In January 2002, when Bright Eyes performed "The Trees Got Wheeled Away," they were deep into the tumultuous yet transformative period of their career marked by the album "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," which had been released just a few months prior in July 2002. This album showcased their evolving sound, blending moody folk rock with introspective lyrics—hallmarks of Conor Oberst's songwriting. It notably included the haunting track "The First Day of My Life," which still resonates with many fans today. During this time, Bright Eyes was not just another indie band; they were on the cusp of achieving wider recognition, thanks largely to the raw emotion and vulnerability found in their music, a characteristic that shone through in live performances like this one. Oberst’s unique vocal style and the band’s use of rich instrumentation created an electrifying atmosphere that made this live recording so compelling. Wouldn't you agree that there's something special about the energy of live music, especially in intimate settings like this?