Spot-on review, thank you. Couldn't agree more with most of your assessments of last night. WTU opener was a great first statement. The four new tunes each had their merits, but all have some homework to do. Mike's flashy suit ruled. Is Paige working on the side for the Dallas Cowboys now? I love NMINML as a set opener, and this one was excellent. Your assessment about some of the occasional flubby stuff was exactly how I felt, i.e. somewhat typical first-show-of-the-tour rust, but fully counter-balanced by everyone clearly listening and supporting each other, with several great moments arising from this risk/reward equation.

I loved how you called out Trey's freaky extension at the end of Fuego, which was one of my favorite sections of the second set. I'm down for a little MYFE anytime, and it was great fun to hear them reel this one in after a slightly tentative start. YPC was awesome, but Golden Age did seem a tad perfunctory as a result. I too will leave the Leaves to someone else's assessment. And I will definitely need to re-listen to that Hood, as I totally missed the Mountain Jam quotes, despite discussing with a friend whether they might do an Allman's nod prior to the show. But, likewise, I heard Paige absolutely HAMMERING a Fuego quote right at the end of the WTU jam in Hood, which I haven't seen called out elsewhere, so I'll go looking for that one, as well.

You nailed it again re Shine a Light and Julius feeling like a two-song encore - exactly how my pal and I felt, but they were solid enough, and the lawn got pretty rocked up by Julius in the end. Your assessment of the new reggae tune was perfect, as well - it's hard to compete with Makisupa in that slot, say no more, say no more.

And with Golgi being the first Phish song I ever heard way back on 2/20/88 when they sound-checked it in my college living room (and later played it again during their show), I will never tire of hearing this one in any set position. Though I was a little surprised at how Trey appeared to struggle with some of his composed licks, having heard him absolutely nail it so many times in past. But that didn't diminish my enjoyment of it in the least, and it was a fine capper to a cool opening frame. I'm laying out tonight for Feelies and PJ Harvey with my Wife at Pitchfork, but will be back at Northerly tomorrow. Somebody please tell the band to save Mercury for Sunday, should they drop one in Chicago!