@InsectEffect said:

I absolutely LOVE that this is *still* a band that prompts lengthy analysis, discussion and (see above!) full-on off-the-cuff essays, and I tend to take it all in the way @waxbanks (and others) have suggested here, as a means for deepening our appreciation of the music, the moment, the ever-imminent possibility of revelation. Phish.netters (and Phish fans in general) tend to be pretty respectiful --this ain't no flame-wars-- and I love that too. (Beautiful comments, @reynardMachine).

I'll add a note about the notion of "risk" and exploration. Its not *all* about the jam, though I do agree with much that's been said about that here, both in praise and criticism. At its best, Phish's current approach emphasizes subtlety and nuance, as seen in what I've starting thinking of as "micro-jams," those intricate and beautiful jam-segment developments that fall under the 10 minute mark (several 3.0 Pipers are good examples, Worchester Roses, etc). This is (slowly) re-conditioning fans to appreciate that length isn't everthing (insert Phish @ Dick's joke here).

But Phish has an enormous catalog of gorgeous originals and compelling covers, and I want to see more "risks" like those taken at UIC I, when newer songs were treated to geniunely innovative exploration in favor of "standard" set openers and closers. And the thematic nature of that set, man o man. Hook line and sinker, you got me. Here's hoping for more of the same...

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I believe that the boys are having a really good time doing what they love to do right now, and I'm happy for them. I see and hear from so many people that are 1.0/2.0 vets (like myself) that they just 'don't sound the same', or 'don't take the risks that they used to', and I agree, they don't. They've been there and done that, and as much as i love my 1.0 Phish, it remains just that - 1.0 Phish. I have learned over the last three years to not expect what I heard in 97-98 or 03. But when I go to a show, I still love what they do, and they still blow my mind more often than not.

I believe that they are really hesitant to re-do a lot of the things they did in the past because this band has always been about trying things that are new and different. And no matter what, even if it happens less often, this band is still unpredictable! They can go from a mediocre run-of-the-mill show to something entirely mind blowing and visa-versa. The excitement, for me, is still all there. I just find myself waiting a little longer for it at times. Doesn't mean I'm going to stop going to shows.

And as for new songs versus old jams, I mostly look forward to Halfway to the Moon, Army of One, A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing, Light, Bug, and ofcourse Pebbles and Marbles (my favorite Phish song). It gets me more excited when a newer track hits my ears because there is so much room for it to go into uncharted territory, and for something that has never been done with it before to happen.

A rant, I know. But I just felt like writing. So you all at Jones and SPAC.