

Well I was all fired up to do a song by song review, but you just pretty much summed it up. One thing I was thinking about last night on the way out, was the fact that they almost *have* to play shows like this once in a while so that they can save up big tunes for the real monsters every now and again. They tend to keep the bar pretty consistently high, but they still need to lower it a notch every now and again, and they sure did last night. To think that a couple nights ago the 2nd set was ChinaUncleJohnsTerrapinDewRider DS GoldenViolaMidnightHourViolaSatNite. I mean, every one of those tunes absolutely blisters. Last night instead of GoldenViolaMidnightHourViolaSatNite we get freakin' DaysBetweenThrowinUpBuiltToLimpUselessBlues. We frequently talk around here about how on the right night, it doesn't matter what the setlist is if they're on fire. Like first night Great Woods was amazing on paper, but I didn't think they were playing all that well. 2nd night Great Woods was weak as hell on paper, but I thought they ripped it up given the weak song selections. Last night, it wouldn't have mattered if they were playing as well as they possibly could (they weren't) - there's just no way to pump up those tunes after space. And I love JBG, and have no problem hearing it a 2nd time this tour, but it wasn't played *nearly* as well as Great Woods.

West LA: I always think I hate it, but then when I hear it, it gets me moving. I'd never listen to it at home or in the car, but live it kinda smokes.

Built to Last: I like Warren' sversion, but it's a bit slow to follow Days Between. I saw it at Pine Knob and the first set is where it belongs.

Days Between: A bit slow for this band. Jerry had the pathos to pull it off, but even his versions are a bit slow. Dropping this one wouldn't hurt them.

US Blues / JB Goode: A double wammy to close the show on a useless note. Good political stance, but not musically too inviting. Just like We Can Run: good message, stupid song.

Hi everyone - here's a fun question:

How was the Shakedown in the lot last night, and what's expected for tonight?

My mom has been hand making fun colored furry flip flops, and I've been telling her they'd sell on the lot. She's not a head and has never been to the lot, and is a little trepidatious. I'm hoping there was a nice big shakedown with lots of variety and minimal hassles. Did any of you get to see it?

Thanks! - and if you see her tonight, say hi!
-Jason

Why are there all those >'s after every song? As they've been doing all tour, they basically never jammed. Songs are played great, they stop, then start another one. Sometimes the music doesn't technically come to a 100% stop, but them just noodling around aimlessly for a half minute while they load the teleprompter with the next set of lyrics doesn't really count as a transition does it?

i thought it was a mellow played show, some highlights, i liked the US BLUES n Johnny B Goode, and some others Come Togethor. Nice summer night at the Jersey Arts Center, lots of cool people, they would not allow back packs or cameras in, but it was good to see Mickey n Billy again, and Weir sang Okay, Warren and Jimmy could of been hotter, Jeff was good. Hey atleast they are still playing.

I really liked the venue. Although they kept the aisles clear, everyone seemed pretty mellow about doing it. Without even realizing it, I walked into the show with a full beer in a cup - first time I've ever had that happen at a show.

So why the hell can't they turn it up? Out of 4 shows this summer, I saw 4 where it wasn't nearly loud enough, no matter where I went. The best sound we could find last night was up on the hill, directly in front of one of the speakers. And even there, I could carry on a conversation in a very low tone of voice. If you're at a rock 'n roll show, you should have to shout in your neighbor's ear if you want to talk. This is nothing new - I never thought the GD were loud enough either - but why do they do it? They have such incredible, clear sound, but you can't *feel* it. Phil's bombs sound nice, but they don't rattle my ribcage in the least. Drums are fun, but I didn't feel one tooth rattle.

The lights and backdrop were absolutely beautiful the whole time.

redtide,
techinacally as you say > means a segue. like china>rider, but these guys tend to use that for any noodles if there is no complete silence.

every once in a while you get a purist who announces b4 writing thier set-list that they only mark true segues, this is rare but precise.

but cmon kidz we know what a real segue is, cornell 77 stephen>fade>stephen...classic(especially the soloing on NFA)!
Honestly I dont get all the complaints about mansfield(except the cops sucked), 1st night was sick! Really good and tight segue in the Scarlet>Fire, and even though slipknot! was very short, it was tight as a drum and a perfect franklin's segue.

i was there, its my opinion, not a fact!
see ya charlotte>ATLanta

the dead havent been loud enuff since around when brent died. dont know why but they got quieter and quieter as the 90's unfolded. In 93 @ soldier Field i was right by the floor speaker collumn and as you said, was not loud enuff.

One thing that the GD sound did alot that the dead's does not is fade in and out like and acid trip. I never heard a louder show than NYE 1980,
but even that cant compare to the stones in 84 we are talkin helen keller after the show!!!!

Nice reading here..thank you all for posting..

Jason..Tell your Mom good luck with the furry flip flop vending..(I love this place..)

best show yet

>>Phil vetoed the song. He was so bent about playing it that he stopped. In fact the whole band stopped. Warren and Jimmy and Phil tried to start some other jam - anything but West LA - but Bobby, was non-plussed and went there anyway.

i might actually believe that if they weren't using setlists, but sounds more like projection on the part of the reviewer to me, rather than what actually happened. maybe they did stop, but hard to believe that that's the reason. pretty funny though

Hey Mule - Have you been at any other shows this tour? I'm curious since most reviews rate last night as far from the "best show yet".

>>>Days Between: A bit slow for this band. Jerry had the pathos to pull it off, but even his versions are a bit slow. Dropping this one wouldn't hurt them.


Days Between couldn't be pulled off by The Dead, and although Warren's voice was pitched perfectly this song STILL SUCKS...always did in my mind, always will.

I loved this show. Having no expectations and a very open mind to it all, gotta say I am loving these shows. It ain't all looking for the Jerry thang, it ain't The Pup, it isn't really a JamBand...pick a tune, we will play it, and you will have fun.

I found last night's show very danceable, the crowd super pleasant, the sound on the lawn the best of the shows I have seen.

Bobby, to me, has NEVER sounded better (and I am covering many years in that statement). His vocals are just right on. No over drama, no slur, and if he spaces the lyrics who gives a shit. Name any other band that is on its first tour ever, with not alot of practice that has the repetoire the Dead has going on, and I think I may say "Bullshit", show me the deck.

The setlists are wonderful...thoughtful.

My highlights...the killer freaking solos in West LA, Looks Like Rain, Passenger, and Down the Road Again are all fabulous.

Down the Road Again last night was downright excellent. Mickey's vocals as good as they get, the real smiles from the band members...

I don't think this band will ever achieve the heady heights that P&F did, but I think it really was the magic of MOLO and BARRACO that made that band THE FORCE. They are the missing links. The drummers just don't have me realizing that is what I am listening to...I don't "go off" and land in a MOLO Bomb. Jeff is, well, this isn't critical the way it will sound, but Jeff is just inoffensive. Nothing to love, can't pick it apart. Just there. His highlight, for me, was the solo in West LA. I don't do the Pup, so I am left assuming that they have done multiple great renditions of LA, and that Jeff is a big part of that. I just really miss Rob's voice, and his keyboard enunciations. I miss them alot.

