When watching the Summer tour unfold from my couch, I was excited to see the thoughtful set list construction, the wonderful first sets, and the spot-on playing and jamming. I'm not sure I would call this one of the best tours ever, but it's been damn good - above average for sure and a strong rival to fall '13. As a side note, I echo the sentiments of some that, in this day and age, people are prone to hyperbole proclaiming every new great moment the "best ever" song version or show or phestival or tour. Don't worry, this phenomenon is not unique to the phish universe, just watch ESPN for ten seconds.

With that said, my concern prior to coming to these shows was the layoff; much like the last two years at Dick's. I contend that the layoff of (in this year's case) nearly two weeks, would create separation from the great strides and wonderful moments of the Summer tour. And it looks like my fears were realized. Trey has been off, though the others have been beasts, and the bustouts weaved in to the regular rotation along with the soaring heights are absent. In short, it feels like the Summer tour ended at Magnaball and we have an outlier here that has similar characteristics to tour openers - scattered great moments, hints at greatness, and the struggle to find solid footing. Much like the GD, when Jerry struggled the band suffered, and that is what we are witnessing this weekend.

Am I pissed I came to these shows? Hell no! My kids and I have been having a great time, surrounded by cool people to share in the groove. Were there some high points? Yup. But the rote setlists (minus the encores) and Treys obvious frustration with being unable to bring a musical idea to fruition are hindering these shows from soaring. It's all good, I'm glad they are out there every night giving us their all, and contributing to a wonderful Labor Day weekend with friends and phamily. Never miss a Sunday show ...