@Fallopian_Dude said:

@FACTSAREUSELESS

Well said, factsareuseless. I have not listened to the show except for the Gumbo (which was indeed a very nice 3.0 Gumbo, thanks @sausagemahoney!). But I'm intrigued by your suggestion that short songs played accurately are preferable to sloppy, forced jams. The musician in me agrees with this point of view, at least in principle. However, I wish they would stretch things out more frequently. I would abide a few self-indulgent bombs and even a little extra sloppiness if it meant that they could find the space they need to explore and really hook up. I think my feelings on this are probably what drive me toward the 1997-2000 era when it comes to my listening behaviors.

Happened to check the blog just before bed and saw your comment....
Yes it's an interesting conundrum we have with this band and it's certainly a debate that would have no satisfactory ending....so let's discuss it!

I agree with your final comments. Personally, I think that is the double-edged blade of last year's Fall Tour and New Years' runs in that we certainly got plenty of exploratory type 2 moments, but the composed portions of songs were often dreadful. Some of the best shows last year had some of the sloppiest, messiest playing I've heard from them since '09. I alternated between shrugging it off as a band transitioning to a new approach or "phase" versus being downright horrified at the prospect that we were beginning to relive the summer of '04.

I hoped and prayed that Trey was still clean, even as I celebrated some of the finest jam moments since the reunion.

I really like and appreciate many of the band's unique and creative compositions and cringe when they are given sophomoric treatment. Songs such as Foam, Reba, Limb By Limb, Stash, Mound, Horn, McGrupp, et al., are truly blissful to my ears when played with purpose and focus. I don't care if they ever jam huge portions of their catalogue. I'm content just to soak in the sheer genius of the arrangements and bask in the glow of their incomparable musicianship.

But when it's time to throw down, I expect them to have their game face. When they don't, I'm disappointed. I shouldn't be. I should always be ever thankful and stand on my heels with my brethren and shout "Kung!" and worship at the shrine called: "Just be happy they're back...."......but I can't. My EXPECTATIONS get in the way and I want MORE.

Sigh.