People who complain about flubs, dud shows, short versions, throwaway songs, etc. etc. etc. must not be fans of the Grateful Dead. One can only imagine how the 'hyper-fans' nowadays would critique Bobby or Jerry messing up the lyrics to a song (which happened virtually EVERY night), or playing an uninspired version of PITB. Could you imagine what people would be saying if the Dead were playing today and Jerry screwed up the crescendo to Morning Dew?

I've been seeing these guys since 1994. I was a skeptic when they came back from their 'hiatus.' I heard the tapes and just wasn't convinced they could take me to the place they took me while growing up with them.

I've seen four shows now since the holiday run and am scheduled to see two more next weekend. While there's no way they'll ever take me back to MSG 1994, they are certainly having a hell of a time up there and making pretty special music. That No Quarter the other night is up there with my all-time Phish concert highlights.

They're been together and touring for close to 30 years. If you expect every single song to be a masterpiece, then you need to start listening to more bands, because you'll just drive yourself nuts searching for that perfect show. It just ain't gonna happen. Be happy that they can take us to that special place...most of the time a few times an evening.