Warren Haynes vocals every evening, but especially last night, are the perfect blend, backup or lead. Vocally, the band's music is as tight as I have ever heard.

Rain isn't everyone's fave, but it sure as hell has a big place in my heart. It used to be one of my favorite Jerry tunes, and last night filled up that empty place in my heart. Lovely, lovely rendition with Haynes and Herring paying such sweet respect while making it their own, and again, perfect vocals by Bobby.

Not looking for anything. Just let them serve it up..dinner with my hometown buds made for a wonderful time.


>>>Have you been at any other shows this tour? I'm curious since most reviews rate last night as far from the "best show yet".


I have been to four others this tour, and this was by far the best musical show I have seen...by far.

Alex man as interminably long as you thought days between was. It doesnt hold a candle to your interminably long and arduous point by point review. I mean ya tried to fuse it with positive points but the negativity far outweighed any "good vibes" you tried to project. I hate reviewing shows but I feel the need to counter you.And I will later. But heres a hint stop fucking critiqueing every fuckin note. Sometimes shows are fun and bouncy.Sometimes the are evil and psychodelic. Sometimes they are sad and touching.Sometimes simply fucking atrocious. Last night was a beautiful show for what it was. This is why I have seen over 400 shows because its always fucking different. Tell your friend that he saw a great show because he did. And stop being so fucking critical. I think the review section should be closed.

Firstly, let me say there ain't no place I'd rather be then seeing a show on a Tuesday night 1 hour from house. And, I know this band isn't PLQ, nor are they trying to be. I thought the first 3 quarters were pretty solid, not great, but solid. But, the fourth quarter, Days, LLR, Built to Last, US Blues was so weak! It was a like a funeral procession IMHO. None of them we're even played well. I guess looking the bright side, I won't have to hear any of them in Jones Beach!!!!

the show was alright it had some highlight's which for me none more so than the scarlet>rag. post space wasn't doing it for me besides btl, first set was pretty cool, fumble during good times but nice recovery into sunshine solid btw, cumberland and wolf were sweet. for me it wasn't as good as saturday but tonight we will see. I also enjoyed hunter's set very much, and I am almost 100% sure warren will be playing the mulevan tonight say like 5:45 or there around so there i'll be.

Ok, rather than going into detail and offering insight into specific songs - like one would do, say, in a "reviews" section, I'll keep it short:

It was a very mediocre show, easily the weakest of 4 I saw this tour.

Is that really more helpful? What's the point of reviews without the detail? And if you're not interested in the details, or in reviews, then what the fuck are you here for? Wouldn't it be easier to "change the channel" then say the tv should be turned off so that nobody else can watch it?

I infused my review with positive points because there were lots of them. It's a god damned review. Why would I only talk about the bad points, or the good points? Shows go up and down. Reading song by song reviews can help people who weren't there understand the ebb and flow of the show. First set absolutely smoked. Passenger ripped. I even loved West LA, a tune I don't like. But the overwhelming feeling I came away with is that it just wasn't a great show, mainly because it was so weak going down the stretch.

Don't you find it more annoying for someone to give a (partially) negative review without offering any reasons why? And if you don't care, then why bother reading any reviews? It makes no sense.

In 21 years of touring, that was unquestionably the worst song selection I have *ever* seen post-space, by a long shot. Nothing else even comes to mind that could rival it. As much as I hated seeing Other One > Wharf Rat > TStones > NFA over, and over, and over, and over again from the late 80's on, I would *much* rather have seen that sequence last night. At least those are 4 solid, 2nd set tunes to chew on.

It's great that some people can go to a show and love every note that comes out. But many of us listen with a more critical ear, and like to talk about the highs when they get there, but don't mind pointing out the lows. It's all part of the package. That's why we go back night after night. I bet you they blow the roof off the place tonight. They did all first set songs last night, smart money says they do tons of 2nd set tunes tonight.

Bottom line, man, is if you don't want to read reviews, you really should find a better place to hang out than a reviews board...

take a looky at the Scranton set list and do you really think this was weaker???

OK alex thanks.I will go away now.

Hate to tell ya Phish jammed out some old favorites last night, gonna jam even better tonight!! At least they still know HOW to jam. Any good jams at this show? The shows I saw, not very good jamming. Dickey Betts in Northampton tomorrow night, the real deal, not his fill-in Warren!

Bob can you go away as well?

No, these guys aren't jamming at all. And that's ok. They play the shit out of the songs. It's a big ol' rave up dance party. As I've said a few times around these parts, it's sort of like seeing PLQ play Dark Star Orchestra versions of Grateful Dead tunes, except they're way better than DSO and not nearly as exciting (note, I didn't say they're not as good) as PLQ. But if you want long explorations, 20 minute Dark Stars, 15 minute Shakedowns, or whatever, you won't find 'em here. It's all very tight. Kind of a nice change of pace, really. Even Here Comes Sunshine - one of the few tunes last night that even normally gives the option to jam - seemed very short. I could be wrong, but I'd guess about 6 or so minutes.

Last night Cumberland -> Come Together was clearly the highlight for me, and it just smoked. I also really liked Down the Road, which is a nice change of pace for a Mickey song. It's the only one I've heard him do that I thought he actually sounds pretty good. I thought it was much better as SPAC, but still enjoyed it last night.

Oh so you are the one that came up with that brilliant analogy about phil and friends playing darkstar versions of grateful dead. That is so witty.can you say it more?

> OK alex thanks.I will go away now.

When?

Much better show than Sunday!

First two set a nice mood and there was lyric that struck me during HCS that made me glad I decided to make the trip up and not get off the bus after Sunday.

Black Throated Wind was a great version...Bobby on and when he's not confusing the hell out of the band with all of his quirkiness they really get behind him and did on this one.

nice hoe-down for Cumberland and loved the COme Together. Down the Road was well played. It was timed well for me because I was with a very close friend who was attending his first show, at 30 yrs of age. He was already groovin but I explained the sentimentality of the lyrics of this one to him. WHat a great experience for me..honestly looked at this guy I have known my entire life and felt like I saw him free for the first time in his life-beautiful!

I had been waiting for a Direwolf and Liberty was pretty standard.

Scarlet was kinda weak. I think Bobby threw them a little with his wackiness. I think Scarlet is a launching pad-Always love a Scarlet-Fire, even cooler with a twist but this just melted down to nothing and all of a sudden doin' that rag. I'm actually so used to Barraco that I think I may have actually missed him for the first time on this one-maybe it was Liberty as well but it was ok.

Loved West L.A. although nothing like Darien last year when Dylan sang it. My first Potato Caboose-I have to say I really didn;t get it but it may have been me...

Looks like Rain was beautiful and Bobby had the crowd riveted. Jimmy doesn;t peer around those dark corners like Ol' Jer but he played beautifully last night and works so well with Bobby when Warren stays out of the way.

