As many before me, I thoroughly enjoyed your review Jeremy @J_D_G. While I do not share the same opinion through its entirety, I often found myself saying "yes, that's exactly what I've been trying to articulate for a good 2 or 3 years now." I'm glad someone with writing abilities superior to mine was finally able to express my inner and outer thoughts.

I am a jaded vet. I know this. I do not get excited at the opening notes of Golgi, 46 Days, Zero, Loving Cup, GTBT, Suzy.....and this list can take up the remaining space of the world wide web Phish phans help build. I have been chasing songs like Forbin> Mockingbird, Icculus, Tela, Harpua, and up until a few weeks ago, an electric version of McGrupp (after seeing the acoustic of F8). I do enjoy hearing the opening notes of DWD, Tweezer, Ghost, Carini, and all the other frequented 3.0 second set jam vehicles.

One of the things that's bothered me the most of 3.0 is the predictability. (also high on this list is Trey's lack of use of the digital delay loop in jams, but that's a totally different discussion which deserves its own time and space) Predictable song selection, set placement, and even jams. Which is the exact opposite of Phish 1.0 and a large part of what drew millions to love this band. With unpredictability comes excitement. Excitement that can be felt throughout an entire concert venue and ultimately reaching the band. It produces Energy (a song I hope they never cover again).

Has every show since Dick's 2012 brought this excitement? No, not even close. The lack of jamming in the first set prohibits or prevents this excitement from building. But there have been jams which have proved Phish is back. Holmdel's C&P, Hampton's Carini, Reading's DWD, AC's Carini, Twist, Theme, and most recently Randall's CDT, and Merriweather's Tweezerfest. And because of that, this jaded vet will continue to go to shows (without the willingness to travel as far as I once have), hope to be present for one or two of these fantastic jams, and maybe even be lucky enough like I was on July 9th to catch one of the remaining songs I am chasing.