Playing In The Band had a habit of making several appearances in a given setlist on occasion and as such this isn’t the full song from this show, but rather the first section so we don’t have the reprise.
Seeing that PITB was one of the most frequently performed songs by the band some may find this version a bit pedestrian. I always found it a little fun though because of the lyrical fun that Bobby has. It’s always stuck out to me for that reason. There isn’t a lot of stuff released from the 1980-1988 period so I thought this was a decent representation for 1980 as well. Trying to keep things diversified and interesting for everyone. That said, I’m always willing to entertain opinions for other noteworthy versions.
Jerry and Bob are separated nicely in the mix, and you can really hear Bobby’s arpeggios. Jerry’s guitar sounds like it’s underwater for a bit here, and then he switches on the envelope filter and that familiar tone wraps its arms around the jam. Bobby throws in some minor key ad libs followed by some twisting, contorting runs. Definitely interesting stuff going on here. As the jam progresses Brent exerts himself more as he’s shifted over to his normal keys, and Bobby slashes away at a fierce pace. Around the 7:30 mark it almost sounds like Let It Grow for a moment before settling back down. The band is working on their transition to the next song. The Playing reprise wouldn’t come for another few songs, but Bobby teases Terrapin Station and it becomes clear where the train is going next.
Complete Setlist 5/7/80
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Man, I hope something transcendent happens during this song. I don’t count that Bobby sings, “Playing in the barn” as particularly fantastic. After he sings that though, the focus does seem to sharpen. The jam takes off and Jerry is looked upon to lead it. He begins his wresting of the notes at hand, and Phil is a bit more subdued than usual. But dig Bob’s guitar, loud in this mix. It’s a good chance to hear how he works at breaking the song open. The drums are still kind of quiet, and the main textures are guitar-based. This basic layout continues for the duration, leaving a generally mellow jam in its wake. A quick regrouping near the end of this track holds a moment of promise that is quickly cast aside. In place of a deeper jam, Jerry decides to turn the corner to a station known as “Terrapin”.