My first 5 of the tour, not that it was a perfect show, but it was an essential show. The first set is a bit perfunctory, at least until the note perfect Fluffhead. But, the second set of this beast is simply outstanding. I was a little put off by the slow and angular start to Mr. Completely (one of my absolute favs since Utah 03), but as soon as it hits the coda things start to go very, very right. It builds and releases its way to a solid, albeit short and unjammed BOAF. And then there's the Ghost... and what a Ghost. This thing is gorgeous and has more lives than a cat. And it winds, and it builds, and it winds... into one of the most creative jams I've heard from 3.0. This Gin is absolute gold! So exploratory and so deep. A quick dance through 2001 and we get a great, shadowy, menacing SOAM. Just the way it should be.

Perfect show? No way. Essential show? You betcha!