OK, so I've never really reviewed a show, but feel like this one deserves it. I started seeing Phish in 1995 and became obsessed, getting in some 50+ shows by the end of 1998. Then, things got weird with them, Trey started spacing out too much and in my opinion they became sour and predictable. Went to Coventry because it was "the last show" and 32 miles from my house at the time...well, that was the lowest point in my Phish experience and I left with the thought that I'd never go again. Saw Fenway last year and thought it was solid, but not the greatest show. I figured they just lost it and would never regain that energy I fell in love with when i was younger.
So, on a whim i decided to go to Manchvegas. I got cheap tix at stubhub and ended up lower level Mike side. Before the show, a dude my age was sitting behind me and we were talking about our Phistories and predicting show openers and whatnot. I picked PYITE, he though Split Open & Melt and we both agreed they were both likely. Again, Phish has lost their energy, their unpredictability and I was ready for another boring show...then After Midnight comes out of NOWHERE! OK, that's cool guys! Then the Sloth! Alumni Blues>Jimmy Page->Alumni was another surprise. After that, I turned to dude I was talking to earlier and we both threw up our hands as if to say "all bets are off tonight". Mellow Mood??! Really guys? They nailed it! Access me is a stupid pointless song, but whatever. Llama got things frenetic. All these dreams slowed things down and I was grateful for the opportunity to get a beer. The Curtain was awesome. Last time I heard this was the end of Coventry and represented very bad memories, so this one seemed a sort of rebirth of my love. Scent rocked, no duel but an awesome solo by Page. I love it's Ice and the Walls of the Cave...great closer! Set break I just sat there, evaluating the experience, and finally deciding that whatever they had lost, they've regained that energy and unpredictability.
Second set was the same as first: unpredictable and high energy. Mike's Song was fast and right ON. Makisupa had some fun lyrics. I've never heard Night Nurse but it was cool and chill. The Wedge was a nice surprise and Mango came out of nowhere. Weekapaug started very strangely, with Mike trying to get on the same page as Trey started it out of Mango. Llame reprise was another surpise. I left during Show of Life because honestly, this song sucks.
All in all, they threw us all for a loop tonight, played super tight and i feel like I got my groove back with Phish. Download this show if you can, it was a doozy!