The highlights of the Holiday Run make quite a formidable playlist, boasting many versions of the year and some jams that move beyond 2012 into the creme de la creme of the era. Enjoy!
This refined, multi-faceted and fully-realized “Tweezer”—my pick for best of the era—leapt onto the top shelf of 2012 offerings on the very first night of the run.
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Another gorgeous New Year’s Eve “Ghost” highlighted the 31st and paired up perfectly with this relentless “Piper.”
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“Harry Hood” 12.30 E
Trey remains incredibly active throughout this “Hood” and the rest of the band responded beautifully, vaulting it into the elite versions of 3.0.
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“Wolfman’s Brother > LDB > Wolfman’s” 12.28 I
Swanky funk interplay mixed with holiday cheer resulted in a surprisingly original take on “Wolfman’s.”
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“Disease > 20 Years Later > Carini” 12.30 II
This exploratory sequence stunned the MSG audience with its patience and sinister tone. “Disease” broke through the sterile playing of the previous three sets with a ever-darkening adventure while “Carini”—the most unique jam of the run—challenged any version ever played with its abstract and menacing path.
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“David Bowie” 12.28 II
The band dropped the most impressive “David Bowie” of the year to closing out the first night.
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“Slave to the Traffic Light” 12.30 II
It’s been a while since we heard a “Slave” that packed such an emotional wallop. At risk of sounding repetitive, I’d definitely give this version the nod for the best of the year.
