The Other One
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater
This is probably my favorite Other One ever played. For many reasons. It's Europe '72, so you know the "song" part is executed exactly perfect. The jam is very multi-faceted. This might be one of the most interesting jams I've ever heard the boys do in 72. Which is saying quite alot. There is some extremely heady stuff. There is a debate between Phil and the rest of the band to start jamming the other one theme, which in turn sets up for a wild jazzy ride which merits some ridiculous free-jazz spaciness that melds into some absolutely insane, mellow, but very very very, i repeat, very poignant melodic band-wide improv passages that are just unreal. They toss the other one theme around a bunch, jerry throwing licks around, seems to be a workout for the ridiculous peak to come just before they hit the verse, they don't sing the first verse until 17 minutes in.. This is the best of Europe 72 by far. Hundred Year Hall's Other One, (a show I'm a huge fan of).. pales in comparison to this version. If you've kind of skipped over this one and pigeon-holed it 'cause you knew what to expect given the year and tour.. do yourself a favor and listen to this one. It's one of the best. Very focused. Sounds like jazz-ensemble music that reaches very very high peaks and very low valleys. Must listen.