Great call on Fishman who I agree has been ripping it up.

This show really cleared the air and it was needed but as you point out correctly there is a growing tension about the direction of the band. No covers, no old friends who always show by now (YEM, Bowie, etc.).

The band's insistence on forcing the new material in combination with the lack of cover favorites such as C&P, Bitch, R&R, Golden Age and others has, in my view, caused the shows to lack the feeling of natural flow, and I think has hurt the energy a bit.

On the other hand, a strong committment to the new material (and to developing it!) cannot be viewed as a negative, even if it means some growth pains.

I did greatly appreciate the pairing of Limbxlimb> Winterqueen the other night. Even though Winterqueen seemed to suck the life out of the building, it was extremely appropriate lyrically and fit musically as well.

One thing I've felt for a long time is lost on much of the phandom is that, like the Grateful Dead before them, the Phish focus as much on lyrical synchronicity as musical cohesion in contructing their shows. I'm curious as to how that will flesh out, lacking many of the standby cover material.

Sorry for the random musings, but this is where my head is at with the band at the moment. 2014 is shaping up to be an entirely different animal than we've experienced before.

One wonders if Harpua has seen it's last performance in Chicago last year?

Excellent review of a very satisfying evening.