Passenger rocked as usual.

Drums>Space-good stuff

WHY DO THEY INSISIT ON PUTTING EVERYONE TO SLEEP AFTER DRUMS AND SPACE?????????????????

it get sso slow and mellow that the crowd never seems to recover.

ENOUGH WARREN BALLADS!!!!!!!

WHY DIDN;T PHIL SING DAYS BETWEEN??????I loved the way Phil used to do it!-who the hell is this Warren haynes guy and can we send him back where he came from?

Bobby shined on Throwing STones and the groove was thick,fat and nasty!

Nice job on Built to Last and U.S. Blues was very well played.

Loved the U.S. Blues edning JBG encore-OLD SCHOOL JERSEY- way to go boys.

I'll rip[ Warren later and give my theory on the politics of this band but I did enjoy last night's show and want to keep things positive...looking forward to tonight and a huge blowout at Jones Beach this weekend!

>Oh so you are the one that came up with that brilliant analogy about phil and friends playing darkstar versions of grateful dead. That is so witty.can you say it more? <

Sorry, I forgot. You're the guy who doesn't like to read things that help describe the music in the reviews section.

Flame wars are fun and all, but let's put it to rest. You're probably a nice guy in person, no reason to wreck that image any more than you already have.

peace,
Alex

thanks to all for your reviews/reflections...
i really enjoy reading everyone's perspective...

i'm looking forward to jones beach this weekend!

My image is tarnished?

Peace bro.

Youre welcome flower guy

I think Q4 of last night was much weaker then Scranton. At least in Scranton you got a Mason's which beats the shit out of any of the tunes they played in Q4 last night.

If last night (which I missed) is in the same league as Scranton (which i attended), then I am hoping the boys can rally tonight! I am optimistic since they rarely seem to miss two shows in a row.

I for 1 really like Days Between tho havent heard Warren sing it yet.

>...I'll rip[ Warren later and give my theory on the politics of this band ...

New board topic..BAND POLITICS...

ARE YOU A ZONACRAT OT A PHILPUBLICAN.?

JUSTA DEADHEAD!

This probably could go as its own thread, since it's not specific to last night, but what do people think of Jeff? After Great Woods and SPAC I thought he seemed decent, but was never turned up loud enough to really hear and give a good chance. I thought he was louder some of the time last night, and I also spent much more time watching and listening closely to him. My conclusion was that he's not that good. I think someone said "inoffensive" around here, and that's exactly what I was thinking last night. The thing I realized last night was that when Rob was there, he very frequnetly was the most exciting and interestin thing happening in the music. I would say Jeff is virtually never the most exciting thing happening, even when he was the one taking the solo. Good energy, decent playing, but he seemed to me much more of a studio backup-type guy than an equal member of the band who can take charge of the music. His playing seemed a little ham-fisted to me - just bangin away at a few chords, rather than dancing around up and down the keys like Rob does. He certainly doesn't detract from the music, but I don't find he adds a hell of a lot. What do others think?

Sorry Alex but your conclusion about Jeff is wrong. He is an extremely talented and downright freaky keyboardist.

re jeff: speaking as a left coaster (hence attended concerts are now kinda old), a jeff highlight was "minglewood" at shoreline ... WOW. but most of time, a background guy. (maybe it's just fond recollections of last year, but i for one remember more barroco highlights from last summer than jeff highlights from this summer).

but if it's keys highlights you want (as well as GREAT jerry vocals), bring back bruuuuuuuuuce ...

Bruce was a pussy. I saw a view from the vault the other day and to be quite honest I just have a very difficult time looking at him.

I hear what you are saying about Jeff "banging some chords" However I don;t think it is hisfault. this is a big, loud band that plays very heavy. There is a lot of confusion on stage and from what I've seen sometimes Jeff thinks he is soloing and one of the gunslingers will take right over or he doesn;t think he is soling and they all juts drop out and look at him. He always recoverswell but I think he pounds the keys so he can be heard

just a deadhead

I thought the last great GD shows were with Bruce in the band. Much like Warren seems to push everyone around him and make them play better (see Bobby), Bruce seemed to egg Jerry on to some great stuff. At first, anyway. But I would much, much rather hear Rob sing (fast) Jerry tunes than anyone out there now.

>Sorry Alex but your conclusion about Jeff is wrong. He is an extremely talented and downright freaky keyboardist.<
Yeah, he's very talented. Didn't notice the freakiness, but I'll take your word for it. He's just not nearly as good as Rob, and it's hard not to compare. But, oddly enough, I was right with my first statement, and you were wrong. Funny how that works!

;-)

I am never wrong.

You guys did an excellent review song by song. It was an off night with the exceptions of a few songs: Cumberland, NPC, Days Between (i liked it). But other than that this band is not as powerful as it was last year or even as the other ones.

Jeff simply put is a misfit for this band. He adds nothing. What a horrible choice. I wish they could have added Barraco instead. But I'm sure that would not fly with Bobby. Might as well not have keys on this tour if it is Jeff.

Bob really does not have his shit together. I have read reviews and last night was my first show but it seems to be in line that he messes shit up. Tripped all over Come Together, Liberty, Doin' That Rag, and others. Not only that, he is leading the band? Phil needs to step up I think he defers to Bob for some strange reason. Bob cannot lead a band.

The sound is too muddy. Too many guitars crossing all over one another and Jimmy is was too low in the mix. Last night they did not show me that they had any power. It might have been the venue but they missed oppurtunities to really punch it through. Again from what I witnessed when Warren or Jimmy had the chance to take the lead after a lyric Bob through it over to Jeff who did nothing. Jimmy would try to bring it back up but the groove was lost.

I think last night was an off night. I can't make tonights show but will be in attendace for Friday and Saturday nights! I really can't wait to see what they play tonight so I can predict Jones.

Matty

I really thought it was a bright and bouncy fun show. It all depends where you are,who your with and where your heads at. It was a fun night for me because I was back stage for the first time in 24 years. I stayed there for most of the first set.Sound sucks back there though.Its funny looking at these guys from that perspective. They look like your run of the mill wackjobs. I then went out to dance with my fellow spinners on phils side and the sound was loud and crisp. I thought the second set was great. Here is a hint to enjoy any show. DANCE!and dance hard with the right people. I feed off that energy. The dead are so much more then the songs.

Amen!!!! No matter what the boys have on the slate for any given night sit back and enjoy regardless if you have seen better from them. Enjoy while it lasts.

Amen to all of that but you can still be critical. To each their own...and I was dancin!

Matty

Hey Brandon aka BigRiver - To answer your question a 101 shows between '77 -'95. By the way how was that scarlet rag?

Scarlet was quite good. I can't stand it when Phil sings it, but Bobby did a decent job. Well, he flailed on quite a few lyrics, but in general I thought his delivery was solid, and the music was good. Rag was also fun, but didn't pack anywhere near the punch that it does with PLQ. But it was a treat to have Warren do it and not Bobby, so I was happy.

the show was very laid back and bright and bouncy i agree, and if you still love the dead you should catch em while you can

>Here is a hint to enjoy any show. DANCE!and dance hard with the right people. I feed off that energy. The dead are so much more then the songs.

