I really appreciate the comprehensive post. I have only caught one show per year since our favorite band returned in '09 and actually, I thought the one I caught this year was the weakest of the four. I saw AC night 2 and I felt like it was just ok. The other three shows I have seen in 3.0 each contained fantastic single sets paired with 6/10 other sets.

The first was Wellsfargowachoviafirstunioncorestates Center in November of '09 - GREAT first set and overall a truly enjoyable show that gets little mention. Maybe I was just shocked back into Phish land but damn - the band came out smoking in Philly and the vibe was there - some knock it for being "greatest hits" but this show had energy and rocked.

The second was MPP 6/27/10. The second set was spectacularly executed and personally, I enjoyed it more than a hell of a lot of shows I saw in 1.0. The run from the end of Meatstick through an appropriate landing at Contact was relentlessly psychedelic and strong. The YEM gets overlooked too. It is really good.

I caught them again at MPP on 6/12/11. Here, I feel like the first set was where the money was. Wolfman's through Gumbo is a sick funk fest with Mike tweaking out for minutes at a time and dropping a thick bomb somewhere in there. Character Zero actually thrilled me here despite having heard it live in virtually every show I have seen since it came out.

The AC show on this tour, however, just felt a little off for me. Plus, I didn't hear any raves from the other two either. The venue, while cool for the scene and location, was too big and open for my taste and while the second set got going for a while there, I feel like it was an average show.

I caught a few other shows on webcast and liked it, and got some firsthand reports from buddies from Star Lake and SPAC that were glowing, but I think the 2012 first leg is getting a little fluffed here. Sorry everyone. This is not a jaded vet (well maybe a lil of a nostalgic sucker - I just re-listed to Went and had shivers from Night 2 Set 2) I have really enjoyed 3.0 and love the fact that the band is back and touring. I will absolutely see them when I can. I also love the discipline and professionalism that they are clearly showing by being "consistent" night after night and I appreciate the shit out of the fact that all four musicians are in the undeniable upper-echelon of their craft. Still, I was underwhelmed by my AC show and conventional wisdom tells me that it was the strongest of the three. I think I need a break from the summer sheds and desire some indoor intensity. Can they string together an arena tour? Here's to many more years...

Sincerely,
Dosque