@mgolia6 said:

Thank you for an honest review of the show. I imagine anyone (including myself) seeing this vintage set list would just assume the show was a barn burner. I have this nagging feeling that the band is getting a little tired creatively in the live forum (both the improvisation and the impromptu out of left field type Phish). This is not a knock, if it is the case, it’s just the way it is. I’d love to be proven wrong but the true segues seem to be gone and replaced by wanting to place a nice little bow on songs by bringing them to their conclusion, in an almost contrived manner and just playing a lot of songs. Don’t get me wrong I love some of the new stuff, but even when the new stuff is shelved (this show) it still leaves something to be desired. There could also be a focus towards Mondegreen and trying not to lose stamina leading up to that event. Not sure, just seems like somethings a little off right now. As I always say, a Phish show is always a party, so there is always fun to be had, but if the experience is supposed to lead to IT, the band has got a bit of work to do to get me back there. Taking a deep breath now and waiting for all the thumbs down to rain down upon this comment. Lolz.

I had the same feeling night 2 at Great Woods. Songs were dancy, groovy and very user friendly. Nothing went way out with the exception of No Mans... Everything was well played, but it was right down the middle, predictable and seemed lacking in energy. They do go through phases obviously. Some tours are better than others. But there can be a few reasons for this run being seeming tame. The sphere and Mondegreen were / are massive creative undertakings... so their days are probably filled with logistics. They put out a new album... Mike just toured...The amount of pre-tour promo (Maron podcast, NPR, Fallon) might hint at the bands desire to gain new audiences... and these setlists seem to confirm that as they are not classic bonkers phish and again, right down the middle and palatable to appeal to a new listeners. Trey was also learning Steely Dan and playing w the symphony, so what and how they're playing might be a little scattered. Their announcement of no fall tour, and instead skipping right to Mexico might also solidify the idea that they are a little bored with touring like they always have, and are enjoying playing experiential or destination stands more in their later years... Shpere, Dicks, Mexico etc. But like sex and pizza, even when its bad it good. But for us jaded heads, the idea of predictable, tame or uninspired phish is a crippling thought. We're still waiting for that hunge banger that hasn't shown up yet, despite good looking setlists. We may have to get used to the idea that whatever they're doing at Mondegreen, this tour may simply be a warm-up, winding through some beautiful nights in some classic venues, leading up to that event. So get ready for more than a few GTBT sets closers leaving everyone wanting more