Sunday 08/23/2015 by TheEmu

MAGNABALL 2: WINNER AND A MOVIE

In their more than thirty years as a band, Phish has made incredible music from coast to coast and beyond, from Toledo to Trento to Tokyo. But what sets a festival apart from any other concert I’ve seen, different from MSG or Halloween or any other celebrated event, is that the atmosphere is so overwhelmingly “home.” Magnaball, a tiny city of art and music, was created entirely for us. It’s a place for everyone to come meet and revel in all the myriad, unique ways that we express our joy and individuality. These expressions which may make us feel weird in “real” life, but in the context of a festival, with the music as our drawstring, we come together and feel unified. The experience was revelatory for me. But first, the afternoon set.


Photo © Jake Silco

The weather at the southern tip of Seneca Lake has been spectacular this weekend, but when the band came on around 4pm, gloomy clouds clung stubbornly above. “Divided Sky” acted as an invocation and swept the air clean, opening the possibilities of the day. “The Moma Dance” meant it was time to get up and stretch, put on our captain hats, exercise our funk muscles and get ready for a Magna-sized day of music.

Mound” felt like more calisthenics, hop and clap and get your chops loose. “Army of One” was perfect for that moment: the sun had warmed us through, so soak it while you can, with winter just a few short months (and one more titanic three-night stand) away. The delicate balance of “Scabbard,” a perilously intricate weave of danger and serenity, drew my attention skyward again, one of many blissful moments to come.


Photo © Andrea Nusinov

Sample” got a huge ovation in our corner of the field, and “Tube” got everyone’s get down revved up for a surprisingly spirited “Halfway to the Moon.” You can tell that Phish does indeed love Page’s composition by the way it’s progressed these last few years, and this version was certainly a standout. The “morning” workout continued with Fish practicing his woodblock tapdancing on some funky “Camel Walk” steps, following which Mike’s “How Many People Are You?” gave us an early thrill, as Fishman’s screaming vocals will attest. “Circus” was a chance to breathe and reflect on the changing beauty of the carnival that has rolled into Watkins Glen, and for just a moment it seemed like Trey would take the Los Lobos song for a Wingsuit ride, but we instead were treated to more percussive excellence with a swaggering “Undermind.”

With all of our stretching and warm ups complete, it was time to drop into fourth gear to make sure all engines were thrumming for the main event. My show neighbor thoughtfully advised me that he would be running like an “Antelope,” and we were off. I have seen this proud beast more than any other Phish song, and this is my instant favorite, hitting all of my “Antelope” G-spots by taking a smooth detour through the trees before hitting full, spine-tingling stride and actually launching itself into low earth orbit. Not even kidding about that a little bit. Trey slyly asked if we were all now awake and ready for a Phish show. Yes, sir, and good morning!


Photo by Patrick Jordan © Phish From the Road

I thought that a huge, exploratory “Wolfman’s” would be a great way to start what I expected to be the centerpiece of our Magnaball experience. The band had different ideas, though this syncopated and fierce lycanthrope shouldn’t be ignored. “Halley’s Comet” bop would also not be the vehicle to take us to our ultimate destination, but it was a celestial harbinger of the arrival of IT. IT came in form of “46 Days,” which was played through the first chorus, but what is normally only the first jam simply became the jam. IT was recognizable by the dark fabric that used to wrap around 2.0 Phish like a holocaust cloak, but the garment IT wears is now tinged with the brighter energy of Joy and Fuego.


Photo by Rene Huemer © Phish From the Road

The most exciting thing about the last two days, for me, has been the band’s willingness to take breathtaking risks. Phish’s confidence is flowing from the stage night after night, and in the most welcoming of environments, where everything has been intended all for our delight, they took full advantage. As the coals of the day ran out, a nebulous, stellar nursery emerged from the cool Finger Lakes evening, rich material for the creation of new cosmic bonfires. I am a fan of “Number Line,” so I was happy happy, even though I thought it might signify a less exploratory set of music than I had expected. I couldn’t have been more wrong about that, and I would later be happy for that touchstone of rock sanity as the band set to taking my mind apart, piece by piece, so it could be reassembled and strengthened in the process.


