First sets matter.

Above all else, the first half of a Phish show is about the band stretching, getting their sea legs, reading the venue, and establishing a connection with the audience; ideally, a feedback loop of energy that can turn a second set into something truly special. And sometimes, a first set is worth well more than the price of admission.

Summer of 2013 boasted some genuinely excellent first sets full of unpredictable song choices and spirited playing. This week, instead of suggesting a handful of candidates, we're giving you the whole shooting match -- all 25 first sets from Bangor to Commerce -- so you can tell us your favorites without having to cut through the staff's bias to get there.

As usual, do the thumb thing, but remember that the good stuff happens in the comments. This is a meaty topic, and we look forward to the dialogue!

Phishing Poll Thursday, vol. 4: Best 1st Set Summer Tour '13

Shows for your perusal, courtesy of PhishTracks:

7/3/2013 - Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, Bangor, ME
7/5/2013 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
7/6/2013 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
7/7/2013 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
7/10/2013 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
7/12/2013 - Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, NY
7/13/2013 - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
7/14/2013 - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
7/16/2013 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA
7/17/2013 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA
7/19/2013 - Northerly Island, Chicago, IL
7/20/2013 - Northerly Island, Chicago, IL
7/21/2013 - Northerly Island, Chicago, IL
7/22/2013 - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON
7/26/2013 - The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
7/27/2013 - The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
7/30/2013 - Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena, Stateline, NV
7/31/2013 - Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena, Stateline, NV
8/2/2013 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
8/3/2013 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
8/4/2013 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
8/5/2013 - Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2013 - Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
8/31/2013 - Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
9/1/2013 - Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO

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