I am a true believer that this band can do no wrong. After seeing them play live for close to 20 years they are the BEST in the biz...hands down! A show like Camden solidifies my statements. I only review shows I've been to and have to say I think "I was there, man" reviews far out away a couch recap. Anyway; the R. Top Mike's> Groove opener was the Christmas present you just know you are not going to get then Santa Claus shows up and bam, happiness is all up in your face! Tube & Guyute had me shoveling my brains out of my shoes and that was only halfway through the first set. The SOAM for me was as close to time travel as you can get. That song whipped me back to '95 without the use of a Delorian. The Curtain W/ to close set 1 could not have been more majical. One of the best aspects of this band is that you never know what they are going to slap you across the face with. This set says so!
The second set screamed rock and roll the unique way only Phish does it. DWD, Free, & Possum were sublime and built perfect energy to a face melting BBFCFM (maybe the best version I've ever heard). No one else can go from pure rage through music to dropping the rpms well below the red line so seamlessly and perfectly like the these boys. Swept> Steep was an unexpected gem that yet again makes Phish the best in the biz. If you think, thought, or thunk Swept> Steep couldn't be something phenominal you need to hear this version. The following Bowie, Julius, Golgi, Fluff made every fiber of being smile in joyous xtc. Maybe it is my age but ending such a high energy, rock your socks off show with a slower catch your breath song was right on time. JOY was perfectly placed despite what anyone else thinks. Axis has always been a perfect encore and was perfect to close a great show.
All in all, this was my kind of show. By no means do I dislike Phish doing covers but when the only two open and close the show it makes for that much more of a special performance. When you get a show containing more pure Phish tunes than not you got something that much better.