Ah, I always smile when I see a new PJ post from you guys.
After our recent discussion, I did decide that No Code was definitely a top-five PJ album - at least for its songs, if not the album itself. I can also appreciate why you might rank it ahead of Yield but I have way too much sentimental attachment to their fifth album. As I've stated before, I even saw them promote it back in 1998 in New Zealand and still have my concert poster! It hangs proudly...in my garage.
In any case, I think it's safe for me to say that their first five (even first seven) albums are all great. That said I rarely listen to any of them - it's all about the bootlegs, of course.
Speaking of bootlegs and the 1990's, I too think that more stuff from the second half of the decade should be released - like Soldier Field 1995, these Randall's Island shows you speak of, maybe those two San Diego shows from the end of 1995 (or was it 1996?) and maybe a goodie or two from 1998. The "elite" you speak of seem to be very fond of the Mansfield and MSG shows from that year. Come to think of it, they are always have a great appreciation for New York and Boston (and Philly, too) shows, don't they?
Yes,the MSG gigs were amazing in 1998..as were the 2 Randalls gigs that got me "back into" PJ in '96.
Same goes for DMB when they play NYC.I was lucky to get 2 GA tix for DMB at Barclays in Brooklyn,12.21.12....for some reason,DMB and PJ put on amazing,even EPIC gigs in this great city...same goes for U2..its NYC,the media capital of the world.
If you look at PJs MSG shows from 1998,2003,2008 and 2010,they are some of the best gigs the band have ever played...and thats not just my opinion,thats from the band,EV said N1 at MSG '03 was "our best gig,period,the floor was shaking"....IMO,I think they topped it in 2010..N2..
I was at a Smashing Pumpkins concert last night and met a "friend of a friend" who also attended the 2011 Toronto (N1) concert (He had much better seats than I did - we compared his awesome photos to my shitty ones - I guess his phone is better than mine, too....I'm rambling...again) and said it was the best concert that he'd ever attended, by ANY band.
Now, Ed, we've had this conversation before (and even Ron sided with you) by I will put forth a few "exhibits" that make "my" show one of their greatest....
1. They played "It's Okay" at the end of "Daughter." Although they may (I can't recall off the top of my head) have played this tag at one of the Alpine Valley shows, this was the first time since 2006 this had been done. "Not For You" also had its sublime "Modern Girl" tag.
2. I got the "Man" trilogy.
3. Not only was "Crown of Thorns" played but it was preceded by "Chloe Dancer." Second time ever, if my sources serve me correctly.
4. Uncle Neil joined the band for a 12-minute crazy-fest during RITFW.
Toronto N1 was EPIC,no question..but Id say N2 MSG '10 and N1 MSG '03 top it.EV has publicly praised both these shows.
Has EV ever come out and said anything about the Toronto show ? I never saw any quotes from the band on this great gig. IMO,Toronto N1 is a top 10 gig in the last 10 years...so the debate is a strong one,as to which gig, MSG N2 '10 or Toronto N1 '11 is better...I agree with Ronnie of course......MSG !!!..LOL
Actions speak louder than words. They wanted everyone to have a copy of Toronto '11 N1 so badly that they gave it away on the most popular search-engine.
coming to Matt and Ed and your debate i set both of you saying that the best is .. the next at the Forum hehehe
Matt your aguments are very solid .. that Rockin in the free world amazingly awesome .. but Not For You-Modern Girl was played also at MSG .. you chloe dancer/Crown of thorn .. Ed Hunger Strike .. aside of Lukin II, Push me pull me, Rats, The Real Me etc (just talking about N2)
Toronto was a top great show i love it performance, set and audience but ..
No,he wasnt..still..gig is beyond special Matt.....its a NYC MSG gig,that on its own elevates it....
I just got back from a jog in Battery Park....this storm,SANDY, is already kickin crazy winds here in Manhattan.....Sandy is some strong bitch...my building, here in TriBeCa, is having a storm party on the roof now.cookin,drinkin..classic..lol....schools are closed tomorrow here in NYC..hold on east coast !!!
SCHOOLS CLOSED!?!?!?!?! I thought you New Yorkers were tough!
On topic: Nothing to state. Still forcing myself to NOT listen to PJ until next month. Your MSG gig is a good one...even though everyone got excited for "Sweet Lew" - come on, now! "Better Man" is fantastic, however.
We had our Suck it Sandy Hurricane Party.....got a bit too windy up on the roof,so we moved indoors...looks like NYC will get a direct hit tomorrow.....not good...I did have time to have a cigar,and listen to MSG 2 Matt on the rooftop......lol
