I still have not fully processed the okc show. I've been seeing the guys for many years now, going back to 96, and it is difficult at times because there are some wonderful songs like Character that I have seen a lot and it gets a little hard to get up for those songs. I have also been present at shows like Denver 97, so the bar for me is about as high as it gets.

It's quite possible that I am just getting old, but the first set at the zoo absolutely kicked by butt. I would have been fine had they stopped at 46 Days, but that they went on through to the end of Antelope (my favorite 1st set closer) I was floored. I remember thinking "well, I'm good". I don't think I have ever had that experience after a 1st set. I felt like I didn't even need the second set.

Of course when the second set happened I was as engaged as I could be. I think Trey struggled a bit. The rhythm section was as solid as ever. Some of the jams were a little disjointed and I think they could have responded to the crowd's energy with some different material. But there were moments of absolute magic. The connection that takes place between the crowd and this band is such a special thing and that was on full display last night. I was grateful to be a part of it (even though I paid for it).

I'm pretty sure I have seen this mentioned on here before but reviewing shows without having been present at them is not that different from being a food critic who never tries the food or a person who critiques the Sistine Chapel without ever standing in it. It's an insult to the band and the people who take part in their shows to think you can legitimately critique something that you did not experience. A phish show is not a noun, its not a thing, it is something you go through. That's in part why people get so upset when they hear shows they were at critiqued in a negative fashion, because it feels like you are diminishing the quality of their experience. I would especially hope such critiques are not born on this site out of an artless effort to compete with Mr. Minor.

[P.S. what a great comment Trey made at the end of Rift]