August 26, 2010

{ after our concerns about Jon's arm vis-a-vis his playing were squashed after a high quality Camp; we were pumped for a good late summer and early fall }

There is some real good stuff here so before you jump from winter to September, take a listen to the 25th(Bombs!) and 26th of Aug as well as Camp and perhaps 6-10 & 5-28 & Sammy New Years. This is another 'rehabilitation' show'. The notes reflect this situation.

note: some people differ on the tracking, i.e. How long is Shem part one and when does Cyclone start as well as ''Munchkin"~>"Crix". I go with the NUGS edit as I believe it's a truer slice than the archive versions, where they state Cyclone as 7:20 ish long. It's at least 9 minutes more imo. what do I noe?

[C Pile] ok to good Uber Glue, Shem(2;end), Big Wrecking Ball

[B Pile] very good to excellent Feelin' Twisted(for a debut this is great), Shem(1), AC2B(1)~> Catalyst ~> AC2B(2), Munchkin, Crickets, Spraypaint(2)

[A Pile] count it! / epic / best of {Aaron Magner MVP in this techno/electronica-heavy show} The Very Moon ~> ~> Cyclone ~> Spraypaint ~>_____ ~> _____ ~> _____ ;

A Pile thoughts - {set 1} 'TVM' has a tremendous 2nd half. Tasteful jamming that does not force a hand instead holds it for guidance. The outro jam into 'Shem' is up there. 'Shem(1)' has good spots but really only shines in the middle towards Magner's sexy disco party pedals take us to a healthy.... 'Cyclone" (a.k.a. Tropical cyclone Earl on this day; if you were in the northeast US/Canada or Puerto Rico you know about it) I REALLY like this version for the Allen/Magner combo. They slayed and stretched it in a mellow mood through Shem(2).

Set 1:: 7.80 / 10

A Pile thoughts - {set 2} The opening 'Spraypaint' is strong. The 7 minute jam in so funky, controlled and has some next level Brownstein. Mr.Mags is the architect as he sweeps a huge soundstage of ambient trance while Barber solos in and out wonderfully, crispy. All the while Marc pads the room with the prettiest of foundations. Not a fist-pumper and that's ok, happiness is a warm Gibson ES-135. "AC2B" - the intro seems a little off, all the usual musical suspects are here but it's a little short for my taste. The last 5 minute groove is pretty good but just doesn't get orgasmic. It's a solid version but no 2007-11-04. ... ''Catalyst" - run of the mill version with a great psytech halfway in, into a nice Magner ending jam. ''AC2B(2) - I love Barber's shred action here. Yes, it's the norm but the effort alone is worth a gold star. A mountain top is reached for sure. ""Munchkin Invasion"" - Cool backdrop keys for a while but they just can't seem to find the next gear. Marc and Allen try and try to reset and roll but each time they gain steam, they seem to get caught in the undercurrents and stay in averageland. But that's OK, everything balances out. ""Crix"" - yes! this middle section is excellent. standard mayhem with extra spice as we head into what sounds like a "Safety Dance" tease/jam but Barber is definitely playing less than 'usual'. Then it just melts away. meh "Spraypaint(2)" - keep your ears on Brownie here :) ohhh mama, such pretty pulls and slaps. Although it's pretty much the same Spray ending you'll find, they do crank it up a level.

Set 2:: 7.65 / 10

If I may suggest a random to listen to, please go to 3/19/98 at the 8x10. If not just for the "Vassillios~>Radiator~>Shem". You will grin big I promise.

Happy Trails....

(r.i.p. to the fallen heroes and such tragedies to our family just south of us 21 years ago today...never forget)