I for one LOVE the first set. It has the best opening trio I’ve ever heard, with that 20 minute Drowned being teh crown jewel of '98 in my opinion. I agree the acoustic stuff maybe is a bit of a letdown, but it was a half full house, so they were just trying to make it a little more intimate for the fans, and I think that really comes across in the recording. The Limb x Limb is definately my favorite version from '98 (ever?), and the Wading is just heart wrenching. The Wading just makes Sample sound extra rocking too, and a good end to an AMAZING set.
I shouldn’t at all have to argue the merits of the second set. The DWD, YEM and Moma Dance (with Monkey Man teases) stand up great against any versions of those songs ever. Mango Song is a treat, but I think it is quite forgettable in the grand scheme of things. The Harpua is short, but with damn good reason.
This is definately one of my Top 5 favorite/most listened to shows. I just don’t understand how a stunning show like this could ever be considered overrated.
I guess because it is generally agreed that this is the Worst Encore Ever.
BTW I listened to this last night with Erin. It was actually her pick and I couldn’t have been happier about it. It is just a captavating show from start to finish. There is no point where I start zoning out and think about some other show that I’d rather be listening to. This show has it all.