Howdy all. It seems like yet another paradigm shift may be upon us. The band sounds in shape and confident this tour and based on the song choices doesn't seem to be avoiding complicated compositions from the catalog. The vibe from the stage in Dallas was all smiles and banter so at least on the surface everyone appears on board for what's happening. What's more, the playing of all four members sounds extremely committed. Truncated, but committed.
I've read the "songy" and "dad-rock" reviews and comments (easy now- many of us old school and new school dudes are dads now) and understand that this may not have been the paradigm for the band when you first got sucked in to this. But here we are and for me song choice or placement takes a backseat to playing that is practiced & confident and a band dynamic that is positive.

Right now it all seems a bit Taoist energetically- a slice of ballady energy inserted between two scalding guitar god numbers. While that ballad may not be my thing (or it might...), it does get me to anticipate the next rocker and appreciate it when comes- and of course its gonna come.

Onward to Vegas!

Matty in Austin