Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95

Quite simply, this show is flawless. I mean that literally: I’ve listened to it hundreds of times and have yet to hear a mistake. Sometimes I listen and feel it was Carter’s night to shine; other times, Roi; and still other times Dave or Boyd. Everyone was in the pocket (including Dave’s voice; this was the middle of a grueling 8 years of non-stop touring), so it’s hard to identify a standout performer. The setlist is classic (all true DMB shows open with SEEK UP, close with ANTS, and encore close with WATCHTOWER); I have zero notes on song selection or flow. SEEK UP is my all-time favorite performance of the song, eclipsing even 7/30/2001 (for which I was in the house). This is also my favorite performance of BEST and TYPICAL, the latter of which I count as among my 10 favorite DMB live performances. The segues (PROUDEST MONKEY > SATELLITE, TWO STEP > BEST, RECENTLY -> LIE IN, NANCIES > WAREHOUSE, #36 -> ANTS) are flawlessly executed. I love how short and crisp TWO STEP is. Roi taking the solo for LIE IN is a thing of beauty. Along with the Fall 1998 tour, this is peak Tim; his solos on RHYME and WATCHTOWER are masterful. Carter’s backup vocals are :chef’s kiss:. If I absolutely had to pick a low moment it would be #36, but only because something has to be the least good. Simply put, this is the best of the best.