Live Trax Vol. 33

Artist
Dave Matthews Band
Date
January 31, 1995
Venue
Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
Tour
Winter 1995
Series
Live Trax
Song Time
01:31
Rating
1 — A Strong Run or Two but Otherwise Average
Review Date
September 18, 2024

Based on 1995 listens so far, and excluding the soundcheck jam from the previous night, this ranks third for third for me, after LT12 and LT21 (possibly tied for third with LT5). Coming so early in 1995 as it did, the set is shorter and the performances not quite as crisp. SEEK UP is missing the clarity and power that it developed throughout the summer, although it's nice to still hear the "intentions are not wicked" lyric. MINARETS is outstanding and a show-stopping performance. There's so much wild energy. It's more refined than 1993, but not as slickly polished as it is today (not that it isn't awesome today). The guitar, bass, and drums are all working together on NANCIES to deliver a get a fire burning, with Boyd laying the jet fuel on top. JIMI is an awesome version, and Roi's We Got the Funk interpolation is neat. The one-two punch of #36 and ANTS to close is compelling, but not particularly standout by the standards of the year. But what I'm really here for is the soundcheck jam. That shit is top shelf. Wow. Oh, to be able to go back in time.