January 30, 2010

I seem to be the only one who doesn't get what the big deal is with the TVM>Shem transition. But no matter. This is pretty close to a perfect show, regardless. I narrowly prefer the first set over the second, but either is great. "Rollicking" is probably the best adjective to describe the proceedings.

I-Man>You and I is the obvious heart of the first set. I-Man's got high-flying Barber licks out the wazoo, but it's markedly less sinister than one would expect. You and I moves into a more subdued, aquatic territory to cool down the pace. On Time, as you might expect, squares the circle with a midtempo groove.

This TVM isn't my favorite, featuring an expected overlong midtempo funk jam. I find the Shem jam much more interesting. Magner holds it down for a while with an ostinato synth phrase before Barber sinks his teeth into it. As soon as you think they're taking a bit of a breather with Cyclone, it heats up for the Waves transition. This is an interesting if fairly straightforward inverted Waves; particularly noteworthy how the band actually pauses for a few solid seconds before beginning the verses. The second Waves jam gets downright spacey for a while, which is always a good sign. The DTTB segments are rather vanilla but excellently done.

This may not be the most inventive or exploratory of the January 2010 Fox run, but it's probably the most consistent. The jamming here is all very well executed, even if the second set in particular doesn't stray too far outside the lines. Even if there are individual moments in the other nights that shine brighter, this is the best overall product from that run. Pretty much no flubs or boring parts. An easy 5 stars.

A+: {The Very Moon~> So between Mags' funky-ass laydown from around the halfway point onwards + Barbers 1st solo + Brownie absolutely kickin' it with simply amazing bubbly, loose-string sounding mini-bombing in unreal improv confidence makes this tVM of the year. I won't speak of the redheaded alien behind the kit for he is perfection. ~> tension/release into a phenomenal Shem}, very psychetronicuntz; check 8:55 onwards. At one point it's like Barber and Magner switched roles, switched, then switched back again; as far as soloing and rhythmic roles are concerned. The man of the hour, the man of the year. The rest of the show is your to discover.

---------------- Accompanying Herb Suggestion --------------------- if you really want to syncopate the kick drum with your heartbeat...look around for some pure n' fresh energetic Thai / Columbian rooted "Destroyer" my personal favorite sativa...she's a breeder and will send you to heaven with 3 good puffs.

this Fox run has the crispiest multitrack recording you can have. everyone is crystal clear with perfect soundstage , imaging and depth without any instruments stepping on each other. The vocals are great if only they were just a tad louder...a tad(very picky comment here).

peace to you and yours.... time to make fun a priority again.