Photo © Derek Gregory

With “Tweezer,” IT began to work like a Guild Navigator, using the multicolored vortex located within the Ferris wheel to take us to realms both known and unknown, arriving in celebratory fashion at a place where everyone dances with abandon, arms raised and smiles wide. From there, IT ushered us through a dark corridor, an arm around the crowd to protect it from the chaotic forces in the shadows, and we boarded the Dawn Treader. I’m sure if you asked most fans to name the jam of the night, close to zero would have said “Prince Caspian.” And again, I thought those opening chords meant a pleasing though more traditional end to the set. And again, I was utterly, staggeringly wrong.

The “Caspian” jam began traditionally enough, but then just before the five minute mark, “Caspian” donned his crown and showed everyone what he is capable of. There were some hints of the menacing Dick’s version, a brief return to the “Caspian” melody, and then IT revealed what he had brought us to see. With the power of three decades of collaboration, a doctorate in quantum metaphysics, and the psychological wizardry of “Tweezer” still lingering like dry tinder, “Caspian” danced a funk-magic spell that transformed the entire site into a radiant burst of elation, joy, and oneness. During that peak at the end of “Caspian,” I experienced the spiritual unity that is, to me, the core of the Phish experience, in the most pure and transformative way since I started coming to shows in 1995. Those are the best words I can find at the moment, but it’s still only Sunday morning.


"46 Days" – Photo © Derek Gregory

And yet there was still more than an entire set of music to take in. “Meatstick” was a good way to get dancing again after the break, but I was particularly excited for “Blaze On” and its potential for good time grooves. This version did not disappoint, blazing impressive new trails in only its eighth performance. More ambient bliss, more multi-faceted rhythms, and more pressing the envelope ensued, reminding us that jaw-dropping improvisation can and will appear at any time this weekend. “Blaze On” got decidedly bizarre before the band touched home base with a happy segue into “Possum,” but “Cities” took us right back to the outer limits, just this side of the tracks from where all the rules break down.

But “Cities” just danced on the edges, where the plinko meets the darkness, before more “Light” bloomed to banish any fears of getting too far gone. Keep in mind that even being just enough far gone, we’re still floating in the iridescent atmosphere of a gas giant, populated by floating violet alien jellyfish that flit and dart to clavinet, Mu-Tron, echoplex, and otherworldly drumming, and respond with a call like a whale playing a harmonica. Somehow, in the middle of this extraterrestrial dance party, the “555” slides by, getting us out just before the locals decide to eat our minds.


Photo © Jake Silco

After such an excursion, “Wading” is like a pull from the oxygen tank, and another chance to bask in the magic of the many moments Phish has taken from their days and sent off to their fans. “Walls of the Cave” closed the third set with another fist-pumping assertion of the greatness of our four musicians, and a “Boogie On” “Tweeprise” encore put a cap on the non-secret portion of Saturday night.

As for the “Drive-In Jam,” I surely can not do adequate justice to a piece of art this dense and layered before I get carted off back to the laboratory for two final sets of experimentation. The experience was surreal, and yet completely familiar, like a recurring dream made real in the hazy, cool early morning breeze as you drift between the conscious and the other-than-conscious. It began with ample mystery and developed into a transcendent Hearts of Space ambience that I want to revisit again and again. That was just the beginning of the fifty-two minute minutes of magic as the many faces of Phish unfolded beneath the grandstands. This is a movie you’ll have to see for yourself, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure.


