My first show back. Raining balls, but we were bundled and poncho'd, so it wasnt really a factor. And the rain took a break during setbreak, which was nice. I saw, then lost track of, some really cool photos on fb right after the show of the whole amphitheater decked out in multicolored rain gear.

1st set was choppy at best. Thrilled to hear My Friend, and then into YaMar and Theme, but things sounded a little off. Melt in particular seemed like a molasses struggle. But happily forgiven due to the "rust" factor. They were still easily the best band I'd seen in the past 5 years. (Thank Icculus. I mean, who knew if they were for real or just moneygrabbin at this point? But even through a choppy first set, their intent was crystal clear. WooHoo.)

But then what a difference a break makes. 2nd set is the definition of "Standard Awesome" ("Spectacularly Average...?") Phish. The flow was exceptional. Dance Party in the rain all the way. Twenty Years Later absolutely floored me - couldn't have been a better environment for that debut - dark, stormy, haunting, over the water. And the lyrics clear as a bell. I've listened to this set quite a few times since. While there are no mind-bending, groundbreaking highlights, there is no weak spot or let-up. Its close to a perfect set, in that regard. Especially given time and place. To my deaf ears at least.

I like the set so much, I asked @CaptainPookie to paint it for me. I think he nailed it:
http://www.phanart.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pookie-Painting-JB-2009-for-JD.jpg />
(Copied from here: http://forum.phish.net/forum/show/1375410146#page=1 )