“The Linear” (October 30, 2010)

Ever since its debut in early 2010, “The Linear” has proven a breeding ground for quality improv for the band, allowing them to manipulate the outro section into whatever they happen to be feeling that particular evening. On the first night of the 2010 Halloween run, the band was in the spirit of the holiday, and this happened. Rule to live by forever: Evil Umphrey’s is the BEST Umphrey’s.

“Cut the Cable” (February 2, 2014)

The definitive version of “Cut the Cable” is undoubtedly from The Tabernacle on New Year’s Eve Eve when the band sandwiched the former lyrical “Jimmy Stewart” between “In the Kitchen” in the encore. This may be the most unknown of Similar Skin tracks that have been played thus far, as the “Cut the Cable” lyrics and tempo have changed with nearly every play. For example, the Atlanta version I mentioned earlier was played much quicker than the one above from Lupo’s this year.

Who knows which version we’ll see on the record, but these lyrics are among Brendan’s best and deserve their place on a UM studio album.

“Hourglass” (December 31, 2012)

One of two Summercamp 2011 songs to finally get the studio treatment, “Hourglass” remains one of the most underrated of the bunch that also includes “Puppet String,” “Forks” and “Room to Breathe.” This version of New Year’s Eve 2012 certainly opened some eyes as a full horn section really fleshed out the nuances of this solid Umphrey’s McGee tune.