Mike, I think that is the most insightful post I've ever seen from you. I totally agree, if you go to one of these shows, go to have a good time and you will!

as for the show last night, I thought it was pretty good. there were definitely a lot of flubbed lyrics, but that's ok by me. Doin That Rag was sweet, so was New Potatoe. One comment I will make though is it seems like at every show they come out of space with a slow song. I wish they'd really rock it out. tonight and jones beach will be awesome, I'm betting. tons of great songs are seriously due. see you all tonight.

Alex Pozzy:

You get my email of the other day? I didn't realize you were here, too. I guess I need to pay better attention.... :-)

Yeah, the show last night was something of a clunker, but that's why we drive and drive and hope for the best. Sure had a good time at the show even if the show itself was weak. Boy, that Cumberland sure smoked, though.

And they have GOT to stop playing "Days Between".

Onward down the east coast!

Scott R.

Last night was my 5th show of the summer after having seen 3 at Red Rocks and then catching SPAC just a week or so ago. Had never been to PNC before and was surprised as the image I had (generic shed) couldn't have been further from what it actually is - a really, sweet, cozy, intimate little amphitheatre with an easy slope and a mellow scene. Great shakedown set-up as well with no hassles. As for the show, like other reviewers here, I was let down. Note to those attending tonight: the lines to get in were backed up about 15 minutes. Plus, the band came out well before 8PM which is the time I mistakenly suspected they'd open. Got in at about a quarter of and Here Comes Sunshine was already underway. By the time I made it to my seats (2nd row center!), Black Throated Wind had already wound down. Thus, I am in no position to comment on the first 3 tunes. Unfortunately, I don't feel particularly qualified to discuss the middle of the set either as the sound up front was abysmal! That said, away we go...

My brother was lucky enough to score the seats and bestowed them upon me when he was unable to go. A very kind gesture indeed that didn't fare too well for us in the long run. Musically, it was crystal but vocally it was attrocious - Bob's vocals just didn't transmit with any clarity up front unless he was singing harmony. For what it's worth, I never think the sound is very good in the first 5 rows as compared to 20 rows back (or the lawn!) but PNC was particularly bad in this dep't in my opinion. Mix in the overly territorial and aggressive set of fans that so often muck up the first few rows and you end up with a less than ideal scenario. But what you lose in sound you gain in visibility and I really enjoyed watching Bobby and Warren buckle down to the new tune, Time Never Ends. Come Together also had some strong moments and I am really digging the sound of Bob & Warren singing co-lead despite Weir's reliance on the prompter for much of this one. During Down the Road, we decided to seek an improvement in both sound and sanctuary and hit the lawn. Ahhhh. So much better. Enjoyed Dire Wolf immensely. I was never one for Liberty to begin with so I took the opportunity to get a head start to the bathroom and beer line.

I thought Scarlet was pretty sweet and well-played. I don't recall the solos as particularly shimmering but again it was tight and bode well for the rest of the set. Doin That Rag was quite good as well but here's where song selection became an issue - obviously, this is always a matter of personal preference but I don't think this was a great place to drop this tune. It is difficult to articulate but the word thast comes to mind is flow. For my ears, Scarlet>Rag just doesn't flow (that sentence reads a bit funny, huh?!!). I don't know - I guess I feel like the energy of Scarlet to begin a set is not very well sustained when the following tune is not particulary rocking or bouncy (not to disrespect Doin' That Rag as i really do love that song on it's own merit). West LA and NPC were fun but it wasn't until the LLR and Passenger that this 'head found his sweet spot. LLR was terrific and Jimmy sparkled here. Passenger had great energy and force as usual. Nothing that ripped beyond control but still oh-so-good. I must say that I am in comnplete agreement with many others on this board that the "4th Quarter" was a bummer. Days Between was closer to Years Between - interminable, plodding, and lacking the counterpoint delicacy that so often makes those quiet, crystalline moments shine. Again, just my 2 cents but man did it seem slooooooooooow! Yes, that pace is by design but I felt that the song would have been far more enjoyable had Warren annunciated more. Great soul behind them words but so very challenging to follow those words in this particular case without bending an ear in a big way. Throwin' Stones was perfunctory. Major fuckup out of the jam back into the verse, though
Again, bad song selection. Days was so meandering that it would have been a lot more joyous had they gone up-tempo. Anyhow, thereafter Built To last was great and Phil really, really enjoyed himself on this one - so animated on the bridge! Us Blues - well-played but a bit of a letdown considering how badly this crowd would have benefited from a Sugar Mags or Lovelite or Good Lovin', etc. JGB - good fun.

All in all, as always, I was so happy to be there. Never have I not had fun nor felt lucky to be alive at a show. But we all keep coming back in search of those moments. Seldom is the band "on" for the whole show but even when things a bit off often are the times when one half of a set catches fire or one suite of songs rains X factor all over the crowd. I just didn't get that last night. Very few moments, little momentum. Judging from the crowd on the lawn, many felt this way. Never quite felt like the whole place was in the pocket, so to speak.

Look out tonight, people - my money is on one hell of a show. Wish I could be there with y'all.

PPL complaining about JBG. They have played it 5 times so far. Maybe if they put it somewhere else in the show might shake things up a bit.
It would be so cool if they did the Peter Tosh version.

Dave

>>>Bruce was a pussy.

WTF??????????????????????????????

Nevermind its not even worth it and not the vibe of this thread.

take a looky at the Scranton set list and do you really think this was weaker???

Having been to Tenn., Red Rocks, PHX, Shoreline,
Alpine, Pine Knob, Boston,Saratoga and Scranton I have to say the Scranton Set List fits together better than any other, it also produced the best jams--Keep on Growing (1st set) and the Best Opener (Sugar Mag.-> The Weight
->Into The Mystic) The 2nd Set in Scranton with The 11, William Tell, Banyan Tree produced the best (2nd set jams) In what ways was this set list or show weak, please help me understand??

I've got to agree with Alex...I feel I was definately watching the same show. I mean, when was the last time I saw US Blues as a closer??? Never...for good reason, it's not a closer, or not until last night. As far as Jeff is concerned, I too think this band would be a lot better with Rob. Firstly, they don't seem to have him turned up loud enough and second, he just doesn't seem to wail at all!!!! But, I guess there's politics in every business. I'll be back for more...

Couple things, some how last years line-up works better then this one. And I'm no Warren basher, I love the guy, saw caught his solo act on
Monday. But he should run away from this project and fast. Anyhow, I'm done for this yea, last night was my 3rd and last show I sold tonight's tickets. Secondly, Built and West LA, I love these songs, I could do without Helena Bucket & Desperado just off the top of me head. Loved hearing both those songs through the 80's!!! Check out the words to Built it's like Jerry's answering to all the expectations that have been foisted upon him, and West LA love the Belushi over tones, and the whole "junky" sound and feel of it...

