Well, I have to get this off my chest...I have said this before in a few posts. This weird defensiveness and weak attempts at scolding some fans is uncalled for. No one that posts on this site thinks that Phish sucks. In fact, everyone is probably dealing with a borderline unhealthy obsession with the band because of our love for the music. So with all due respect sparrow, custynoob, and others, give your contrived outrage a rest. The whole point of this site is to have an open forum to debate, critique, laud, relive, and examine the band's music. If a guy or gal didn't dig the Ghost because it was 5 minutes long and yanked in favor of a MP, then that is the way he feels. Get over it. Not every set is SICK to every listener and since the early days of gadiel.com and other pioneering sites, people have been critical of setlists and execution, so again, spare me your blind and frankly odd desire to stifle discussion in a way that would make Kim Jong Il proud. Where else can a fan express those feelings and get feedback other than a place where people are just as into the music and open to hearing different points of view? This is what makes this fanbase special. People care and they love to talk about and debate every little thing. It is fun. In the world of the blind loyalist, everyone would just show up, throw some glowsticks, hold your piss even during Alaska, and tweet how Trey just shredded it. That's fine, but other people might see it differently. They might offer a balanced review about how the Forbin's opener set a great tone, Gin was solid and tight as usual, and First Tube had some extra mustard. They might say that C+P is a little overplayed, Tweezer was funky as hell for a good stretch, Caspian sapped a little energy, and the band closed out the show with some fun old-school silliness that always brings a smile. What is wrong with that? This is how a great many fans enjoy and feel a part of the band and the scene. It has been this way since they started and what separates Phish from other crappy commercial garbage. So, I had to get that off my chest...it is really annoying and in fact, unexpected from this fanbase, to have people scolding and castigating others for analyzing the show from their perspective on a fan forum.

I have also said this before, but it deserves to be said again...Older fans and others who have been seeing the band since the 90's tend to hold on to nostalgia and set unrealistic expectations for shows--myself included. It took away from some 2.0 experiences for me, but I have adjusted my attitude here in 3.0. Going in with no expectations or preconceived notions cleared my head to see that the band is really rocking right now. I am thoroughly enjoying their shows. They sound tight, rehearsed, and happy on stage and this is wonderful for everyone. It comes through the music. I dig the song heavy first sets, but I wish they would stretch out some jams in the second set. I still think their playing is great, but that is just my opinion and others can disagree. Just don't act like I am some jaded vet that can't enjoy a show. The enthusiasm of new fans is wonderful and I am always glad when someone 10-15 years younger than me "gets it" and is turned onto the best music out there. It makes me happy. I just hope people don't walk around sniffing each other's asses. Fans have been analyzing and criticizing sets out of love for this band for 25 years and that is what this forum has always been about. It is not about to change now, so deal with the sensitivity issues, add your two cents, and join the conversation.

Sorry so long, but I had to get that off my chest. I have been thinking about that for a while. Of course I invite feedback.

Dosque