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Submissions

2
El Paso
Dec. 7, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Lyrically precise, energetic playing, and everyone sounds like they're enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for on this one?
3
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

The shorter versions need love to, and this one hits all the sweet spots.
2
Drums
Sept. 25, 1991
Boston Garden

Fun and thunderous, this version has some great grooves.
11
Queen Jane Approximately
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Clean and confident reading with lots of personality from Phil and Vince.

Comments

Truckin'
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

It may not be as explosive or exploratory as the versions that would come later in the year, but this is an excellent version for conveying the band's live appeal to someone who has only experienced American Beauty + Workingman's Dead.
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 23, 1970
Winterland Arena

It may be short, but the return to the main theme is powerful and joyous, driven over the edge by exuberant Phil harmonies. Check this one out on Complete Live Rarities or the 03 WMD reissue bonus tracks.
Sugaree
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

Before it was a jam spectacle, it was a song. While the song's legacy is understandably bound to the epic versions from '77-'78, versions like this should remind us all what a fantastic song it truly is. Most pre-hiatus versions leave me wanting, but this is a near-perfect, soulful reading of this song elevated by the short-lived organ-piano combo of Pig and Keith.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Clean tones on Slipknot really allow for the ideas and interplay to shine through.
Cassidy
May 27, 1993
Cal Expo

The transition into UJB us a little bumpy, but the jamming before and after the sandwich is some of the best they ever did on this track.