>>>>ENOUGH WARREN BALLADS!!!!!!! WHY DIDN;T PHIL SING DAYS BETWEEN??????I loved the way Phil used to do it!-who the hell is this Warren haynes guy and can we send him back where he came from?>>>>

Well, we in Mule land will gladly take him off the Dead's hands. :-)

Hey Dick Dawg,
You're a jerk.
Have a nice day.

Well, this show was decent. The good times opener was slow paced to start and built up some steem towards the end. Here Comes Sunshine also was a little slow paced but was still decent. Black Throated Wind, to me, continued a rather slow paced beginning though I was fine with the song selection. Warren's new tune was not bad but I will need to hear it more to really say anything. Cumberland Blues was nice and sort of ended the slow pace. It would have been even better but the band seemed to slow down at certain places and then build back up. This is happening a lot. Come Together was great and may have been the best recieved song of the set. Down the road was also real good and again cooked. Liberty was fine but I'm sick of it. Scarlet was an easy call and was a decent version but the Doin tha rag was real sweet for me. Not to slow and Warren pretty much has this tune down. I was into WESTLA and I like the way Bob does it. This version kept up Bob's treatment of this tune. New Potato>Looks like rain>passenger was likely the highlight of the show. All of this was what we drive so far for. I especially liked the Passenger placement. Nice surprise. After d/s Days between was just too slow. I like the tune but Warren had it so slow that it was just to slow. A tad something is needed there. The Throwing Stones was Dead on and I found the Built to last by Warren to be fine. Not the ideal placement but after drums/space, I like surprises and that goes for U.S. Blues which was jammed. Johnny B. Goode I am basically sick of. Decent show especially for those who like to shake their bones......peace.

this show was the worst post-dead experience of my POST DEAD career. i was in the 5th row for the encore and there were empty seats everywhere.

plain and simple, IT BLEW! big time. musically.

but what did not blow was me finding some friends from on here and having a hoot with them. GOOD TIME PEOPLE! as always and ill see yous at the next one. have fun at jones beach.

>>>>> this show was the worst post-dead experience of my POST DEAD career.

Dude, and you wrote this AFTER the Wed show?!?!?!?

Go see Hookah, I heard from all the lot-rat kids that they REALLY SUCK!!!!!

Forty Three Point Five
The PNC Pinata – part one

If you want to get an itchy trigger finger about shows, take a tip from me. Don’t go to the blowout weekend run right before, this year @ Camden. Instead - listen to your friends who ARE there shimmer and glow and WOOOOHOOO while you calmly (?) pack your bags for Jersey ….waiting….glancing sideskance at setlists….worried you’ll see Unbroken Chain on one and end up missing it.

And then the day comes….sunny, hot….PNC! An early errand grants me a TRUE early start…much to my hosts’ chagrin : )
I drive to Lites’ & Robin’s…they had graciously agreed to put me up after the PNC shows….I arrive with White Star and pop the cork, 10 A….but sadly I seem to be the only one drinking champagne? My arrival is rather disruptive, but I, with oomph, get the engine of the train stoked. Apparently my hosts have been up late chatting with the Gypsy Girls – Mermaid & SuperK….Right the Frick ON! Last saw these girls on a field in Tennesee and our reunion has been too long in coming. Rally with Fritz…..we’re off to Wookie Lot 8.

Like last year, it’s a party and a half…Rich and Ron, Robin’s brothers join us….sippin beers in the sunshine….Flo adds some condiments to our Stoned Wheat Thins and we’re off to the races. We have fun down there….but it’s a little far away from all the rest of people (par example, the Mule Van : (), even though Dan and Schmegg do tromp down find us. Mermaid & K take a spunny lost girl under their wing….this same girl hands me a cup of soda when I’m looking for my Diet Coke as we peel out for the show – YUCK! It’s Fritz’s bourbon & coke – blech blech blech. But eventually, in that super sun, we start the long walk up to the castle…the venue. It was like this last year, my first year at PNC….blazing sun (in 03, after buckets of rain all along the tour….), high hopes for tonight, for ALL that follows. (This is start of my final 6 this run.) As you may recall I posted a wishlist of songs to be played, “due”(??) before going down. Ah yes, high hopes indeed.

Going in “early” we miss what apparently became hectic security…after the Mansfield Shakedown, this was smooth like buttah. Restrooms, refreshments….and a two step leads me to the lawn with a damn good friend. : )
And we’re OFF!!! (oh YEAH are we evaaaaah)

GET IN THE GROOVE and
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLLLLLLLLLL

Little did I know I’d be trying to do that, get in the groove, all night. (ALL NIGHT!!!) LTGTR – a song I heard very few times with the GD (maaaaybe twice, after missin the one at the Knick in 90 bc of Security - laaaame), but I have plenty of favorite tapes that start this way. The lawn is a sweet buzz of shuffle and shake…me hangin’ with GT on a blanket in the sun. When Warren hits the second verse, his vocals are so spot on….again with THE SOUL FACTOR…it’s so evident ExactLY why he’s in THIS band. Even Bob, with his little familiar riffs, his cadence & delivery….it’s somehow soothing in the summertime, like the old days, his voice bouncing across a field of suntanned faces….
all night
alright

and then….as if the men could hear my thoughts -
bingaboobingaboo
BUMba da da…

Here Comes SUNSHINE!!!
love Warren’s vocals, love Phil chiming in on the chorus. Not so into Bob doing Smooth Jerry. This, for me, was perhaps the hardest show of the tour….a show of WHY THIS NOW and COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF
(and in this case -
could have been better if you just let Warren do the lead vocals on this, you Freek Bob. I love ya Bob, and we’ll get to all THAT, but whywhywhy you gotta PUNCH so many of the words with POP - when you HEAR Warren just letting it pour easy from his heart….)

Jer & Hunter wrote a great one though, that chorus - and the harmonies therein - are like a brilliant sunrise, peaking, spreading, a dreamy explosion.
Ahhhhh and Jimmy. This is why we will miss him, these HCS solos that trip along the music, not Warren’s blast or sly sneak….but, reminiscent of Jerry, climbing and wrapping around the melody like the fabled arms of ivy….

See, Bob, you could have let Warren have HCS…when YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO THE fabu
BT WIND
: )
a song of YOURS that I adore. With hardly a skipped beat…Bob straps on the acoustic which gives BT Wind that light homespun road weary edge the song needs. I’m not into the Imperative Acoustic Every Night, but for BT Wind, it works. I grew to love this song on a run in college (pre 90 breakout, but only just barely, made that breakout SO SWEEEET) – at a time when all the words fit my life just perfectly, and I played it again and again and again (the “ace” phase hee hee). So….I’m not soooo into the “new words” but I’m fairly sure the lyrics are now a mélange of new & old. (i.e. we still have “drowning in you” but we get “my eyes – they were just a disguise – help them to LOOK as well as to SEE” instead of “all of their lies” and “Learn as well as to see” – dubious changes imho….

