I thoroughly enjoyed this show, from start to finish. The whole band seemed comfortable, relaxed, patient, and on their game.

Set 1 was well performed, and featured some great song choices, as far as I'm concerned. The Ice > Mound, Maze combo works great for me, as Rift era compositions still just amaze and delight me.

Set 2 was excellent, I thought. Patient jamming, and fun energy. The first lyrical passage of Piper had me in tears a little bit. I was breathing hard, and my eyes were watering, and I was transported. Something alchemical happened. This is why I listen to Phish. I'm a huge fan of the early early Piper, which was all about the slow build, a sublime peak, and a slow decline. Modern Pipers have a different structure, and this is the first of the modern era that has really done it for me. Wading was just simply beautiful, and was paired beautifully with the sunset as I listened to Set 2 this evening on my walk. Antelope had me laughing, and YEM.. well...

YEM is like sex: It's got familiar and pleasurable rhythms; It's takes you to some funky and sublime places; and every now and again might reach a level ecstasy that makes you want to do it again and again. Hell, at the very worst, it's routine but completely fun. You can't really lose.

In the weeks prior to this tour, I did a semi-random survey of a bunch of shows from 1992 through 2012, in chrono order. It made me realize that we are lucky ducks to have the opportunity to take this journey with Phish, and to hear how they have changed and evolved over the years... and to have a permanent record of the good, the great, the ugly, and the ever-evolving.

This show is the best of the 2013 Summer tour so far, I believe. I'm looking forward to much more!