This is not Boreal Ridge by any means, folks. That was the stinker that the Dead dropped on expectant fans in 1985. I only bring that up because it was a venue with high expectations. Grand Prairie was a venue imbued with high expectations. Not many of us get to see a show in a venue of 6,300 any more.

The band, it seems to me, was almost practicing perfection in a small venue, dialing their sound in for *songs.* Is that making excuses? I don't think so. Rather, it's my interpretation of what was happening, what it sounds like on play back. I also have to say that the Taste is as sweet as can be with what I perceive to be Third Stone from the Sun teases (ever so slightly around 6:50).

We can't have a 10/28 every night. On the other hand, difference is what makes those nights stand out. These guys have chops, and what better way to hone them than to do so in a venue with sweet sound?

This is not an aural disaster, no matter what they say. (3.0)