Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 07/07/1998
Run Time: 67:02
Released as a promotional companion disc to the band's live album
Matinee Idols,
Late Show finds the band taking chances on a number of a stretched-out numbers. Beginning with an introduction that comes off like a demented parody of
Bill Graham's introduction of
the Grateful Dead on
One From the Vault, the band launches into
"Mr. Blood," the relentless hardcore tune that keys off a set of the
'pods bizarre pop culture/sci-fi melange. Through several large jams based on classic
rock covers (including
the Who's
"Sally Simpson" and
Kingfish's
"Jump for Joy"), the band runs through textbook examples of tension and release improvisation. On some levels, the band is the very epitome of a generic band, playing perfectly within the boundaries of what a
jam band is. At the same time, the band does this incredibly well, from
Max Verna's nuanced voice and
Duane Allman-influenced guitar playing to
Ted Marotta's straight-ahead drumming to
Tom Pirozzi's relentlessly melodic basslines. It's okay, too, because
the Seapods helped define the genre. It's hard to find a
jam band having more fun.
~Jesse Jarnow, All Music Guide
;)
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