Photo © Scott Harris

I’ve only begun to process the experience of my first Phish festival, but I can tell you that the strongest memory I will take home is that of all the friends I encountered, some unknown until this trip, that were given the chance to gather and be quite simply their truest selves for a few brief days. A festival allows Phish, and their fans, a moment to be free to celebrate the power of music in the way we love best. Our trip is short, friends, and I can only say thank you to all of the people who worked so hard to make it as special as it can possibly be. You are all beautiful, and I’ll see you tonight.

Phish Summer 2015 – Setlists & Recaps
07/21/15 SetlistRecap – Bend 1
07/22/15 SetlistRecap – Bend 2
07/24/15 SetlistRecap, Recap2 – Shoreline
07/25/15 SetlistRecap – LA Forum
07/28/15 SetlistRecap – Austin
07/29/15 SetlistRecap – Grand Prarie
07/31/15 SetlistRecap – Atlanta 1
08/01/15 SetlistRecap – Atlanta 2
08/02/15 SetlistRecap – Tuscaloosa
08/04/15 SetlistRecap – Nashville
08/05/15 SetlistRecap – Kansas City
08/07/15 SetlistRecap – Blossom
08/08/15 SetlistRecap – Alpine 1
08/09/15 SetlistRecap – Apline 2
08/11/15 SetlistRecap – Mann 1
08/12/15 SetlistRecap – Mann 2
08/14/15 SetlistRecap – Raleigh
08/15/15 SetlistRecap – Merriweather 1
08/16/15 SetlistRecap – Merriweather 2
08/21/15 SetlistRecap – Magnaball 1
08/22/15 SetlistRecap – Magnaball 2
08/23/15 SetlistRecap – Magnaball 3
09/04/15 SetlistRecap – Dick's 1
09/05/15 SetlistRecap – Dick's 2
09/06/15 SetlistRecap – Dick's 3


MagnaBall Triptych by Drew Millward

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Comments

, comment by CarinCarpenter
CarinCarpenter I deeply regret not quitting my nascent job and driving to Magnaball on a suspended driver's license.

Thanks for the review, Mr E. Mu. I believe you!
, comment by TheEmu
TheEmu Photo of fan Gregory Kelly from Burlington, VT, taken by me.

Image
, comment by whatstheuse324
whatstheuse324 I believe it was @nichobert that had been posting earlier this tour about 555 going "out" and visiting the darkside. When it showed up that late in the game last night, I thought it was about to happen. It was darker than usual, but still pretty true to form. That was the one to do it if it were to happen at all.

Also, I just wanted to say that Divided Sky is the song that made me a Phish phan and it is my son Desmond's favorite song too. The only live version he ever saw was from Super Ball when he was just a baby. Yesterday, Desmond, my son Lennon, and I were on top of the Ferris wheel when Divided Sky kicked off. It was a truly magical moment for us. Thank you Phish!
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS Great review of an incredible, epic show. Tweezer> Caspian....'nuf said.
, comment by whatstheuse324
whatstheuse324 And also, very nice review @TheEmu. I'm glad you are having as much fun as I am.
, comment by whatstheuse324
whatstheuse324 Finally, who is the "fuckerpants" now? Haha! Love it.
, comment by thebuzzman
thebuzzman Does anyone know if the webcast stayed on for the Drive-In Jam? The screen went dark after Tweezer Reprise and I assumed the credits were ensuing so I turned it off. Premature?
, comment by User_25597_
User_25597_ I honestly didn't get this show. It felt like they were really struggling to hear each other, and trey especially seemed like he didn't hear it. Granted, mike never shows a lot of emotion, but he looked irritated with the song choices. Why pull Halley's like that? It just makes no sense. To say that this is instantly your favorite antelope...well, I mean, it's certainly your choice, but I'd say there are others to listen to first.

My expectations after summer were really high. Turns out, too high. Some decent moments but nothing you're going to shove in your friends' faces and say "LISTEN"
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @whatstheuse324 said:
I believe it was @nichobert that had been posting earlier this tour about 555 going "out" and visiting the darkside. When it showed up that late in the game last night, I thought it was about to happen. It was darker than usual, but still pretty true to form. That was the one to do it if it were to happen at all.

