Fortunately/Unfortunately this was the last show of the Baker's Dozen run I was able to attend in person (fortunately because I did make 5 of them and this show was off the charts, yet unfortunately due to what lay ahead the following night). My fiancee, now wife, and I were set up to the side of the stage, slightly behind, yet not all the way. I had never sat there before at MSG and it was an interesting vantage point. I remember once thinking (or maybe, probably, definitely, more than once) that I would never ever sit behind the stage...I'd rather just listen the next day. Not sure if that still holds were I directly behind the stage, but being a little behind yet to the side was absolutely fine. The energy and vibe of that area was something I will never forget. If the previous night was the most energetic Phish show I ever attended, this show and, specifically, our location just had the perfect vibe to it.

Musically, I remember just feeling that, by this point, they had clearly reached and were in "the zone" and could do no wrong. The first set was highlighted by (besides the Boston/Cream medley) the best Gotta Jibboo they've played since 7/4/00, with this one being a more focused, patient endeavor to the true Type II behemoth that was that aforementioned Fourth of July version in 2000. Additionally, it feels like Plasma has settled in somewhat to the repertoire now as a silky smooth number that is somewhat flexible in where it works within the set, and, for that matter, which set.

The second set is obviously highlighted by the set opening, we all knew it was coming, MONSTER Ghost, of course the basis for my username. And this Ghost definitely went full on GhostHit, holding it in and in and in until there was nothing left, exploding in the process. It was an exploratory, raging, cathartic Ghost. And, I am shocked that this Ghost somehow is not on the Jam Chart. I am chalking that up to administrative oversight...one the should be rectified in due course (i.e. NOW). The transition to Petrichor completely changed the tone of the set...it felt that the subsequent Light would have been more appropriate in the 2 spot. A heavily compositional, plodding song after a monster Type II jam just did not seem to flow within the context of the set. That being said, I love the song, and despite a few minor flubs, it was relatively well played, and anything that the band is enjoying playing, which they clearly are with Petrichor, I am totally in favor of overall as that passion certainly comes through in their playing. The following Light was out of the box, not entirely memorable, but a good excursion nonetheless, which yielded my favorite segue of the night, The Lizards, which was greeted with feverish excitement from the now Gamehenge ready crow. The crowd exploded during the chorus making the singalong another massively energetic moment, which this run has been full off. The set rounded out nicely, but was clearly just add-ons now that the meat of the show concluded. I left the show with that Jibboo stuck in my head with swirling memories of that Ghost forever implanted in my memory. And, as I write this now, a little over a month later, and reflect on the show and the setlist above, I am left with just one unresolved thought:

HOW DOES THIS GHOST NOT MAKE THE JAM CHART!!!!