Nice drums on this. The Devils are good this tour, I think….providing gusto when necessary (like on the choruses here) but then pulling back when needed (for the verses, in this case). Crapped out ending though….could have been MORE….deserved MORE….but it’s the third song and I’m sure you’re already feeling curfew pressure, eh?

TIME NEVER ENDS
First time for me….for the band too? It’s one of those “Mick wrote but doesn’t sing”songs, and like Strange World, I think this could be finessed into radio play, if anyone wants to go there….great hooks. Just get them vocals all synched up. Warren knows the words like he’s teaching them to Bob….it ain’t all thathard, Bob. “Time Goes On….FOREVER”….like THAT….ay. Do you need glasses or is it age or what??? Listen to PHIL at least….have to say the breakdown lost oomph when Bob couldn’t find the solo cue properly, everyone shuffling around to give it some supposed finesse.
I like that the band has new songs, that they play them in good rotation with NO SHAME. There’s a lot of nostalgia here, on TD tour, but the fact that they throw out the brandy new tunes and give them GOOD TIME…well, that’s a band that’s not hangin in The Comfort Zone.

Jimmy starts leading us into the Cumberland loopdeeloop
Phil finds him…
And it’s that bouncy Cumby we all love….
And –
they almost lose it…
but Phil’s hangin on the bass line like a man who won’t let the prize catch go –
and
they fall in step.

But already I’m a little HMMMMM.
Cumberland.
Will this EVEN COME CLOSE TO A PHILCO VERSION?!?!?

Jimmy starts with a valiant effort, nice lead in solo. But can the drummers keep up with what has become a Molo showcase (and they are playing it at that tempo….)?
Will Bob melt into a puddle?
Can Jeff buoy it the way Rob bounces it like a Muppet in Ecstasy?
Well, Jeff did do a fine job. In fact, I think that from PNC on, Jeff was more prominent in the mix than the three shows I saw prior. His style (ever morphing, at least for me, who doesn’t know him from ratdog) really does fit nicely. I love Rob, but I don’t like two people switching off all the time. Let it gel, gents….and I hope you take that tactic with the BAND as well…..AHEM
Cumby matures into a good lively jam…but I’m ready for that
Bam BAAAAAAAAM
riff that Philco would let it materialize into….
With Philco, I think Cumby has this great edge. Their interpretation has MADE Cumberland for me. I’m not sure any version will ever top Nov.’s Tower.
Okay, it WAS a Jerry tune. Still is, in recordings. But the NEW & IMPROVED CUMBY (ahhhh remember that NOLA 02 fairground version when they broke it down so hard that we didn’t even know where they WERE, and they did it again for the folks at the Vibes) – the NEW CUMBY is the passion/love of the late night, the bitter taste of the working day…the portent of the “little bed clock”…and the potential that I just don’t know
IF I’M GOING BACK AGAIN
Tonight, Phil has a nice last verse to sing….I like that.
But again the song just ENDS.
I’m convinced it COULD HAVE BEEN better with Philco…..but I know, I know, I’m just cursed for having exposed myself to a such super band with such regularity.


Now, during these songs I’ve been down to my seat….Warren side, bout 19 rows back, but having come to that seat during the set, and being alone there, I don’t really ever feel at home. Then new people come at some point….I slide over…. four frat boys that are a jarring presence. It’s an okay seat, damn good actually for a week prior Bastard upgrade, but it’s clear early on it’s not going to be home to me tonight. The Stoned Wheat thins are makin my head melt….Flo’s caveat emptor of “weak” is BULLCRAP. Ascent, ascent, ascent…with the summit in the clouds. How far will I go? Remains to be seen. A little unnerving.

But now….
COME TOGETHER
well, this is interesting. Heard this at my first Phil show @ Byrne in 99…with Derek & Warren…at that time it said a lot but I didn’t know the backstory. Now….
Honestly I’m just listening to hear if Bob can keep up with Warren on the words. Pretty good, Bob….next time get the nuance. Heh. But again, can’t Warren sing this alone? Why NOT? Wouldn’t it be….BETTER? (Success judged on priorities & motivation….maybe I just don’t get Bob’s motivation sometimes….)
I love the good smirky humor of this…Lennon lyrics, right?
Hold him in yr arms… feel the disease….good lookin cause he’s SO HARD TO SEE
It’s the genius of Lennon and, yes, I think what we all loved about Jerry too….They knew the most important revolution is PERSONAL….and in amongst all the heavy handed politics, this sentiment is welcome.

TOCK TOCK TOCK (oy gahhhd….that wood block….)
MICKEY….he grabs the mic and we get ready for
DOWN THE ROAD…
Harmless enough, it’s not like he’s roaching Fire. It’s one of those songs I never really focus on. But I do remember that it’s Mick (& Hunter)’s shout out to Jerry….and as I’m wandering the lawn, I listen a little. Uhhhhh….John Kennedy? Did he just say that? Is this a song about dead people Mickey meets on the road? (Apparently.)
And the next verse FLOORS ME, after the Come Together…
“I thought I saw John Lennon there, looking kind of blue
I sat down beside him, said "I thought you bought the store"
He said "I heard that rumour, what can I do you for?"
"Have you written anything I might have never heard?"
He picked up his guitar and strummed a minor third
All I can recall of what he sang, for what it's worth
"Long as songs of mine are sung I'm with you on this earth"”
WOW.
(Ed note: If you read the words, it actually gives some fire to the Jerry Still Alive Potential – HA HA – maybe sailin a boat, jammin on Long Island?)
So, alright…I’m okay with Down the Road….a nice amble. A country walk on a Sunday afternoon. You get nowhere but it sure is pretty.

And what next?
Why iffin it aint our DreamSong –
THE DIRE WOLF
Warren sings!!! As it should be. The Fennario Hootenanny…the band playin fireside while all the kids sing along…
I love Warren’s edge, in Mule, in songs like Shine On….but here, as the jolly gent who tells the tale, as the Gambler in the Bar Car….he’s GREAT. And the Band singin the chorus with Phil’s old backwoods voice chimin in like back in THE DAY – beaut. Jeff gives us some ragtime splash….I get a happy place jig goin…one of the few times I did ALL SHOW. If first set songs are traditionally “warm up” or “unjammed” – tight and yet beauty….this is in that vein –
SAVE THE TRAINWRECK ENDING….AGAIN!!!
And I’m all for second set refashionings of the tight first setters….but I love old school feel good too. Dire Wolf had it before it collapsed….but luckily I’m not dwelling on the wreckage, but instead coming up out of the bathroom when I hear the final song of the set…I know it is the closer when I hear it.