Also, I just wanted to say that Divided Sky is the song that made me a Phish phan and it is my son Desmond's favorite song too. The only live version he ever saw was from Super Ball when he was just a baby. Yesterday, Desmond, my son Lennon, and I were on top of the Ferris wheel when Divided Sky kicked off. It was a truly magical moment for us. Thank you Phish!
great review.... and i'm with you. i was amused by @nichobert 's prognostications and then, when you hear it, you wonder, huh, could it get a ride like that wacky wombat?

tweezer > caspian for sure. totally felt the reprise and number of times.... what an awesome, awesome ride -
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @JMart said:
I honestly didn't get this show. It felt like they were really struggling to hear each other, and trey especially seemed like he didn't hear it. Granted, mike never shows a lot of emotion, but he looked irritated with the song choices. Why pull Halley's like that? It just makes no sense. To say that this is instantly your favorite antelope...well, I mean, it's certainly your choice, but I'd say there are others to listen to first.

My expectations after summer were really high. Turns out, too high. Some decent moments but nothing you're going to shove in your friends' faces and say "LISTEN"
obviously there are better lopes and halley's will always polarize (like tube, though, don't hold your breath).... but won't you play prince tweezer for a bro - or sis?
, comment by nichobert
nichobert Why pull Halley's like that? It just makes no sense.

If you're asking why they played it all, I have no idea.

If you're asking why they slammed into 46 Days instead of jamming Halleys, I'd guess because it sounded awesome and the subsequent 46 Days jam was better than all but 2, maybe 3 Halleys jams ever, so I have to feel like it was the right choice.

As megafans, we want every song to be jammed out, and if not, at least a little something different about it. Be happy Trey closes his eyes a lot when the jams start getting deep, because if he was watching the crowd more they'd probably jam less. Unless a jams really upbeat, a lot of people are going to be talking through it. People who have never heard of the band before, people who have been to 300 shows. Whatever.

They'd be crazy to not have any idea that no matter our protests to the contrary, the vast majority of the crowd is more engaged with the chorus to Sample In A Jar than the delicately layered otherworldly textures of deep improv

If you're in a band, that's going to mean something to you. And I feel like Phish 3.0 has done a great job of balancing competing interests.
, comment by nichobert
nichobert Nothing wacky about it, that two chord solo section in 555 is begging to be jammed out. Begging.

Up until 97 nobody felt like Bag, Tube, Gumbo, Halleys or Timber had anything particularly wrong with it if it didn't have a jam. Then they did it, and it makes perfect sense
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @nichobert said:
Nothing wacky about it, that two chord solo section in 555 is begging to be jammed out. Begging.

Up until 97 nobody felt like Bag, Tube, Gumbo, Halleys or Timber had anything particularly wrong with it if it didn't have a jam. Then they did it, and it makes perfect sense
WOMBAT being wacky in the sense of describing the jam that ensued; not the probability/ease/notion/reason for playing it....
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @nichobert said:
Nothing wacky about it, that two chord solo section in 555 is begging to be jammed out. Begging.

Up until 97 nobody felt like Bag, Tube, Gumbo, Halleys or Timber had anything particularly wrong with it if it didn't have a jam. Then they did it, and it makes perfect sense
well, sort of....

your point about balancing competing interests is spot on -

the other:

some of us did....

timber gets the absolute hell played out of it in 95 (binghamton) in romones-like arena rock never before repeated.... and there is a SICK halley's in that set ta boot.... there are a couple other surprising timber's in 95 as well....

but yeah, i won't get overly pedantic. the other songs you mention were right place, right time.... those big bags are no accident; they lend themselves well to the funk 'experiment.' the other tunes.... obviously they fit as well. so does llama. so could wilson.

common misconception about roses, too.

aside from dust, which has become dead-esque, many of today's jams feel tacked on as opposed to 'evolving' from within a song.

more than anything, i am looking for the next tune to evolve. a couple of the year's debuts are (duh) contenders. i'd be psyched if it's your FIVES - more so since you called it so early.

but something surprising would be welcome.

or even a really, really nice feugo.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS The greatest musical experience I've ever had was seeing Tangerine Dream perform in Providence RI in the '80s. Never forget it. It changed the molecular structure of my body.

