@lumpblockclod said:

@FACTSAREUSELESS said:

Regarding the 10/19 Reading synopsis:

I agree with the Melt> Julius comment, but I thought that this was the best first set of the year, actually. (With the exception of Melt, which was painful), just about every song in this set was played with high energy and perfectly nailed. Trey was particularly sharp to open the set with a blistering Cars Trucks Buses and Stealing Time. The set never lost a step. I didn't expect any extended jamming in the set and was perfectly satisfied to hear the band on point and performing so well. The vocals were strong, very few flubs, if any, and great flow.

I've said this elsewhere, but I had other issues with the set outside the Melt > Julius. I thought the Wolfman's was one of the weaker versions if the year, certainly nowhere near MSG or Dicks (my two favorites for '13). There are a bunch of better Walk Aways since the song grew balls in 2010. Was there some other well-played stuff? Sure, particularly Divided and STFTFP was a pretty nice version too. But your main attraction set I songs here are Wolfman's, Walk Away, Divided and Melt> Julius. Of those, 3 were well below average (IMO of course). Not saying you're "wrong" to feel the way you do, but that's why I don't think terribly much of the set.

Yes, you make some really good points. I agree that the Wolfman's was weaker than some other versions this year. My fav. Wolfman's of the year actually was Bangor. The Walk Away was a little choppy, too. So, I can't dispute what you're saying. I guess what impressed me about it was that Trey seemed so on point right out of the gate. The CTB was far superior to the version last yr. at Dick's and Stealing Time was fire. Divided was the best of the year. Trey really nailed it.

For me, when I view first sets these days, what matters to me most is the tightness of the musicianship. As great as Fall Tour was, Trey was a bit sloppy at times (read: a lot sloppy).

This show was pretty tight. So I probably have overrated it based upon that one factor.

Were you the one with the line this year about SOAM sounding like dying kittens? That was seriously funny. I concur.