Nice bit of writing, and I really look forward to what others have to say.

In many ways, I had considered Clifford Ball and Big Cypress (aside from 10/31/96) as defining Phish moments. With MB in the books, I feel confident saying that we've got one defining festival per ear (more on IT in a bit).

I love - and appreciate - Cypress as much as the next fan. If you take into account the midnight set, however, and get simply into a discussion regarding the music - and not even song selection but HOW the band played - it isn't unfair to say that seven or so hours of playing is pretty unvaried.

Don't get me wrong: One of my all time favorite moments is Trey's demeanor throughout; when I think of Trey I think of that chill as hell 'swing' running throughout C&P. But one is really being disingenuous if they don't admit that the band covers a LOT of similar ground.

The argument might be: What do you expect?

I'd posit: Anything?

I'd never say that to suggest that the Clifford Ball is a 'step back' is an egregious error in judgement; I do, however, totally disagree. This was the band's high-water mark where they could look about and assess what's up .... where are we going.

(The step back takes place in the subsequent arena tour leading up to 10/31.)

Fans, like me, who had been following the band for years, knew, without a doubt, about their penchant to improvise and jam. But in the moment - and revisiting on 'tape' - the music is great.

If you care about songs played well, you get a festival Esther (check it out people, it's awesome), a Sky, THEN the sun-setting Bowie - these are all flawless. The Second Set Mike's is huge, sorta like the Deer Creek before it. And the Hood - Jam really is worth revisiting.

And the forth set really was a snooze / lose affair.

Opening with OHP pays homage to the band's ritual of beginning 'practice' with 'tea' and bluegrass. Reba remains one of the best. Nothing wrong with Lizards (of course you can argue IT's is better; but it's Lizards). Taste is pretty horrid - but the rest is cool.

If you like fine Phish, Set Two is that: Fine Phish. The bust out is kinda lame, but Fluff, Lope, Slave?

I won't go song-by-song, but the Tweezer is awesome.

If you like to hear Phish playing Phish songs well, I don't know how you could let dust settle upon these sets.

It's cool of you to put COVENTRY where you do - as, contrary to what I penned, I LOVE IT-style Phish, and COVENTRY has some sick, sick playing (one of my other favorite images is Trey with those glow sticks) - but man, this review is about re-listening.... Did you give that Ghost a go before penning your piece? Scary.... Before it gets cool.

If it's about re-listening:

IT
Cypress

for me....

MB just happened.... it'll never my top two / I'll wait and see. I love a lot of that 99 sound.

Great job!