It had IT.

Second greatest musical experience was the Dead playing the sequence of He's Gone> Smokestack Lightning> Comes A Time sometime in '82. Lots of opium involved in that one.

The third greatest experience was listening to Tweezer> Caspian on my headphones last night. No drugs involved and I wasn't even there, but it was THAT powerful.

My molecular structure has been changed again. Taboot taboot.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @JMart said:
I honestly didn't get this show. It felt like they were really struggling to hear each other, and trey especially seemed like he didn't hear it. Granted, mike never shows a lot of emotion, but he looked irritated with the song choices. Why pull Halley's like that? It just makes no sense. To say that this is instantly your favorite antelope...well, I mean, it's certainly your choice, but I'd say there are others to listen to first.

My expectations after summer were really high. Turns out, too high. Some decent moments but nothing you're going to shove in your friends' faces and say "LISTEN"
I think Mike is just frustrated because he never gets to play Andelman's Yard
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @FACTSAREUSELESS said:
@JMart said:
I honestly didn't get this show. It felt like they were really struggling to hear each other, and trey especially seemed like he didn't hear it. Granted, mike never shows a lot of emotion, but he looked irritated with the song choices. Why pull Halley's like that? It just makes no sense. To say that this is instantly your favorite antelope...well, I mean, it's certainly your choice, but I'd say there are others to listen to first.

My expectations after summer were really high. Turns out, too high. Some decent moments but nothing you're going to shove in your friends' faces and say "LISTEN"
I think Mike is just frustrated because he never gets to play Andelman's Yard
When your voice is loud and I'm feeling small
And I dont even feel like saying anything at all
Don't be concerned if I'm caught off guard
My mind was trying to burrow like a groundhog

Read more: Mike Gordon - Andelmans' Yard Lyrics | MetroLyrics
, comment by TnJedHead
TnJedHead So a buddy of mine decided it would be a good idea to go out on the lake to listen to the second set yesterday. As we cruised back to the dock at twilight listening to the best Prince Caspian I had ever heard (couldn't have been mor fitting), I was so glad he had that idea. So enjoying Summer Tour '15. I'm not sure if it's the best ever, but I am sure it's the one I've enjoyed the most! God bless the technology and people helping me listen to every show.
, comment by User_25597_
User_25597_ I agree that not every song has to be jammed out. That would make a pretty tedious show. There are room for songs. And phish doesn't have anything left to prove other than to themselves, so they can do what they want. But the opening slot of a night set at festival is prime jamming time, so I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And, IMO, the subsequent 46 days jam wasn't that good at all.

I'm not trying to be a hater. I really do love this band. I just think there's a lot of grade inflation going on here. IT doesn't happen every night. A show can be just raging and not have IT. To keep loudly saying IT was there is wishful thinking, disingenuous, and devalues when IT actually does show up. I've seen tons of great shows, but I can count on two hands the number of IT ones. This show wasn't one of them. That's all.
, comment by raidcehlalred
raidcehlalred @JMart said:
I agree that not every song has to be jammed out. That would make a pretty tedious show. There are room for songs. And phish doesn't have anything left to prove other than to themselves, so they can do what they want. But the opening slot of a night set at festival is prime jamming time, so I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And, IMO, the subsequent 46 days jam wasn't that good at all.

