There have been many classic shows over the years in Boston - 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2010 all come to mind but let’s see how 2006 faired, shall we?
For the third time in 10 nights the show opens with “Release” – I’d say that’s a pretty solid (maybe even generous) ratio. Obviously I don’t want it to open every show but I like that they were playing it.
Next comes the sweeping intro of “Severed Hand” which they’ve really mastered over these past few shows and it’s followed by an equally strong performance of “WWS.” Once again, they’re bringing out two of the biggest tunes from their new album letting the crowd know that they are back in business. That said two upbeat classics follow (“Corduroy” and “Animal”) which really gets this show off to a rocking start. They crowd must have been having a great time.
At this point, the band usually slows things down somewhat and they do so by playing a hardcore fan favourite, “Red Mosquito.” Not a bad version at all – nor is the performance of “Love Boat Captain” (a lost gem) that follows.
The band quickly gets back to playing a popular tune, “Better Man.” Although there is still no “Save It For Later” tag, the band plays a lengthy jam at the end of the song. Too bad they kick into “Unemployable” immediately afterwards – and a few bad notes were hit midway through the song this time around. Afterwards, he dedicates the song to the recent graduates of the many schools in the Greater Boston area. Nice, EV - very positive. I think I may have to start skipping this song altogether when listening to “future” shows. I’ve never liked it and still don’t.
How do you make up for a bad performance and downer comment? Play “Even Flow?” Why not? It’s funny, I’ve read some posts on the 10c forum and I think there’s a thread that discusses how pathetic they think casual fans are for getting excited about hearing this song. Whatever. This is immediately followed by a good performance of “Sad.” Is that enough of a “lost dog” for ya?
Next comes the shortest version of “Wishlist” ever...it simply ends right after the last lyric - no usual fade out, plea to bring the troops home, or why-the-heck-did-they-ever- drop-lyric “I wish I was the radio song that you could not turn off...I wish...I wish...etc. A solid version of “Gone” follows but then they break into a not-so-favourite-of-mine, “Green Disease.” EV warns the graduates to not get caught up in $$$ beforehand. To be honest, I don’t hate the song – the chorus is okay. However, I could name nearly 100 songs (literally 100!) that I’d rather hear at this point in the show.
Now they mention Howard Zen and then break into “Down.” It’s weird hearing this writer’s name as I spent a lot of time last year listening to the 2010 bootlegs and EV mentions how the man recently passed away.
The main set ends with “Jeremy” (EV doesn’t even moan the first chorus in this performance – boo), “Life Wasted,” and a great version of “Why Go.” I think it would have worked better if they finished the set with two Ten songs back to back.
It’s Bob Dylan’s birthday so they begin the first encore by playing two of his songs, “Forever Young” and “Masters of War.” Am I obliged to cheer that they played Dylan or can I say that I’d rather hear “Off He Goes” and “Nothingman?”
The covers continue with “Crazy Mary” – well is this song really a cover. It’s a PJ song to me. “Inside Job” follows (I didn’t realize how much play this song got so early in the tour until I listened to the actual shows!) and “Alive” seems to be settling in to the first encore closing position.
The second encore starts of fast and furious with “Spin the Black Circle” (love it), “Do the Evolution” (Man, they really like playing this song, don’t they?), and “Whipping.” “Rats” is back and continues the take-me-back-to-the-1990’s theme. However, sneaking in “Comatose” after all of these classic/hidden gems – at this point is the setlist, for that matter – was a mistake, as was ending the show with “RITFW.” They did this at the show I attended in Toronto in 2011. They could get away with it since Neil Young joined them on stage but I was secretly wishing for either “Indifference” or even “Yellow Ledbetter” to end it.
Highlights: Release/Severed Hand, Animal, Why Go, Spin the Black Circle
Rating: It was alright, I suppose. I must admit that I was expecting more from a Boston show. I may be being harsh but I can’t go higher than three stars here.
Matt..Im sure you noticed that I listed DMB's summer tour on here ...it just bothers me so much,PJ's lack of being a real band now since 2007...DMB play more shows in a week,than PJ will play until this supposed " Fall Tour "
Of course the trend of "mini,2 week tour" will continue Im sure..
Ah,what was,won't ever be again it seems Matt....and that is a shame.