Live Trax Vol. 28

This is a very good performance, but not at the level of LT22 in terms of setlist, energy, and overall quality. That said, there are plenty of highlights. SQUIRM is one of my favorite performances, and a great opener on this night. Joe Lawlor absolutely rips his solo in #41. I don’t understand the hate for SHAKE ME (it isn’t one of their best, but is it really that bad?), and this is as good as it’s ever sounded. SPOON is the best officially released version to date, no question. The double trumpet on WAREHOUSE is great (and much better than in Charlottesville in 2023), but it’s topped by the insane JIMI with the four-way horn duel (or whatever the word is for a four-way play-off). I love that Dave shouts out Trombone Shorty’s late-night gig during the breakdown. CHRISTMAS is a nice mid-set surprise. LIE IN is great, and a rare chance for Boyd to shine on this night. STAY is one of my favorite performances of the song. Finally, the WATCHTOWER into HALLOWEEN encore ending is one for the ages, an all-time segue. The main reason I rank this modestly lower than LT22 is there are more drags in this show. STILL WATER does nothing for me on this occasion; nor do SPACEMAN (I don’t hate the song, but this one meanders), TIME BOMB, YOU AND ME, or SISTER. But the real kicker, the absolute worst, is BLACKJACK, which I think is their worst song.