I'm not trying to be a hater. I really do love this band. I just think there's a lot of grade inflation going on here. IT doesn't happen every night. A show can be just raging and not have IT. To keep loudly saying IT was there is wishful thinking, disingenuous, and devalues when IT actually does show up. I've seen tons of great shows, but I can count on two hands the number of IT ones. This show wasn't one of them. That's all.
i don't think you are....

it's obvious from your other posts.

i agree with your most of your last paragraph (just too much tweezer and caspian for me to entirely agree). i don't love days in the spot is currently occupies. like asihtos, i like it to open a show. but man do they seem to dig it.

any minute now....
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @JMart said:
I agree that not every song has to be jammed out. That would make a pretty tedious show. There are room for songs. And phish doesn't have anything left to prove other than to themselves, so they can do what they want. But the opening slot of a night set at festival is prime jamming time, so I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And, IMO, the subsequent 46 days jam wasn't that good at all.

I'm not trying to be a hater. I really do love this band. I just think there's a lot of grade inflation going on here. IT doesn't happen every night. A show can be just raging and not have IT. To keep loudly saying IT was there is wishful thinking, disingenuous, and devalues when IT actually does show up. I've seen tons of great shows, but I can count on two hands the number of IT ones. This show wasn't one of them. That's all.
Couldn't disagree with you more, my friend. Don't think there's any grade inflation. I have no problem criticizing these guys when I feel they deserve it (see my post from MB1 for evidence), but they have been sizzling with IT since Shoreline. It's been appearing the whole tour. There's an energy and buzz around this tour that is palpable. It started with Fare Thee Well and its just continued. Think you need to Get Back On the Train.
, comment by iflyer
iflyer Perfect review. Really great writing. Creative. Just really spot on. Salute
, comment by DudeBroMan
DudeBroMan Phish has played neither Toledo nor Trenton. ;)
, comment by DudeBroMan
DudeBroMan ^ Immediately wishing I could delete that comment. ^ ;)
, comment by InsectEffect
InsectEffect @TheEmu Thanks for such a spirited recap, and for sharing your IT moments. I think you achieved an excellent balance btw 'in the moment' subjective impressions and considered context.

One of my own first IT moments descended during a Caspian back in 1999, and I've always been annoyed by the bad rap that song gets here, thanks I think to 'the nickname that shall no longer be used,' which has always seemed like an unusually trashy way for Phish fans to talk about any aspect of the band's catalog. Glad to see Caspian redeemed, yet again.

I'm listening to the Drive-In Jam now, and this isn't just some weird ambient effects to complement a spectacle (a la Storage Jam, which was cool as hell but doesn't warrant much repeat listening). The Drive-In is a rich instrumental journey, and deserves a musicological recap all of its own, as @TheEmu wisely intuited.
, comment by plICCULUS
plICCULUS Fantastic write up. Love those "IT" moments :)
, comment by mikh2wg
mikh2wg Great review! I think you did a good job of encapsulating the spiritual elements without being corny.
Hope y'all have a safe trip home and I hope I see you again real soon!
, comment by BirdsOfAHeather
BirdsOfAHeather Great review, especially the few lines about the secret set. That's exactly how it felt to me. On Sunday, we walked back to where we stood at the drive-in and I swear it was not the same place. Saturday night we were definitely transported somewhere other than a small patch of grass between a giant screen and some bathrooms!

Divided Sky was also the song that made me love phish, it will always be my favorite for that reason. Saturday was my 30th show and they opened with my favorite song. I had chills, it was awesome. THANK YOU PHISH!
, comment by AaronDJH
AaronDJH Great review. Whole weekend felt like almost each new song went someplace special for that moment, for that song. There were some classic flubs, but the ph ish were moving together so well all weekend it didnt matter. It was classic whoops and move on to something even better than what that other thing we just flubbed could have been. No ripcord or rhythm close to any song I can remember. Saturday was amazing. Truly amazing. I have seen ph ish many times over many years. I always would rather listen to ph ish than almost anything else, especially live. I was so overjoyed that when Set 3 ended I was sad. I could have listened all night to these guys. Set 2 was just a stunning piece of musical work. OP said it. Every time you thought you could take a breather, you would miss something truly outstanding. Thanks ph ish.
, comment by Wurmocelot
Wurmocelot Thank you PHISH. N to all the PHISH PHRIENDS I met over the weekend. I love you all.

