From: Victor Szalvay
Subject: Antelope in Review Pt.21 7/24/88
Greetings Pholks,

I was thinking today about what people might think of these “reviews” as
far as my attitudes expressed.  In case this isn’t obvious, I just want to
make clear that I am being utterly anal in my reviews!!  I mean, I am just
taking the intricate details of the song to absolute extremes when I
critique it, but I do realize that I am doing this.  I know that if Trey
flubs a part it  is done so with humor, no big deal, that was pretty
funny!  Or if Mike’s bass line disintegrates, I am sure that after the set
he is not back there holding his head, swearing up and down and
contemplating suicide.  My point is, I am just taking this far too
seriously.  But that is the fun in all of this... so please don’t take
whatever I say to be a cut against the band or a harsh comment, I am just
bs-ing about a song I like very much!

On to the important stuff:  today’s Antelope is from 7-24-88 at Nectar’s
in Burlington, VT.  It is a finale again in this 3 set show.  Some great
tunes in this one, pretty much recommended overall, second to last
Burlington show before they went abroad to Colorado. 

Antelope -- Intro:  this one evolves out of a beautiful McGrupp and Trey
just rolls into it very smoothly.  Calm intro with nothing too exciting as
far as intros go.  Mike and Page do a great job collaborating in this
one... Trey delivers an above par  transition >
Opening theme: ( 2:20) Nice build up and trans, but lacked the power, as
usual...  the riffs are really Allman-esque here.  Something nice and
bluesy about the entire feel that is lacking in other versions. Trey
twanging around... >

Trill!: 252  Decent showing... we roll smoothly into >

Key Change to Em: 2:55  Interesting move from the band as the opening
notes/chords in the Em theme seem reminiscent of something different...
something dark and melodic, almost hints at another tune I can’t really
place... very experimental as far as chord structures go and wondering
into new territory.  An extremely mature jam... both Trey and Page
exhibiting their melodic prowess, something missed but not altogether
needed in other versions.  
The jam takes a turn for the standard near 4:50 as they head to the
standard chord progression and begin the building/climax process...
Interestingly this jam segment seems to have a little intro to it (the
melodic segment outlined above)... kind of cute. Trey and Page start
reaching for some wild lines and then Trey and Fish lead the boys into a
double time build.  Page is all over the scene with his roaming fingers...
pretty Door-esque lines now from Page and jam is similarly Light My
Fire-ish for a while.  Trey is now looking for the build to kick it into
second gear (7:30)... but unfortunately, the jam flubs out as they
transition poorly again into the >

Pre-Marco-Groove: 7:45  Or so it seems.... Page is still absolutely alive
and wildly soloing in a quiet sort of way and soon Trey joins him with a
nice jagged counter riff.  Mike even lends a soloing hand and rips out the
riff.  So where are we?  The transition was pretty evident, but Page seems
to saving them!!!  He is pulling them out of a weak PMG trans and we are
back in the>>>> !!!

Em Theme:  Nicely done, Page!  No PMG anymore!  Trey climbs right away and
heads again for that gearshift.  Page is backing like mad, determined not
to let this one fall down the sh*tter!  Page spiraling upwards now!!!
Totally taking the control, falling back, coming out again!!!  Wow, he
might even produce the shift!!  (11:58)...  YESSS

Second Gear: 12:07  Page induced shift is in effect!!  I’ve never heard
this before and it jams not incredibly hard, but definitely has some
merit.   

Unfortunately my copy cuts at this point, but the PMG is impending and
almost everything is standard from there, so I won’t be able to give a
final time.... This one, I estimate, runs very long... on the order of 15-
16 minutes.
The noteworthy thing about this jam is the Page revival.  First, out of a
badly botched PMG transition, and then, out of a comic book, the Page
induced gearshift!!!  Wow, if you have this one, take a listen and let me
know if Page really led that jam or if I am just hearing things.  Since I
don’t have it all, it’s kind of hard to grade, but I could imagine this
one sitting at around a 5.5 on my scale!  

                Take it easy everyone,
                                     -Victor