LIBERTY
In GD days…I walked out on it once…sick of lists where it was the encore every other night. My more recent love affair with the Liberty, the NYC basketball team, has cured all that. Philco shows like 11/26/01 cured all that. And that’s where it’s weird for BOB again. Sorry, Bob. I know it’s YOUR song, a DEAD song…but Phil made it come alive for me in a visceral way at the BEACON…and you don’t know shit about Philco at the Beacon, sorry. Phil knows…I hear it in his baseline. And I hang on Warren’s chorus chime in like I would hang on a ledge 20 stories up. Warren, save me, save me….and he sure tries. To me this is a totally apolitical song, it’s the TRUE sense of Liberty, without party or politics. I have a feeling that Bob doesn’t see it that way….kinda bugs me. Whatever….let it go, let it go….

Setbreak was GREAT and yet CHAOTIC. I still haven’t reached the peak of Vesuvius….the whole lawn is shaking and I just PLANT myself by GT. Nice zoners come to chat…Schmegg, Prodls, and though I explain my headspace, I’m not sure they get me. They keep talking to me normally!!! And it’s a struggle to stay tethered. Beers come, I think at one point we had 8 various beverages….ALL WITHOUT CAPS…FUCK YOU CLEAR CHANNEL!!!!!! I’m sure they all spilled, got kicked…HELLO CLEAR CHANNEL. It’s a LAWN on a SLOPE. Stop lower orch people from having caps, fine. But pulling this on the lawn folks is ROBBERY.

Second Set.
I need SOLID GROUND, band. HELP ME.
And they pull out….after a good couple minutes of noodle noodle -
SCARLET
right on, start the party. We probably will spared the Fire roach…Mickey already sang….
But WHY WHY OH WHY BOB is it
GROVEanor Square….that full O vowel sound. GRUV….GRUV…give it the British lilt, freaker. But my COULD BE WOULD BE tic is kickin in. I’m sorry, I DO think 9/25/03 is a SEMINAL show…and I am hard pressed to find better versions of many songs played that night. Or even the show you hate, Bucky, 12/5/03 – that Scarlet is SUPER.
The Dead stops @ “Wind in the Willows”….it’s a Philco thing, right? In my GD years, I never heard Jer play it like that. That SYNC O PAY SHHHHHHHION…..it’s the accuracy that Philco embraces. That Molo INSPIRES in his fellow musicians. Jimmy does nice stuff here…Scarlet Begonias here does have that WELCOME TO THE PARTY/CIRCUS vibe that it should have. As I have mentioned here, I like what the Devils bring to the table. I like Bob 90% of the time….the 10% is hard to take sometimes, but there is a part of me that loves the flashback vibe. That this music LIVES – that we can hear Scarlet on a summer lawn and watch hippies twirl – I am happy. I got that with Philco in the summer, but I know other people need the name change, other people must have Bob and Billy and Mickey. I even like what Jeff gives. But here, in Scarlet, you know it’s NOT what it could be. The final breakdown….Phil basically pulls it out of his ass – Something he NEVER DOES with Philco.
West LA starts – I’m sure of it –
But Warren ain’t HAVIN IT!!!

Cool, Warren, make yr thoughts known….but OH GOD NO
NOT
DOIN THAT RAG
nooooooo!
You have to be kidding me. This is ROB’S!!!! I love you Warren, but leave something for us to remember Rob by, the way you guys aren’t doing Roses so I can remember Joan. Jeff gives this nice trills…and Warren is singing it correctly (something I always loved Rob for doing)…but AAAAAAHHHHHH!
I don’t like it. I miss Rob’s voice. GRRRRR.

Luckily I run into Terminator X who suggests we smoke a bowl….on the snack bar deck? Okay, I guess obvious is better sometimes. I’’m thinking about going back to my seat in an effort to Find A Space….X takes me to Bad Brad and Shaker….AWWWWW….it IS good to see you guys, and get overdue smiles & hugs. I’m not going to roach yr nice dancing buzz and explain how much DTR is irritating me, but at least YOU GUYS get PHIL BAND.
is it all fall down?
GREAT WORDS
WRONG PERSON SINGING THEM
Warren hits the Wah bridge and I just SIT on the asphalt. Discouraged. Nowhere to go. Unlike Scranton, where there were a dozen Zoners present and I was able to connect with them all, I know PNC is chock FULL of Zoners….everywhere I go I keep running into them, small talk, ho ho ho. GRRRRR. Fuckin DTR. I miss Rob.
Yeah, yr harmonies to close are always fine…but I’m glad we’re moving on.

Now the LA FADE.
I stay sitting on the edge of the walkway and try to get composure. I like this song, but to me, THIS is a song that can be a First Set Story. Nothing cosmic about it….good laughs but not enough to make me feel soul. (Mermaid told me later she got a good laugh out of the “hauling items for the mob” bit as she came out of the bathroom and ran into some classic Jersey Boyz….ah, yes. The Sopranos. It is relevant. : )) I actually miss Jerry on this…he and his little sneaky voice lookin for that LA girl and rentin a chateau for those precious hours, aw, made me smile. Bob, we know you have had a long term lease on the cheese Jerz McMansion for a while now….figuratively, I mean, oc. (See the Following Night’s Minglewood “Tea Right Here in JERRRRRRSSSEY, where the little girls know what to do” WHOOPWHOOP CROWD WHOOP. Yeah, Bob, you get all the action, we know. (Snicker.) But enough of the Bears, I need MY SPACE. Back to my seat…during a nice Jeff solo. Now, I don’t know enough about Ratdog….how tight the lists are in general and how much space….Jeff seems to have a tendency to KEEEP PUSHING IT. In a band this tight, it’s not about the space exploration jam (usually, much to Sideshow & Bucky’s chagrin), it’s about trading the solos and building the song in orchestrated pumps. Warren takes it after Jeff and does exactly that…BAM! Up an Emeril notch, telling the story with the raunchy WAH, no words. PERFECT, Mr. Haynes.
HEY HEY HEY…..

Back at my seat, I slide with the band into what I THINK was the best part of the whole show, consecutive song-wise, selection wise
NEW POTATO
ohhhhhh yeah. Go, PHIL!!! I love that they do this song. I love that half the sudience AT LEAST has no clue….
SING IT PHIL
With those great poppin beats
And Warren adding that spin with the harmony
All the graceful instruments ARRRRRE KNOOOOOWWWWN
Indeed.
Does Philco do this better? In this case, I don’t care. It’s OLD SCHOOL, OLD DEAD….Bob has earned his right to play this, as have the devils. I know DTR should get a pass by the same logic, but Rob made that SO HIS. Whatever, no griping now. NICE POTATO.
Into
LOOKS LIKE RAIN
Heard it at Mansfield, but here, with some buildup, this GREAT ballad gets the spotlight it DESERVES. I know, I had lots of friends (guys, always guys) who HATED this song. Why? Cause it’s sappy? Cause you hate to acknowledge those moments when you miss a girl enough to make it hurt? At least Bob has always had the balls to put THIS out THERE. I really do think this is a Bob Stunnah…it NAILS that crazy energy of love, the streetcats…the sentiment that love should be about freedom, not ownership. Again with “Ace”. One of those flawless albums, imo. I soak this LLR up tonight….all the moments from Mansfield that I wanted to keep, I get again
I I I I have gotten used to having you around

and I feel the build in my soul, bc you know, Bob, I feel the same way – we will push it together….keep pushing, BOB!!!
all my life I seen rain rain rainrain…HERE IT COME AGAIN
Can’t Stand IT can’t stand it NO
NOOOOOOOOOOO
great version. In person, I liked THIS better than Mansfield. Right on, Bob….thanks for reminding me why I am coming to THESE shows….and they almost don’t kick it HARD ENOUGH….you better have shut that down for something GOOD, Band….
And and and
PASSENGER
yeefuckinhaw – MORE PHIL!!!
I adore this song. MY dreamshirt (that I will someday make, and make BANK) is a Passenger Shirt!!!
A Raging Beast
WITH NOTHING TO HIDE
Exactly, Band. With the Warren PUNCH bridge….LOVE IT.