From: Wurm
, comment by phreedom
phreedom First of all, This was truly the most magical experience of my life. It was deep, weird, touching, raw, edgy, warm, and full of love. I have never heard the guys so focused. And also, introducing/exploring new jams, new portals to new dimensions of light and beauty. Healing with new and inspiring rhythms and melodies, and playing from the heart on Sunday for sure. Sunday was unbelievable.

More importantly, did anyone notice any UFO's Saturday night/Sunday morning during the secret set?

PS, that vocal jam was incredibly trippy, and i am so grateful of phish. Even the fireworks display was beautiful. I could t have asked for anything more the entire weekend.
, comment by tao_of_jeff
tao_of_jeff @TheEmu

Spot on man, especially your intro when describing the phestival experience and the feeling of transcendence during Caspian. I will NEVER look at Fuckerpants the same way!
, comment by bbukovitz
bbukovitz MG was awesome. Here is something different you won't like, but awesome.

, comment by JesusFreak
JesusFreak @FACTSAREUSELESS said:
@JMart said:
I agree that not every song has to be jammed out. That would make a pretty tedious show. There are room for songs. And phish doesn't have anything left to prove other than to themselves, so they can do what they want. But the opening slot of a night set at festival is prime jamming time, so I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And, IMO, the subsequent 46 days jam wasn't that good at all.

I'm not trying to be a hater. I really do love this band. I just think there's a lot of grade inflation going on here. IT doesn't happen every night. A show can be just raging and not have IT. To keep loudly saying IT was there is wishful thinking, disingenuous, and devalues when IT actually does show up. I've seen tons of great shows, but I can count on two hands the number of IT ones. This show wasn't one of them. That's all.
Couldn't disagree with you more, my friend. Don't think there's any grade inflation. I have no problem criticizing these guys when I feel they deserve it (see my post from MB1 for evidence), but they have been sizzling with IT since Shoreline. It's been appearing the whole tour. There's an energy and buzz around this tour that is palpable. It started with Fare Thee Well and its just continued. Think you need to Get Back On the Train.
I would even go one show further and say that they've been sizzling with IT since Bend2. That 2nd set from Bend2 is pretty wonderful.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @JesusFreak said:
@FACTSAREUSELESS said:
@JMart said:
I agree that not every song has to be jammed out. That would make a pretty tedious show. There are room for songs. And phish doesn't have anything left to prove other than to themselves, so they can do what they want. But the opening slot of a night set at festival is prime jamming time, so I have to say I'm a little disappointed. And, IMO, the subsequent 46 days jam wasn't that good at all.

I'm not trying to be a hater. I really do love this band. I just think there's a lot of grade inflation going on here. IT doesn't happen every night. A show can be just raging and not have IT. To keep loudly saying IT was there is wishful thinking, disingenuous, and devalues when IT actually does show up. I've seen tons of great shows, but I can count on two hands the number of IT ones. This show wasn't one of them. That's all.
Couldn't disagree with you more, my friend. Don't think there's any grade inflation. I have no problem criticizing these guys when I feel they deserve it (see my post from MB1 for evidence), but they have been sizzling with IT since Shoreline. It's been appearing the whole tour. There's an energy and buzz around this tour that is palpable. It started with Fare Thee Well and its just continued. Think you need to Get Back On the Train.
I would even go one show further and say that they've been sizzling with IT since Bend2. That 2nd set from Bend2 is pretty wonderful.
I have no qualms with your assessment. Shoreline seems to be the consensus among the masses for when this tour started to heat up. That's why I used it as the benchmark. But I agree, I really enjoyed the Bend shows, which were delightfully off-center and unique.
, comment by aritstatle3
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