No Crystal Cat releases in 06 so in their absence, just looking for some pointers...the best I have come across is the And A Cannonball Blew My Eyes Away boot of Madison- The recording of Cork (Soomlos I think?) is also good (and it was an excellent show which I was lucky enough to attend in person). Any really outstanding ones out there I have missed? I see on A-Z at exp rain, Gelsenkirchen is listed as a "sound upgrade"-anyone heard it? Anything at all from this year to get close to CC quality? I think his vocals from o6 are underestimated-they were outstanding at the 3 I saw (Kilkenny,Cork, cardiff)- really strong and smooth-they have become much rougher from 07 on imo.
I'm kidding of course. I bet there's some great stuff from 06. I don't really keep up with bootlegging and all that. It's all about the moment, you know. Music is for when you're right there in the whole experience. Not for thinking about too much afterwards.
My favourite one is Stockton, the second show of 2006, an excellent performance in my opinion, of the recordings out there I find the Schubert remaster of the "obnoxious screamer" recording to be quite superb, it just sounds so warm and upfront and naturally sounding. There is also a soomlos recording which is more or less on a par with the schubert but I prefer the schubert.
Cork or Kilkenny, can't remember which one has that great unusual version of Memphis Blues Again, its a version which was only used once I think, I have never come across anyone talking about it on any forum which I have always found surprising as it is a great version
Cheers-Kilkenny was the strange (and slower if I recall) Memphis Blues- I remember thinking on the night that it was interesting but ultimately didn't quite come off. Mind you, repeated listenings could change my mind but as far as I know, the Kilkenny recording isn't in great quality. Bob reverted to the standard M Blues arrangement the following night in Cork (an outstanding gig)
Someone is just uploading all the Fall 2006 recordings at dime. I prefer this tour's shows to all the others from that year. You may try out some of these. I especially like Montreal (sound not that perfect but a terrific show), both Portlands, Auburn Hills, Lincoln, Amherst and Madison.
The shows from Boston have pristine sound quality and are pretty damned good too. I was at the first show so I'm kind of biased in favor of it, but the second one is better. The run of Maggie's Farm - It's Alright Ma from the first one is killer, but the second one has what I consider the best performance of the year: Cold Irons Bound.