Alive was pretty interesting. I mean I heard it when the HOF was on HBO, but paying a bit more attention it's so interesting to hear it "slow" again. The use of the highhat at the beginning rather that the ride is a big difference. Slowing it down also makes me appreciate the drum fills more; they are standing out more. Listening around the 2:30 mark, that groove PJ has and can use if they want, makes a comeback. The solo is really nice too, Mike sounds good overtop the groove Jeff / Stone / Dave are in. Towards the last minute it feels like the song is speeding up to more modern levels and Dave can't quite keep up like Matt can, but damn, Mr. Krusen is doing a really good job. Ed sound good too.

Its not the same version. This is from the soundcheck.

Its also kind of a lifeless song to begin with in my opinion.

Is this lifeless?

Yep, but I mean, it was similar and played at that same tempo. That was my take away...playing it slower makes it better. PJ + Matt are plenty capable; circa 1998 with Matt on the Yield tour is arguably the best the band has ever been.

When I listened to Around and Around I thought "wow, this is exactly what their studio records should sound like."

It's miles away from the glossy brittleness of Backspacer or LB.

Guess all our ears are different.

agreed. feels like exactly what it is... all playing together in a room. has the Riot Act feel to it.

I love the way it sounds, i just dont think pj have the swagger to do it.

I think there are a bunch of other similar songs that are a little more gnarly than this song. ITs a fine song and I love old school blues Chuck Berry Stuff...But i dont think this song is that great to begin with.

to be fair, i'm sure they only played it a few times total.

I mean, its a holiday single song. I wasn't expecting much! Glad they did it

Perhaps most importantly, somewhere in rock and roll heaven, Chuck Berry hears a cover of one of his songs and shrugs as he places another hidden camera in Amy Winehouse's private bathroom.

The HOF version of Alive will always be special to me. I thought he played it great, but there was just something magical about the fact that these were the same nobody's who were once writing and playing and figuring these songs out in a basement somewhere with no idea what was in the future. It's something specifically Krusen brought, this specific magic that was lightning in a bottle. It gave me the chills.

I mean, its a holiday single song. I wasn't expecting much! Glad they did it

Santa God
Jingle Bells
Santa Cruz
Golden State
Turning Mist
Hawaii '78
No Jeremy
Falling Down
Better Things
Devil Doll
In the Moonlight (live)
All Night (live)
99 Problems (w/Jay Z)
Shattered (featuring Ed on guitar and Jeanne Tripplehorn impersonating Julie Andrews on vocals)
Imagine
Pendulumorphosis
Wishing Well
Redemption Song
Alive (live)
Around and Around

If you have an analog membership, the above list of songs is $440 worth of music.

I get your point but it’s a cheap shot