I hit the bathroom at the close to beat the rush….no doubt this will pave the road for drums….I run into Gayle, who takes me to Prodls & Crew. I said I’d visit at setbreak but I never thought I’d get there….it’s a nice space (mental note made), and they are very sweet to me, but I don’t feel right there EITHER. Grrr.
I know Lites & Robin are on the lawn….somewhere….d/s may be a good time to call and lock on to them with a cell homing device. I eventually get there, my spun brain navigating the direction “by the beer stand” – oh there are MORE beer stands up THERE? AY (Which, by the time I get there, is no longer selling beer…tho the kid was just achin for me to bribe him for one of the cold beers right on the stand he was “putting away” FUCK THAT.) Lites et al have a FINE SPACE…they’re lovin the lawn!!! Which is good bc at first they were sketchy on the lawn sitch. They’re having a good show, a GREAT show, so I only murmur my misgivings about….everything. Well, maybe I got a little riled about the DTR….but we’re PHILCO people. Right? Obligatory puff puff pass for the space….band returns to vamp and Phil is PROMINENT. I muse on my posted wish list. The band is fuckin with me (as if they care) and haven’t played ONE of them.
Funky Phil Jam…gets tender and spacey - will this be a “Phil Night”? Time for the Chain?

No.
I hear it…we all do….that tenuous march into the center of yr soul…
DAYS BETWEEN
great song – but again, for me, with the Could Have BEEN, WHY THIS?
My last Days was at Shoreline…with Joan. I thought it was heavenly. I don’t want it replaced…I want to keep Joan’s voice in my heart…and yet I love these words…I want to hear Warren, and yet it’s breaking my heart to let Joan go….watching the band that made me come back (Philco) be dissolved for whatever tonight is, whatever this summer is.
“There were days, and there were days
And there were days between
Polished like a golden bowl
The finest ever seen
Hearts of Summer held in trust
Still tender young and green
Left on shelves collecting dust
Not knowing what they mean
Valentines of flesh and blood
As soft as velveteen
Hoping love would not forsake
The days that lie between
Lie between…”
Bittersweet. It’s such a grand success for Warren to be here…such validation….and yet I wonder if he feels right about it, sometimes. I leave the back of the lawn…I figure I’ll end the show by going back to visit all the people I saw prior…in reverse order.
The graceful notes shining like ice crystals in the night….

THROWING STONES
ahhhhhh a song that’s MEANT to be political. I wander back to Prodls and give hugs…and as the stompdown Throwing Stones kicks in, I dance back through the aisles of the PNC 300 section (so weird and windy, those arc-y aisles!!)…back to the Bears. They are gone….me, still wandering. What a weird, hollow show. Alone, in a room full of strangers…thank lord I didn’t push it by adding Camden. The high school reunion sometimes scares me to death.
The Throwing Stones? It’s fine. I like it…I always liked it better than R&R, for instance. It’s a great dancer. In the old days, all my Bob hater buddies would be jamming out to TS, in spite of themselves….
And this one is fine, but it doesn’t hit as hard, as QUICK as it could, when it counts, esp when Bob is working the politics angle so DAMN HARD. This should be showstopper, blow yr mind Throwing Stones…it ain’t.
And it…ends….quietly morphing….THANK GOD it ain’t some WHOOPY NFA for Jerzdo, that would have been awful.

I hit the lawn, pass by my spinnin Gypsy buds : )
To try and find GT, come full circle…
The lawn has totally changed character from the sunny open…our blanket is…GONE? It’s wook land.SPUNNNNY city…Huck looking sadly for a familiar face.
SHOW ME SOMETHING BUILT TO LAST
or SOMETHING BUILT TO
TRY
and I turn around and look up the lawn AT THAT MOMENT and come face to face with –
THE BEARS.
Mon Dieu. On THAT line? Shaker smiling (her first show of tour?), Bad Brad in HIS Element…happy, AT A SHOW….PZ Rob smiling MIGHTILY. The Rolling Rider! Ah yes.
Something built to last?
I look up at the screens and let it flood me…this moment. Something…built…to….LAST.
Warren does this song RIGHT, like JALL, he makes it better than the GD ever did.
(I M H O)
Phil singing alone, for a minute
All the stars are gone but one
(was he meant to sing it alone?)
a nice version.

And IN YR FACE political…with the placement….esp bc then it’s
U S BLUES
I dance it out with the bears on the hill…(hate this boppin on the hill, however…UNEVEN!!! A reason for a seat….)
It’s comical, really. Trainwreck of a show for me….and thankfully I’m almost down the mountain, on the other side – and I don’t even remember the view from the top! (maybe it was Passenger. : ) )
A funny song, funny lyrics, the theme of the tour. I tip my hat to the Bears at the PT Barnum line….they are showmen to me. Oc, that’s all about my little mind….they pay me no attention. (Thankfully. HA)

End of set. WOO WOO. People loved it. I’m glad it’s over. NFA clap….clap clap clap
CLAP CLAP
Phil donor rap. Bob Florida fallacy….yes, yes.

And then the
JOHNNY B GOODE
yum.
I try to get back on the inaugaral train that I rode in Mansfield…but more like I just dance all the anger of COULD HAVE BEEN WHY NOW show our of my soul. Pound it out with my fists. Jump it down with my feet. The band throws down with raw rock and we meet them. Warren almost screamin the chorus, Jeff hittin the keys with power.
GO JOHNNY GO GO GO
JOHNNY BE GOODE
and I spread my hands for the name in lights. I smile. They rock….this band that once, just wanted to be as good as Chuck Berry.

Well, t’werent my show…..they can’t all be. But the lawn is grooving, the people had fun…most of them anyway
GO GO GO
awww Johnny, be good.

Well, more tomorrow….tonight it’s bye bye bye….and LATE….
Post show adventures I will start Part 2 with…. : )
And two things.
I realized that they didn’t play ONE song from my wishlist, ya freakin band! Won’t be pigeon holed, will ya now…..
And what’s Forty Three Point Five mean? Stay tuned for part two….heh heh heh

nice, huck. thank you for that. i look forward to pt. 2